We haven't [as far i know] got to the automation calls for doctors appointments yet, only my dentists secretory rings up the day prior to an appointment to make sure i are coming or haven't forgot, which i appreciate and is all pleasant.

But every were else is the Automation process drives me crazy, Banks, Social security, electicity,gas, phone providers and the list goes on, firstly a recorded message answers, than there is a number of choices, press a key, that key runs on to give you another lot choices, press something there and that leeds onto another, eventually you may get the service you want, then they say that" your call is important to us, we appolagize for any delay" then you get some soothing music then a minute later a repeat of " your call is important to us, an operator will be with you shortly " this can go on for ages, then if your lucky and don't get disconnected you may get someone to talk to, so it normally works out to be a 20 minute phone call.
Do you guys in the US get this too ?