[emteycz]

I don't understand this. Why would you need someone with you on check-in if you're an adult? Why would someone need to pick you up if it's just a minor procedure? Why don't you just pack up, sign the papers and go on your way? It's not like they can hold you there, right?

[runnerup]

It's a minor procedure but it involves sedative / light anesthesia. Basically I have to get my lower GI tract investigated for pre-cancer every year and they try to remove any faster growths. Nothings ever turned up malignant yet, but it's an annual check-up just in case. They give me some light sedative while they put hoses and tubes in my rectum. Perhaps I could forego the anesthesia, I haven't asked.

The "we can't let you drive yourself home" policy is always due to anesthesia/sedatives. If you're not receiving those then you can drive yourself.