Every modern chain has a bushing, but as I correctly steated, it's formed into the side plates. Chains haven't had separate bushings for over 20 years.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html
The advice you've been given is dead serious. The Park tool is pretty much crap. I have one decorating the bottom of my tool box. A nice 12" machinist scale can even be used on the bike with more accuracy than a Park chain checker.
You shouldn't have to monitor wear frequently. With really good maintenance, a chain won't reach 1/16 inch per foot elongation for 10-20,000 miles. I might check mine every 2000 miles, but I keep getting the same answer, almost no measureable elongation, even after 5500 miles, my chain shows about 1/16" over four feet.