The Doctor She Always Dreamed Of Read Free

following procedure which requires a signed HIPPA release, on file, designating who my staff and I may talk to regarding any specific patient, other than the patient and/or his or her physician.” And just because she was in a bad mood she added, “As a physician you should be familiar with HIPPA regulations, Dr. Limone.”
    â€œThe plan of care is inadequate,” he yelled.
    If the patient was still in the rehabilitation hospital, she’d be getting the round the clock care and supervision she required. “I can’t discuss this with you.”
    â€œAll I want is for you to explain why no home health aide services were authorized. And why hasn’t therapy started yet?”
    Kira would be looking into both as soon as she could get off the phone. “I can’t discuss this with you.”
    â€œDamn it!”
    â€œGet me a signed HIPPA release,” Kira said.
    â€œHow the hell do you suggest I do that? My practice has exploded. Even working eighty hour weeks I can’t get everything done that I need to get done. I live three hours from my parents’ house. They don’t have a fax machine or a scanner or even e-mail.”
    â€œYou graduated from medical school,” Kira said. “Which means you must be a pretty smart guy. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”
    Dr. Limone slammed something close to his phone, the sound loud in Kira’s ear. “You have no idea how frustratingly difficult this is,” he yelled again.
    â€œYes,” Kira said. “I do.” From a professional standpoint and from personal experience.
    He let out a weary breath. “I’m worried about my dad,” he said, sounding exhausted. “He’s not in good health. I’m worried about him or my mother falling and getting hurt because they don’t have the help they need in the home.”
    â€œI understand your concern,” Kira said. “From everything I’ve heard and read, I think you have every reason to be concerned.”
    â€œYet you’re doing nothing to ensure my mother’s safety,” Dr. Limone yelled.
    â€œThis case was just brought to my attention yesterday afternoon.”
    â€œMy mother is not a case , Miss Peniglatt. She’s a sweet, kind, loving woman lying helpless in her bed with no one but my elderly father to take care of her because you won’t authorize an aide.”
    Kira came dangerously close to losing it. “It is not the responsibility of Medicare or WCHC, as your mother’s Medicare HMO, to provide round the clock, in home care. Family takes care of family, Dr. Limone.” It’s why Kira needed the large salary this job paid her and why she rarely had a free moment to herself. Family takes care of family . Kira had grown up watching her mother live those words. So of course when Mom needed care, Kira had stepped up, happily. Being the sole dependable caregiver to a totally dependent family member was not easy, Kira knew that firsthand. And she had little tolerance for family members unwilling to pitch in and help. “If you and your brothers are as concerned for your mother and father as you say you are, then maybe you all should spend less time threatening and complaining and trying to find someone else to do it, and actually go home and help.”
    Kira was out of line, she knew it. But she’d reached her limit.
    Apparently so had Dr. Limone, because without further comment, he slammed the phone down in her ear. Maybe it was childish, but Kira slammed down her phone right back.
    The door to her office opened slightly and Connie stuck her head in. “You okay?”
    No. Kira was not okay. She didn’t let clients rattle her. But this guy...and his brother and father...the absolute nerve! “I’m fine.”
    â€œMr. Jeffries wants to see you in his office,” Connie said quietly.
    Mr. Jeffries. The CEO. Uh oh. “Did he say why?” Kira’s