Chapter 14: 'Ring, Ring' all day

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Street happily hoped out of the office space, went through the glass door and stopped at the top step of the empty staircase. However, his happiness was immediately gone when he looked at the screen and saw the area code. Washington.

CLICK

"Hello!" he quickly answered.

He had already received a call from the hospital with bad news! He wasn't ready to receive more just yet. With a long deep breath, he prepared himself mentally for what was to come. 

"Hello, this Sophie Caser from the billings department at-" the female voice began, but his attention shifted as the silence was abruptly interrupted.

"Wait!"

SQQQUEEAKKK

COOONK

"Street!" Cabrera called from entrance door to the office space. The hinges made a loud sound as the door squeaked open, "Boss wants to see you in his office, now."

The male officer turned his torso towards the door, then nodded. He returned to his call, sliding his torso back in place. "Sorry, ma'am."

"No, that's ok. I wanted to confirm I was talking with mister -er- Officer James Street, but that kinda did it. You are Christina Alonso's next-of-kin, is that so?"

"Yes, ma'am." he answered with a nod. "Is she alright?"

"I'm sorry, I cannot provide you with an accurate update because that is not my area of work, but... I assume she's stable."

"Alright."

"The reason why I'm calling is to confirm that you have received the preliminary report on the balance of the account. We met already to clarify the coverage of the insurance in terms of her treatment until that day."

Yeah, the morning I got screwed!, Jim thought frustrated. 

"That's right." he answered, wanting to hang up before any more bills were talked about. 

"Ok, well, we have just received a request for spine surgery. I'm calling to let you know because of the complexity of such procedure and uniqueness of the situation, your insurance has communicated that they will cover the cost of the procedure and its components, but there are details of the recovery process that may not be, which would leave a miniscule balance to be the responsibility of the patient. Since Mrs. Alonso is in such a delicate state, I was advised to communicate directly with the family."

Damn! What is the point of having insurance if at the end of the day they're gonna screw me!?! I can't say no, I mean, her life depends on this surgery!, a frustrated Street thought, annoyed. 

Sigh. "I understand"

 "You can always communicate with your provider and your employer if you have any doubts or concerns." she added. 

"Ok, thank you for the notice." he said, sounding desperately eager to hang up.

He took one more step down, when he heard her call "Oh! And one more thing-"

He rolled his eyes and braised himself... he had a bad feeling about this. 

"I remember from our last meeting you requested a quote that would include the costs of transfer to a hospital in Los Angeles." she began, "So, when I talked with the insurance representative I asked about the coverage policy for extended recovery treatment, since Captain Alonso will need to follow the operation with extensive personalized care."

"Yes?" he asked, taking a deep breath, dropping one more step and landing on the rest area.

"Well, I have great news!" she said enthusiastically. Street frowned surprised, but listened on, "Our hospital recently partnered up with AmeriLives, the supplier of one of the medications that Captain Alonso is currently taking for her spine-related injury. They recently opened brand new facilities to provide complete treatment for spinal patients, just twenty minutes from Ronald Reagan Airport here in Washington. The representative informed me that the center will provide everything for the patient, including medications, therapies and more -they even count with a full mental health staff that works with the patients and their family. They are also equipped to provide temporary placement for the head surgeon -if needed- so he can follow up with any treatment or care necessary for her. Mr. Street -officer-" she paused, "this is a wonderful opportunity! And best of all? Insurance will cover the entire costs! No out of pocket for you or her!"

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⏰ Last updated: Sep 17 ⏰

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