And for the first time in weeks…
It almost feels like a beginning.
64
Dr. Hayes
The letter looks harmless.
That’s the worst part.
No threats.
No accusations.
Just a clean, professionally worded notice from the bank stating that the clinic’s building note has been“reassigned to a new servicing institution”and is now under review pending a compliance audit.
Paperwork.
Routine.
At least, that’s how it reads.
But by noon, my medical supply distributor calls.
“Doctor… we’ve got a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
“Your account’s been flagged. Corporate froze the line until the audit clears.”
“We’ve been ordering from you for fifteen years.”
“I know,” he says quietly. “But it didn’t come from us.”
The line goes dead.
By three o’clock, the insurance company sends an email.
Coverage reassessment pending updated risk review.
By five, my office manager, Carol, is crying in the hallway outside my office.
Patients are still in the waiting room.
Kids with fevers.
An elderly man waiting for his blood pressure check.
A young mother holding a coughing toddler.
“This is coordinated,” I say quietly.
Carol wipes her eyes. “What do we do?”
I don’t answer right away.
Because I’m staring at the calendar on the wall.
