DISCLAIMER:
I own NOTHING!
~ Thank you to everyone who has been reading and leaving me reviews! I love reading what you have to say. :-)
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~~~ Still Quarantined ~~~
Just a few notes:
Yes, packing is going great! We STILL don't have a move date, so literally nothing is being done. We have zero boxes. I've literally done NOTHING! We know that we are moving, but we are basically living as though we aren't, until the moving truck is loaded and the kids have been withdrawn from school.
Today has been kind of tough. With everything going on lately, I am having to make the very extremely difficult decision as to what to do with my children about school next year. I got a call today that my youngest was accepted into pre-k. However, while our state is providing online schooling for everyone this year, should the parents choose to do so, our local school district isn't providing that option for pre-k. My older child can do online schooling, but should we choose to accept the pre-k spot for our youngest, we will have to physically take our child to school every day. I was told that the school will require masks in order to enter the building, but after that, they have no idea. It's completely ridiculous, because you either wear the mask, or you don't. Wearing it to walk in the door, then taking it off entirely defeats the whole reason for wearing the mask. Also, the school district has made ZERO other plans for the safety of the children. I just can't in good conscience send my kids to school like that. Plus, I'm an autism mom. I have two kids with very different special needs. Different from even each other. This is pretty much the absolute hardest decision that I've ever had to make. And on top of everything, I feel completely alone in it. My husband says that he fully supports whatever I decide to do, but I just don't know which decision is best. I feel like I am hurting my kids, no matter what I decide. And I can't even turn to the people I usually go to for parenting advice because this entire situation has been entirely politicized, and there is so much hatred and resentment on all sides of the conversation, and I just can't have a logical conversation with the people I normally turn to. This is so freaking hard! I was able to talk to my Grandma though, so my decision is made thanks to her. I haven't talked to her in months, and I miss her so much! There is nothing like having a Grandma. Grandmas are completely amazing people, and I am so lucky to have mine! I am going to try to make a point of calling her more often. She's about 90, but she's one of the best people I know. I texted her not knowing which side of the fence she was on, and my Grandma completely delivered and said everything that I needed to hear. I am so lucky to have her!
So anyway, that's my nightmare lately. LOL This was a really HUGE chapter for me to write, and I think that I completely knocked it out of the park! I can't wait to read all of your reactions to it. I actually sent my BFF who is my beta reader, about 3/4 of the chapter while I was still writing, just because I was so excited about it. So here you all go. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please, leave me a message with your thoughts. I absolutely love reading them! Writing is my escape from reality.
I hope all of you are remaining safe and healthy.
Please, if you weren't taking this virus serious before, I urge you to do so now. Please follow the health dept guidelines, and practice social distancing, and for the love of all that is good, please PLEASE WEAR A MASK when you go out in public! If you aren't already, please PLEASE take covid seriously! Be smart, be respectful, and wear a mask.
Thank you everyone who has posted a review for me to read! I have been cracking up reading them lately. Thank you so much! You guys really keep me going. I really look forward to reading every single one of them. I've even responded to a few, so check your messages!
Tuesday March 7, 2017
4:00pm
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
Board Room
"Due to the circumstances, my clients are unable to join us in person today." Collin said as he set up his laptop.
"No, that is totally ok. How is Mrs. Huntzberger doing?" Doctor Schultz asked.
"She is alright at the moment. She is in bed, with her doctor at her side. Doctor Gellar has both Rory and the baby hooked up to monitors, and Rory is being waited on hand and foot by the entire family. Logan's Dad, Sister and brother in-law are both there, along with Mitchum's nurse, Rory's parents have been coming and going, they've got a friend there, and Doctor Gellar's twins even came over with presents. Rory has a lot of support. We are just trying to keep her comfortable and happy." Collin said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and punched a few buttons. "Hey Logan, you ready? Yeah, I've got it all linked up. Just click on the video chat. Alright, it's connecting."
"And there he is! Doctor Huntzberger, Mrs. Huntzberger, it's nice to see you. How are you guys doing?" Doctor Schultz asked.
"I guess as good as can be expected under the circumstances." Logan answered.
"Alright, should we get started?" Collin asked.
"Yes please." Rory answered.
"Alright, so we sent over our paperwork a few hours ago. Doctor Schultz, did your team receive it?"
"We did." Doctor Schultz confirmed.
"Any comments? Thoughts? Questions?"
"I think a lot of those demands are pretty ridiculous." one of the board members spoke up.
"You know, I am very glad that you said that because that exact statement is the perfect way to start off this discussion. That statement is pretty much exactly how my clients are feeling about this entire situation. That statement basically sums up exactly why we are here. Because a member of this hospital's staff decided that without even so much as laying eyes on my client, or ever saying a single word to her, they decided to accuse my client's husband of controlling, manipulative abuse. Mrs. Huntzberger was inpatient at this very hospital about 36 hours ago, with a very high risk pregnancy. Now you are all doctors, and I understand that you may or may not have specialized in obstetrics, so you may not be fully versed in all things pregnancy, but let me ask you this ... When a patient is brought into the hospital with hypertension, what are they at risk for? Doctor in the middle, I'm sorry I don't know any of your names, but you with the pink blouse, what are the risks associated with hypertension? What are you looking to prevent for your patient?" Collin asked.
"I am Doctor Spelling. Some complication risks include heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, and weakened and narrowed blood vessels."
"Alright, but what else? Let's go with you in the blue tie."
"Doctor Silver."
"Doctor Silver, what risks or complications would you be looking to prevent for a patient being brought into the hospital with hypertension?"
"They could have a metabolic syndrome, maybe high cholesterol, cognitive impairment, memory loss, or dementia. They could have kidney failure, or an arterial rupture."
"Thank you Doctor Silver. So now let's further complicate things, and let me ask you this. A patient is brought in who is 24 weeks pregnant, her pulse elevated and she is hypertensive. Now what are we looking at? Let's go with you in the green tie."
"Doctor Conrad."
"Doctor Conrad, what risks or complications are we looking to prevent with hypertension during pregnancy?"
"The first thing we would need to check would be the baby. How is the hypertension affecting the baby?"
"Alright, but what else? What are the risks to both the mother and the baby? What kind of complications are we looking at here?"
"We would look for swelling, weight gain, vision changes, nausea and vomiting."
"Doctor Conrad, I understand that those are symptoms, but I'm asking for risks and complications. What risks come with hypertension during pregnancy? What dangers are there?"
"Well there is poor growth of the fetus, eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, seizures, placental abruption, still birth of the fetus and death of both the mother and baby."
"I'm sorry, but could you repeat the last thing that you just said. I just want to make sure that everyone in this room hears it. What was the very last thing that you just said?"
"Death of the mother and baby."
"Thank you Doctor Conrad. Death of the mother and baby. With hypertension during pregnancy comes the risk of death to both the mother and the baby. Alright so now that we have discussed the risks or complications from hypertension, let's discuss what can cause this problem. Let's start with you, right here in the purple shirt. What are some causes of hypertension?"
"Doctor Walters. Hypertension can be caused by age, medication, race, diet, family history, sleep apnea, kidney or adrenal problems, thyroid problems, or drug use."
"Thank you Doctor Walters. Let's keep going, how about you right here in the red top. Other than the things Doctor Walters already mentioned, what are some other causes of hypertension?"
"Age, race, family history, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, taking in too much sodium, too little potassium, alcohol, and stress."
"What was that last thing that you said?"
"Alcohol and stress."
"Stress, that was it. Thank you! What was your name? I don't believe I caught it."
"Patrice. I am a physician's assistant."
"Patrice, thank you Patrice. Now since you and I are already chatting, can you look at the video screen protected on the wall and please identify for me which of the three women you see on the screen, that you believe to be Lorelai Huntzberger."
"The woman on the right is Doctor Gellar."
"That is correct. But of the other two, which one of them is Lorelai?"
"I don't know."
"You don't? But she was your patient yesterday morning. Which one of these women was the patient who was brought into labor and delivery yesterday morning? Maybe we can help you here. Doctor Gellar, would you mind having both women stand up for us? Maybe have them turn to the side?" Collin asked.
"I guess. Logan, would you help me?" Paris asked.
"While they are repositioning, let me help you out a little bit. Both of these women are patients of Doctor Gellar. One of them is 24 weeks pregnant and the other is only about 20. All I need you to do is identify which one of them is Doctor Huntzberger's wife, who is 24 weeks pregnant."
"Alright, they're ready." Paris announced, angling the camera on the laptop so everyone could see both Honor and Rory.
"Thank you Doctor Gellar. Now go ahead Patrice. Please identify for me which woman is Lorelai Huntzberger."
"I don't know, I didn't treat that patient." Patrice answered.
"You didn't treat her or you didn't see her?"
"Neither one."
"So what you are telling us is that yesterday morning, Mrs. Huntzberger was brought into labor and delivery with hypertension while you were running the shift, but you did not see her, nor did you treat her."
"That is correct."
"Thank you Patrice. Doctor Schultz, you know both Doctor Huntzberger and his wife pretty well, don't you?"
"Yes I do." Doctor Schultz confirmed.
"Alright then Doctor Schultz, please identify for me which woman on the screen is Mrs. Huntzberger?"
"Rory is the brunette. The other woman is Doctor Huntzberger's sister. I believe her name is Honor."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. You are correct. Doctor Huntzberger's wife Lorelai, or Rory as she goes by, is indeed the brunette. How long have you known Doctor Huntzberger?"
"For several years. Since he started medical school. I also treated him when he was a patient here many years ago. He had a broken ankle and a collapsed lung."
"That's right, I remember those injuries very well. Doctor Huntzberger base jumped off a cliff with some friends, and his parachute didn't open. So let me ask you this Doctor Schultz, so you remember that hospital stay when you are treating Doctor Huntzberger, so you recall who was with him during his stay?"
"I do. That was his wife. I believe they were still dating at the time. She was with him the entire time. She rarely left him."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. So now let me ask all of you here today, please show me by a raise of hands, how many of you, prior to yesterday, have met or worked with Doctor Huntzberger?... Excellent, all but three of you. Very good. Now for those of you who know Doctor Huntzberger, how many of you know his wife, Rory?... You all do, wonderful! Alright, so now let's ask this question; if you had to describe Doctor Huntzberger, what would you say? If I had never met him, how would you describe Doctor Huntzberger to me? Give me the good, give me the bad. What would youu say about him if you needed to describe him or give him a review of some kind? Doctor Schultz, let's start with you since you've known him the longest. How would you describe Doctor Huntzberger?"
"How would I describe Doctor Huntzberger? Well, I think that Logan is very talented, very smart. He is very driven, easily motivated. He's a team player and always looks out for everyone around him."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. What else? How about you? Yellow top. How would you describe Doctor Huntzberger?"
"Doctor Hawkins. I would say that Doctor Huntzberger is very friendly. He's easy to get along with. Doctor Huntzberger is educated. He is always researching, always learning new things. He keeps up with the changing times and everything going on around us. He knows exactly what new viruses are going around and what symptoms identify it. He is a huge asset to this hospital. We miss having him in the ER."
"Thank you Doctor Hawkins. Let's go with you, black tie. Describe Doctor Huntzberger."
"I'm Doctor Bell. I would say that Doctor Huntzberger is a good man. A gentle man. Patients really like him. He takes his time with them. He communicates with them. Asks the important questions. Makes them feel heard and at ease. He explains things thoroughly. He isn't afraid to jump in when needed. He's helpful. He does his job and everyone else's. He doesn't leave things for the nurses because they are below his pay grade. If someone needs an IV or an injection, Doctor Huntzberger takes care of it. Nothing is beneath him. He's a joy to work with. Very pleasant to be around."
"Thank you Doctor Bell. Why don't we change good up a little bit. I want to go with someone who I know has known Doctor Huntzberger a very long time. Doctor Gellar. How would you describe Doctor Huntzberger? What is he like?" Collin asked.
"I've known Logan since college. I've known him just as long as his wife has."
"Which is exactly why I am asking you this question. In all the years that you have known Doctor Huntzberger, how would you describe him?"
"I would say that he's cocky. Pretty arrogant. But he has a right to be. Doctor Huntzberger knows his stuff. He's educated and he's hard working but kind of a slacker sometimes. Sometimes he needs a good kick in the pants. But he's friendly. And he's gentle. He can be a bit goofy, he's a bit of a prankster at times, but he knows how to turn the clown off when it is time to be serious. He's studious. He's patient. Very level headed. He's good in a crisis. He's a good leader. He can be very charming. He's very dedicated to things that matter to him. He's thorough. He doesn't half ass things. He's passionate. He can be a bit bull headed about things that matter to him. He can be a bit stubborn. He isn't afraid of a fight. If there is something the Doctor Huntzberger wants, he goes after it. No matter how hard that thing may be too attain. No matter how much it will cost him. If it's important to him, he's going to achieve it. Even if it takes him 8 years. Doctor Huntzberger is dedicated. He isn't afraid of hard work. He isn't afraid of a challenge. He's not a people pleaser. He doesn't say or do things just to get on your good side. He doesn't care if you like him or not. But he does care that you do your job. And that you do it well. That you do it correctly. If Doctor Huntzberger sees a problem, he addresses it. He fixes it. He isn't afraid to jump in to help in other areas, even if he knows nothing about them. He's a quick learner. He knows nothing about obstetrics but hooked up a fetal echo cardio monitor today faster than I've ever seen. Faster than even I can do it. And he did it correctly. He did it flawlessly. Without even using the extra tools available to help him. He only used a stethoscope."
"Wow!" Doctor Schultz commented.
"Doctor Huntzberger is a bigger asset to this hospital than any of us even realize. He doesn't just know how to do his job, but he knows how to do all of ours too. Doctor Huntzberger is a very good friend. A dependable friend. Someone you can count on. Someone who is always there when you need him. He's someone who really cares about others. Who puts your well-being ahead of his own. He's a family man. His family is very important to him. Even if he doesn't agree with them all the time, Logan's family is still his priority. He puts them first. He takes care of them. He makes sure that they have all the best doctors and nurses. That they have in home care. He makes sure that his family has every single thing that they need, no matter what it is. He loves them and he protects them. If you are a friend to Doctor Huntzberger, then you are family. He's very accepting. He adopts you in. His door is always open. He never turns anybody away."
"Thank you Doctor Gellar. I too have known Doctor Huntzberger for a very long time. I've known him for 35 years. We've been friends our entire lives. And I have to agree with Doctor Gellar. Heck, I agree with all of you. Doctor Huntzberger is my best friend. He's the brother I never had. Doctor Huntzberger has always been there for me. Even when he was super busy with other things. Even when he was going through something tough of his own. On his very worst days, when all Doctor Huntzberger wanted to do was drink himself into oblivion, he was still there for me. Because he cared. Because I'm his friend. Because I'm family. Yesterday was a really tough day for Doctor Huntzberger. His wife woke him up at 2:30 in the morning, after he had only slept for about 3 hours. She woke him because something was wrong. She didn't know what it was, but she had a feeling. Now, let me see by a raise of hands. How many of us in this room would have told our wives to shut up and go back to sleep? We probably would have worded it a little bit nicer, but how many of us would have blown our wives off? How many of us would have told our wives to go back to sleep and that we would deal with it in the morning? That's right, every single one of us. Myself included. I do it all the time. My wife will tell you exactly how many times I've ignored her, and told her to go back to sleep. And I fully admit to every single one of them. I hate waking up in the middle of the night! Now, I know that several of you have worked in the emergency room with Doctor Huntzberger. How many of you have had to call him in the middle of the night? How many of you have had to wake him up? Excellent, four of you. And what did Doctor Huntzberger say to you when you called him? What did he say when you woke him up?"
"He said 'I'm on my way'." One doctor answered.
"What about you? In the gray coat. What did he say to you when you woke him up in the middle of the night?"
"He said the same thing; 'I'm on my way'."
"And you? Yellow top."
"Same thing. 'I'm on my way'."
"Doctor Schultz, what did Doctor Huntzberger say to you the night that you called him and woke him up in the middle of the night?" Collin asked.
"I've woken him up multiple times. But it's always been the same thing. 'I'm on my way'." Doctor Schultz answered.
"Mrs. Huntzberger, I know this answer already, but for those here who haven't lived with Logan, and who haven't known him for as long as we have, is Logan an easy person to wake up? Is he happy if you wake him up in the middle of the night?"
"Hell no!" Rory answered. "Logan hates being woken up!"
"Does Doctor Huntzberger put up a fight when the phone rings in the middle of the night? Does he ever hit the reject button and go back to sleep?"
"Not even once."
"What does Doctor Huntzberger do when the phone rings in the middle of the night?"
"He grumbles for a second while he reaches for it, but then he's getting out of bed and getting dressed as he answers it."
"So what happened yesterday morning when you woke up at 2:30 feeling like something was wrong?"
"Logan grumbled and told me to go back to sleep. That he would take care of whatever was going on in the morning."
"But then what happened?"
"He got up, checked my pulse, saw that it was racing and took me to his office where he had the equipment to check the baby."
"What did Logan say to you about what was going on?"
"He didn't. He just told me that I needed to calm down, breathe and try to relax. He told me that everything was going to be ok."
"I know you pretty well Rory and I know that you don't let Logan blow you off like that. Did you pester Logan yesterday? Did you ask him a million times to give you information? Did you demand to know what was going on?"
"I did. I told him that I knew that he was hiding something from me, and that I deserved to know what was wrong."
"What did Logan say to you about that?"
"That he would tell me as soon as he knew for sure. That it wasn't good for me or the baby to be worrying about things and to let him deal with the medical side, and that all I needed to focus on was trying to relax and not stressing myself or the baby out."
"Mrs. Huntzberger, is Logan a good husband?"
"He's an amazing husband!"
"For those here who don't know you well, would you mind describing your husband? And remember that Doctor Gellar is with you, she'll slug him if he gets upset about anything that you say. Actually, let's do this. Honor, why don't you take your brother into the other room. Take him far enough away to where he can't hear anything Rory says." Collin suggested.
"You ok with this?" Logan whispered to his wife.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You go." Rory smiled, then watched as Honor took Logan out of the room and closed the door behind them.
"Doctor Gellar, go check the hallway, make sure they aren't standing outside the door." Collin told her.
"Alright." Paris agreed, getting up and moving across the room to check outside the door, before rejoining Rory on the bed. "It's all clear."
"Thank you Doctor Gellar. Now Rory, would you please tell us about your husband. Tell us the good, tell us the ugly. What is Logan REALLY like?"
"Logan is a good man. He's very gentle. Very respectful. Kind of arrogant. Very stubborn. He can sometimes be a jerk when he's upset. But he's always apologetic. Always very sweet. He's very loving. He's a little bit OCD about some things. He likes things clean. He isn't a big fan of messes or clutter. Logan likes to have a nice clean house, and a very clean car. He takes his car for detailing a lot. And he is very particular about his looks. Logan likes to look his best. He is very stylish. Very coordinated. He cares about his appearance more than any guy I've ever met. And he showers A LOT! Logan prides himself on being clean. He's always washing his hands and cleaning himself. The days that he works at the hospital, he showers any time he leaves the building. Even if he is just running out to grab some lunch, Logan showers. He hates germs, and he refuses to allow any germs in his car. Logan will shower 5-10 times a day if need be. He keeps several different outfits in his locker, just so he always has clean clothes to wear. Logan enjoys working out, and going running with his dog. He likes to cook healthy food, and somehow gets enjoyment out of making me eat it. Logan likes to travel and try new things. Logan is pretty fearless and enjoys a good thrill, no matter how dangerous it might be." Rory said, causing Collin to laugh. "Logan has never met a challenge that he's afraid of. Nothing really phases him. Logan likes to live life on the edge. He can be a little bit impulsive, and sometimes doesn't think things all the way through. Logan is a good provider, and loves to take care of people. He's a problem solver, and will usually have a solution to your problem before you even finish telling him what the problem actually is. Logan doesn't mind doing hard work, but he's not exactly a handy man around the house. He's great at getting things fixed, but don't ever let him tell you that he did it himself, because he didn't. He's great at convincing his friends to do this, whether the things they are doing are good for them or not. Logan is a great at delegating. He's an amazing leader, and has the patience of a saint. He likes to read, and will never admit it, but he actually reads more than I do, and Collin and Paris can tell you all about what I nerd I am. Logan absolutely HATES to do it, but he's an incredible writer! He is super smart, and loves a good joke. He's a lot of fun to be around, and enjoys making people smile. Is that enough? He'll probably be completely embarrassed by most of what I've told you."
"Yes, that was perfect. Thank you Rory. And I wouldn't worry about Logan being embarrassed. There isn't much that Logan has done that he could possibly be embarrassed out." Collin told her.
"Well I know that YOU don't embarrass at all, but Logan . . . He actually cares more than he lets on."
"Doctor Gellar, you can go ahead and let Logan know that he can come back now."
"I just texted him." Paris confirmed.
"Alright, so let's continue here. Now that we've detailed the exact risks of Mrs. Huntzberger's pregnancy, and we've all shared our thoughts on Doctor Huntzberger, we need to move on to discuss why we are all here today. Doctor Huntzberger, thank you for rejoining us, and for being understanding enough to step out so that your wife was free to speak openly about you."
"No problem. Did she completely ruin my reputation?" Logan asked as he took his seat back next to Rory.
"Oh she slaughtered you! You'll never work in this town ever again!" Collin joked.
"I'm sure you're right."
"So the reason that we are all here is because someone in this very room has accused my client of something obviously completely ridiculously despicable! Somebody here said some very hurtful and disrespectful things about my client. Someone here has been spreading hatred and rumors to fellow staff members. Someone here has used their power as a medical professional, to hurt my clients. Doctor Schultz, will you please share with the group, the reason for this meeting today?"
"Doctor Huntzberger is being investigated by the Internal Affairs office, for suspicion of patient abuse."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. Now I would like to ask you something else. Did the person who initiated this investigation bring these allegations to your attention prior to going up the chain to Internal Affairs?"
"She did."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. And what was the complaint that you received?"
"I was told that there was a patient in Labor and Delivery that needed my attention."
"What else were you told?" Collin asked.
"I was told that the patient was brought into the hospital by a controlling husband who was barking orders at the nurses, claiming that they came from Doctor Gellar."
"Were you given a name?"
"Not until I asked for one. I was told that the man claimed to be a doctor in our facility, but no name was provided until I asked for one."
"What name were you given?"
"I was told Huntzberger. Just like that. No first name, just Huntzberger."
"What was your reaction to all of this?"
"My reaction was disbelief. I didn't believe that any member of my staff would come into the hospital and be disrespectful to any of their peers. I have never had a problem with anyone on staff here at Columbia. Everyone I've ever hired in this hospital holds each other to the same high level of respect as they expect to be treated with. We have honestly not had any cases of disrespect that I am aware of since I took on the role of Chief Of Staff two years ago."
"Doctor Schultz, as Chief Of Staff, what did you do about these allegations that were brought to your attention?"
"I confirmed that Doctor Huntzberger is indeed a doctor in this facility, and then I asked for details from the event. I needed to know exactly what happened."
"And what was it that you were told?"
"I was told that Doctor Huntzberger is manipulative, controlling, and abusive. I was told that he walked in and started barking orders, telling that staff what needed to be done, and that they had to run everything by him. I was told that Doctor Huntzberger told the staff that they were not allowed to speak to the patient themselves because the patient was his wife, and that the staff were told that Doctor Huntzberger got to dictate what information she was told. And the individual who told me all of this, called the actions 'manipulative, controlling abuse'."
"Did you try to remedy the situation?"
"I did. I tried to talk to the individual and calm her down. I let her know that the words she was using were very strong, very serious accusations that could greatly hurt a fellow staff member, and that maybe we should think about finding some other words to describe the situation, and that while I understood her being upset, I felt that we needed to handle things in a more calm manner. I explained that Doctor Huntzberger is a very kind very respected man and doctor, and while this individual might be upset in the moment, we should find some better words to use to describe the situation."
"What happened after that?"
"The reporting individual brought up the hospital's policy about staff members treating family members, and stated that Doctor Huntzberger wasn't permitted to treat his wife, which is correct. However, I let the individual know that the hospital also has a policy that allows our staff to consult on their family member's treatment."
"What does it mean to consult on treatment Doctor Schultz?"
"Columbia's hospital policy dictates that no staff member can treat a patient who is family, meaning that Doctor Huntzberger's wife is not allowed to also be his patient. However, the hospital does give doctors consulting rights pertaining to the treatment of their family and friends. What this means is that even though Mrs. Huntzberger is Doctor Gellar's patient, Doctor Huntzberger is allowed to have an opinion on the treatment that his wife receives. It is a professional courtesy. It basically makes us team doctors. Doctor Gellar may be the one handling Mrs. Huntzberger's care and making all of the decisions, but as a fellow physician and staff member, Doctor Huntzberger has the right to question Doctor Gellar's practices. He has the right to question the way she does things, and suggest other methods of treatment and/or medication. Doctor Gellar doesn't necessarily have to agree with how Doctor Huntzberger sees things, because being his wife's doctor, her care is ultimately Doctor Gellar's call. But we make a team effort with our patients in order to give them all the best possible care. We do this with all of our patients. We all have different specialties, but that doesn't make any single doctor or nurse an expert on everything. I personally specialized in orthopedics while Doctor Gellar specializes in obstetrics and Doctor Huntzberger in immunology and internal medicine. Everyone on staff in this hospital has a different specialty, and we all consult with each other all the time. We all need help treating our patients from time to time, and having an entire hospital full of knowledge and know how benefits everyone."
"Thank you so much Doctor Schultz. Can you tell me what happened after you explained the policy?"
"After that, the individual complained some more throwing the original accusation around, and again I explained that it didn't sound at all like Doctor Huntzberger. I told her that I know both Doctor and Mrs. Huntzberger pretty well, and those accusations just sounded ridiculous, and nothing like them. I asked the individual if she spoke to Mrs. Huntzberger, and she admitted that she hadn't. She hadn't seen or spoken to Mrs. Huntzberger at all, which was made obvious just a few minutes ago when asked to identify her. This individual has no knowledgeable or information on which to base her accusations. I let her know that I had never witnessed anything like what she was reporting, and that throwing those kinds of accusations around could result in an unfair investigation into a colleague. Then she was upset about being asked that all of Mrs. Huntzberger's treatment information be given to her husband, and allowing him to decide how to proceed rather than being given directly to the patient, which in this case seems like absolutely the right thing to do. Due to the circumstances, I absolutely fully support that decision. I think that it is absolutely in the best interest of the patient."
"Doctor Schultz, let me stop you right here for a moment, if you don't mind. I have a few questions that I would like to address before I have you continue. And for these questions, I want to directly address one specific person in this room. And that you would be you Patrice." Collin said as he moved to stand directly in front of her. "Patrice, how long have you been a physician's assistant?"
"About 18 months."
"Patrice, are you familiar with the term HIPAA?"
"Of course I am."
"Can you tell me what HIPAA stands for?"
"HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act."
"And what does that mean? Specifically?"
"It means that no medical professional is allowed to share a patient's information with anyone, including their insurance company, a spouse, or family member without signed consent from the patient themselves."
"Thank you Patrice. Now here is another question for you. I am going to hand you a piece of paper, and I need you to identify it for me please. But before I do, I am going to show it to Doctor Schultz and the Huntzbergers." Collin said as he walked across the room to his laptop, and held up a piece of paper. "Logan, Rory, can you two see this paper, and the information on it?"
"Yes we can." Logan answered.
"Do you recognize this document?"
"Yes I do."
"Mrs. Huntzberger, what about you? Do you recognize this document?"
"I do."
"And what about this right here. Don't say what it is, but this line right here, would you agree that this is valid?"
"It is." Rory answered, looking at where Collin was pointing.
"Thank you. Now Doctor Schultz . . . Are you familiar with this document?"
"Very familiar. I see it all the time."
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. Now Patrice. Please identify this specific document for me."
"That is a copy of this hospital's HIPAA policy."
"That is correct. And would you mind identifying the patient name on this document?"
"It says Lorelai Leigh Gilmore Huntzberger."
"Thank you Patrice. And right here, what does it say?" Collin asked pointing to one specific area. "Why don't you read this section out loud for the group, please."
"I hereby authorize the release of my medical information to the following individuals from now, until I formally revoke such access. Logan Huntzberger, Lorelai Gilmore, Emily Gilmore, Paris Gellar."
"Thank you Patrice."
"Doctor Spelling, can you answer a question for me?"
"I would be happy to." Doctor Spelling spoke up.
"What does it mean to have been given access to a patient's medical information in a case such as the one that we are discussing today?"
"It means that Doctor Huntzberger has the permission of his wife to speak on her behalf about all treatment and medical records pertaining to this facility."
"Thank you Doctor Spelling. Doctor Schultz, you may continue. What happened next?"
"The reporting individual insisted that having to give information to the patient's husband was controlling manipulative abuse, and insisted that I start a formal investigation into Doctor Huntzberger, and even went as far as to allude that should I choose not to, she would have to go over my head, and do it herself. I then let her know that I would talk to Doctor Gellar, in order to get her side of the situation. As it happened, Doctor Gellar happened to come into my office at that exact time, and the reporting individual happened to have left the door open when she came to see me, allowing Doctor Gellar to overhear our conversation. Doctor Gellar, being the strong outspoken woman she is, had some choice words to say in defense of her patient, causing the reporting party to become more agitated than before, suggested that I start an abuse investigation into Doctor Gellar as well, and then storm out of my office."
"Thank you very much Doctor Schultz. I really appreciate your honesty. Patrice, do you recall these events as they've been retold?"
"What is your point?"
"This is a yes or no question. Do you recall these events?"
"Yes."
"Thank you Patrice. Now I would like to address someone brand new. Annie Eubanks. We met briefly yesterday morning, did we not?"
"We did."
"Ms. Eubanks, do you know Patrice?"
"I do."
"Had you met her prior to yesterday?"
"We have. We've been friends for years."
"How many years would you say?"
"Five to ten maybe?"
"How many years? I need a specific number."
"We met during college. I want to say 7 years ago."
"Ms. Eubanks, what school did you attend?"
"Columbia University."
"In what capacity did you meet Patrice?"
"We were roommates during our last two years."
"You were?"
"Does it matter? What does this have to do with anything?"
"Would you say that you and Patrice have a close friendship?"
"We do."
"Did you speak to Patrice yesterday?"
"I speak to her every day."
"Did you speak to her yesterday?"
"I did."
"At about what time?"
"She came to my office very upset around 9:00 and asked to file a complaint."
"She did?"
"Is that not what I just said?"
"Ms. Eubanks, has Patrice asked you for help before?"
"I help her all the time. She's my best friend."
"I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. Has she ever asked you for professional help? Has she ever asked you to use your professional position with this hospital to help her with any problems?"
"A couple of times."
"And have you helped her?"
"Of course I have. Isn't that what friends do?"
"About how many times?"
"Two or three."
"And what have those events entailed? What kind of problems?"
"Hospital personnel files are private. I am not permitted to share that kind of information with you."
"Have they entailed problems with other employees within the Columbia University system?"
"I am not at liberty to answer that."
"You can either answer the question, or I will have a court order to search your office first thing tomorrow morning, and I will subpoena every single piece of paper that you've ever laid your hands on. What type of problems did you help Patrice with?"
"Hospital personnel files are none of your business."
"Ms. Eubanks, I really highly suggest that you give me an honest answer because all that I need to do is make one phone call, and I will have all the access that I need to go through every file in your possession. What kind of problems did you help Patrice with?"
"I already told you. Hospital personnel files are private."
"Doctor Schultz, I have something for you." Collin said, moving back across the room. "Can you identify this piece of paper, please?"
"This looks like a subpoena from the superior court here in New York City, requesting access to all files in the Internal Affairs office."
"And what is the date on this piece of paper?"
"It looks like it was time stamped at approximately 3pm this afternoon."
"Doctor Conrad, let's go with you this time. What does a subpoena mean?"
"That subpoena would grant you immediate access the files in Internal Affairs.
"Doctor Schultz, I will be needing an escort to the Internal Affairs office as soon as we are done here, and I will be changing the lock on the door to only allow access to myself and my legal counterparts." Collin told him.
"I'll call security right now and have them remove everyone from the office."
"I need all people escorted out of the office. All computers, all files, all paperwork belong to me. Ronald, Mitchell, I need you to go with security right now. Please secure the office for me." Collin said, as he turned to Mitchum's lawyers.
"Right away Mr. McCrae." Ronald answered as the men got up from their seats, and headed for the door.
"Doctor Schultz, please have security meet my associates outside the door and take them to the internal affairs office right now. I'll give you a moment to make the call." Collin said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and began pushing buttons."
Text message to Logan from Collin:
BOOM!
To Collin from Logan:
HOLY SHIT! How in the world did you pull that off?! I had no idea!
To Logan from Collin:
Am I good or am I good?!
To Collin from Logan:
I obviously pay you very well for a damn reason!
To Logan from Collin:
Did you see that bitch's face?!
To Collin from Logan:
Hell yeah I did! She looks completely terrified!
What judge did you bribe?
To Logan from Collin:
No bribes necessary. And his name is Daddy.
To Collin from Logan:
FUCK!
Rory says she bows down to the new master.
To Logan from Collin:
Just remember, I now OWN YOU
To Collin from Logan:
We'll talk
"Mr. McCrae, security will be here momentarily." Doctor Schultz said as he set his phone down on the table in front of him.
"Thank you Doctor Schultz. I really appreciate all of your help today. Unfortunately, I need a little bit more help from you . . . Now that we've established exactly what has happened today, let's address the matter of the investigation into my clients. Doctor Silver, let me ask you this, with everything that has been discussed thus far, would you say that my client, Doctor Huntzberger acted out of manipulative controlling abuse toward his wife, asking that his wife's medical needs to run through him yesterday?"
"Not at all. Doctor Huntzberger was acting in the best interest of his wife. Especially considering the circumstances."
"Thank you doctor Silver. Doctor Bell, what do you think of this situation? Do you think that Doctor Huntzberger's request was reasonable?"
"I do. I would have asked the exact same thing had it been my wife."
"Thank you Doctor Bell. I appreciate that statement." Collin told him. "So now that we've established that these ridiculous allegations toward my clients are completely unfounded, we need to address the fact that my clients entire relationship has been put under the microscope of this hospital by these two best friends. Yesterday, I was told that it was my obligation to prove that Doctor Huntzberger was innocent of all allegations, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Doctor Gellar and I spent hours wasting our time, digging through over a decade of Facebook posts from everyone we know; family, friends, college acquaintances. We took screenshots of hundreds of posts, and wasted reams of paper and ink printing them all out. But then this morning, while meeting with my partners, Ronald, Mitchell and Gilbert, we realized that there is an even simpler way to handle this entire situation. Who in this room is familiar with the term 'net worth'? Oh excellent, everyone! Why we don't start with you Ms. Eubanks. What does the term net worth refer to?"
"Net worth refers to how much something is worth. For instance a bracelet. It tells you whether the bracelet is worth two dollars, or two hundred dollars."
"Thank you Ms. Eubanks. That is the perfect explanation. Here is another question for you. Are you aware that some people have a net worth?"
"I am."
"Have you ever googled either Doctor Huntzberger or his wife? And please, be honest because I now have unlimited access to every computer and piece of paper in your office, and I'll know every porn website that you've visited by the end of the day. So please, let's be honest. Have you ever googled my clients?"
"I have not."
"What about you Patrice?" Collin asked. "Have you ever googled my clients?"
"Why would I do that?" Patrice answered.
"Yes or no will suffice for an answer."
"I have not."
"We all know who Oprah is, do we not? What about Kim Kardashian? George Lucas? Yes? Excellent! I'm going to pass around a few papers. The first ones you will see are the net worths of the celebrities I named. Oprah Winfrey is the fourth richest celebrity with a net worth of $3.5 billion dollars. Kim Kardashian is currently listed at number 14 with $900 million dollars. Who would have ever thought, but George Lucas isn't even number one anymore. He is actually number two right now, but 6.5 billion dollars. Now these three people are just celebrities. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon is worth $116.9 billion dollars, while Bill gates comes in at Number two with $99.9 billion dollars. These are extravagant amounts of money, are they not? Let me see by a show of hands who in this room has heard of the Huntzberger Publishing Group? You know, the huge building down the street from the empire state building, that now houses the HPG and Columbia University employee medical clinic. Who here has heard about that building? Oh excellent, everyone! That makes me happy. Now, who here is aware of who owns that building? Who owns that big fancy building?"
"I know!" Logan spoke up, with a huge smile on his face.
"It's not your Dad anymore Logan." Collin chuckled.
"You're right, it's not my Dad . . . It's my WIFE!"
"And there we have it! My client, Mrs. Huntzberger owns that big fancy building. And is anyone here aware of Mrs. Huntzberger's net worth? Because I do believe that this number makes her Columbia University's absolute wealthiest patient . . . Now let me preface this by saying that clearly Doctor Huntzberger doesn't need to work. He obviously does it because he enjoys it. Doctor Huntzberger was born into a very wealthy family. But everything that he has done, he's worked his ass off, and earned it all himself. According to the research that we did this morning, Doctor Logan Elias Huntzberger's approximate net worth currently stands at $375 million dollars. Now this is actually news to me, because Logan and I have been friends since we were in diapers, and I happen to know for a fact that he blew right through his entire inheritance right after graduating from college. So I actually question this number. But according to everything we've found, that number that you see right here on this paper, is what our good doctor is worth. $375 million dollars because his last name is Huntzberger. But now, here is the fun part . . . Logan's wife. Sweet, innocent, angel faced Rory. Sweet Rory who our group of friends met in college and thought was nothing. Just a lowly little peon of a nobody. The girl who many of us looked down on until Logan suddenly took a liking to her. My sweet sweet friend Rory . . . I do love you Rory, but I kind of hate you too. Do you even know how much you are worth? Or that you overtook the entire Kardashian family?!"
"Didn't she overtake Zuckerberg too?" Logan asked.
"You're right Logan, she did! Lorelai Leigh Huntzberger is currently listed at a whopping net worth of 37.5 billion dollars. Don't get me wrong, because a month ago, this number was significantly lower! But my sweet angelic Rory . . . I honestly had no idea. And I have to admit that I'm pretty freaking jealous! So now the question begs to be asked, why would someone like Rory, who has more money than she could ever possibly know what to do with, WHY would Rory ever allow herself to be manipulated, controlled and abused by anyone? I mean really, Rory obviously doesn't need her husband for anything. Clearly she can provide for herself. Rory doesn't need a home, clothing food, child support . . . There is nothing that Logan can provide for Rory that she can't possibly provide for herself. And even in the community property state of New York, spousal abuse doesn't qualify you for a single cent from a spouse during divorce proceedings. So WHY would someone like Rory allow herself to be abused?"
"She wouldn't." Doctor Hawkins answered.
"Thank you Doctor Hawkins. Now, if you wouldn't mind, could you answer this question for me . . . There are only three people by law, who are allowed to charge a spouse with abuse. Can you tell me who these three people are?"
"Both spouses and a treating medical professional."
"Thank you Doctor Hawkins, you are absolutely correct! Those three people are both spouses, and a treating medical professional. Patrice, I know that you answered this question earlier, but I need for you to answer it one more time. Did you treat my patient yesterday?"
"I did not."
"You did not. But yet you charged her husband with abuse, did you not?"
"I didn't charge anything."
"Oh I'm sorry Patrice, I used the wrong word. You reported alleged abuse of a patient that you did not treat, is that correct?"
"What's your point?"
"My point Patrice is that you filed a FALSE report against my clients, abusing your power as a medical professional, did you not?"
"I'm not the one on trial here."
"Oh Patrice, that's what YOU think! But the reality of the situation is that you actually are. Patrice Maurine Nigel, you've been served!" Collin said as he pulled a couple envelopes out of his coat pocket, and handed them over. "Annie Kendall Eubanks, you too have been served. I will see both of you in court! Doctors, my clients' demands are in the paperwork in front of you. Doctor Huntzberger is to immediately be reinstated as a permanent full-time employee here at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, with full access to everything that he had before, that was suddenly denied to him yesterday. Doctor Huntzberger will be resuming his position treating patients in his office at the Huntzberger Clinic, first thing tomorrow morning. We also expect the immediate termination of the two employees I just served with lawsuit paperwork. They forfeit all rights to severance, sick or vacation time payouts. The only funds that will remain available to them, is what is owed on their current paycheck. I expect to have a copy of their termination paperwork on my desk by 7am tomorrow. We also expect the immediate dismissal of this bogus investigation, as Doctor Huntzberger is innocent of all allegations made against him. This investigation is to disappear, every single trace of it, and to not appear anywhere in his employee file, or in any Columbia University, or state medical board records. It is to be as if this entire incident never happened. It was all just one big bad dream. And in exchange for these three things, Doctor and Mrs. Huntzberger agree to drop all other demands made of the Columbia University system. We are done here." Collin announced as he crossed his arms over his chest, smirking at the hospital board members in front of him, then turning to face his laptop that sat on a table next to him. "You're welcome!"