My Journal

By Harriman Nelson

16

“I’m sorry,” the Med Center receptionist said, “I’m afraid those records we  asked Dr. Winesap's office to fax over are lost. They had a small fire in reception. No one was hurt but some files were destroyed, including yours.”

“I thought everything was computerized now….”

“The primary had a meltdown. But that won’t stop us from giving you a complete work up. We just won’t be able to compare the tests.”

 “Harry?” Lee asked, coming up behind me. “Is everything okay?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Can’t you tell,” he grinned, pointing to where his stitches used to be. “I figured since our little outing  was delayed that I might as well get them yanked. Frank agreed it was time. And I have a slight infection from a cut on one of my ring fingers,” he twiddled the finger he wore the Nelson ring on, residing now atop a large bandage.  “So, now, your turn. Why are you here?”

“Emily talked me into a second opinion regarding my tummy trouble.”

“About time. I know you like your hypnotherapy, and that he said you were okay, but I’m glad you’ll be able to compare notes with a new test.”

“We can’t, Captain,” the clerk said. “Their records were destroyed in a fire. So, Admiral, if you’ll take a seat one of the PA’s will be out soon to conduct the test. Of course, one of the duty MD’s will interpret the results.”

“Father?” Ron called, entering the lobby, “Have you had your test yet? What’s the word?”

“Admiral?” the PA called out as he emerged from behind one of the swinging doors to the examination rooms. “I’m ready for you. Captain, would you like to accompany him?”

“What about me?” Ron asked.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Nelson, you don’t have the HIPPA disclosure authorization.”

“HIPPA? What the hell's that? I’m his son. His true son. I have a right to be in on things.”

“Policy sir, even the captain had to go through procedure.”

“Well, can I get it now?”

“It took my paperwork a couple of days,” Lee lied. It had taken about two minutes if I remembered correctly. At least it saved me from making a decision about full disclosure without thinking about it.

“Go get tested, Harry,” Lee said. “I’ll wait out here and keep Ron company.”

Now, just what did he have up his sleeve?

As the PA opened the swinging door I heard Lee ask Ron, “Just when did you hear about this test?”

“When he informed me about my new job. Starts tomorrow.”

“They found one?”

“As if you didn’t know, ‘Bro’.” Ron said, daring Lee to argue both the insinuation and the forbidden nickname.

Lee did neither, at least not in my hearing as the door swung closed behind me. God help the Med Bay staff and patients, I couldn’t help thinking.