The door handle turned, and Dr.

Elena Ramirez walked into the room holding an updated chart folder.

Dr.

Ramirez rested a hand gently on the edge of the bed frame when she reached us, her voice warm and direct.

“I saw the billing flag on my computer,” Dr.

Ramirez said.

“I want to clear something up for both of you right now.”

“Can he stop the operation from happening tomorrow?” I asked.