In preparing to draft a demand to the insurance company, I am reading through my client’s medical records. I come upon a recent report from her doctor. I read the latest report that purportedly summarizes the results from her bone scan. The report says the following: “There was a focus of intense abnormal tracer uptake in the body of the sternum in proximity to the sternomanubrial joint correlating with the site of pain.”

I call the doctor and ask, “What does all this medical mumbo-jumbo mean?” Doctor says, “It’s broken.” “Hmmm,” I say rather smugly, “Why didn’t you just say that in the report?” Doctor says, “Hey while I have you on the phone, I received a letter from you regarding another case I want to ask you about. Your letter here says, ‘This letter is to advise you that a third party settlement has been effectuated. Unfortunately my client, your patient, was not made whole by this action and you are expressly advised to place our mutual client’s best interest before your practice with the high level of fiduciary responsibility required under California law.’ What the heck does that mean?” I respond, “They didn’t get as much out of the settlement as we’d hoped; I’m asking you to reduce your bill.” Doctor responds, “Well….why didn’t you just say that?” Touché, Doc, touché!