Chapter 33 - the woman behind the data
The investigation led Claire to a community clinic on the east side of the city.
The clinic was small.
The paint was peeling.
The waiting room was crowded.
But the staff were working nonstop.
Claire met Dr. Maya Bennett there.
Maya was an obstetrician who had spent twelve years serving low-income communities.
"I've read about you," Maya said.
Claire smiled.
"Then you probably know I'm not here for publicity."
"I assumed."
Maya handed her a cup of coffee.
"You want the truth?"
"Yes."
"Then stop looking at hospital executives."
Claire paused.
"What should I look at?"
"The transfer system."
Maya explained that doctors often requested emergency transfers.
But transfer coordinators controlled which facility accepted the patient.
And those coordinators were evaluated partly on financial performance.
Claire stared at her.
"You're saying money affects transfer decisions?"
"I'm saying the system creates incentives."
"That's not the same thing."
"No."
Maya looked directly at her.
"It's worse."
Claire listened.
Some hospitals prioritized patients with better insurance because accepting them protected revenue.
Poorer patients were technically accepted.
But their transfers were delayed.
No single person had to give an illegal order.
The system itself encouraged the behavior.
Claire felt sick.
Because now she understood.
The problem wasn't one villain.
It was something harder to fight.
A structure where everyone could claim they were only doing their job.
Claire stood.
"Will you help me?"
May you like
Maya smiled.
"I've been waiting for someone to ask."
