Read The Protocol: A Prescription to Die for Free Online Page A

The 60-70-80 Rule was very simple and straightforward. It was simply interpreted, and just as effortless to follow. 60% of all claims were to be denied or delayed for 180 days or more. 70% of all prescription claims were to be denied, and 80% of all surgical pre-approvals were to be denied or postponed for a minimum of 210 days.
    Quite uncomplicated.
    The only difficulty the team would have is when the percentages were changed in ninety days to: 68-73-85. The ultimate goal was incremental increases until the percentages became 70-80-90.
    “Yes but…”
    Barbara didn’t give her a chance to finish. She slammed the folder on her desk, and leaned closer to the woman who was already shaking, and close to tears.
    “There are no buts, Ms. Carlson. Just rules. Rules that are to be adhered to. Rules that have been created by those much smarter than you. Rules that have a purpose.”
    Natalie quivered as she exhaled. With a shaking hand, she reached up to move a piece of hair from her eye.
    Barbara hated weakness.
    She hated emotion and tears even more.
    “What are you going to do about this Natalie?”
    “I will meet with the administrators. Our numbers will improve. You have my word. 60-70-80 is the rule.”
    Barbara smiled. But the smile wasn’t a “Gee I’m glad you understand,” smile. Instead, it was a, “You mealy gnat, I could crush you with my heel if I wanted to” smile.
    “Your word doesn’t hold much water for me, Ms. Carlson. No. You are going to terminate the three people with the worst numbers. Their presence is no longer needed here. They will be the examples for the rest of your team. If numbers don’t improve next month, then three more will be let go.” She re-opened the folder and looked back at the paper she had printed. “That’s Namees, Roland, and Timmons. I want them out of here,” she looked at her watch. “In ninety minutes. Not a minute longer. Understand?”
    “Please. I will talk to them. Make sure they understand.”
    “Bullshit.” Barbara watched Natalie flinch at her choice of words. She was sure the old woman was not used to anything more than a “gosh darn” at the office, and probably no more than a “dag nabbit” by her husband at home. “All three individuals received training and signed agreements confirming that they understood and accepted the Aequalis rules of conduct.” She picked up three sheets of paper and pointed to each of the signatures. “Pretty simple if you ask me.” Barbara put down the three sheets and picked up a forth. “This one is yours. That is your signature, isn’t it?” Barbara was loaded for bear and she wasn’t about to back down. Examples had to be made, and she was going to start now.
    “Yes, but...”
    Barbara took in a long, deep breath, and shook her head in counterfeit dismay, and feigned capitulation. She crossed her hands and quietly placed them on her desk. She was a cobra waiting to strike. “I completely understand, Natalie.”
    Natalie looked dumbfounded.
    “You can leave.”
    Natalie pushed her chair back and eased herself up. She smoothed her flowered dress as she stood, then headed for the door.
    “Oh. One more thing,” said Barbara.
    Natalie stopped, and turned around to face Barbara.
    “You can pack your belongings. I’ve had the facilities bring boxes to your work area while you were in here. Your services are no longer needed at Aequalis.”
    Barbara rotated her chair back to her phone and dialed the number for Aequalis security on the first floor. It was answered on the third ring. Two rings too late for her liking.
    “Security, this is Butch.”
    “This is Barbara Nordstrom. Natalie Carlson will need an escort out of the building. So will Namees, Roland, and Timmons from the Claims Department. Can you handle that?”
    There was silence from the other end.
    “Can you handle that?”
    “Yes. Ms. Nordstrom.”
    “And Butch?”
    “Yes?”
    “Don’t ever make me wait again. Understand?”
    “Yes, Ms.