Defendant, Kathryn Lozier, appeals from a jury verdict and judgment for the plaintiff, Dr. James Leonard. This was an action on account. Defendant Lozier was of the opinion that her "ears were abnormal in that they did not lay against her head." She spoke to a friend who had the same problem and Dr. Leonard had performed an operation on her ears to make them align more closely to her head. Her friend told her that her insurance paid for the operation. Lozier spoke to Dr. Leonard about having him perform the operation. She testified that Dr. Leonard told her the insurance company would be "no problem." She was asked what he meant by that. "A. That it was a very practiced [sic] thing to do; that it happened all the time -- that he did it all the time -- by using insurance claims. Now, did you question that with him? A. Yes. Q. And what did he say? A. He said if I needed to be completely sure, to call them right there. Q. To call who? A. The insurance company. Q. Did you do that? A. Yes. Q. In his office. A. Right." Lozier called her insurance company and gave them the name of the operation. They told her: "yes, we cover it." She reported this to Dr. Leonard. She signed a document for Dr. Leonard which stated: "I understand I'm financially responsible for all charges whether or not they are covered by insurance." After the operation the insurance company paid the hospital and then asked the hospital to refund the amount paid. They refused payment to Dr. Leonard on the ground that it was "cosmetic surgery." Lozier paid Dr. Leonard $240 (apparently the deductible) and he brought this action for the remainder due under the contract signed by her. The trial court entered judgment on the jury verdict for plaintiff and defendant Lozier brings this appeal. Held: 3. The trial court did not err in refusing to permit counsel to perfect the record by stating the answer he intended to solicit from the witness. The hearsay testimony was offered for the purpose of "explain[ing] motive and conduct" of the defendant. The motive and conduct of the defendant were not in issue nor were they relevant to any issue before the court. State v. Momon, 249 Ga. 865 (294 SE2d 482) (1982). Thus it did not matter what the answer would have been. Robert B. Morrow, Richard C. Foxworth, for appellee. |