[That's really not all better. And he gives Clayton a look at the 'not taking off the mask' comment.]

Couple of minutes. We were shooting the breeze about the Operator.

[Which he's going to assume Clayton knows about. The glance House casts at the other doctor is less annoyed and more significant this time.]

Kid, coughing up blood isn't normal. I just want to get a look at the back of your throat.

[And probably feel his lymph nodes, check his pulse, check his eyes... you know? Standard things that go along with throat-checking.]