When heavily wounded or irradiated, it is always a good idea to visit a doctor for quick recovery. If you're short on caps, find doctor Ada Straus at Novac. She has cheaper rates than the average doctor: 50 caps to remove addiction, flush radiation, or recuperate from injury. If you go through all services in one conversation, the price can come down to 40 caps.
She also sells numerous items: average medical supplies, addictive chems (most doctors don't carry these), laser pistols, and energy cells. She also carries a few components for mass purified water, such as dirty water and glass pitchers. This may prove useful, as Novac doesn't have a clean water source.
She is considered a citizen of Novac, so a good reputation with the town will earn yourself a discount on the goods she sells.
In rare instances, she and her mercenaries may come under attack from wasteland creatures. This is due to their path taking them near the edges of the town. In most cases however, they will make short work of the aggressors.
Because of a patch, it is not possible to go through all her treatment options in one conversation, therefore it is impossible to complete this quest.