Grayson: Doctor shooing away Obama backers will deny treatment to blacks

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/90467-rep-grayson-anti-obama-doctor-will-deny-treatment-to-blacks

A doctor who posted a sign at his practice asking Obama supporters to seek care "elsewhere" will end up denying service to many African Americans, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) said Friday.

Dr. Jack Cassell, an opponent of the healthcare law President Barack Obama signed last month, put up the sign at his office in Grayson's district.

"Well, in fact, where he lives, in Mount Dora, which is in my district, many, many of the Democrats who live in Mount Dora happen to be African-Americans," Grayson said on CNN. "So, by saying that he will not treat somebody who supported Obama, he's saying that he's not going to treat a large number of African-Americans in the community."

(snip)
"How many people walked in -- walked up to his front door, saw the sign, and turned away?" he asked. "How many people referred from other physicians in the community, including primary care physicians, how many patients saw that sign and walked away?"

Asked what kind of punishment Cassell should receive, Grayson said "Well, whatever the medical authorities think he should get. But it is a clear violation of ethics, and it's a particularly ugly one. Why is it that the right wing is so preoccupied with denying people health? Why is that?"

[buff2]

1. Here's what I would do...

Go to that Dr. and act like a teabagger. Run the bill up as high as you can get it,then don't pay him and tell him I voted for Obama. Revenge is sweet. :evilgrin:

[wildbilln864]

3. great idea! nt

[WorseBeforeBetter]

11. And when the bill collector comes knocking on your door...

would you still be savoring the sweetness? You're a fool if you think you'd win that battle.

It would reflect poorly on you to pull a stupid stunt like that, and while the doctor is an unethical prick, why bring yourself down to his level?

[sandnsea]

2. It proves there isn't any government takeover

If there were a government takeover, this doctor wouldn't be able to decide who to treat and who not to treat. That's a much better approach to take than inciting racial tensions. Let them do that.

[Obamanaut]

4. Would it not also deny treatment to some whites, hispanics, etc? The

sign indicates 'anyone'

[Bitwit1234]

5. If he denies a black person that HAS to be discrimination

there is no way in hell he can get away with that and they can sue. I would just get about ten black people to go there, get turned away and then they all sue individually. Bankrupt the creep.

[EFerrari]

6. Denying treatment to Democrats is already discrimination.

Denying treatment to black patients or women is also denying treatment to protected classes.

[Sgent]

10. True

but denying treatment to democrats that happen to be black is legal discrimination. Denying treatment to blacks (for any reason) is not.

Doctor's are allowed by law and ethical codes to deny treatment for any legal reason (ability to pay, color of your hair, etc.), EXCEPT:

If they are on call at a hospital with an ER that accepts Medicare/Medicaid, they must accept the call from the ER.

Once they have accepted the care of a patient, they may not abandon them without adequate notice (usually considered 30 days), and must provide emergency care during the mean time.

[EFerrari]

14. Maybe the hospitals will rethink his privileges. n/t

[young_at_heart]

7. Imagine----"If you voted for Bush" on any doctor's door

If the Dixie Chicks were castigated, I think a doctor would fare worse. The hypocrisy is beyond the pale!

[MadMaddie]

8. Unintended Consequences or intentional conseequences?

This doctor should be ashamed.

[FlaGranny]

9. I'm thinking this can also indicate

workplace harassment. Are any of his employees Democrats? Are any of the overnight cleaning crew Democrats? Are any delivery people from UPS, FedEx, or postal employees Democrats? What kind of workplace atmosphere is this sign causing? A good thing - if enough people are insulted, this idiot will see his livelihood at risk. I certainly wouldn't go into his office. Not good for the blood pressure. If he has a patient who is a Democrat and he finds out about it, is he going to give that patient the same care as others? This guy should be disciplined by his peers.

[emulatorloo]

12. "Compassionate Conservatism"

EOM

[moondust]

13. It's a small step

From this:




To this:




I can't wait to see how the medical profession handles this.