From the AMA Code of Ethics...

Principles of medical ethics

I. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.

II. A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.

III. A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.

IV. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law.

V. A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical education, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.

VI. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care.

VII. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health.

VIII. A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.

IX. A physician shall support access to medical care for all people.

So this guy is a graduate of the St. George's Medical School in Grenada, and refuses to take Medicare patients.

Now this guy says that he won't take Obama supporters. Am I surprised?

My guess is there are lots of geriatric men in Florida with lots of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) and elevated PSA's and he won't hurt for patients.

From an ethical and moral standpoint, point VI above notwithstanding, this individual is SCUM...

What man, Republican or Democrat, would want this whack-job to touch his manhood, anyway? He sounds very unstable. Also, he seems to be pushing hard to get his medical license pulled.

This guys rules.

He rules Bigot Town, perhaps. Will he refuse service if he thinks you just look like a Democrat? The KKK will probably endorse this clown.

As a nurse with many years' experience, I can tell you that the AMA Code gets violated so many freaking times it's not funny. But, unlike many members of the nursing profession who are notorius for eating their young (something I simply despise!), doctors - for the most part - stick up for one another, cover up each others' mistakes.

This "doctor" is a self-serving joke. Nothing more to say. Happy Easter to all and hopefully a good night shift for me in ER and ICU.

Sounds like he was "pissed off..." LMFAO

Most of my family is in the medical business (two doctors, two health care I.T. execs). Everyone says this bit of legislation was way overdue. Next up, passage of the Public Option!

Doctor's need to leave their politics at home and not bring them to their office. I don't care if you are in a private practice or not, it is discrimination and that makes it wrong. If a doctor turned me away because of who I supported for any public office, I would make sure that they regretted it for the entire time they were in my community. This man is a dipicable doctor, and even worse he is a morally bankrupt, poor excuse for a human being.

postaljosh..

its not discrimination..he has not refused to treat anyone..

qudrcps apparently you're too stupid to read what you post. Read rule III. That is EXACTLY what this doc is doing. re: "recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient"

I lived in central Florida for many years, not in Lake Co. but near it and that area is full of nut jobs in all professions and occupations. Nothing they do there could surprise me. There are plenty of other urologists around, he's not the only one in town. It's a short drive to Gainesville, Orlando, Jacksonville, etc.

I think this guy was getting some attention, nothing more. I have worked with too many doctors to have respect for them - this guy is typical. If you heard how most of them talk about their patients, you would never see another doctor.

Dory -

Sorry to break the news - too "stupid" to read section III? - doubtful.

So you are a hot-shot orthopedist from UAB - BFD... You mean a guy who does a PE from the "triple point" - where you can here the breath sounds, bowel sounds, and bowel sounds all at the same time?

You are just angry that your overpaid specialty may take a financial hit - not my problem.

What is important is that EVERY patient is taken care of with respect - not just because he/she has insurance a, b, or c, or is a self-pay.

Grow up.

As much as I opposed the health care "reform" bill passed I have to shrug my shoulders at the reality that pre-existing condition exclusions have been going on for 20+ years, 12 of which the Republicans held Congress. By doing NOTHING about this unacceptable policy (which is particularly vile when it involves denying children coverage) they created the conditions for this sorry piece of legislation to be crammed down our throats!!

If you dont like his views dont go to see him plain and simple. that is a free country. those who want his license taken away are fascists. Complacency by force or manipulation. If those who are outraged by this dont see the fine line THEY are treading by having this mindset they are truly oblivious to the definition of that political machine. He is in business for himself. if he becomes so crazy that no one wants to see him...thats his problem. people quit trying to force people to behave or think a certain way. I dont want this world filled with robots.

The real issue isn't so much that a doctor did this. There will always be people like him.

The real issue and concern for the times we live in are the many others that are defending this incomprehensible behavior. Have we backed up in time so far that we believe its okay to discriminate medical care for ANY reason? We just continue to push this personal political attack of this president and who he is into every part of our daily lives... we are changing, people, and not in a good way!

If "No Obama Supporters" is okay, then why not "No Democrats" or "No Muslims" or "No Catholics" or "No Jesus Supporters" or "No Illegals" or "No Unemployed" or "No Pro-choicers" or "No (Insert Race Here)"...

So go ahead... defend his "free speech"... just don't bitch when you find yourself in the excluded group next time you go see a doctor.

He not running a hardware store... he's a doctor!

as a physician, this guy is one of the 10% of the rotten apples. Not smart enough to get into a US med school, clearly has gone into medicine for the money grab. When push comes to shove, he will shove you out of the way to make a buck. DO YOU WANT SOMEONE LIKE THIS AS YOUR DOC.

This is a free country... He has the right, even under the Hippocratic Oath:

VI. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care.

Move on folks...

drwhosc

please. think man think....how could he be out for the money grab if he wants to rid himself of 50% of his clientel? Like I said earlier. those who want to force him to see people without choice are fascist. THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY. If you people want this to be more like Nazi Germany or Mussolinis Italy than keep up the thought process of forcing people to do what everyone else does. Mindless sheep.

The only people who will throw themselves down in a fit of childish temper tantrum are the losers who don't have heathcare & don't/can't/won't comprehend the usual bigger financial burden it places on the rest of us. I know, I know - you don't care who gets screwed as long as you get yours. I already pay 1200.00+ a MONTH for health insurance to cover me & two of my two kids as my ex quit his job & happily took unemployment (per the kids & his girlfriend) as a mechanical engineer to get out of paying child support & providing health insurance coverage after not paying any for 11 years......This is on top of the rest of my daily bills - no frills sorry. I work hard & now I have to work harder for what? You? I'm sorry my physically disabled ass continues to work and pull my own weight, but I guess I should really hate my parents for instilling in me morals & values & the ethics of working hard - but I don't, I love them even more for it & have instilled the same into my 3 children who are putting themselves financially through college. I went to school for what? To be penalized for bettering myself even though I paid for it (for many many years I've paid back all those loans.....)? To be penalized for going back to work after getting hurt ON the job and having surgery at the demand of the worker's comp MD who couldn't figure out how I was able to voluntarily move anything from neck down???

To sum it all up -- GROW THE F UP. You don't like what the man has to say - get a grip, pull up your big girl/boy panties & go somewhere else.

It's a rebellion. I'm in Florida too. The people are having this forced upon them even though the majority does not want it. I am doing my part by selling my software company to a Chinese firm who will eliminate all 89 jobs. I am doing this to protest the feds telling me I have to provide healthcare insurance for my employees. I hate selling my company to a Chinese firm knowing they will eliminate 89 high-paying American jobs, but like I said, it's a rebellion. Once the Obama reign of terror ends, I will start a new company and steal back my clients.

I would suggest to Dr. Jack Cassell's and all those "Republican" idiots out there that they they take a very long hard look at just how much Medical Welfare got them into the position they now find themselves, what with the University run and City run hospitals in which they took their residency. I also suggest that we would not need Medical reform if the numbers of doctors in this Country were not restricted by the medical industry. That's right industry as they are just as bad if not worse that the Unions that restrict free trade and access to competition. I am not a Democrat and in fact are more closely aligned with the Tea Party but I am sick of the rip off artists and cry babies that wrap themselves in a conservative cloak in order to pretend that they are sanctimonious. When was the last time you ever heard of a doctor driving a 10 year old ford and living in a two bedroom starter home. This guy should be run completely out of the medical profession.

dave smith

"This guy should be run completely out of the medical profession"

hence my above posts. you are proving my point. by the way...no way you are more aligned witht the tea party. and if so then it proves the republicans have taken over that party. democrats and republicans are the most intolerant people.

peace.

The ones that don't like it are the ones that abused the system in the first place... The Majority of the Doctors know that this bill will make things better for them!!!

I support the Doctorsright to not take patients.

I also wonder if the Doctor went to a State or Federal supported Medical college?

I also assume he will not take any Medicare Patients.

Get real and get over it.

he has not refused to treat anyone..

A doc can refuse to treat anyone. I used to type notes for a doc that discharged people from his practice quite a bit.

I don't care if you are in a private practice or not, it is discrimination and that makes it wrong

You are not protected against discrimination because of your politial preference --- not a protection category. He can refuse to treat anyone he wants to -- no law has been broken - read the story.

If I were this guy's malpractice insurer, I'd be going 'cha-ching' and either quadruple his premiums or drop him entirely. If any patient who voted for Obama goes to this guy and the outcome is bad, this doctor is straight out of business.

It's his practice and his right. Obama has divided this nation...clear enough about your stupid man Dems? So much for good-hearted Democrats, (there aren't any). You Dems are evil and my father fought you people outside of Berlin in WWII, (yep Fascism is a more radical form of Nationalist Socialism...the radical far left...Fascism). Shame on anyone for joining the Democrat Party. Shame on you for destroying and dividing this great country.

skeptic,

Clearly you're about as well-versed in civil law as a cockroach. You're just an idiot....get off the board and let the grownups talk.

Hey Wade - don't you find it kind of sad that Dr. Doofus didn't even bother to find out what's in the bill before he came out so publicly against it?

From a recent interview with Alan Colmes -

Cassell: Hospice cuts in 2012…Does the government want people to die slowly?
Colmes: Do you really think the government wants people dead?
Cassell: Well I think that they’re cutting all supportive care, like nursing homes, ambulance services…
Colmes: What to you mean they’re cutting nursing homes?
Cassell: They’re cutting nursing home reimbursements
Colmes: Isn’t what they’re cutting under the Medicare plan what was really double dipping; they were getting credits and they were getting to deduct them at the same time.
Cassell: Well you know, I can’t tell you exactly what the deal is.
Colmes: If you can’t tell us exactly what the deal is, why are you opposing it and fighting against it?

Yeah stooges, hop on the Dr. Doofus Cassell bandwagon, you're all in good company - you're falling for the propaganda.

BobIn FL "I hate selling my company to a Chinese firm knowing they will eliminate 89 high-paying American jobs, but like I said, it's a rebellion." You're not a Patriot. You're a blood sucking traitor to your country and your community. I hope when the Chinese win, they reward you in historic fashion.

A conservative supporting the largest SOCIALIST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. And he's not a exception.

Mike, when you own the board and want to decide who comments and who doesn't, then you can post a comment like that. As for the law, I was under the impression that there was a little thing called free speech. If the doctor wants to post a comment like he did, he can do that. And if I want to comment on his actions, I can, too. Who do you think YOU are? Go buy a sports car or something.

Bobln Fl,

Sale your company to the Chinese. Since you are now a Communist you should relocate to Communist China and take the rest of the Communist Tea Baggers with you!!!! GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!!!!!!

Unprofessional and unethical. Putting politics ahead of health rendered this person a non-doctor.

BobIn Fl, Great strategy dude. Go forth. The Chinese buyer will put a clause in your sale contract that would ban you from ever approaching your current clients again and also stay out of the industry and market for a set period of time. You really do not understand how to sell your company. Good Luck. BTW, let me know should you need an experienced negotiator.

Mike-426080

It's his practice and his right. Obama has divided this nation...clear enough about your stupid man Dems? So much for good-hearted Democrats, (there aren't any). You Dems are evil and my father fought you people outside of Berlin in WWII, (yep Fascism is a more radical form of Nationalist Socialism...the radical far left...Fascism). Shame on anyone for joining the Democrat Party. Shame on you for destroying and dividing this great country.

You are incorrect - the radical far left is not fascism since fascism relies heavily on war and wants to allow a market to flourish to benefit the fascist government- this proves that you do not have the slightest grasp on what you are talking about. People are dont have a clue use socialism and fascism interchangeably - they are not. Even the Nazi's were not a true socialist movement since the benefactors of the movement were hand picked by Hitler and indigenous citizens (i.e. jews) were denied the benefits.

Sounds to me like you spew more hate and want to divide this country more than any democrat I know.

I support the doctors rights but leave politics out of the workplace.

Cassell says most patients have been extremely supportive, though three had complained.

I know a proctologist that would see this doctor. Smile :-)

Peter Jacobs

Unprofessional and unethical. Putting politics ahead of health rendered this person a non-doctor.

I am sure Rush Limbaugh will devote a whole hour of his radio show praising this guy.

This doctor is scary...pure and simple, and I bet he accepts patients who will be allowed to get insurance because of the Healthcare reform bill.

He needs to get off his high horse. You know he will accept that extra business once people that cant get insuance do. He is just showing how stupid he is.

mike

as far as your assertion that fascism is far right wing. There has been many debates as of late as to just where it falls. For years left wing professors have placed it in the right wing. but may I point out a few things. Mussolini was a socialist before becoming a fascist. Hitler was a socialist before becoming a fascist. The swastika in german time was meant for the letter "s" twice joined for socialism under the National Socialist German Workers Party. The right wing advocates a smaller federal government. Left wing advocates a larger federal government. Fascism requires a large federal government. Think about it.

further to the point. anarchy is obviously far right. how is fascism even close to anarchy? Fascism is much closer to communism than to anarchy. Also libertarians are much further right then todays republican. Where can you anywhere place any of libertarians thoughts as being fascist? It just doesnt add up. Now arer there aspects of fascism that are a part of the right wing? Sure nationalism for one. But remember you need a large federal government to have fascism. Libertarians are not for that. Their main focus in on individual rights. Fascism on the other hand puts peoples rights out of the equation and focuses on for the good of the country. Kind of sounds like a lot of things recently doesnt it? Healthcare reform, patriot act the best two examples. I know a republican put the patriot act in place but like I eluded to earlier......republicans of today have many progressive leanings and have for quite a while. They are not true conservatives. Hence since they do have some left leanings you can place much of what they do to the left of the spectrum.

We all know now to steer clear of this money grubber. The legislation had to do with people buying insurance. Does he accept insurance? Guess not.

Wade S. Ricks...Need you be reminded that it was George W. Bush who called the Constitution of the US "just a damn piece of paper"?

I wouldn't seek care from this hack. It is also very uncouth to have politically loaded literature for reading material at the office. Why not have Barron's, Businessweek, Town & Country, Sailing World, Yachting World, etc.-- to read?

While he does have a right to express political opinion keep in mind people who vote Democrat are free to seek care elsewhere. Who needs a politically loaded boor taking care of them anyway?

Yes good for you. I hope you never want help from a cop that voted Obama.

The sign does not say that you will still be treated if you come in (granted it doesn't expressly say you won't, it just strongly implies that you won't) though it says that if you supported Obama seek care elsewhere. That reads as OBAMA SUPPORTERS NOT WELCOME IN THIS OFFICE. I hope people protest his clinic and put him out of business, this is a stupid political stunt to get his wife some publicity and support among the right-wingers, who like to talk about how moral they are and yet they have a problem with helping those that need help. Obviously this QUACK (this is the firsttime in my entire life I have refered to a Doctor as a "QUACK" because that is what he is) has only one concern and that is making as much money as he possibly can, what a rube.

The AMA Canon of Ethics for Physicians is more like Union Rules than a real ethical guide. AMA membership is voluntary and so is following their ethical guidelines.

More relevant would be the Hippocratic Oath which has been the ethical standard for physicians for centuries:

The Hippocratic Oath (Modern Version)

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

Deb in Iowa...Explain please...How is giving this doctor a license to practice the same as him denying patients their political beliefs? This guy's license should be yanked. Pure and simple.

If he's a doctor, then be a doctor, not a right wing bully.

Mary, Have you lost your mind? So let me get this straight...its not up to the doctor to decide whom they provide their health care services? The pharmacists has not say in granting or denying birth control to a woman and therefore is nothing more than a mindless robot providing anything YOU say an individual wants? Sorta like a banker has no say in whether an individual gets a home loan, a barber has no say in whether they cut your hair, the grocery store owner has no say in whether they sell you a gallon of milk or lets say your boss decides that you have a job? What kind of mindless statement is that "it's not up to you to make that decision'? It is that exact idiology that is driving us into governmental bankruptcy and economic ruin. Most dictionary's call that socialism and that is exactly what your describing and advocating. Guess what...this administration is promoting it as well.

The guy actually didn't say he would refuse patients because it would" be unethical." Note that the healthcare bill will actually be forcing him to go against his hippocratic oath when government interferes and tells him what tests he can or can not order on his patients. What treatments he can proceed with, which ones he can't. That is why he is so upset and angry and I don't blame him.

NurseKate1: Please point me to the page and paragraph in the health care bill that tell him what tests and what treatments he cannot preform. Please show me. Because you are spewing crap and you can't, it's not there!

Verno,

Who is going pay for it? Who is going to cover all those people? You and me? Not without bankrupting us first. When you read that healthcare bill ,can you understand what it is actually saying if I did point out a section to you? It is pure legal jargon. Are you a lawyer? I see the word "Limitation of care" all over the darn thing and I am not a lawyer. Just the provision of adding the huge amount of people to be covered with no cost to cover it is what makes the conclusion that the quality of care will go down.

The answer is: Who is going to pay and cover this Trillion dollar healthcare reform? Of course they are going to cut back on care! Where else would they cut back on? Use some common sense! Wait till you are standing in line like the DMV.
And believe me, doctors and nurses won't stick with the profession under this reform. Just look at the numbers. There are already less doctors to see all those patients. Can you imagine when 43% decide to leave the profession? I really had a cousin who died in Canada, not because they didn't give her treatment, but because she couldn't get in to see a doctor for 6 months to get that treatment! It is ludicrous!
I don't wish this on you or anyone, but you will head my words when you are standing in the ER trying to get help. I feel bad for us all.

The Hippocratic Oath? How about the President of the United States honoring the U.S. Constitution.

Nursekate....my next door neighbors are a Canadien couple. They refuse to become American citizens because they would lose their canadien health care. They travel home once or twice a year (from California) to get their free health care. I'm not educated enough about the canadien system to tell you how it works and what the costs are, but my knowlege of it is just as worthy as yours is I suppose. I wont say your cousin died because she couldn't see a doctor.....I don't know the circumstances......but I have never heard of a movement in Canada, or any other country with "socialized" health care, to change their system and go to an "American" style "for profit" style health care system....... I wonder why that is.

Show me where he has violated the Hippocratic oath. then STFU

Nurskate

The idea that people will not get care is ludacris, do you people actually think that YOU and YOUR doctor make all your healthcare decisions? If you do believe this I'm guessing you have never had to deal with any major medical issues or you are extremely gullible. You and your doctor may make decisions about treatments but if you health insurance provider doesn't feel like paying for it, you will either have to pay the entire costy out of pocket or wait however long it takes to beg, plead, and threaten your insurance company for them to cover the treatment. BTW prior to the new law if you had a treatment that you insurance company refused to cover. They would check to see if it was cost effective to cover it and keep you as a customer or if they would be better off just dropping your coverage all together. So you see there are already people telling your Doctor what they can and can't do under your coverage. Your arguement is null and void.

How about all of the Republican's stop forcing our way of life on foreign countries and try and improve AMERICANS lives, instead of there stupid attempt to improve the lives of people in Iraq by bombing them then paying to rebuild what we bombed.

NurseKate seems to neglect the fact that there has been an inusrance company bureaucrat wedged between Amercian patients and their physicinas for decades, with the insurance company bureaucrat, not the physician, making the medical decisions for the patient. NurseKate has probably seen the effects that insurance company bureaucrat rationing a patient's health care thousands and thousands of times, but just ignores it.

Doctors leaving the profession - and giving up those fat paychecks and Wed. off for golf - puhleeeez!

He has that right.This is still a free country is'nt it ,Oh crap i forgot we have'nt been free for a year now.

Roland Tibbs...Let's see if I've got this right. This country was free under George W. Bush? Constant war, huge national debt lobbed on everyone but his rich buddies and no end in sight to the mess he left behind?

It's refreshing to know that the only time we have a "free" country is when Republicans are running it. Then, the Republicans are free to do their dirty work by starving the poor to feed the rich. They are free to inhibit our rights by their snooping into our phone calls and emails. They are free to bash anyone's reputation while they freely and covertly hide their own sins under big money umbrellas.

Or maybe you were thinking of how "free" healthcare is and how this idiot bully doctor thinks he can hold a medical license and enforce his political beliefs as part of his medical practice? Free...my rump.

What was i thinking everything is going to be Bush's fault for the next three years LOL

juli...Change is coming? Sorry, it's already come. Those who live in ruts, die in them. Thanks to Bush, that rut was a cavern.

What on earth is wrong with Republicans in this country? Are we to accept that they and only they have the right to govern this country? That is what they are after, isn't it?

Concur, this douche is probably bemoaning not being able to buy a 4th Mercedes in 2012 for his 16 year old , spoiled daughter or a new(er) airplane. Tool, im sure in your med school admission interview, you expoused a litany of hippocratic nobilty as the reason why you wanted to become a doctor, but like most, the real reason was for the MONEY.

This guy went to med school is Grenada -where the only admission requirementis the ability to pay the tuition.

your kind is exactly what this doctor wants to avoid. Gimme gimme gimme. I don't care that you spent many years and many, many dollars educating yourself, open your own business, employing others, wake up early to make hospital rounds, work till late seeing patients, go home and be on call any hour of the night for emergencies, just gimme gimme. Oh, and if you make a mistake, I'll sue your ass off. I'm entitled!!!!!!!!

But you have no trouble supporting athletes and actors who make much more and contribute less to society.

O'really, I hope you never have to be put in the position of having yourself or a loved one, injured or worse yet, killed due to medical malpractice. Yes, this really does happen, the wrong lung removed, an incorrect (and deadly) strength of medicine given etc. Would you hold to your pricinciple of giving the doctor a "pass" becuase he's a hard working dr.? Would you balk at the max payout of 250,000 for a dead spouse or child? People who sue (and are awarded) millions of dollars are found to be deserving of the damages by a court of law. Would you give the money back to the insurance company?

Does having a brain damaged child count? Yes, my doctors could have done a better job recognizing that my baby was in danger, but I chose not to sue because money would not fix anything. I work in the legal field and the amount of people who use the legal system for a jackpot would make you sick. Also the practice of medicine is becoming defense oriented, raising the costs for all of us with cover-your-ass tests.

I do not think a doctor should get a "pass", but the people who begrudge physicians the money they earn are ridiculous.

Agree totally. (Except for the few who donate their malpractice awards to the appropriate charitable foundation , if the award is not needed entirely for lifetime upkeep of patient.)

Oreilly... I'm guessing you don 't know much about how the HMOs rip off doctors, do you? When was the last time you asked your doctor how many patients he has to see in order to qualify as a network physician? When was the last time you asked your physician how many times in a single day he has to fight to provide the care HE and not the HMO sees as the correct medical care?

HMOs use more than 75% of their profits for administrative costs. That means they are "conserving" their services which all "conservatives" love. Too bad that this country has a population of 200 million people and out of that number few if any NEVER need a doctor.

No, this is pathetic.

The doctor is Just another whiner. So much for the oath he took! There are Soldiers who didn't voted for the president but they will always uphold to their oath as I did for Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2 and the current president and whome ever is next. This guy is just another punk!!!

RTSP94, The doctor didn't take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.

He is also NOT refusing care to anyone. He does not ask their political affiliation once they enter his office. He treats everyone who comes in seeking treatment. He simply posted a sign in protest of the Health Care bill.

No...This doctor is a bully. If you don't agree with HIS political views, he won't do the job his license tells the world he's supposed to do. Yank his license. Then, he can live like the rest of the country does...paycheck to paycheck.

Mary .

so unless you agree with DEMS and LIBERALS on health care you have no compassion?

Good job dehumanzing those who disagree with you....

you would make a great TALIBAN enforcer

I didn't dehumanize anyone - if that was done it was done for himself! What does his view on politics have to do with treating a patient's prostrate cancer?

If you or someone you care about goes to the doctor because you are concerned that your life may be in danger from a health problem -- do you need to be confronted with the political views of your doctor at the door? Is that good patient care?

He has no right to try to force his political values on his patients. Are you telling me that someone whom is happy with Obamacare will feel comfortable having this 'physician' lay his hands on them?

If he did have COMPASSION as a PHYSICIAN he would try to make all of his patients feel comfortable and feel secure! He would not start a war of political preference in the mind of each patient of his - simply for walking through his door. Sure it is fine for those whom agree with him -- what about the others?

There is a time and place for everything and in the setting of a medical office when people (patients) are already under duress because they are concerned about their health - is not the right place to arrogantly proclaim your desire to not treat anyone whom disagrees with you!!!!

Challengers are Better! (for 'Chargerguy').

Funny how telling a someone she would make a great TALIBAN enforcer is not dehumanizing.

Chargerguy....a doctor who refuses to treat people because of their political beliefs?....Yes he has no compassion! Why on earth should a person's political beliefs be a factor in a decision like that. It sounds like something Saadam would have done......Stalin.....Mao......doesn't it? Can't you imagine Sadaam telling the Kurds they don't get health care because they aren't Baathist's....Stalin doing the same because not all Russians were members of the communist party? It's unbelievable to me that a doctor, a member of a profession held in such high regard, would be so cruel as to suggest that unless you share his POLITICAL beliefs you should look elsewhere for health care. He is a terrible example for our country.

Gee, last I knew (and I work in a hospital), patients were supposed to be treated to the best of one's abilities, not according to one's political, religious, or personal beliefs, or ability to pay. When this a****ole entered the medical field, he did a real disservice to those who are treating those who need help.

...Does this mean he does not treat men with STDs because he does not agree with their lifestyles? Does not treat children with bladder cancer if they cannot pay (sounds like it)? Does not treat the elderly because they are going to die anyway?

This guy needs a course in medical ethics.

kevin he has not refused to treat anyone..

If you read the article you would know this..

..

He has not asked any of his patients there opinion....and if you had read the article you would know this..

He is not breaking any law or rule of ethics for is profession...and i you had read the artilce you would know this..

He doesnt support OBAMACARE...its when his rights to speak his mind and let his patients know what he thinks about HEALTH CARE REFORM..

AMazes me so many find it wrong for a DOCTOR to speak out about HEALTH CARE REFORM...

I guess to many supporters of OBAMACARE.... DOCS should just shut up and and do what the govt says..

If you have a massive CVA (cerebral vascular accident) on a weekend and there is only one neurosurgeon who is willing to come in to do surgery.......make sure you refuse it because "he's an opinionated jerk"

I rest my case.

New haven..... Exactly

I am sure my GAY doctor disagrees with me on social issues....and I could care less..because he is a good doc. treats me well.

..

He has no right to try to force his political values on his patients.

He is not forcing his values on anyone --- read the sign on the door and make your own choice if you want care from him.....it's the patient's decision.

southernyankee...He is forcing his political views on his patients. How dare he insist that they become as biased against this president? How dare he even try to punish patients because of their political views.

Yeesh...This happens only in the red states.

I fail to see any correlation between legally expressing an opinion (whether people agree with it is not the point) and cheating on taxes. I'm sorry you owe the state money, but that has nothing to do with this. Good luck

Lane,

You are so uninformed - this bill will enable private companies to offer health care instead of just a handful that can decline you if you have a pre-existing condition. Why would you want to continue the practice of denying coverage to children if they have a pre-existing condition like cancer! This country is becomming the land of the idiots. READ THE FREAKING BILL! We give aid to Israel; they cover their citizens and don't let them die when they can't afford chemo unlike the US, but I guess that's okay, right? If it doesn't affect you, it doesn't matter. Am I correct? You righties are becomming more and more fascist by the minute.

True Patriot...The real question is, will the HMOs remove him from the insurance networks that pay him handsomely for his services? Or, maybe they will begin a campaign to allow other doctors to inject political views into medical practice. No surprise.

When the healthcare bill was being pounded by Republicans, abortion was the big issue with them. More and more the Republican party is a party of overindulged, rich bully boys. They thrive on control and not much else. Who needs control freaks running our lives?

He's a punk!! Another whiner!!

What you dont realize is that this specialist, like most, doesnt really want your HMO business. They make more money from an HMO by NOT seeing you. If you have a PPO , then you're treated more like a patient than a burden and a consumer of valuable time the doctor could be using to see other PPO patients or better yet, cash customers. Cheaper insurance and more HMO patients = less MONEY to pay for the doctor's domestic staff and country club memberships.

Only the primary care doc makes more money if the patient doesn't see a specialist. And that's if the insurance company uses capitated care. Subspecialists only make money if they see referrals from the gatekeepers (primary care docs). Since primary care docs have a disincentive to send patients for specialty care, medicare outlawed capitated care in medicare insurance policies.

And BTW, I have no "domestic staff" and I belong to no country clubs. The closest country club to me charges 50k to join, few doctors can afford that.

You mean like Republicans are trying to ram down the throats of Americans that 38% of Americans (uninsured and underinsured) should die because they don't have sufficient access to health care to meet their medical needs?

John Murphy...What's more galling is that this same tiny percentage thinks they have the right to force the rest of us into bankruptcy or die from illnesses that could and should be treated.

Palin spends more time on the road than she does with her family. Now, the Republicans are dredging out Mitt Romney and Newt "Leave a Wife With Cancer" Gingrich. Oh yeah...now there's a good example of how Republicans feel about healthcare.

The doctor is Just another whiner. So much for the oath he took! There are Soldiers who didn't voted for the president but they will always uphold to their oath as I did for Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2 and the current president and whome ever is next. This guy is just another punk!!!

Just imaging in a situation were your child needs help and he ask for your voters card first? This guy needs to be kick out of the country.

Does this mean that you are satisfied to know that you are only treating people whom can afford it? Does this mean you do not mind that a poor child or other family member may be suffering somehwere because of no money - or because they have a pre-existing?

I don't think the hippocratic oath mentions that it is okay to just treat the people with money, because we would be way too busy if EVERYONE got to have healthcare.

You are creating a hypothesis that has not been tested. You believe the present system of healthcare cannot accomodate another 30 million patients without bringing down the quality of medicine for all those presently insured. However, the system already supports those 30 million, but only when their conditions are life threatenng, the most expensive and inefficient way possible to treat these people.

Sorry, but we've tried it your way and the country can no longer afford it. The new system will work as it does throughout the rest of the first world and it will work fine. There will be no cuttbacks and doctors and nurses will be able to treat people just as well as before the change. The only difference is insurance companies will be controlled and doctor and nurse incomes will not be according dictated by their bargaining power alone.

I agree that our health system does need reform, maybe I didn't make that opinion clear. But this healthcare bill will do nothing to reform it.

Nurses and doctors, are already burnt out from a system, I agree, that is overburdened. But a government bureaucrat telling me how to practice will do nothing to keep me in the profession. I'd rather go volunteer in a country that needs all of my treatment modalities where at least I can satisfy my need to truly heal patients. I don't think I can stand knowing you need a certain test or exam to continue to accurately treat you and be told 'no' I'm not allowed to because the cost is too high. Doctors and nurses have one foot out of the profession as it is. It is not an easy occupation. Let's be truthful, you add less pay, less patient gratification, less autonomy on how to practice, yet more liability and you will have a huge exodus of healthcare professionals who will deplete the system. Trust me on this. The world you paint, sounds marvelous but the truth is catastrophic.

No, I don't believe it is a hypothesis since similar government run healthcare has been proven detrimental, and more times than not, fatal in countries like Canada and Great Britain.

You clearly have no understanding of payment to hospitals or doctors, or insurance, or the insurance bill.

NurseKate has it wrong. Here in Canada 100% of Canadians have access to the health care they need. It is in the United States (where I lived for seven years) that people die from lack of medical care. Americans would be fortunate indeed to have the health care which we Canadians take for granted. Any Canadian who moved to the United States would have a decrease in their access, quality, and medical outcomes as I found for the seven years that I had to live in the United States because my company tranferred me there. Believe me, I was exceptionally happy to be transferred back to Canada to finally get decent health care again, since I had tollerated inferior American health care for the seven years I lived in the United States. Canadian health care beats American health care hands down.

Waiting times of 1-2 years for a joint replacement, while in the USA it's less than 2 weeks. What a good system!! And if you might not benefit from a particular treatment, you don't get it. The premier of Novia Scotia came to the USA for cardiac care, why is that? Maybe because he wanted to live.

http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/cbc-article.aspx?cp-documentid=23510298

We've been treated like cattle for years - I highly doubt you are a nurse. If you are healthy, it's all good. As soon as you need expensive treatment, you're done. I lost 20 pounds in two months and I was sent on such a roller coaster ride to find out what was wrong with me. Blood tests were normal, but when I asked why I just can't get a full screening, along with an MRI I was told that it was too expensive and insurance wouldn't pay for it. Guess they hoped I would die; less expensive.

Dr. Dory...So, what you are saying is that big profit makes better healthcare? Where does this big profit come from if not from people who can't afford it?

I know two women who had hip surgery done in India for $5,000 and avoided a 6-figure US surgery. Both are fine and thrilled with the results. Since most HMOs rely upon foreign doctors anyway, why bother to go to a foreign born US doctor when you can fly to India for surgery and save a bundle?

By the way, they actually had nurses tend them in the hospital at night. Try to find more than two nurses on night shift in any US hospital.

The reality is that US healthcare is only affordable for the rich. Everyone else is losing 1/3 of their income to healthcare insurance. Deductibles for a single person are now up to $5,000. Copays for the PCP is $40 on average and $50-60 for a specialist. This is insurance? It's insurance alright...insurance that HMOs continue to extort money from people who are sick.

NurseKate...Didn't anyone ever tell you that there's a time and place for everything? Imposing his political will on others in his medical practice is neither the time nor the place for this. He has all the free speech he wants on his own free time. Not while he is practicing medicine.

Colorado223...Money, money, money...That's all that's important to Republicans. Not people, not humanity in general. Just money and the route to greed.

"couldn't survive without Medicare patients".

Now that's freakin' Funny. You better go do some research if you believe that. Doctor's accept medicare as a convenience to patient's, they are also willing to take the loss in reimbursements because they know private insurance pays more.

Yeah, doctors accept Medicare patients only out of the goodness of their hearts.

Right on! Most people on this comment thread have no idea what they are talking about. They need to get educated! I laughed when I saw that too... I tell you, I don't get how people can get so worked up and spew black gospel without understanding what the heck they are actually arguing about. This close minded behavior is disheartening. Common sense is a rare thing. Imagine if they actually did the research on how things worked, the ramifications of this healthcare bill, how doctors get paid, and what their cost are, for example. How enlightened they would be and how stupid they would feel for posting nonsense. I have no issue with people who disagree, but they have to get their facts straight and understand the other side's argument before engaging in debate.

You are wrong about doctors only accepting medicare patients out of the goodness of their hearts (maybe they have good hearts, but they do make some money too). There are businesses and physicians whom care for almost excuslively Medicare/Medicade patients and they do make money.

I work for one of these companies and we were able to just recently upgrade our equipment to the most current and best modality offered in our field.

I give credit to the owner of my company for not owning 'several large houses in other countires' nor a yacht. It looks like just hard careing work and trying to be responsible with the money that is made.

I have seen physican practices whom treat mostly patients in nursing facilities and employ several PAs (physicans assistants). It may not be glamorous or extremely high paying, but it does seem to work.

God forbid he buy a yacht! Why condemn him for buying more houses? He deserves it. It's his own individual right to pursue that happiness if he wants! After all, he is not only providing a service, but he is providing you with a job! The jealousy for those who work hard and become successful is astounding in this country. Why not revere in our fellow man's good sense to make something great of himself. That liberty was what our country was founded on. Furthermore, buying these luxuries wouldn't make him one bit less responsible with his own money, would it? You already praised him for that. And if it did, who cares? It is his free will by our constitution. It may not be right in your eyes, but he is doing no harm to others in buying a yacht or lots of homes. Unless you consider these things to be harmful to you by way of causing resentment and anger because you believe it is what you deserve. From what you stated above, I gather that you are of the belief that his liberty (and yours) is the enemy. Everyone has a right to pursue success and lavish in it.

...I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Jesus

From the book all conservatives claim to aspire to.

My boss can buy whatever he wants whenever he wants if he has the money. If he spent the money (business gains) on houses and yachts then he would not be able to provide the newer equipment and best patient care. Apparently that is what is important to him and I applaud him.

He is reinvesting in his company instead of withdrawing every possible cent to plunder. If there had been some people on wall street with his same ideals - we wouldn't have the current economic crissis that we do.

Maybe you would buy the yacht and tell your patients and employees to 'take a hike' -- whatever makes you happy!

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, wife or anything else he earns.

From the book you liberals have no use for.

O'reilly...Since you bring up the ten commandments, how about No. 5? Thou Shalt Not Kill? Seems to me conservatives don't mind making big bucks off the deaths of our military when they need to stuff their bank accounts. Then, there's the little matter of No. 8: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness...Neocons lie with impunity if it suits their purposes. Why do you think Bush got such a bad reputation?

You must be a regular subscriber to the Washington Compost and NY Times.

I lived in the US for seven years as well and Canadian health care covers 100% of Canadians with health care that most Americans would be jealous of, if they knew the facts, not just what the insurance company bureaucrats who run the American health care system want them to believe. Canadian health care beats American health care by miles in access, quality, and medical outcomes. Any American who moved to Canada would have health care that was better than what they had in the United States.

Laurie,

I too have family in Canada and they wouldn't trade their system for ours.

Look around you fools; there aren't many europeans or canadians clammoring to get into the US because of our healthcare. Oh, there education system is #1 also. They care about the things that are important unlike most of you bible thumping hypocrits. Keep em dumb and stupid, right neocons?

Laurie,

"I'm grateful to live in Canada, with our single payer system"

Hmmm, and the Canadian PM recently came to Miami for some health care. You must have a swell system up there, eh?

BobinFl...Canada has the same ideological problems in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. In these provinces, they do not want their present healthcare system because those are radically conservative provinces who consistently bash Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the provinces that are not "haves" in terms of natural resources like the oil sands in Alberta.

Why is it conservatives are all so selfish? Why is it all conservatives think that everyone has to be exactly alike? 200 million Americans and not a single one of us cut from the same pattern. Conservatives need to stop their money grubbing attitudes and learn that they are living in a society in which they have to give back for the privilege of being an American in the country that made them "haves" instead of looking down their Scrooge noses at the "have nots".

He is a Moran. He is probably one of the Jacka**es that called Democratic offices leaving threatening messages. See how people act when things where going the way they wanted for century, but when the game change up the real person comes out of them. There are so many racist on capital hill. Lots of them been there for YEARS. I think there should be a limit on how many years someone can hold those positions. You have these people in there with the 1950''s-1960's way of thinking in there not waiting to change their views. Its sickening. Just stupid. If they could they would hang every black person, white person, Asian and anyone else that don't have the same views as them. I LOVE MY COUNTRY, but some of us (Especialy ones with some type of power, or a radio broadcast) are just so STUBBORN.

Mimi,

"He is a Moran."

You spelled Moron wrong. Makes you look kind of foolish.

That's the only thing you can find wrong, YOU MORAN!!!!

Mimi27...In case you haven't noticed, most neocons and right wingers are nit pickers. They've been at it now since January 1, 2009 and have yet to accept that they lost the election. So, now all they have left is nitpicking.

God could come down from heaven and pronounce Obama a saint and these loonies would still find something to nitpick about. When they spend all their time worrying neurotically about money and then counting every nickle they rip off from others, what do you expect?

ewent,

Nice rant dude. LMFAO!

BobinFl...Nice rhetoric Dude.Roflmfao

You are a hippocrate

Like in the "Hippocratic oath"??? Or did 2nd grade spelling elude you and you meant "hypocrite"??

oops

MG...for speaking out against obamacare?

I guess as a DOCTOR he should have no opinon on health care...

grow up as DOC he has not given up his right of free speech.

don't you question all doctors? Most doctors have a curriculum vitae, just ask.

Absolutely, MG, I totally agree. Anyone...have whatever opinion you want, that is your right. A doctor's office is not the PLATFORM to express your personal feelings on social, religious, or any other issues. His patients had nothing to do with passing the legislature on healthcare. That was done by the legislatures in the house and senate. The responders here on this site keep speaking for or against healthcare. This can be argured, but that really isn't the point. The point is medical TREATMENT, not issues. Regardless to whatever the Doctor's personal views are, they have no place in his office. A patient should feel safe while under the care of their doctor. This Doctor has allowed his personal feelings to spill over into professional practice. My PCP and I discuss all kinds of issues, sometimes we agree, sometimes not. At the end of the day, he is still my doctor and I know he cares about my health. Everyone should have that right when making a doctor's visit.