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ADVANCE Outlook: Lab Professionals

Seek Care Elsewhere?

Published April 7, 2010 11:56 AM by Amanda Koehler

Since the healthcare reform bill passed, you've probably heard people talking politics at work, at restaurants, at home. Maybe you've even participated in the discussions. Even in the workplace, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as you are respectful of everyone's opinions.

But when does being upfront about your political views cross the line? The New York Times recently reported a urologist in Orlando put a sign on his window that said: "If you voted for Obama... seek urologic care elsewhere."

Dr. Jack Cassell, 56, said he wouldn't actually turn away a patient who voted for Obama. However, he stated in the article he wouldn't mind if Democratic patients saw the sign and found another doctor.

Healthcare providers can't discriminate against patients of different races, religions, gender, sexual orientation, etc. For me, this type of political discrimination falls into that category as well. Whether or not a patient voted for Obama shouldn't be an issue. Patients should get the same care no matter what their political affiliation may be. Can you imagine refusing to run a test for a patient just because you didn't like his political stance?

Please share your thoughts.

1 comments

Or the CEO/Chief of Staff refusing to grant privileges to a doctor at a hospital because they  disapproved of his political views, or a CLS refusing to run tests ordered by a doctor who voted for someone they dont like.

Those of us in healthcare do not have the option of refusing service to sick people because we dont like they represent.

This is outrageous!

Glen McDaniel April 28, 2010 9:59 PM
Atlanta GA

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