‘If You Voted for Obama, Seek Urologic Care Elsewhere’

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http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.c...are-elsewhere/

April 2, 2010, 1:02 pm

‘If You Voted for Obama, Seek Urologic Care Elsewhere’
By DAMIEN CAVE
MIAMI — Doctors take the Hippocratic oath promising to do no harm, but once that requirement is fulfilled do they have a right to choose patients based on politics?

One Republican urologist outside Orlando has stirred up a tempest by suggesting exactly that. A sign hanging this week in the office of Dr. Jack Cassell, 56, clearly states a preference for patients who agree with his opposition to the president, and the recently passed health care overhaul.

“If you voted for Obama,” says the taped-up sign, “seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now. Not in four years.”

Perhaps it was just a matter of time before the partisan rancor surrounding health care found its way into patient care. Civil rights law prevents discrimination based on sex, gender, or religion, but experts say that political differences are not specifically protected — consider it a pre-existing condition that can still be used for patient filtering.

The logic for some, especially here in contentious swing states like Florida, seems to be simple: Stand up and stay separated. If states, counties or towns can be red and blue, Republican and Democratic, why not everyplace else within those areas? Why not make sure that even in doctors’ offices people can feel secure in knowing they are sharing space with those who are share their views?

Dr. Cassell, in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, insisted that he would not turn anyone away. “That would be unethical,” he said. But he added that he would not mind if Democrats saw the sign and found another doctor. His wife is a Republican candidate for the local county commission, so perhaps his efforts are an example of strong spousal support and smart politics.

It was tough to tell on Friday morning — the telephone line at his office in Mount Dora was busy for several hours, possibly with calls of praise or complaint.

But at least one patient referred to Dr. Cassell has sought care elsewhere, according to the office of Representative Alan Grayson. Mr. Grayson, a Democrat who was one of the boldest supporters of health care in the House, represents the neighborhood where Dr. Cassell’s office sits. His response was characteristic outrage.

“I think it’s disgusting,” he said. “I know that most people go into health care because they want to help sick people. They don’t have some political agenda. I think it’s outrageous that someone would try to press his political agenda.”

He added, “I think the sore losers are out in force.”