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KGET on The Colbert Report
Are we that funny? Are people laughing because they're shocked we have news here? Or are they laughing because of the type of news that comes out of this town? In this case, Colbert showed portions of a KGET report about a Christian doctor who has rules for who he will and won't serve based on his religious beliefs. The doctor refused to see a young child because her mother has tattoos and piercings, forbidden in Leviticus 19:28. Colbert used this story for his feature "The Word," getting another laugh for the term "WWJD" - What Would Jesus Dispense. A funny line: "Say Ahhmen." The piece was hilarious. But I laughed more for the jokes about the Hippocratic Oath than the punchlines containing "Bakersfield." Watch it for yourself! 80 comments from 23 users
posted by
ednpatc
on Mar 7, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Television and almost everything on it is meant for entertainment purposes -not reality especially when they put their own spin on the story, television is only what you take from it. Bakersfield can be funny especially when you add canned laughter......................
posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I think Carson was the one who spawned the Bakersfield as punchline genre of humor. If it's not this, it's Prussian Blue getting us the headlines. For myself, I thought both of these lines were funny because for guys like this doctor, that's what Christianity means. Someone should get him a Bible and have him read the red parts.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 12:28 PM
TK says: The Dr.’s office Is not a absolute private practice. He has decided to offer those that share his personal beliefs, the benefits of MY insurance company. He has a contract with Health Net. I am a member of Health Net which in effect makes the fine doctor an employee of mine. The Contract can and should be rescinded for failure to offer care. What do you think would happen to his practice in that case? The Dr. has contracted to my health insurance company. Most likely taking payment from a bookkeeper who has a butterfly tattooed on her buttocks. This doctor does not operate in a vacuum. His faith is not the center of a halo. His practice in some form. Depends on the actions of those he turns away from his office. He has no argument. posted by
patblue1947
on Mar 7, 2007 at 01:03 PM
TK is absolutely correct. The good doctor should be tossed by Health Net immediately. Anyone who uses Health Net should complain to Health Net until he is gone from their referral lists.
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Shouldn't this doctor think that it is also a sin to not help a person in need of care. What if it was a person dying outside of his office that had tatttos would he just watch and let this person die. I that he is just a relious hypocrite. Yes the bible does say that one should not have tattoos and piercings, but it also says that you shall not judge anyone, only the Lord will give Judgement.
posted by
randomfactor
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Well, it's not as if the doctor were a Samaritan or anything. More like a priest or a Levite, with his priorities clearly set up...
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:25 PM
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:45 PM
You guys are such idiots. You preach about equality and the freedom of speech and about the rights of each person, regardless of their age, race, religion, profession and social status; yet, that's not what you really mean. What you really want is equality and freedom of speech for individuals whom you approve of, not for everyone. Is it different to demand a woman's right to have an abortion but not a private practice doctors right to serve whom he wants? Get over yourselves - clearly you have a biased opinion while you claim the world should be prejudice-free. You are the ultimate contradiction.
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Face it kids, Bakersfield is the butt of A LOT of jokes across the country, even here in Tulsa, OK. Yes, the same Tulsa that UCLA said in 1995 "Where's Tulsa" before the NCAA tournament, the same Tulsa where many people in Bakersfield have family, and yes, the same Tulsa that became famous by Carson as "A SLUT backwards". Even those from Bakersfield call it the "Armpit of CA". It sucks, but, it comes with the territory.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Annoy says: but not a private practice doctors right to serve whom he wants? TK says: If the kind Dr. takes money from a Tattooed bookkeeper. He should be willing to render her medical care. This is not a question of rights. But rather one of responsibilities, ethics and fairness. posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Anon, I think that this guy has the right to do this, just as Ann Coulter has the right to use the language she does when speaking for the Republican Party. I also think that we have the right to talk about it, the right to ask Health Net if this is the type of doctor they want to have on their lists, etc. (You can ask them about it here: https://www.healthnet.com/portal/member/viewConta ctUsForm.sdo? ) Saying he shouldn't is not the same as saying he doesn't have the right to. Of course, if it turns out that the California Medical Board has rules against this, so be it. They have to have standards too.
posted by
mattloch
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:01 PM
Anon, a doctor doesn't have the "right" to refuse medical care to a patient. Period. Doubly so if they do it based on a religious (i.e. made-up/make believe) principle. "Separate but equal" went out of style a half-century ago. This isn't a case of religious persecution, so stop trying to act as though it is. (BTW, it's very brave of you to call us idiots (without even a hint of irony) and hide behind an anon tag.)
posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Actually, Mattloch, I think he does. I know it sucks and I don't agree, but I think it is correct. The only requirement is that you refer the patient to someone else and the delay doesn't cause severe injury or death. So if the baby had died, he could lose his license, but otherwise he's fine. This is why we need to put light on this. No one should be refering patients to him.
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:06 PM
Who has led you to believe the world is fair? This was not an emergency situation and the doctor commited no wrong. It is simply a matter of his beliefs. I saw the report on the news, where the mother claimed that her daughter was not able to receive medical care throughout the entire night because this doctor refused treatment. Were no Emergency Rooms open? Was this mother so negligent that even though she thought her daughter needed medical attention immediately, she failed to visit an Urgent Care? Or was it the mothers choice and right to wait throughout the night to seek treatment? Much as it was the doctors choice and right to decide to post rules and regulations (as many other business outside the medical field do) regarding the atmosphere of an office he runs? This is not a legal issue, it's an issue of rights. He has rights, just as the mother does. Are there not other pediatricians in town that are available? There is a sign outside the door at Mexicali Restaurant on California Avenue that states a dress code is in effect. Why is there not an uproar about that? What if someone wants to eat there but is wearing a tank top and cut-off shorts? The answer is: too bad, go somewhere else. posted by
randomfactor
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:08 PM
And likewise he has a "right" not to treat Jews, or blacks, or (what is the approved Conservative term? Oh yeah:) "faggots," too.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Annoy says: Who has led you to believe the world is fair? TK says: No one that I know of. But I strive for fairness. As far as ER’s A doctor’s visit to a assigned doctor, is $7 through Health Net. ER care is $50. And in this case would have been a horrible waste of medical resources. You continue to ignore the fact that the Dr. is contracted through the same insurance company as the child in question.. If Mexicali was contracted to Goodwill Industries. I would expect Mexicali to adjust their dress code accordingly. posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Exactly, RF. I know. Some people don't take being a doctor or a Christian for that matter very seriously. It's too bad, but I don't think legally enforceable.
posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Anon brings up a very good point too. There are other pediatricians in town. Everyone in town should know the name Gary Merrill.
posted by
mattloch
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:21 PM
At least we have those new signs bookending the City to overcome the negative publicity that this a** of a doctor has caused. /problem solved
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:21 PM
I am sure that Annoy and Gary Merrill respect my right to free speech. posted by
TomW
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:25 PM
They don't have to, Tkozy. The problem with being a good person is that it's tough. Or so I've heard.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:30 PM
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Regarding the contract: There are other doctors contracted through Health Net as well. Pick another one, problem solved. Doctors choose which healthcare agencies they contract with, not the other way around. After the contract is negotiated, the insurance company doesn't demand how the office is run by the doctors unless specifically stated in the contract. If there are no stipulations regarding this issue in Dr. Merrill's contract, then there has been no wrong. Health Net didn't "choose" this particular doctor, he choose them. Just like my children's pediatrician chooses not to accept patients with MediCal/MediCare. My kid's pediatrician is also a self-proclaimed Christian and a wonderful doctor (the best in town, if you ask me) and I have not known him to have restrictions like Dr. Merrill does. I'm not sure if I agree with Dr. Merrill's regulations; however, I do agree with his RIGHT to have these regulations. The bottom line is this: If you don't like it, just go somewhere else.
posted by
randomfactor
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Or, exercise your right to complain to Health Net about *THAT* particular doctor. If enough subscribers do so, the doctor can "just go somewhere else."
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Annoy says: Doctors choose which healthcare agencies they contract with, not the other way around. TK says: Do you suppose that the Doctor negotiated the Tattoo issue? If so, Health Net is clearly at fault. Again. The doctor denied medical care to a child of a person with a tattoo. Will he deny payment from the Sister of a child with a tattoo.. The Dr. has contracted to my health insurance company. Most likely taking payment from a bookkeeper who has a butterfly tattooed on her buttocks. This doctor does not operate in a vacuum. His faith is not the center of a halo. His practice in some form. Depends on the actions of those he turns away from his office. He has no argument. posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Absolutely. You absolutely have the right to make a complaint. Just don't get your hopes up about him being removed from Health Net. They are going to tell you the same thing: Thank you for your concern and we will definitely take this into consideration. However, I'm sure that there is at least one person in town who has issues with every single doctor who we are contracted with, and if we took everyone off, you would be without medical care in Bakersfield. posted by
jasonsperber
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Here's a couple links I found, fyi. They don't fully explain the legalities of this particular situation, but it's a place to start. posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:50 PM
This is no longer a one person issue.
It has gone national.. posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 03:51 PM
TK: This whole "bookeeper with a butterfly tattoo" and "sister of a child with a tattoo" thing - they are all hypothetical. It's impossible to argue these issues because they don't exsist right now.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I have no idea which plan the doctor is contracted to. But the folowing is from the Health Net webpage.. Medicare Supplement Plan
The health care you want . . . The choice you deserve It's your choice. With Health Net's Medicare Supplement Plan, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, including specialists, at any time. No referrals or authorizations needed. You'll get peace of mind from seeing the doctor of your choice, and savings from a plan that helps pay for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and more. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Mar 7, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Here's a key snip from the physiciansnews link Jason provided above in italics....the physician should make sure that the patient understands the treatment is limited to a certain illness or injury or to a certain specified time and place and that another health care practitioner will be responsible for follow-up care. In no case should the reason given to the patient for the denial of care be a pretext for discrimination. {snip}A physician’s withdrawal from the relationship should not be attempted or accomplished during a time when the patient is in need of medical attention. In every other instance, prior to withdrawal from or termination of the relationship, the physician should explain to the patient the reason why the physician is unable to attend to the patient’s needs and assist in the patient’s transfer to a competent substitute. Written documentation of the physician’s notification to the patient and of the referral sources or providers recommended to the patient will demonstrate that the physician has satisfied the conditions for proper withdrawal. Just as the physician must exercise reasonable care and skill in treating the patient, the physician must exercise reasonable care and skill in discontinuing the physician/patient relationship. ___________________ If this doctor had any ethics whatsoever, he would have treated the child and explained to the tattooed non-patient mother that she should go to another doctor for a follow up appointment in a respectful manner. Unfortunately for him, he's now the lauging stock of bakersfield. posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 04:08 PM
Annoy says: It's impossible to argue these issues
TK says: The impossible to argue against type arguments. Are exactly the type of arguments I enjoy bring forth..
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Mar 7, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Does anyone really think this doctor told Health Net he would refuse their clients based on their looks? I wonder how much Health Net likes all this attention.
posted by
bonuschris
on Mar 7, 2007 at 08:34 PM
Has anyone actually gotten the doctor's side of this or is everyone just jumping to conclusions based on what the complaintant said?
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 08:47 PM
I am sure the doctor could respond on this blog, to the paper or to KGET. I know he is welcome to respond to my blog that appears on this site.. It would seem unlikely that he is not aware of the reporting on this subject. posted by
Christopherv
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Randomfactor said: And likewise he has a "right" not to treat Jews, or blacks, or (what is the approved Conservative term? Oh yeah:) faggots, too. Tattooed people are not a "protected class", under the law. Rest assured he has no right to deny services to "Jews or blacks," as they are protected by civil rights laws. He does, however, have a right to deny services to "fa-----," as they still are not a protected class. (He can also refuse to rent to them sell to them, etc.) Anybody in town when Burlington Homes refused to sell houses to lawyers - and WON! in court? You have to be in a protected class of people in order to claim a right to service... posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:03 PM
Two questions 1. Was the child a patient of this doctor or was it a first visit? 2. So you believe that when you become a doctor you give up your rights?
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Is a "honkey" a protected class? If not, what about a gay honkey?
posted by
courious
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:09 PM
Just watch! The good doctor or the women who's baby he refused to treat will be on the Today show or someother talk show! Yeah Bakersfield!
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:15 PM
1. It has been my experience that Health Net assigns a doctor to you. And it is the patients right to request the care of another doctor. 2. I do believe you can enter into a contract that may require you to do things that you would not do in your normal day to day life. Or things that you would otherwise have the lawful right to refuse to do. 3. Health Net represents their insured during negotiations with providers.. And must not enter into any contract that would harm their insured. 4. Do radiologists have the right to turn away those that are tattooed? Hospitals? Under law. Most likely. But I would be surprised if they could be turned away under the terms of their contract with the insurance company. posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:20 PM
When I signed up for Healthnet I had to designate a primary care physician whether I knew one or not. I could change later but I made the choice who to see. Of course that hinged on whethe or not that doctor was taking new patients too. I was NEVER assigned a doctor by any HMO or Health Care org. I had to choose from a list of providers but it was my choice. That of course hinges on whether or not the doctor accepted me. Which they always did. But then I wasn't all tatted up either.
posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:28 PM
By the way...being the butt of a national joke isn't the worst that can happen to us. The worse people think it is, the fewer will want to come here and clog up our city. Hopefully.
posted by
Christopherv
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:45 PM
Nancy II, I keep hoping bad press will keep people away, but it seems to have the opposite effect. It encourages arrogant Southern Californians (re: not us) to come here on the belief they will find success easier, competing against such a handicapped crowd. If I had a nickel for every conversation that began, "Back in L.A. we..." I would actually be able to afford a home there. Anon: Honkey - No. Gay honkey - Sorry, you're out of luck. Except in Massachusets. posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Nancy After the split-up between Gem care and Health net. I was assigned a doctor from BFMC... Of course I could request someone else. Prior to that, I had chosen a provider. Only to find that I would be sublet to another doctor within that providers office. Had the same type of experience with Secure horizons. Not complaining. Just the facts of my care. posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 10:08 PM
I saw the arrogance of the LA people back in the early 70's when Tehachapi first started to become a bedroom communtiy for the illustrious folks in the LA basin. I was working in, what was then, my MIL's Wards catalog store and they would come in, order, then complain about having to pay shipping. They would whine that they could get it cheaper in Los Angeles and I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying.."then go to Los Angeles and buy it." But..trying to be the good retail person I would remind them that by the time they spent the money on gas and their time, it was actually cheaper to buy through the catalog. Or locally OR NOT ALL ALL JUST GO HOME! Oh..sorry..I lost my cool for a moment. After they bought property up there they started to complain every time new people came in. My feeling was that they wanted to move there then shut the gate so no one else could. I know it's not a popular theme on here but I still say if you want all the high falutin' restaurants and theaters and museums, and clothing stores, then hike your happy a.. ...uh..fanny to the Southland. Along with all the traffic and even worse smog. I'll shop at K-Mart, go to the dollar theater, eat at the Pantry, and be as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. Redneck that I am. Oh..I lost my train of thought. Dang thing jumped the tracks again. posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Speaking of local TV. Has anyone heard about Rusty Shoop having brain surgery? Apparently he had a brain aneurysm. He was just interviewed on TV.
posted by
tkozy
on Mar 7, 2007 at 10:22 PM
It’s dem dead pigs in the sunshine that keeps attracting da flies..
posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Nancy, the news reagrding Rusty Shoop is OLD news. That came out a while ago...
posted by
NancyII
on Mar 7, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Anny..soooo sorry I mentioned old news. It was new to me. By the way..I wasn't telling the news ..I was asking a question. Be easy on me since I rarely watch that station. :-) I've always liked Rusty from waaaaaay back in his weather days on Station X. Actually, that's the one I still watch. Tkozy..so that's what's attracting the flies..I thought it was acause I ran out of deoderant. posted by
anonymous
on Mar 7, 2007 at 11:30 PM
Maybe he found out about his daughter's past? Sorry, bad joke and hope he's okay, but wow, I hope she cleaned up her act.
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