Doctor Roger Starner Jones is a seventh generation Mississippian and his extracurricular interests are golf, hunting, fishing and college football. He specializes in emergency medicine at The University of Mississippi medical Center.
Dr. Starner Jone (umc.edu)
This Letter to the Editor, written by Doctor Jones about health care in America, is from the August 29th edition of Jackson, Mississippi’s newspaper, the Clarion Ledger.
Dear Sirs:
During my last night’s shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with a shiny new gold tooth, multiple elaborate tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B; tune for a ring tone.
Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid.
She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer. And our President expects me to pay for this woman’s health care?
Our nation’s health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture – a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one’s self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance.
A culture that thinks I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me.
Life is really not that hard. Most of us reap what we sow.
Starner Jones, MD
Jackson, MS
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Tags: Dr. Roger Jones, Dr. Roger Starner Jones, Dr. Starner Jones, Emergency Medicine, Mississippi, President Obama
Amy Williams | November 1, 2009 at 1:19 pm
This is the most succinct comment I’ve yet read regarding the overall expectation of many Americans today. Frequently I am also amazed at the belief that privledges are rights . . . when will it change? As with the teaching of small children who scream and cry when they want something, only when the parents ignore the tantrum and the child learns that privledges are earned! Unfortunately, the “parent” of America at this time, Obama, is one who believes it is best to give in. And parents (or shall we call them “taxpayers?”) all over America understand what happens then - the child will do it again and again each and every time they want something!
Larry Hayden | November 2, 2009 at 1:12 am
Right on! Love this comment.
Cecil Sinclair | November 2, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I too have Medicare. After reading Dr. Jones’ letter I feel compelled to take certain actions. I am going to have my gold tooth pulled, which has been in my mouth for twenty years, and sent to Dr. Jones to help allay his insurance costs. I am going to donate my Nike walking shoes to the good doctor since he makes enough money to be entitled to wear expensive shoes. I’ll get another pair from the Goodwill of a real cheap brand, even if they are not comfortable. I am quitting chewing snoose. That will save me about $10 a month so I’ll send that to Dr. Jones too. Now I don’t know just what I can do about my tattoos that I have had since I was in the Navy 40 years ago. I should maybe have Dr. Jones remove them. It would only cost a few thousand dollars. Of course I would pay for that myself from my pension money. As for my expensive brand clothes (also Goodwill) I will just tear off the tags and keep wearing them. Then no one will know I am wearing brands I’m not entitled to wear.
Doing all these things still doesn’t ease my conscience, so the next time I get sick I will just stay home so as not to burden Medicare and Dr. Jones, and hope I don’t die from it.
Cecil Sinclair | November 2, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I meant to say Medicaid in the above letter. I forgot to mention that I promise to stop drinking my daily glass of beer. Such a vice as drinking beer is inexcusable, I know. That is all I can do to correct my ways since I have no more vices except masturbating. If it somehow results in costing Dr. Jones, I will cut it down to once a month. That’s the best I can do, doctor. After all, I am almost human.
Tim Carter | November 2, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Dear Cecil, I don’t think the good Doctor is asking you for your gold tooth, or your expensive Nike shoes, or your cellphone. What he IS addressing is that we all have decisions to make in life and that most RESPONSIBLE people if given the choice between paying for the expensive shoes, or the gold tooth, or the cellphone, etc… INSTEAD of buying necessary health insurance coverage are going to opt to buy the less expensive shoes, avoid costly unnecessary (and unhealthy) habits (such as smoking and drinking), and go without the (unnecessary) cellphone. These are luxuries. Health care insurance like food is not a luxury. Also like food it is not a right! Those of us who make healthier decisions, more responsible decisions SHOULD NOT have to pay for someone else’s health insurance - especially as he points out so well, when they clearly are not making any effort at paying for it themselves. It is the culture of this entitled and irresponsible mentality that is eating at the fabric of this country! Kudos to Dr. Starner for stating the obvious.
Kailyn S. | November 2, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Ah, so you have a computer too Cecil? My, my, my…..
Nick S | November 4, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Dear Cecil, you certainly did a good job of articulating the entitlement mentality point of view.
Tim | November 4, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Right on Doc. There is far too much of this in society. A lack of responsibility and an expectation that everyone else in society should have to bear the costs of ones own poor decisions. I am not against helping those who have fallen on hard times - but there seems to be a pervasive element within our society whose expectations about what they are due are drastically out of sync with what value they add to society.
I remember a John Stossel piece on 20/20 years ago when he debunked “poverty stricken” soup kitchen folks. He asked - do you have a telephone? TV? Cable? A microwave? To which all answers were yes. The examples now are even more egregious — jacked up pick up trucks, chrome plated “spinner” wheels on cars, ipods, tatoos, gold chains, etc. And yet no ability to pay for the basics like food or healthcare? As John would say, “give me a break”.
Let’s help those who need help - but demand more of those who are capable. Starting in the schools.
Bill | November 5, 2009 at 12:00 pm
It’s too bad these kinds of stories sink into an argument about the superficial issues. “Who are you to say how I should spend my money?” “Don’t you care about those less fortunate than you?” “If she can pay for a tattoo, she can pay the doctor.”
The deeper issue is whether we are becoming a society of people who don’t care about the consequences of their decisions and are growing ever more dependent on the power of the government to force “others” to take care of us. We are witnessing and participating in a society of individuals that are too willing to forfeit their independence in exchange for security - somebody to take care of the consequences of our decisions.
Folks, no matter how you want to spin this, it’s destroying our society. I fear for my grandchildren. Regards, Bill
rock | November 5, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Why should not become a society like this when the “Obamanation” has bailed out so many companies that make billion and trillion dollar bailouts but yet their CEO’s get bonuses “because it was promised” to them how about this, when you went in to business you knew there were responsibilities and you failed to maintain the standards. How about they file bankruptcy like the common man, and not be able to get loans for 7 years or longer because they cant be trusted to do the right thing with their money. I have served 20 years in the military and I have been promised health care for life if, I maintained my standards and fulfilled my oath. I applaud this young Dr’s views why should veterans or AMERICANS suffer from lack of Healthcare because we give it to illegal immigrants and deadbeats that are able to walk around and not work.
A. Miller | November 5, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Dr. Jones, I am a single mother who has worked for attorneys for 30 years…I am 45, which tells you that I started working in a professional office at age 15 (via Business/Office Education Program in which I enrolled in high school the beginning of my sophomore year)…12:00-5:00 every day during the school year and full-time during the summers. Therefore, I had no “free” summers as most other kids my age…you included, I am sure. However, because of the greed of these bottomfeeders, I was laid off 18 weeks ago. In 18 weeks I have sent out 96 resumes. For 30 years I have paid into our government’s system…but because I make $2.00 per month too much on “unemployment” ($280/week…could you possibly live on that amount of money, doc??) and do receive a small monthly child support payment (a portion of which I had to sacrifice - a condition my ex required in order for him to allow me to keep the house to raise our son), I did not qualify for food assistance (food stamps) that I truly need to help feed my son and myself. During my 30 year career, I accumulated may nice things, including a nice home (did I mention I am now in the process of filing bankruptcy in order to keep my home, praying I do find another job before the unemployment runs out…and no, I do not have one single credit card debt); nice clothing I could not really afford even though it was purchased at a consignment shop (because the law firms I worked for required the same because “we have an image to uphold”), and oh yes, I do own a vehicle and a cell phone. I am sorry, but these “luxuries” ARE required in my life…after all, that cell # IS listed on those 96 resumes I have sent out. And yes, I do own a computer…which was purchased and given to me by a true friend because even working 40+ hours per week, I could not afford one. Your sarcastic comment that “I [you] had the pleasure of evaluating a patient…” disgusts me. Tell me, should I dress in rags and lie on my medical form that I smoke in order to not receive your judgment??
You live in what is commonly referred to as “The Bible Belt”. Surely you are familiar with Matthew 7:1-6??
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Mk. 4.24
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Dr. Z | November 5, 2009 at 10:00 pm
As I read the posts on this site I agree somewhat with both sides. Having just graduated medical school and earning the title of physician (even though still in training) I have already experienced the frustration of treating many patients who fit the description above- having many unhealthy and expensive vices (smoking and drinking) as well as the newest technology, yet complain about a $20 co-pay or better yet, come to the emergency room because they knew they would get Benedryl for free, instead of just going to the closest drug store. How much do cigarettes cost these days? Not to mention the fact that every cigarette they smoke puts them closer and closer to needing long term health care on societies’ dime.
On another hand, my husband and I both come from families who’s parents can’t afford health care due to rising costs and a poor economy. I see the struggles of losing your job despite being a hard worker and struggling to make ends meat. We have family members who have had to rely on medicaid at some point in their lives to get their needed health care.
So, I agree- with both sides of the issue. The problem is that too many people are sucking the system dry. Not working, or attempting to work, when they are fully able to. Having unhealthy habits that they can’t afford that lead to their demise and ultimately further burden society.
So for the single mother who is doing her best, I applaud you- my mother was also a single parent working multiple jobs to raise me. And for the vet who has served your time and deserve health care, I thank you- my husband and I are both in the Air Force and my Father-in-law retired Army- I know first hand of the sacrifices you made for our country and agree you deserve a lot in return, including health care. And to the Doctors working long hours to take care of (some) people who don’t take care of themselves- thank you.
To the people who bleed the system… get your act together, we are all suffering the consequences of your selfish and thoughtless ways…
Ariana | November 7, 2009 at 3:14 am
The very fact that some of you are DEFENDING your “right” to not want more for yourselves instead of sitting on public assistance/subsidized healthcare is a joke to me! I understand that almost every one falls on “hard times” at least once in their life and may need some help to get back up… But those that are content to just sit there and remain in the system? C’mon! Get some self-respect! I was on Medicaid once too… You know what I did? I got a JOB! One with health benefits! It took me a few lousy ones that didn’t pay worth a damn to find one that gave benefits (and still doesn’t pay me too much more than nothing)… But I took it–and took back some dignity and control of my own life. Try it sometime.. You may just find you LIKE how it feels to not be a sponge. Meanwhile, if you receive public assistance (such as food stamps), the powers-that-be are now recognizing that you would have more of a chance of finding a job if you had a phone–so they are now providing FREE cell phones and minutes to those that qualify (income stipulations, of course)… But I can assure you, none of those free cell phones are Blackberries or iPhones (which I still cannot afford with my FULL TIME job, by the way).. And of the ones they DO provide, you couldn’t possibly upload any of the latest ringtones to “pimp your style”–they are bargain-basement phones that only have a handful of midi ringtones and no internet capabilities… So if you are legitimately needing a phone for all of your resume’s you have out there, this will work for you. If that is NOT the truth of it, then please–stop making lame excuses.. Get up and improve your own life… I wish they would raise the price of cigarettes here to $12/pack to offset these ppl that are butt-raping the system.. As much as they say they have no $$$ for co-pays, you KNOW they would find the $$ to buy the cigarettes, and inadvertently (heaven forbid) help to pay for their OWN healthcare costs… Worth a look…
Marie | November 9, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Right on, Dr. Jones! God bless the man who is willing to work for what he has! Socialism has been proven to NOT WORK for society, it is a disgusting shame to see America headed that direction.
Bebe Hartnett | November 9, 2009 at 4:30 pm
While I can agree that attitudes of entitlement are abhorrent. The fact is that even a high deductible medical insurance monthly premium will cost you the equivalent of a month’s rent for a family of four. Insurance is VERY EXPENSIVE, and those high deductible plans do not have co-pays for ANYTHING–so you pay the premiums–$400 per month, and THEN pay for the doctor AND medicine out of your pocket til you reach the $3,000 deductible? I think the working poor could afford EITHER the health insurance OR the doctor visits, but not both. So make it work better–insure them, make them pay $20 per dr. visit, and get them to pay SOMETHING, instead of the nothing they pay now.
barb landers | November 10, 2009 at 12:09 am
Good discussion - bottom line nothing is free and you must be responsible for your choices.
Ruth | November 11, 2009 at 2:19 pm
And because of this judgmental mentality by Dr. Jones, it really brings up the question, is he really doing his job?
Inside the ER I’ve heard remarks from doctors and nurses such as these and, not surprisingly, the “treatment” that is provided to these “entitled” people is horrible!! How can a person who takes an oath to serve all who are in need, make such vile innuendo and suggestive commentary. You really don’t know why people end up with Medicaid as their healthcare option. Have you considered your patient could have had a medical or mental disability that entitled her to Medicaid? Are you aware that phone companies are issuing prepaid phones to the poor and others in need for emergency purposes. The gold tooth may be cheaper a less expensive option than having to do a root canal and a crown. Tatoos may be a sign of deeper emotional issues and life hardships you obviously have and never will face. Before making such narrow-minded and completely seemingly undereducated comments as you did, did you consider the undereducated background of not only this patient but those before her? She may be an unwilling product of a society that is filled with people of your hardened ilk. That this society rejects her as much or more as you do.
If I remember correctly, you took an oath to serve all in need. You are an American, I suppose and so is she. May be a sense of responsibility is lacking on both sides of the aisle but entitlement? That is a whole other subject…
LH | November 12, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Those of you who are turning this against the doctor who is disgusted with entitled people have no clue what people in the medical profession deal with on a daily basis.
In my 15 years of medical experience, those who are on social programs are, without fail, the hardest to please and the ones who appreciate it the least. The doctor who wrote this letter is simply tired of going to work every day and seeing hundreds of TOTALLY able-bodied humans feeding at the government trough like hogs. I agree with him.
I guarantee he gets cussed and spat upon at the UMC ER by those who haven’t worked a single minute for their entitlements, while the ones who have jobs and pay for their care are much more appreciative.
Those of you who are trying to turn this into a religious discussion, I welcome you to sit in a local ER or clinic and deal with Medicaid patients all day. You will change your tune.
I also recall several verses of the Bible saying things about working hard for your rewards, and not being lazy.
I am fine with people using Medicaid as a bridge to get through hard times for a few months, but these people have no intention of ever doing anything other than mooching off the government.
TxRancher | November 12, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The dumbing-down of America has begun to take its toll!
TL | November 12, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Jones should be ashamed of his apparent bigotry which should have no place in the medical field. You took an oath but must have forgotten that part of your reason for wanting to be a doctor. So it would seem that you are far more concerned about the financial aspect. Since we are on the subject of vises, you forgot to mention the one that plagues most people in this country according to statistics…overweight fat people are also at a health risk. So would that be considered in your estimation of the people who deserve health care. That would certainly preclude most folks from your idea of people who take care of themselves. My waistline has never changed since High School..31″ so i say this to all you people who thank Jones for his bravery in speaking up…check your waistline…if you are fat…then perhaps you should consider going on a diet before you mouth off!!!…. These comments smack of the perfect Arryan Race…look what happened to Hitler.
Chase Edwards Cooper | November 14, 2009 at 10:27 am
Some of you seem to be rather upset knowing that some of us expect our fellow Americans to be partly responsible for their choices which have consequences. In this case, each of us would have a stake in these consequences given that tax dollars would be used to combat irresponsible behavior that would lead to health problems.
But since the entitlement mentality of those same people will continue to exist, it’s likely that the doctor was just preaching to the choir here. Those of you who feel that you’re owed something simply because you’re American will continue to feel this way. You’ll also continue to feel that those of us who produce on a daily basis will be your providers.
As for the comment by TL, it’s probably the best example of what the debate will become: when you can’t win the argument using intellect, spin the situation into a racial debate and hope that no one notices otherwise.
Luke Wilson | November 17, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Has anyone seen my movie “Idiocracy” which at first seems like a slapstick comedy but has serious undertones which speak directly to entitlements and those who act irresponsible verses those that do act responsible. Those that are responsible will eventually succumb to growing numbers of irresponsible people. Unfortunately, the American government is full of those same irresponsible people who couldn’t run a successful business if their life depended on it and thus, the government is not who will fix this problem. We first need to fix the problems in our own lives and teach / show others how to fix theirs.
ER Nurse Hagker | November 20, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Thank you, Dr., for your opinion. I work in an ER also. 2 young females came in recently both requesting pregnancy tests. I informed them it would be cheaper to pick one up at the drug store than going thru the ER. They informed me since they were on Medicaid it would not cost them anything.
What I also find appalling is the Medicaid pt, or even the Medicare pt, whose urine tests positive for illegal drugs. Now, I have to pass a urine drug test to work, to pay my taxes, to pay for my healthcare. It is insulting to me to not only care for those who take advantage of the healthcare system and abuse their body by using illegal substances, but then also have to foot the bill thru my tax dollars.
Nunjo Biznezz | November 20, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I’m guessing that this entire thing is a hoax, and that “STARNER” is simply an anagram for “RANTERS”.