Ruby exclude from slice
# First of all you have to use splat (*) operator.
# Then instead of using .slice() and .except() together, you can do this is more efficient way.
columns_to_show = ['age', 'gender', 'cast', 'fee_status']
columns_to_show = columns_to_show - hidden_columns if hidden_columns
patient.slice(*columns_to_show).values
patient.slice('age', 'gender', 'cast', 'fee_status').except(*hidden_columns)
=> {"cast"=>"black", "fee_status"=>"paid"}