Evidence-based medicine has documented voluminous examples of such relationships and changes that could result in improved health outcomes for individuals and populations. Before such change can occur, there are several fundamental questions and issues that physicians, organized medicine and the health care system must resolve. These are complex questions that will require dialog, time and commitment to resolve. In the meantime, there is an accumulation of evidence that there is much that physicians can do now, within the context of their current practice of medicine, to decrease disparities in health outcomes. It is important to note that we are not just dealing with racial disparities.
Disparities exist in outcomes among races, sexes, ages, regions, etc.
If you are black or female, you will receive major diagnostic or therapeutic procedures much less frequently than if you are white or male. Race and site of care affect physicians' use of corticosteroids to mitigate lung disease in premature infants. Race and sex impact the use of reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Noncompliance with appointments contributes significantly to shorter breast cancer survival among black women. Depression is more likely to be diagnosed in women and more educated patients.