As a result, managed care companies in some states, like New York, are realizing that the Medicaid market is not profitable, and they are pulling out. Knowing the Territory Today, adequate minority health care is also a concern on an individual level, said Carrillo. Physicians being able to speak the patient's language and being aware of differences in cultural background are part of what Carrillo described as cultural competence which, he said, has to be taken to a higher level. Physicians should avoid categorizing patients by textbook stereotypes, but instead talk to them. Finding out about the patient's home life and social circumstances can assist with decisions on treatment.
Curiosity is a good thing in a doctor.
To address what Carrillo sees as a deficit in cultural competence among physicians, he has introduced a cultural competence curriculum for medical residents at Cornell.