Although the differences in health care between minorities and whites have diminished in recent years, a number of studies show that minority populations lag behind whites in getting needed care, even when comparing individuals with similar health insurance coverage. Research by the Department of Health and Human Services shows that, overall, minority groups are less likely to be immunized against disease, less likely to be routinely tested for cancer, and less likely to get regular check-ups. Further probes into racial disparities in health care found that black women are still twice as likely as white women to receive late prenatal care or none at all, even when financial barriers are eliminated as much as possible. And, black patients are less likely to receive catheterization, a common diagnostic test for heart disease. About 60 percent of whites report they are satisfied.
Blacks are less likely to receive advanced medical treatments.
Research continues to indicate that minorities are anywhere from 30 to 60 percent less likely to receive proper care or treatment for certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, pneumonia, and kidney diseases. Experts don't know all the reasons for these disturbing disparities. Some of the most likely explanations are where and when people seek care and their health status when they seek care. A large percentage of minorities receive their health care from public clinics, many of which are overcrowded with patients and are short on resources, which may explain some differences in the care received by patients who seek care there. Other disparities in care may be due to both health care providers and patients bringing their stereotypes and prejudices into the health care system.