I have the impression that social status is a factor thing when dealing with doctors.

I asked ChatGTP about that:

User: Two individuals with the the same insurance policy but of different social standing go to hospital, who will get more medical attention?

ChatGTP: Ideally, in a fair and equitable healthcare system, the allocation of medical attention should not be influenced by an individual's social standing. The principle of medical ethics dictates that healthcare professionals should provide medical attention based on medical need rather than personal characteristics such as social standing.

In many countries, including those with universal healthcare systems, medical attention is typically allocated based on the severity and urgency of the medical condition. In such systems, patients are generally triaged and treated according to the severity of their condition, regardless of their social standing.

However, it's important to acknowledge that systemic biases and disparities can exist in healthcare systems, and these can impact the allocation of medical attention. Factors such as unconscious bias, unequal access to healthcare facilities, and differences in socioeconomic resources can influence the healthcare experience of individuals from different social standings.

Efforts are made in many healthcare systems to address these disparities and promote equal access to medical attention. Policies and guidelines are implemented to ensure fair treatment and to mitigate the influence of personal characteristics on healthcare delivery. Additionally, healthcare providers are expected to adhere to professional standards and ethical principles that prioritize patient well-being and equitable care.

It is crucial to continue advocating for equitable healthcare systems and addressing any existing biases or disparities to ensure that everyone, regardless of their social standing, receives the medical attention they need and deserve.

User: Can you site studies that confirm the existence of systemic bias in healthcare systems?

ChatGTP: Certainly! There have been numerous studies conducted that highlight the existence of systemic bias in healthcare systems. Here are a few examples:

"Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare" - This landmark report by the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) in 2002 extensively examined racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare in the United States. The report concluded that racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive lower-quality healthcare even when controlling for factors such as insurance, income, and education.

"The Anatomy of Health Care in the United States" - Published in 2013 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), this study analyzed healthcare disparities by socioeconomic status. It found that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to have worse access to care, higher rates of preventable hospitalizations, and lower utilization of preventive services.

"Patient Characteristics Associated with Differences in Mortality Rates Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries in the Top Decile of Risk" - This study, published in JAMA in 2016, examined the impact of socioeconomic factors on mortality rates among elderly Medicare beneficiaries. It found that patients with higher incomes and more education had lower mortality rates compared to those with lower socioeconomic status.

"Hidden Disparities: How Discrimination and Racism Affect Health and Health Care" - This report by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies highlights the impact of racism and discrimination on health outcomes. It discusses how biases in healthcare systems can result in unequal treatment and contribute to health disparities among marginalized populations.

These are just a few examples of studies that have explored systemic bias and healthcare disparities. It's important to note that research in this area is ongoing, and numerous studies continue to provide evidence of disparities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants of health.