Patients say they’ve endured racism in health care

Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Alaska Natives all say they’ve experienced racism from their health care providers.

The survey released today from the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that 60% of Black patients, 52% of Native American and Alaska Natives, 51% of Hispanics and 42% of Asians say they prepare for possible insults or must be careful about their appearance to be treated fairly by their health care providers.

One-third of Whites say they do the same thing.

Many attribute the way they were treated to their race.

“While there have been efforts in health care for decades to document disparities and advance health equity, this survey shows the impact racism and discrimination continue to have on people’s health care experiences,” said KFF President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman. “And people in the survey reported that racism and discrimination have affected not only the care they get, but also their health and well-being,” he added.

Research from KFF found that experience with racism and discrimination impacts a person’s well-being and health.

They are more likely to feel anxious than those that have not experienced racism (40% vs 14%), lonely (26% vs 7%) or depressed (25% vs 7%).

This is similar along racial lines.

In addition, the survey found Blacks, Hispanics and Asians report having better experiences with health care providers from their own racial group yet more than half say finding a doctor from a similar background is less likely to happen.