Citation

Dembe AE, Savageau JA, Amick BC, Banks SM. J. Natl. Med. Assoc. 2005; 97(4): 498-507.

Affiliation

Center for Health Policy and Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 222 Maple Ave., Higgins Building, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA. Allard.Dembe@umassmed.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, National Medical Association (USA))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15868770

PMCID

PMC2568699

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study uses nationally representative data to evaluate the extent to which ambulatory care for work-related conditions varies by patients' race and ethnicity. METHODS: Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for 1997 and 1998, we describe medical care for work-related conditions, stratifying by whether the patient self-identified as African-American, white, Hispanic and/or non-Hispanic. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of patient race and ethnicity on care, controlling for age, gender, geographical region and MSA (urban/rural) status. RESULTS: Compared to white patients, African-American patients were more likely to receive mental health counseling and physical therapy and less likely to see a nurse, after controlling for age, gender, geographical region and MSA status. Hispanic patients were more likely to receive x-rays and need insurer authorization for care and less likely to receive a prescription drug or to see a physician, compared to non-Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: This is the nation's first study to describe socially based differences in medical care provided for patients with work-related injuries and illnesses. Identifying areas in which these variations in care exist is a critical first step in ensuring that equitable care is afforded to all injured workers.