When we go to the hospital to seek medical care, it is because we trust the doctors and nurses to take care of us regardless of our financial status or race. However, history has shown that racial and ethnic minorities often receive inferior treatment from the health care industry.
If you are a patient of color, it is important to learn how you can spot these subtle forms of biases and protect yourself from being subject to prejudicial medical treatments.
What is racial bias in health care?
Racial bias happens when a person’s individual views toward a specific group of people affect how they treat them and act around them. One common example of this in health care is how white patients are particularly more prioritized over people of color patients.
According to a poll from an Associated Press News article, “nearly 30% of Black respondents prepare to be insulted when they go into a medical appointment.” Not only that, but patients of color also mentioned how receiving unfair treatments have made them switch health care providers or be less likely to seek health care.
Another example of racial bias happens when the patients are non-English speakers. Oftentimes, they cannot communicate well with the health care workers, which may impact on their standard of care or result in a medical error that could have been prevented if they were not discriminated upon.
Your right to medical care without prejudice
Although racial bias is a common occurrence in health care, you must not let it prevent you from seeking the medical care that you need. By understanding your rights, you can protect yourself from being treated unfairly and receive proper attention for your health condition.