The Johns Hopkins Gazette: February 8, 1999
Feb. 8, 1999
VOL. 28, NO. 21

  

Disparities Between Blacks and Whites Receiving Cardiac Procedures Reduced

Johns Hopkins Gazette Online Edition

In a seven-year national study, white patients with chronic renal failure were three times more likely to receive cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery than were their black counterparts, say Public Health researchers. This large ethnic disparity narrowed greatly, however, once blacks developed end-stage renal disease, which made them eligible to receive comprehensive medical care through Medicare. The study was published in the Feb. 2 issue of The Annals of Internal Medicine.

Lead author Gail L. Daumit, senior fellow, the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the schools of Public Health and Medicine, said, "The study suggests that when patients have adequate health insurance, a regular source of care and a strong clinical indication for a cardiac procedure, equity in use of services among blacks and whites can be achieved."

Senior author Neil R. Powe, professor, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Welch director, said, "This study shows that the U.S. health care system is capable of eliminating ethnic disparities in health care under the right circumstances. We need to learn how to make this happen under all circumstances so all Americans can benefit from health care technology."


GO TO FEBRUARY 8, 1999 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
GO TO THE GAZETTE HOMEPAGE.