Racial and ethnic disparities in access to advanced medical interventions have persisted for decades in the U.S. healthcare system, according to a new report from AdvaMed, a medical technology trade association. The first phase of a three-part research series analyzed differences in access to surgical, medical, and technological procedures among Medicare beneficiaries in 2018 and 2019.
The report, released on March 7, 2024, is part of an effort to shed light on the ongoing issue of unequal treatment and outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities in healthcare, which was first highlighted by the Institute of Medicine’s landmark “Unequal Treatment” report 20 years ago. Despite some progress, such as increased insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion, the level of improvement has not met expectations.
AdvaMed’s research series aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the prevalence and impact of racial and ethnic disparities in access to advanced medical procedures. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy changes to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity.
“Disparities in Access to Advanced Medical Procedures in the Medicare Population” (March 6, 2024)
