Altaf Saadi|David U. Himmelstein|Steffie Woolhandler|Nicte Mejia
Racial disparities in neurologic health care access and utilization in the United States
Woman's Hospital|Hunter College|Harvard University|City University of New York|Massachusetts General Hospital|Woman's Hospital|Hunter College|Harvard University|City University of New York|Massachusetts General Hospital|Woman's Hospital|Hunter College|Harvard University|City University of New York|Massachusetts General Hospital|Woman's Hospital|Hunter College|Harvard University|City University of New York|Massachusetts General Hospital
evaluate racial ethnic differences utilization neurologic care across wide range neurologic conditions united stateswe analyzed nationally representative data 20062013 medical expenditure panel survey meps including information demographics patientreported health conditions neurology visit rates costs using diagnostic codes identified persons selfidentified neurologic disorder except back pain well 5 subgroups parkinson disease multiple sclerosis headache cerebrovascular disease epilepsy assess disparities neurologic care utilization performed logistic regression analyses outpatient department neurologic care visit rates expenditures racial ethnic group controlling age sex health status socioeconomic characteristics geographic region careof 279103 meps respondents 16936 6 selfreported neurologic condition 5890 2 received total 13685 outpatient neurology visits black participants nearly 30 less likely see outpatient neurologist odds ratio 072 confidence interval ci 064081 relative white counterparts even adjustment demographic insurance health status differences hispanic participants 40 less likely see outpatient neurologist 061 ci 054069 among participants known neurologic conditions blacks likely cared emergency department hospital stays higher per capita inpatient expenditures white counterpartsour findings highlight racial ethnic inequalities utilization neurologic care united states