Study: 'Medical homes' cut racial care disparities

A growing body of research suggests patients who have a "medical home" tend to do better overall. Such homes also reduce racial disparities in treatment, according to a new study.

The Commonwealth Fund study found that even when patients lacked health insurance, disparities in care between Caucasians and minorities seem to disappear. The Fund screened for patients having medical homes by asking if they had a regular provider or place of care, whether their doctor had an organized office and could be reached easily by phone and whether they could get night and weekend care.

The problem, however, is many practices don't have the resources to provide that extra level of care, particularly since insurance companies don't pay physicians for time spent consulting with patients and their families.

To find out more about the study:
- read this United Press International piece

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