Racial Disparity in Asthma Treatment in Military Health System

The Huffington Post is reporting on the recent study showing a significant difference in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in black and white children in the Military Health System. The Military Health System is the health insurance and healthcare delivery service provided to members of the United States Military. Everyone in this system has health insurance coverage and access. Even in what should be seen as an idealized system for healthcare delivery we can see disparities.There are any number of reasons for these disparities and the study does not delve into why blacks and hispanics studied are less likely to visit an asthma specialist than whites in the same system with the same coverage. The study should perhaps be taken as an indicator that healthcare access is only one factor to be considered when trying to address issues of racial disparity in healthcare. Everyone diagnosed with asthma should seek specialist help. Trips to the emergency room or hospitalizations due to asthma can be avoided with asthma management. Contact our office to set up an appointment.