Despite the ongoing efforts of advocacy organizations, government agencies, and health insurance companies, disparities remain in the level of access to health care enjoyed by Americans of different racial backgrounds. However, a recent pilot program in Georgia has demonstrated some success in equalizing the treatment of diabetes, according to Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
The health insurer recently announced that it would give a Clinical Distinction Award to a program it developed in conjunction with the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy. The program aimed to improve access and quality of care for populations – including blacks and Hispanics – which had not enjoyed the same levels as other groups.
“[Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s] focus on quality, safety and access plays a critical role in improving the health care delivery system and enhancing quality and value for consumers,” says Barbara McNeil, head of the Harvard department.
Experts say diabetes rates in some minority populations are higher than the national average, but add that they have risen across the board in recent years. More access to preventative medicine and quality health and nutrition information could help decrease the numbers of new diabetes cases each year.
