Black Americans visit a doctor’s surgery less often than Caucasians do, according to the NCBI, despite having higher risks for certain diseases. There are many reasons for this racial disparity in health care. NCBI’s studies show that individuals who are not White face challenges in medical care in the US, including access to health care, insurance coverage, and provider behavior.
The CDC says younger Black Americans are living with—or dying of—many conditions found in White Americans experience only later in life. Prevention and early diagnosis are important in managing chronic conditions or even curing them.
Why are certain diseases more prevalent in Black Americans?
Black Americans have higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, stroke, sickle cell disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Genetics can play a role in the increased incidence of certain diseases in younger Black Americans, but socioeconomics, too, is a factor. A large risk factor for many of these diseases is not catching things like high blood pressure early on, which can greatly reduce chances of contracting more serious conditions like PAD and heart disease.
Why aren’t Black Americans going to the doctor?
Black Americans have a higher poverty rate at 18.8% versus Caucasians at 7.3%. A lower income can mean reduced ability to pay for health care services, preventative care, medications, and health insurance.
Between 2010 and 2018, Black Americans were 1.5 times more likely than White Americans to be uninsured, despite the Affordable Care Act implemented by the Obama Administration.
To combat this, we suggest looking into other resources like Medicaid, government health care tax credit eligibility, and pharmacy discount cards to help with prescription cost. However, even these public health care services don’t guarantee receiving the best care.
What are the benefits of routine care?
In past generations, you visited the doctor only when you were sick or not feeling well. Today, routine check-ups are recommended as a way of preventing or catching health issues before they become life-threatening.
According to Harvard Health, regular check-ups enhance the likelihood illness will be detected early, increase your chances of successful treatment, extend your lifespan, help you stay up to date with medical advancements, and even reduce health care costs for emergency health services.
Accessing routine care and having a relationship with a primary care physician can benefit your overall well-being in many ways. For example, successful treatment is much more likely at Stage 1 of cancer than at Stage 4. Having your blood pressure checked so that you can make healthier life choices or be prescribed medication can reduce your risk of heart attack.
How often should adults get a check-up?
Opinions vary greatly, but Healthline recommends that if you are in good health and under age 50, a routine health check every three years is ideal. Many insurance plans will cover one routine health care exam by your primary care provider each year, and if you are paying for that insurance, then why not use it?
Those older than age 50 should plan for an annual exam — and even more frequently if you have a chronic condition like diabetes. Some conditions could require monthly monitoring or testing to see how medication is working.
If you want to live a long and healthy life, it is your responsibility to take action on small steps to improve your health. If you need help finding access to health care or advice, reach out.