Reducing Disparities Requires More Than Just a Law

In a report released by the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Ignatius Bau offers an analysis of the potential benefits of health reform, beyond merely expanding health insurance coverage. Specifically, Bau focuses on those benefits related to reducing health care disparities, such as the development of patient-centered medical homes, integration of providers into Accountable Care Organizations, and comparative effectiveness research which may expand our knowledge of best medical practices and improve health care efficiency and quality throughout the system.

Bau concludes his analysis by describing the complexities of making these potential benefits a reality. While Bau feels that patient-centered medical homes may improve health care quality by providing incentives to physicians to pursue the best possible outcomes, the coordinated care which is at the heart of medical homes depends on having an adequate number of physicians and specialists – something which may be difficult for providers in rural areas. Reducing health care disparities also requires attention to providing culturally and linguistically sensitive care, which may also be difficult for rural providers and those in underserved areas. Ultimately, Bau argues that public education, community outreach and advocacy will be essential for realizing the benefits of health system reform.

Click here to read Bau’s analysis.