Factors Influencing Hospital Admissions in Hospitals Serving Black and Minority Populations
Overview
This study investigates the impact of neighborhood deprivation and healthcare market residential segregation on hospital admissions among Black and minority populations.
Background
Racial disparities in health outcomes are influenced by structural factors, including neighborhood disadvantage and residential segregation. Despite desegregation efforts, a significant proportion of Black Medicare beneficiaries are hospitalized in a limited number of hospitals, which often have fewer resources and poorer outcomes.
Data Highlights
This study utilized cross-sectional data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) linked to Medicare claims from January 2011 to December 2020, focusing on hospitalizations among patients aged 65 and older.
Key Findings
Half of all hospitalizations among Black Medicare beneficiaries occurred in only 12% of hospitals.
Hospitals serving Black patients generally have lower revenue, profit, and access to specialty care.
Patients treated in Black-serving hospitals (BSH) have worse outcomes independent of other factors.
Racial differences in outcomes are smaller within BSH compared to other hospitals.
Neighborhood deprivation and healthcare market residential segregation are associated with hospitalization in BSH.
Black patients are more likely to be hospitalized at a BSH even if it is further away.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of the structural factors contributing to racial disparities in hospital admissions.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the need to understand the factors influencing hospital admissions among Black and minority populations.
