Emerging Disparities among Self-Pay Trauma Patients

Authors

Michelle Chino Dr, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Deborah A. Kuhls, University of Nevada School of MedicineFollow
Mark K. Markarian, University of Nevada School of Medicine
Sam Holland, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
John J. Fildes, University of Nevada School of MedicineFollow

Keywords

Health insurance; Hispanic Americans; Hispanics; Medical care; Cost of; Medically uninsured persons; Nevada; Trauma centers; Traumatic injury; Uninsured; Wounds and injuries – Treatment – Costs

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Health Services Research | Medicine and Health | Public Health | Race and Ethnicity

Abstract

Preliminary results from a study of trauma patients in Southern Nevada are yielding some unexpected findings with implications for both trauma centers and the growing Hispanic population. Hispanic patients are more likely to be self pay irrespective of income level and employment status when compared to non-Hispanic patient groups. Further, self pay Hispanics, unlike their non-Hispanic, self pay counterparts, tend to be employed, have families, and report stable living conditions. The implication is that the financial and social cost of traumatic injury may place a significant burden on trauma centers, patients, their families and the community.

Recommended Citation

Chino, Michelle Dr; Kuhls, Deborah A.; Markarian, Mark K.; Holland, Sam; and Fildes, John J. (2007) "Emerging Disparities among Self-Pay Trauma Patients," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 1: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol1/iss3/8