Health Affairs Article

Senator Bill Frist
03/08/2005

I am pleased that the respected national health policy journal Health Affairs will publish an article that I wrote entitled "Overcoming Disparities in U.S. Health Care." The piece, which will appear in tomorrow's edition, outlines a broad view of the causes of health disparities and proposes solutions for closing quality gaps. Click here to read an embargoed copy of the article. I would welcome any feedback or comments.

Eliminating health care disparities is one of the greatest challenges our nation's health care system faces. As I wrote, "these gaps in access and quality are essentially warnings from the most vulnerable of more widespread challenges. We must act swiftly to define this problem correctly so we can confront it directly."

Having spent this past weekend at a commemorative march honoring America's Civil Rights leaders, I have a deep appreciation for how the principle of equality shaped our nation's history. Reducing health care disparities is a matter of fairness, and a necessary next step towards realizing the vision of a truly equal society shared by our nation's founders.

The article summarizes the current status of health care disparities in America, and outlines my vision for how these challenges can be addressed. It includes specific recommendations for improving quality and access in health care including expanded quality reporting, physician training, and research efforts.

I am hopeful that these proposals will build on past progress and provide the basis for targeted legislation this Congress to address disparities.

Again, please click here to read an embargoed copy of the journal article.




Bill Frist

bf_rfsl_010705