The economics of pain. Mental health care costs among minorities.
In this article, we have underlined the importance of providing high-quality health and mental health services to the ethnic minority populations of the United States. We also have highlighted the complexities associated with the provision of these services, with special attention to the factors affecting health insurance coverage and the patients' socioeconomic conditions. Finally, we have advanced some potential solutions to the current health care crisis, particularly as they relate to minorities. In reviewing these solutions, we have focused primarily on the role of the service providers, third-party payors, poverty, and cultural and language barriers.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas/Houston Health Science Center, USA.
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Alarcon
D003469:Culture; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D007802:Language; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D010146:Pain; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors