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Does Diversity Matter for Health?Experimental Evidence from Oakland
Marcella Alsan
with
Owen Garrick and Grant Graziani
Stanford Medical School and NBERBridge Clinical Research, UC Berkeley
December 2018
This Study
This study examines a recommendation of leading medical institutes, to diversify the physicianworkforce, on health behaviors. Consensus Statements
This Study
I Tests whether African-American men increase their take-up of preventive care whenrandomly assigned to an African-American male doctor.
MotivationRacial Health Disparities
I African-American men have the highest all-cause age-adjusted mortality of any majordemographic group in the U.S. (Ravenell et al. 2008). Pie Chart
MotivationRacial Health Disparities
I African-American men have the highest all-cause age-adjusted mortality of any majordemographic group in the U.S.(Ravenell et al. 2008). Pie Chart
I Most of the gap between black and white men is driven by cardiovascular disease, cancerand stroke (Harper et al. 2012, JAMA)
I While premature mortality from CVD and cancer somewhat preventable,African-American men are less likely to use preventive care. Prevention
I Lack of insurance does not fully account for utilization differences (Dunlop et al 2002).
I Although many factors influence demand for prevention (e.g. information, liquidity,self-control) medical studies have pointed to beliefs, including mistrust as a potentialfactor. (Powell Hammond et al. 2010).
MotivationRacial Health Disparities
I African-American men have the highest all-cause age-adjusted mortality of any majordemographic group in the U.S.(Ravenell et al. 2008). Pie Chart
I Most of the gap between black and white men is driven by cardiovascular disease, cancerand stroke (Harper et al. 2012, JAMA)
I While premature mortality from CVD and cancer somewhat preventable,African-American men are less likely to use preventive care. Prevention
I Lack of insurance does not fully account for utilization differences (Dunlop et al 2002).
I Although many factors influence demand for prevention (e.g. information, liquidity,self-control) medical studies have pointed to beliefs, including mistrust as a potentialfactor. (Powell Hammond et al. 2010).
Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male
I Leverage sharp timing along with other dimensions of variation (demographic,geographic/migratory) - find significant effects of TSUS disclosure on utilization,mortality and mistrust in short-run. (Alsan and Wanamaker, 2017). TSUS Event Study
Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male
I Leverage sharp timing along with other dimensions of variation (demographic,geographic/migratory) - find significant effects of TSUS disclosure on utilization,mortality and mistrust in short-run. (Alsan and Wanamaker, 2017). TSUS Event Study
Concordance
I Would black men’s demand for preventive care be higher with a racially concordantdoctor?
I Evidence of concordance effect in Labor markets Stoll, Raphael, and Holzer 2004; Giuliano,Levine, and Leonard 2009; Hjort 2014; Glover, Pallais, and Pariente 2017).
I Evidence of concordance effect in Education system (Ehrenberg Goldhaber and Brewer 1995;Dee 2004, 2005; Bettinger and Long 2005; Carrell, Page, and West 2010; Lusher, Campbell, and Carrell2018).
I Findings from Healthcare more mixed (meta-analysis by Meghani et al. 2009).
I May be due to methodological differences, convenient sample of people “in thesystem” (EHR), not focused on prevention. Concordance MEPS
This study uses a randomized design, recruiting subjects from the community and will focusspecifically on the demand for preventive care among African-American men.
Concordance
I Would black men’s demand for preventive care be higher with a racially concordantdoctor?
I Evidence of concordance effect in Labor markets Stoll, Raphael, and Holzer 2004; Giuliano,Levine, and Leonard 2009; Hjort 2014; Glover, Pallais, and Pariente 2017).
I Evidence of concordance effect in Education system (Ehrenberg Goldhaber and Brewer 1995;Dee 2004, 2005; Bettinger and Long 2005; Carrell, Page, and West 2010; Lusher, Campbell, and Carrell2018).
I Findings from Healthcare more mixed (meta-analysis by Meghani et al. 2009).
I May be due to methodological differences, convenient sample of people “in thesystem” (EHR), not focused on prevention. Concordance MEPS
This study uses a randomized design, recruiting subjects from the community and will focusspecifically on the demand for preventive care among African-American men.
Concordance
I Would black men’s demand for preventive care be higher with a racially concordantdoctor?
I Evidence of concordance effect in Labor markets Stoll, Raphael, and Holzer 2004; Giuliano,Levine, and Leonard 2009; Hjort 2014; Glover, Pallais, and Pariente 2017).
I Evidence of concordance effect in Education system (Ehrenberg Goldhaber and Brewer 1995;Dee 2004, 2005; Bettinger and Long 2005; Carrell, Page, and West 2010; Lusher, Campbell, and Carrell2018).
I Findings from Healthcare more mixed (meta-analysis by Meghani et al. 2009).
I May be due to methodological differences, convenient sample of people “in thesystem” (EHR), not focused on prevention. Concordance MEPS
This study uses a randomized design, recruiting subjects from the community and will focusspecifically on the demand for preventive care among African-American men.
Concordance
I Would demand for preventive care be higher with a racially concordant doctor?
I Evidence of concordance in Labor markets (Glover, Pallais, and Pariente 2017; Stoll, Raphael,and Holzer 2004; Giuliano, Levine, and Leonard 2009; Hjort 2014).
I Evidence of concordance in Education system (Ehrenberg 1995; Dee 2004, 2005; Bettinger andLong 2005; Carrell, Page, and West 2010; Lusher, Campbell, and Carrell 2018).
I Findings from Healthcare more mixed (meta-analysis by Meghani et al. 2009).
I May be due to methodological differences, convenient sample of people “in thesystem” (EHR), not focused on prevention. Concordance MEPS
This study uses a randomized design, recruiting subjects from the community and will focusspecifically on preventive care for African-American men.
Overview of Study DesignTwo-stage ‘double-blind’ randomized design at the individual level
I Stage One: Ex AnteI Subject introduced to randomly assigned doctor via photo on tablet.I Subject selects preventive services via tablet.I Random subset of subjects also receive flu vaccination incentive.
I Stage Two: Ex PostI Subject interacts with doctor in person.I Subject revises service selection.I Subject receives services chosen from assigned doctor.
I Hypotheses TestedI Aversion to MD different race → Learning MD black via tablet ↑ demand (Ex Ante).I Better within-race pair interaction → Meeting with black MD ↑ demand (Ex Post).
Overview of Study DesignTwo-stage ‘double-blind’ randomized design at the individual level
I Stage One: Ex AnteI Subject introduced to randomly assigned doctor via photo on tablet.I Subject selects preventive services via tablet.I Random subset of subjects also receive flu vaccination incentive.
I Stage Two: Ex PostI Subject interacts with doctor in person.I Subject revises service selection.I Subject receives services chosen from assigned doctor.
I Hypotheses TestedI Aversion to MD different race → Learning MD black via tablet ↑ demand (Ex Ante).I Better within-race pair interaction → Meeting with black MD ↑ demand (Ex Post).
Preview of Results
I Ex Ante Results (photo only): No impact of doctor race.I Ex Post Results (in-person meeting): Large impact of doctor race.
I Strongest for invasive services.
I Mechanism?I Evidence suggests findings driven by better communication within concordant pair.I Test but find little support for alt. mechanisms such as other chars. correlated with race in
our sample of 14 doctors (i.e. quality, effort) outliers or discrimination.
Preview of Results
I Ex Ante Results (photo only): No impact of doctor race.I Ex Post Results (in-person meeting): Large impact of doctor race.
I Strongest for invasive services.
I Mechanism?I Evidence suggests findings driven by better communication within concordant pair.I Test but find little support for alt. mechanisms such as other chars. correlated with race in
our sample of 14 doctors (i.e. quality, effort) outliers or discrimination.
Preview of Results
I Ex Ante Results (photo only): No impact of doctor race.I Ex Post Results (in-person meeting): Large impact of doctor race.
I Strongest for invasive services.
I Mechanism?I Evidence suggests findings driven by better communication within concordant pair.
I Test but find little support for alt. mechanisms such as other chars. correlated with race inour sample of 14 doctors (i.e. quality, effort) outliers or discrimination.
Preview of Results
I Ex Ante Results (photo only): No impact of doctor race.I Ex Post Results (in-person meeting): Large impact of doctor race.
I Strongest for invasive services.
I Mechanism?I Evidence suggests findings driven by better communication within concordant pair.I Test but find little support for alt. mechanisms such as other chars. correlated with race in
our sample of 14 doctors (i.e. quality, effort) outliers or discrimination.
Outline
1. Experimental Design
2. Conceptual Framework
3. Empirical Framework
4. Participation and Balance
5. Results
6. Mechanisms
7. External Validity and Valuation
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Experimental Design Overview
Did not redeem coupon Redeemed coupon
Recruitment
Randomization
Ex Ante Choice
Non-black doctor Black doctor
None
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
$5 $10None $5 $10
Recruitment
I Black men recruited from ˜20 barbershopsand two flea markets around the East Bay.
I Individuals who completed baseline survey(regarding health and demographics)received voucher for free haircut.
I Given a coupon for free health screening.
I Uber donated ride-sharing services.
Coupon
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED COUPON
RANDOMIZED AT CLINIC
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Redeem Coupon at Clinic
I To facilitate our experiment, set up aclinic.
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED
COUPON
RANDOMIZED AT CLINIC
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Redeem Coupon at Clinic
I To facilitate our experiment, set up aclinic.
I Hired 14 doctors and about 25field/clinic staff.
I Double blind. Oakland Men’s HealthDisparities Project.
I Doctors role: provide information onbenefits of preventive care and provideselected services.
I Doctors instructed to encourage allpatients to obtain all services.
I Doctors compensated for shift- workedon their “off” Saturdays.
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED
COUPON
RANDOMIZED AT CLINIC
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Randomization
I Subjects entered clinic if had validcoupon, received a wait slip.
I Escorted to waiting room until numbercalled.
I Escorted to private patient room.I Given incentive payment for showing up.I Received tablet which did in-form
randomization (SurveyCTO).
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED COUPON
RANDOMIZATION
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Ex Ante Stage
I Ex ante — patient introduced to assigneddoctor on tablet.
I Selects from following services:I Weight and heightI Blood pressureI Diabetes (required blood sample)I Cholesterol (required blood sample)I Flu vaccination (required
injection/incentivized, screen forcontraindication if selected )
I None of the above also an option
Tablet
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED COUPON
RANDOMIZED AT CLINIC
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Ex Post Stage
I Ex post — patient interacts with doctorin person.
I Revises choices.I Receives chosen services.I Fill out feedback form privately.I Escorted out of clinic.
RECRUITMENT
DID NOT REDEEM COUPON REDEEMED COUPON
RANDOMIZED AT CLINIC
Ex Ante Choice –
Select Services
NON-BLACK DOCTOR BLACK DOCTOR
NONE $5 $10 NONE $5 $10
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice –
Revise Selection,
Receive Services
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
Design and Flow
Not Redeem (667) Redeem Coupon (707)
Recruitment (1,374)
Randomization (637)
Ex Ante Choice
Non-black doctor (324) Black doctor (313)
None (96)
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
BMI BP DIA CHO FLU
PATIENT INTERACTS WITH DOCTOR IN PERSON
SUBJECT FEEDBACK
Ex Post Choice
PATIENT SEES DOCTOR PHOTO ON TABLET
$5 (106) $10 (111) $5 (96) $10 (108)
12 Not Self-identify Af-Am
02 Women
06 Missing Consent
50 Attrit
None (120)
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex ante (Becker1957).
I Doctors provide accurate information so subjects can update their beliefs upon interactingwith them. Yet whether information is effectively communicated can depend on socialdistance, δr , and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex post (Tabellini2008).
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex ante (Becker1957).
I Doctors provide accurate information so subjects can update their beliefs upon interactingwith them. Yet whether information is effectively communicated can depend on socialdistance, δr , and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex post (Tabellini2008).
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex ante (Becker1957).
I Doctors provide accurate information so subjects can update their beliefs upon interactingwith them. Yet whether information is effectively communicated can depend on socialdistance, δr , and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex post (Tabellini2008).
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex ante (Becker1957).
I Doctors provide accurate information so subjects can update their beliefs upon interactingwith them. Yet whether information is effectively communicated can depend on socialdistance, δr , and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race ex post (Tabellini2008).
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race in the ex antestage (Becker 1957).
I Doctors (in our experiment) provide accurate medical information that would allowsubjects to update their beliefs upon interacting with their assigned MD. Yet whether suchinformation is effectively communicated can depend on social distance δr (Tabellini 2008).
Framework and Hypotheses Tested
I Develop a simple model to formalize hypotheses tested and facilitate interpretation of theresults.
I Patients may hold false beliefs about the value of preventive health benefits, b,discounting by βi (Pauly and Blavin 2008; Baicker, Mullainathan and Schwartzstein 2015). Beliefs
I Patients may have a strong aversion for doctors of a given race, dr , which is additive todisutility c and would manifest as differential take-up across doctor race in the ex antestage (Becker 1957).
I Doctors (in our experiment) provide accurate medical information that would allowsubjects to update their beliefs upon interacting with their assigned MD. Yet whether suchinformation is effectively communicated can depend on social distance δr (Tabellini 2008).
Ex Ante Stage (0)Patient Assigned Doctor on Tablet
I Ex ante utility:
U0i = βi · b− c − drj . (1)
I where d is the non-negative psychic cost associated with the assignment of doctor j fromrace group {black,white}, as rj=b and rj=w β ∼ U [0, 1] and c + d ≤ b.
I Yields three cases based on whether aversion for different race, same race (internalizedracism) or absent/equal across all races. Ex Ante Stage - Cases
Ex Post Stage (1)Patient Interacts with Doctor in Person
I Doctors provide medical information to disabuse patients of false beliefs, ε∗i , defined asε∗i = (1− βi )b.
I Yet whether the information is credible/comprehensible may depend on social distance,∆rji , which reflects the difference between the race of assigned doctor j and race ofpatient i (i.e. | rj − ri |), with rj=b = ri=b = 1 and rj=w = 0.
I Ex post utility:
U1i = βi · b− c + (1− δ1
∆rij )ε∗i − drj . (2)
I Yields three cases based on whether communication facilitated across or within race pair.
Ex Post Stage - Cases
Summary of Predictions
I If there is aversion for doctors of a particular race (i.e. drj ) it will be reflected by choicesin the ex ante stage.
I Aversion could be augmented or offset by patient-doctor interaction in the second stage.
I If there is no differential effect ex ante, differences in the ex post stage will primarilyreflect differences in patient-doctor relation (i.e. δ1
∆rij ).
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Empirical Framework: Model
Yi = α + β1 · 1BlackMDi + β2 · 1$5
i + β3 · 1$10i + Γ′Xi + εi (3)
where:
I i represents an individual subject
I Yi is the selection of preventive services
I 1BlackMDi is an indicator for black MD
I 1$5i is an indicator for a $5 incentive for the flu vaccination
I 1$10i is an indicator for a $10 incentive for the flu vaccination
I Xi are subject characteristics (included in some specifications)
I β1 is the ITT/TOT (given perfect compliance).
I multiple inference - control for FDR (Anderson 2008); make an “index”
Identification: E (εi |1Ti ) = 0
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Participation
1,374 recruited
At Oakland barbershops & flea markets
667
Did not redeem clinic coupon
707
Redeemed clinic coupon
ParticipationDemographic Characteristics
Uninsured Age Married Unemployed≤ High School
EducationLow Income SSI/DI/UI
0.038 3.411*** -0.058*** 0.129*** 0.190*** 0.198*** 0.113***(0.027) (0.811) (0.022) (0.025) (0.029) (0.027) (0.024)
Mean 0.24 41.06 0.20 0.18 0.44 0.25 0.18Observations 1,074 1,241 1,201 1,176 1,141 1,171 1,198
Clinic Presentation
ParticipationHealth Characteristics
Self-Reported Health
Any Health Problem
Hospital Visits
ER VisitsNights
HospitalMedical Mistrust
Has Primary MD
-0.126*** 0.033 0.244 0.513*** -0.332 -0.011 -0.072**(0.025) (0.028) (0.469) (0.183) (0.746) (0.042) (0.029)
Mean 0.81 0.57 4.74 1.24 1.93 1.64 0.69Observations 1,148 1,241 935 1,031 1,041 1,232 1,096
Clinic Presentation
Results on Balance and Attrition
I Only 2 of 72 tests significant: non-black - $10 less likely to be insured and have lowerself-reported health.
I Attrition not different across arms.
Mean (S.D.)
Non-Black MD - $5
Non-Black MD - $10
Black MD - $0
Black MD - $5
Black MD - $10
Attrition 0.03 0.022 0.045 0.031 0.015 -0.029(0.18) (0.033) (0.034) (0.034) (0.031) (0.025)
I F-test: 1.715 (p-value: 0.129)
Full Table
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Ex Ante Preventives - Non-Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Blood Pressure (56%)
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
BMI (50%)
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Diabetes (37%)
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Cholesterol (35%)
Ex Ante Preventives - Non-Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu Vaccine: Non-Incentivized (20%)
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu Vaccine: Incentivized (43%)
Ex Ante Preventives - Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Blood Pressure (58%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
BMI (52%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Diabetes (43%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Cholesterol (36%)
Ex Ante Preventives - Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu Vaccine: Non-Incentivized (17%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu Vaccine: Incentivized (43%)
Effects on Ex Ante Preventives
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes Cholesterol Flu
VaccinationShare of 4
Tests
0.025 0.023 0.050 0.010 -0.009 0.027(0.039) (0.040) (0.039) (0.038) (0.037) (0.030)
0.028 -0.059 0.085* 0.067 0.192*** 0.030
(0.048) (0.049) (0.048) (0.047) (0.043) (0.037)
-0.023 -0.009 0.028 -0.014 0.299*** -0.004
(0.048) (0.048) (0.047) (0.045) (0.043) (0.036)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.295 0.300 0.238 0.083 0.026 0.366
Control Mean 0.56 0.50 0.37 0.35 0.20 0.44
Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Effects on Ex Ante Preventives
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes Cholesterol Flu
VaccinationShare of 4
Tests
0.025 0.023 0.050 0.010 -0.009 0.027(0.039) (0.040) (0.039) (0.038) (0.037) (0.030)
0.028 -0.059 0.085* 0.067 0.192*** 0.030
(0.048) (0.049) (0.048) (0.047) (0.043) (0.037)
-0.023 -0.009 0.028 -0.014 0.299*** -0.004(0.048) (0.048) (0.047) (0.045) (0.043) (0.036)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.295 0.300 0.238 0.083 0.026 0.366
Control Mean 0.56 0.50 0.37 0.35 0.20 0.44
Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Ex Post Preventives - Non-Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Blood Pressure (56% → 72%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
BMI (50% → 60%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Diabetes (37% → 42%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Cholesterol (35% → 36%)
Ex Post Preventives - Non-Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu: Non-Incentivized (20% → 18%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu: Incentivized (43% → 40%)
Ex Post Preventives - Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Blood Pressure (58% → 82%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
BMI (52% → 76%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Diabetes (43% → 63%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Cholesterol (35% → 62%)
Ex Post Preventives - Black Doctors
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu: Non-Incentivized (17% → 28%)
Non-Black MD
Black MD
Non-Black MD
Black MD
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flu: Incentivized (43% → 50%)
I Milkman et al. Vaccination rate 33% among employees at large firm - increased by 1.5ppt with prompt to write down date and 4 ppt. to write down both date/time.
Flu Vaccination - Ex Post, by MD Race
Effects on Ex Post Preventives
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes CholesterolFlu
VaccinationShare of 4
Tests
0.107*** 0.161*** 0.204*** 0.256*** 0.100*** 0.182***(0.033) (0.036) (0.039) (0.038) (0.038) (0.029)
0.044 0.019 0.110** 0.065 0.221*** 0.059*(0.040) (0.045) (0.048) (0.048) (0.045) (0.035)
-0.026 -0.010 0.054 -0.004 0.219*** 0.003(0.041) (0.044) (0.047) (0.047) (0.044) (0.035)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.082 0.521 0.240 0.139 0.974 0.120Control Mean 0.72 0.60 0.42 0.36 0.18 0.53Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Effects on Ex Post Preventives
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes CholesterolFlu
VaccinationShare of 4
Tests
0.107*** 0.161*** 0.204*** 0.256*** 0.100*** 0.182***(0.033) (0.036) (0.039) (0.038) (0.038) (0.029)
0.044 0.019 0.110** 0.065 0.221*** 0.059*(0.040) (0.045) (0.048) (0.048) (0.045) (0.035)
-0.026 -0.010 0.054 -0.004 0.219*** 0.003(0.041) (0.044) (0.047) (0.047) (0.044) (0.035)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.082 0.521 0.240 0.139 0.974 0.120Control Mean 0.72 0.60 0.42 0.36 0.18 0.53Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Effect of Black MD for Non-Invasive Tests
0
20
40
60
80
100%
Ex
Pos
t Sel
ectio
n: B
lack
vs.
Non
-Bla
ck (
%)
BP BMI
Non-invasive
Effect of Black MD for Invasive Tests
0
20
40
60
80
100%
Ex
Pos
t Sel
ectio
n: B
lack
vs.
Non
-Bla
ck (
%)
BP BMI Diabetes Flu No $ Chol
Non-invasive
Invasive
Persuasion Rate
Effect of Black MD for Invasive Tests
Ex Ante Ex Post
0.022 0.132***(0.034) (0.030)
-0.167*** -0.269***
(0.023) (0.024)
0.010 0.099***(0.034) (0.033)
Control Mean 0.53 0.66Observations 2,548 2,548
Black Doctor
Invasive Test
Black MD * Invasive Test
Effect of Black MD for Invasive Tests
Ex Ante Ex Post
0.022 0.132***(0.034) (0.030)
-0.167*** -0.269***
(0.023) (0.024)
0.010 0.099***(0.034) (0.033)
Control Mean 0.53 0.66Observations 2,548 2,548
Black Doctor
Invasive Test
Black MD * Invasive Test
Effect of Black MD on Delta Preventives∆ = Shareex post
/∈ flu− Shareex ante
/∈ flu
0
20
40
60
80
100%
-1 -.5 0 .5 1Delta Excluding Flu
Non-Black doctor Black doctor
Effect of Black MD on Delta Preventives
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes CholesterolFlu
VaccineDelta Share
0.082** 0.138*** 0.154*** 0.246*** 0.108*** 0.155***(0.034) (0.033) (0.029) (0.032) (0.033) (0.022)
0.017 0.078* 0.024 -0.002 0.029 0.029
(0.043) (0.043) (0.036) (0.037) (0.039) (0.028)
-0.003 -0.001 0.026 0.010 -0.080* 0.008
(0.040) (0.038) (0.035) (0.038) (0.041) (0.026)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.646 0.053 0.975 0.762 0.010 0.449
Control Mean 0.16 0.11 0.05 0.01 -0.02 0.08
Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Robustness of Results
I Fixed Effects and Alternative Samples Alt. Fixed Effects and Samples
I Additional Subject-level Covariates Add Covariates
I False Discovery Rate Adjusted q-values Adjusted q-values
I Other Concordance Other Concordance
Interpretation of ResultsSample of Doctors
I Doctors received same pay and malpractice coverage, had same instructions and wereblind to fact that race concordance main aspect of study.
I Yet still concern that black doctors “better” in some way.I Show that doctors similar on observables in training, expertise etc.I Show that black doctors perform worse on non-black subjects (see Section on Mechanisms).I Similar study-specific measures of effort and quality across doctor arms (see Section on
Mechanisms).
I Results might be driven by outlier doctors given the sample size.I Test for robustness to leave-one-doctor-out (including best black and worst non-black).I Inference by permutation test randomly re-assigning race, wild-cluster bootstrap, clustering
with DoF adjustment.I Inference using robust standard errors (Athey et al. clarify when to cluster - when estimand is for
population - i.e. two-stage sampling, first sampling clusters than units within clusters, or when treatment isnot assigned at individual level).
Interpretation of ResultsSample of Doctors
I Doctors received same pay and malpractice coverage, had same instructions and wereblind to fact that race concordance main aspect of study.
I Yet still concern that black doctors “better” in some way.
I Show that doctors similar on observables in training, expertise etc.I Show that black doctors perform worse on non-black subjects (see Section on Mechanisms).I Similar study-specific measures of effort and quality across doctor arms (see Section on
Mechanisms).
I Results might be driven by outlier doctors given the sample size.I Test for robustness to leave-one-doctor-out (including best black and worst non-black).I Inference by permutation test randomly re-assigning race, wild-cluster bootstrap, clustering
with DoF adjustment.I Inference using robust standard errors (Athey et al. clarify when to cluster - when estimand is for
population - i.e. two-stage sampling, first sampling clusters than units within clusters, or when treatment isnot assigned at individual level).
Interpretation of ResultsSample of Doctors
I Doctors received same pay and malpractice coverage, had same instructions and wereblind to fact that race concordance main aspect of study.
I Yet still concern that black doctors “better” in some way.I Show that doctors similar on observables in training, expertise etc.I Show that black doctors perform worse on non-black subjects (see Section on Mechanisms).I Similar study-specific measures of effort and quality across doctor arms (see Section on
Mechanisms).
I Results might be driven by outlier doctors given the sample size.I Test for robustness to leave-one-doctor-out (including best black and worst non-black).I Inference by permutation test randomly re-assigning race, wild-cluster bootstrap, clustering
with DoF adjustment.I Inference using robust standard errors (Athey et al. clarify when to cluster - when estimand is for
population - i.e. two-stage sampling, first sampling clusters than units within clusters, or when treatment isnot assigned at individual level).
Interpretation of ResultsSample of Doctors
I Doctors received same pay and malpractice coverage, had same instructions and wereblind to fact that race concordance main aspect of study.
I Yet still concern that black doctors “better” in some way.I Show that doctors similar on observables in training, expertise etc.I Show that black doctors perform worse on non-black subjects (see Section on Mechanisms).I Similar study-specific measures of effort and quality across doctor arms (see Section on
Mechanisms).
I Results might be driven by outlier doctors given the sample size.
I Test for robustness to leave-one-doctor-out (including best black and worst non-black).I Inference by permutation test randomly re-assigning race, wild-cluster bootstrap, clustering
with DoF adjustment.I Inference using robust standard errors (Athey et al. clarify when to cluster - when estimand is for
population - i.e. two-stage sampling, first sampling clusters than units within clusters, or when treatment isnot assigned at individual level).
Interpretation of ResultsSample of Doctors
I Doctors received same pay and malpractice coverage, had same instructions and wereblind to fact that race concordance main aspect of study.
I Yet still concern that black doctors “better” in some way.I Show that doctors similar on observables in training, expertise etc.I Show that black doctors perform worse on non-black subjects (see Section on Mechanisms).I Similar study-specific measures of effort and quality across doctor arms (see Section on
Mechanisms).
I Results might be driven by outlier doctors given the sample size.I Test for robustness to leave-one-doctor-out (including best black and worst non-black).I Inference by permutation test randomly re-assigning race, wild-cluster bootstrap, clustering
with DoF adjustment.I Inference using robust standard errors (Athey et al. clarify when to cluster - when estimand is for
population - i.e. two-stage sampling, first sampling clusters than units within clusters, or when treatment isnot assigned at individual level).
Similar on Observables: Rank of Medical School, Internists, Experience
Medical School Rank: Research
Medical School Rank: Primary Care
Internist Experience
Black Mean 24 23 0.67 15.17
Non-Black Mean 11 16 1.00 12.25
p -value .846 .559 .089 .741
Observations 14 14 14 14
Not Driven by Outliers: Leave-One-Out
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
Leave-One-Doctor-Out
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
I Leave out“best” black and “worst” non-black doctor: βinvasive1 0.11 (0.02) vs. 0.17 (0.02) with all.
Exact Test, Ex Post ShareI Randomly assign doctor race and plot β1’s.
I 214 = 16384 possibilities*
Treatment Coefficient, >97%
0
5
10
15%
-.4 -.2 0 .2 .4Coefficient on Share Take-Up
Delta Exact Test Other Modes of Inference
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Mechanisms
1. Communication.
2. Quality.
3. Effort.
4. Discrimination.
CommunicationExperimental Evidence
Subject Talk to MD
Doctor NotesAbout Subject
Non-Preventive Notes
0.100*** 0.111*** 0.089***(0.039) (0.038) (0.026)
-0.072 0.055 0.001
(0.048) (0.047) (0.033)
-0.085* 0.016 -0.016
(0.047) (0.046) (0.031)
Control Mean 0.35 0.32 0.08
Observations 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
CommunicationExperimental Evidence
Subject Talk to MD
Doctor NotesAbout Subject
Non-Preventive Notes
0.100*** 0.111*** 0.089***(0.039) (0.038) (0.026)
-0.072 0.055 0.001
(0.048) (0.047) (0.033)
-0.085* 0.016 -0.016
(0.047) (0.046) (0.031)
Control Mean 0.35 0.32 0.08
Observations 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
CommunicationExperimental Evidence
Subject Talk to MD
Doctor NotesAbout Subject
Non-Preventive Notes
0.100*** 0.111*** 0.089***(0.039) (0.038) (0.026)
-0.072 0.055 0.001(0.048) (0.047) (0.033)
-0.085* 0.016 -0.016(0.047) (0.046) (0.031)
Control Mean 0.35 0.32 0.08Observations 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Controls for Tests Doctor Comments
Further Evidence on Concordance from a Large Scale Survey
I To complement experimental results, we conducted a survey to understand concordancein the general population.
I 1490 self-identify black and white male respondents.
I Respondents matched educational characteristics of study sample (i.e. 50% had highschool education or less).
I Questions regarding World Health Organization (2003) domains of a responsive healthsystem — quality, access and communication.
I Asked respondents which doctor was most likely to meet certain characteristics.
Quality and ConcordanceResponses near 50%
give you appropriate treatment?
be the most qualified?
35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Percentage selecting MD of same race
Black Respondent White Respondent
Which doctor would...
Quality
Concordance Table
Communication and ConcordanceResponses shift right
understand your concerns best?
you be comfortable discussing concerns with?
give you appropriate treatment?
be the most qualified?
35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Percentage selecting MD of same race
Black Respondent White Respondent
Which doctor would...
Communication
Concordance Table
Heterogeneous EffectsInteraction among those who lack health care experience or are mistrustful of medical field
X = ER VisitsNo Recent Screening
Medical Mistrust
0.012** 0.141** 0.061**(0.006) (0.066) (0.031)
-0.0004 -0.030 -0.017(0.003) (0.040) (0.019)
0.133*** 0.123*** 0.056(0.028) (0.024) (0.053)
Observations 511 604 611
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Heterogeneous EffectsInteraction among those who lack health care experience or are mistrustful of medical field
X = ER VisitsNo Recent Screening
Medical Mistrust
0.012** 0.141** 0.061**(0.006) (0.066) (0.031)
-0.0004 -0.030 -0.017(0.003) (0.040) (0.019)
0.133*** 0.123*** 0.056(0.028) (0.024) (0.053)
Observations 511 604 611
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Heterogeneous EffectsInteraction among those who lack health care experience or are mistrustful of medical field
X = ER VisitsNo Recent Screening
Medical Mistrust
0.012** 0.141** 0.061**(0.006) (0.066) (0.031)
-0.0004 -0.030 -0.017(0.003) (0.040) (0.019)
0.133*** 0.123*** 0.056(0.028) (0.024) (0.053)
Observations 511 604 611
X
Black Doctor
Black Doctor * X
Demographics Hassle Costs Null Heterogeneity Observational Evidence Communication
Utilization and Concordance in MEPSAdult Male Sample
Go To Doctor for Preventive Care
Doctor Listens Understand Doctor
Black Respondent -0.008* -0.013 -0.015(0.005) (0.012) (0.014)
Black MD -0.012 -0.064** -0.066*(0.009) (0.025) (0.040)
Black Resp * Black MD 0.020** 0.082*** 0.080*(0.009) (0.026) (0.041)
Any Insurance 0.004 0.051*** 0.022(0.003) (0.010) (0.013)
Age Categories Yes Yes YesIncome Categories Yes Yes YesEducation Categories Yes Yes YesOther Ethnic/Race Groups Yes Yes YesObservations 32,189 22,118 7,649Years 2005–2015 2005–2015 2011–2015
Full table
Are Black Doctors Higher Quality/Exerting More Effort?
I Proxies for QualityI Rank of medical school, experience in adult primary care.I Legal action (or lack thereof).I Ratings (in and out of experiment).I Errors with testing devices.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria.I Predicting doctor fixed effects.
I Proxies for EffortI Time spent.I Targeting.
Rank of Medical School, Internists, Experience
Medical School Rank: Research
Medical School Rank: Primary Care
Internist Experience
Black Mean 24 23 0.67 15.17
Non-Black Mean 11 16 1.00 12.25
p -value .846 .559 .089 .741
Observations 14 14 14 14
Legal Action
I All doctors were vetted for malpractice suits by Stanford.I 94% of doctors have no paid malpractice claims (Studdert et al. 2016).
Ratings
Subject Rating of Experience
Subject Recommend MD
-0.019 -0.0005(0.048) (0.010)
0.029 0.009(0.065) (0.013)
0.078 0.010(0.056) (0.012)
Control Mean 4.80 0.99Observations 574 597
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Subject Comments
I Vitals.com ratings: black doctor average = 4.32; non-black average = 4.56I Net promoter scores: black doctor average = .987; non-black average = .980I No difference in error rates on devices.
Subjects Not Meeting Study CriteriaI Twelve subjects did not identify as black (still given services as were consented).I 14 percentage points less likely to choose services from black doctors.I This finding is more extreme than 93% of bootstrap coefficients.
Non-Criteria Sample, <93%
0
5
10
15%
-.6 -.3 0 .3 .6Coefficient
Difference-in-differences
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417
Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
I Race explains 85% of the R2
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
I Equivalent to moving from the 80th ranked to the top ranked medical school.
Doctor Fixed Effects
0.161**(0.064)
0.002 0.001(0.004) (0.002)
-0.001 -0.002*(0.001) (0.001)
0.138*** 0.109 0.072(0.044) (0.065) (0.060)
R-squared 0.033 0.062 0.417Observations 14 14 14
Doctor Fixed Effects
Black Doctor
Experience
Medical School Rank
Constant
I Similar with LASSO using doctor chars (black MD coef +/- black MD* yrs experienceselected). Distribution
Proxy for Effort: Time Spent with Patient
I What does time spent represent?
I More tests (Rx effect)?
I Efficiency (or lack thereof)?
I Communication?
Proxy for Effort: Time Spent with Patient
I What does time spent represent?
I More tests (Rx effect)?
I Efficiency (or lack thereof)?
I Communication?
Proxy for Effort: Time Spent with Patient
I What does time spent represent?
I More tests (Rx effect)?
I Efficiency (or lack thereof)?
I Communication?
Proxy for Effort: Time Spent with Patient
I What does time spent represent?
I More tests (Rx effect)?
I Efficiency (or lack thereof)?
I Communication?
Effort: Time Spent with Patient
Length Visit,Minutes
Length Visit,Test Controls
4.384*** 1.016(0.897) (0.718)
3.275*** 0.973(1.126) (0.887)
0.617 -0.369(1.088) (0.861)
Control Mean 20.53 20.53Observations 498 498
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Effort: Time Spent with Patient Similar Once Controlling for Main Effect
Length Visit,Minutes
Length Visit,Test Controls
4.384*** 1.016(0.897) (0.718)
3.275*** 0.973(1.126) (0.887)
0.617 -0.369(1.088) (0.861)
Control Mean 20.53 20.53Observations 498 498
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Effort: No Evidence of Targeting by Black Doctors
X =
0.039 0.024 -0.016 -0.160 -0.154 0.006(0.088) (0.090) (0.075) (0.184) (0.192) (0.140)
0.018 0.047 0.030 0.031 -0.015 -0.046(0.062) (0.062) (0.048) (0.129) (0.129) (0.095)
-0.022 0.234*** 0.256*** 0.058 0.202*** 0.144***(0.076) (0.078) (0.065) (0.043) (0.043) (0.032)
Observations 620 620 620 627 627 627
At-Risk, Cholesterol At-Risk, Diabetes
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Subject values
Discrimination: No Evidence of Differing Thresholds
X =
0.039 0.024 -0.016 -0.160 -0.154 0.006(0.088) (0.090) (0.075) (0.184) (0.192) (0.140)
0.018 0.047 0.030 0.031 -0.015 -0.046(0.062) (0.062) (0.048) (0.129) (0.129) (0.095)
-0.022 0.234*** 0.256*** 0.058 0.202*** 0.144***(0.076) (0.078) (0.065) (0.043) (0.043) (0.032)
Observations 620 620 620 627 627 627
At-Risk, Cholesterol At-Risk, Diabetes
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
I ‘Outcome’ test - if threshold to screen higher, then non-black doctors would be predictedto pick up more disease (see Chandra and Staiger 2017).
I No differences in means nor are there differences in distributions.
I Consistent with study doctors following instructions as well as importance of patientautonomy in decisions about preventive healthcare.
Subject values
Subject Discrimination? : Ex Ante ResultsEx Ante Results
Blood Pressure
BMI Diabetes Cholesterol Flu
VaccinationShare of 4
Tests
0.025 0.023 0.050 0.010 -0.009 0.027(0.039) (0.040) (0.039) (0.038) (0.037) (0.030)
0.028 -0.059 0.085* 0.067 0.192*** 0.030
(0.048) (0.049) (0.048) (0.047) (0.043) (0.037)
-0.023 -0.009 0.028 -0.014 0.299*** -0.004
(0.048) (0.048) (0.047) (0.045) (0.043) (0.036)
$5 = $10 p -value 0.295 0.300 0.238 0.083 0.026 0.366
Control Mean 0.56 0.50 0.37 0.35 0.20 0.44
Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. Quality
I Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. Effort
I Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. Discrimination
I No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Reviewing Evidence on Mechanisms1. Communication
I More likely to talk with doctors about other health and personal matters.I Concordance strongest for healthcare-related communication questions.I Black MD effect greater for those with ↑ mistrust who might be skeptical of information.
2. QualityI Rank of medical school: Black doctors’ schools ranked lower.I Experience: Black doctors slightly more (estimated) years in field, but less likely to be
internists.I Legal action (or lack thereof): No malpractice suits.I Ratings: High for both sets of doctors.I Error rates: Low for both sets of doctors.I Performance on subjects not meeting study criteria: Lower for black doctors.I Doctor fixed effects: Race most important.
3. EffortI Time with patient: similar across treatments after controlling for additional testing.I Targeting: no evidence of targeting by disease presence/severity.
4. DiscriminationI No differences in preventive selections ex ante.I Very high ratings for both sets of doctors ex post.
Outline
1 Experimental Design
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Empirical Framework
4 Participation and Balance
5 Results
6 Mechanisms
7 External Validity and Valuation
Sample and Population Characteristics
U.S., 2016Study
Sample
Age 43.21 43.04
≤ High School Education 0.58 0.63
Uninsured 0.17 0.28
Unemployed 0.07 0.31
Source: U.S. averages are from 2016 ACS
Disease Prevalence
33%41%
30%
29%37%
38%
35%33%
37%
15%18%
9%
Hypertension (BP)
Obesity (BMI)
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
0 10 20 30 40 50Prevalence of Condition (%)
White Male Pop. Black Male Pop. Black Male Sample
Back-of-the-Envelope Health Valuation
I Change prob. of flu vaccine take-up by same amount if give patient ≈ $5 or a blackdoctor.
I This valuation calculation neglects effect on other services.I In setting of misperceptions, demand curve questionable for welfare calculations.
I Use studies that estimate the value of preventive services to estimate health gainassociated with intervention. (Kahn et al. 2010, Dehmer et al. 2017).
I Calculations suggest intervention could lead to a 19% reduction in the black-white gap inmale mortality rates for cardiovascular disease.
I Does not take into account diseases not included in the study (e.g. screening for HIV,prostate cancer).
Issues with Back-of-the Envelope Approach
I Based off studies that assume those who screen positive obtain and followguideline-recommended care.
I Assumes supply of black doctors to treat black patients.
Issues with Back-of-the Envelope Approach
I Based off studies that assume those who screen positive obtain and followguideline-recommended care.
I Assumes supply of black doctors to treat black patients.
Non-Experimental Survey Respondents
understand your concerns best?
you be comfortable discussing concerns with?
give you appropriate treatment?
be the most qualified?
be available near you?
35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Percentage selecting MD of same race
Black Respondent White Respondent
Which doctor would...
Access
Concordance Table Consensus Statements
Conclusion
I Black men randomized to black male doctors increase their uptake of preventive care.
I Results seem to be driven by better communication during the patient-doctor interaction.
I Findings suggest policies that increase the supply of African-American doctors could helpnarrow racial health gaps.
Conclusion
I Black men randomized to black male doctors increase their uptake of preventive care.
I Results seem to be driven by better communication during the patient-doctor interaction.
I Findings suggest policies that increase the supply of African-American doctors could helpnarrow racial health gaps.
Conclusion
I Black men randomized to black male doctors increase their uptake of preventive care.
I Results seem to be driven by better communication during the patient-doctor interaction.
I Findings suggest policies that increase the supply of African-American doctors could helpnarrow racial health gaps.
Gap Largely Explained by Cancer and CVD
Cardiovascular(e.g. heart disease)
Cancers(e.g. lung, prostate)
Communicable(e.g. HIV)
Injuries(e.g. homicide)
Miscellaneous Diseases(e.g. Alzheimer's)
13.9%
16.6%
9.5%
39.8%
18.6%
Motivation
Source: Harper et al. (2012) JAMA
TSUS Event StudyAlsan and Wanamaker (QJE 2017)
Motivation
Utilization in MEPSAdult Male Sample
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Black Respondent -0.008*** -0.007*** -0.005*** -0.005** -0.005**(0.002) (0.002) (0.002) (0.002) (0.002)
Asian Respondent 0.002 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.003(0.003) (0.003) (0.003) (0.003) (0.003)
Hispanic Respondent -0.000 0.001 0.004* 0.004** 0.004**(0.002) (0.002) (0.002) (0.002) (0.002)
Age Categories No Yes Yes Yes YesInsurance No No Yes Yes YesIncome Categories No No No Yes YesEducation Categories No No No No YesObservations 76280 76280 76280 76280 76280
Go To Doctor for Preventive Care
Motivation
Race/Ethnicity of Patients and Doctors in MEPS
White MD Black MD Hispanic MD Asian MDWhite Patient 0.851 0.017 0.039 0.093Black Patient 0.527 0.257 0.065 0.151Hispanic Patient 0.381 0.029 0.439 0.151Asian Patient 0.254 0.009 0.027 0.710
Concordance
I African-Americans make up 12% of population but are only 3.5% of physician workforce.
I 73% (42%) of black doctors seen by black men (women) are male (female).
I Sample includes individuals 18+. Other race is omitted.
Sex of Patients and Doctors in MEPS
Female Male
Female 0.34 0.66
Male 0.17 0.83
Doctor
Pat
ien
t
Concordance
Coupon
Coupon for Free Men's Health Screening
• See a doctor about a free health screeningand receive $50
• Receive free health screening for:1. Diabetes2. Cholesterol3. Height and Weight (Body Mass Index)
4. Blood Pressure
Clinic Address:(See Map on back)
Clinic Hours:11am-5pm
Saturdays only (List dates here)
Subject ID
Redeem Coupon
Recruitment Photo
Redeem Coupon
Tablet Screenshots
Ex Post Stage Flow
Beliefs
I “Flu shot makes me sick.”
I “Fear of being experimented on.”
I Diagnosed with diabetes in the past but,“refused to believe it.”
I Nutritional or other remedies can ward off illness - no need for screening.Framework and Hypotheses Tested
Ex Ante Stage - CasesI Case I Ex Ante: d > 0 if rj=w and d = 0 otherwise
I Fraction of subjects that demand preventives will be strictly greater for those randomized toblack versus white doctors.
I Pr(βi >c+drj=w
b |rj=w ) = 1−(c+drj=w
)
b < 1− cb = Pr(βi >
cb |rj=b)
I Case II Ex Ante: d > 0 if rj=b and d = 0 otherwiseI Black men discriminate against doctors of their own race.
I Pr(βi >cb |rj=w ) > Pr(βi >
c+drj=b
b |rj=b).
I Case III Ex Ante: d = 0 ∀ rj or d > 0 ∀ rjI No aversion to doctors based on their race, or the same level of aversion to doctors
regardless of their race.
I Pr(βi >c+db |rj=w ) = Pr(βi >
c+db |rj=b).
I Pr(βi >cb |rj=w ) = Pr(βi >
cb |rj=b).
Ex Ante Stage (0)
Ex Post Stage - Cases
I Case I Ex Post: 1 =
{1 if ∆rji = 1
0 if ∆rji = 0and δ ∈ (0, 1)
I If patients self-identify as black, then minimizing social distance by pairing such patients withblack doctors dominates pairings with white doctors.
I E[U1|rj=w ] = b− c − δb2 < b− c = E[U1|rj=b].
I Case II Ex Post: 1 =
{0 if ∆rji = 1
1 if ∆rji = 0and δ ∈ (0, 1)
I White doctors are viewed as more credible sources of information than black doctors.
I E[U1|rj=w ] > E[U1|rj=b].
I Case III Ex Post: δ = 0 or δ = 1 for all rjI Either no discounting of information by social distance or the information is discounted fully
from both black or white doctors.
Ex Post Stage (1)
Inference: Exact Test, Delta Share
Treatment Coefficient, >93%
0
5
10
15%
-.4 -.2 0 .2 .4Coefficient on Share Take-Up
Exact Test
Other Modes of Inference
Heteroskedastic robust SEs
Wild cluster bootstrap
Doctor-date cluster robust
0 .005 .01 .015 .02 .025p-value
Ex Post Share Delta Share Invasive
Exact Test
Balance TableMean (S.D.)
Non-Black MD - $5
Non-Black MD - $10
Black MD - $0
Black MD - $5
Black MD - $10
F-test p-value N
Self-Reported Health 0.72 -0.033 -0.181*** 0.007 -0.016 0.004 2.075 0.067 563(0.45) (0.066) (0.067) (0.065) (0.064) (0.063)
Any Health Problem 0.62 -0.026 0.036 -0.015 -0.025 -0.021 0.250 0.940 614(0.49) (0.068) (0.065) (0.069) (0.067) (0.066)
ER Visits 1.69 -0.149 0.867 -0.212 0.145 -0.391 1.336 0.247 511(3.54) (0.434) (0.609) (0.443) (0.558) (0.419)
Nights Hospital 1.20 -0.392 0.839 1.956 -0.214 0.230 1.332 0.249 511(3.52) (0.415) (0.734) (1.490) (0.466) (0.663)
Has Primary MD 0.63 -0.042 0.033 -0.059 0.008 -0.019 0.415 0.838 537(0.49) (0.074) (0.070) (0.073) (0.070) (0.071)
Medical Mistrust 1.61 0.162 -0.046 0.032 0.016 -0.034 0.979 0.430 611(0.74) (0.105) (0.100) (0.105) (0.105) (0.100)
Age 44.96 -1.051 -0.100 -0.261 -1.109 -0.495 0.109 0.990 620(14.76) (1.973) (2.001) (1.982) (2.048) (1.944)
Married 0.14 0.043 -0.037 0.069 -0.015 0.024 1.120 0.348 586(0.35) (0.052) (0.045) (0.055) (0.047) (0.050)
Unemployed 0.32 -0.045 -0.008 -0.051 0.008 0.025 0.394 0.853 570(0.47) (0.066) (0.066) (0.065) (0.065) (0.065)
High School Education 0.62 0.006 -0.006 -0.029 0.055 0.034 0.344 0.886 556(0.49) (0.070) (0.070) (0.072) (0.068) (0.068)
Low Income 0.47 -0.026 -0.033 -0.043 0.022 -0.042 0.258 0.936 571(0.50) (0.072) (0.071) (0.072) (0.070) (0.069)
Uninsured 0.22 0.042 0.146** 0.112 0.057 0.010 1.398 0.223 517(0.42) (0.066) (0.067) (0.070) (0.064) (0.062)
Attrition 0.03 0.022 0.045 0.031 0.015 -0.029 1.715 0.129 684(0.18) (0.033) (0.034) (0.034) (0.031) (0.025)
Attrition
Flu Vaccination - Ex Ante
Black Doctor
Non-Black Doctor
0
20
40
60%
Flu
Take
-Up
$10 $5 $0Incentive Amount
Ex ante flu
Flu Vaccination - Delta, by MD Race
Black Doctor
Non-Black Doctor
-20
-10
0
10
20
Del
ta F
lu, P
erce
ntag
e P
oint
s
$10 $5 $0Incentive Amount
Ex post flu
Persuasion Rate
20
25
30
35
40
45%
Per
suas
ion
Rat
e
BP BMI Diabetes Flu No $ Chol
I f = 100 · yT−yCeT−eC ·1
1−y0(DellaVigna and Gentzkow 2010).
Invasive Tests
Persuasion Rate Comparison
Chol.Dia.
BMI
BP
0 10 20 30 40Persuasion Rate (%)
DG Studies Oakland StudyInvasive Tests
Flu Vaccination - Ex Post, by MD Race
Black Doctor
Non-Black Doctor
0
20
40
60%
Flu
Take
-Up
$10 $5 $0Incentive Amount
Expost Last
Difference-in-Differences, Non-Criteria SubjectsI Delta invasive coefficient on black subject * black MD = .267
Treatment Coefficient, >97%
0
10
20
30%
-.75 -.5 -.25 0 .25 .5 .75Coefficient on Share Take-Up
Non-Criteria
Alternative Fixed EffectsMain coefficients: βex ante
1 = 0.027, βex post1 = 0.182, βdelta
1 = 0.155
Ex Ante Ex Post Delta Ex Ante Ex Post Delta Ex Ante Ex Post Delta
0.036 0.191*** 0.154*** 0.032 0.178*** 0.146*** 0.035 0.184*** 0.149***(0.031) (0.029) (0.022) (0.030) (0.029) (0.022) (0.030) (0.029) (0.022)
0.027 0.062* 0.034 0.032 0.049 0.017 0.026 0.047 0.022(0.037) (0.035) (0.027) (0.036) (0.035) (0.027) (0.037) (0.036) (0.027)
-0.007 0.011 0.018 -0.005 -0.004 0.001 -0.011 -0.007 0.004(0.036) (0.034) (0.025) (0.036) (0.034) (0.025) (0.036) (0.035) (0.026)
Control Mean 0.44 0.53 0.08 0.44 0.53 0.08 0.44 0.53 0.08Observations 637 637 637 637 637 637 618 618 618
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Reception Officer Study Date Recruitment Location
Black Doctor
Robustness
Alternative SamplesMain coefficients: βex ante
1 = 0.027, βex post1 = 0.182, βdelta
1 = 0.155
Ex Ante Ex Post Delta Ex Ante Ex Post Delta Ex Ante Ex Post Delta
0.023 0.176*** 0.153*** 0.016 0.177*** 0.161*** 0.031 0.179*** 0.148***(0.030) (0.028) (0.022) (0.031) (0.029) (0.023) (0.032) (0.030) (0.023)
0.038 0.066* 0.028 0.027 0.064* 0.038 0.033 0.070* 0.037(0.037) (0.035) (0.028) (0.038) (0.036) (0.028) (0.039) (0.037) (0.028)
-0.002 0.006 0.008 -0.009 0.005 0.014 -0.023 -0.005 0.018(0.036) (0.034) (0.025) (0.037) (0.035) (0.026) (0.038) (0.037) (0.026)
Control Mean 0.44 0.53 0.08 0.45 0.53 0.08 0.45 0.52 0.08Observations 651 651 651 623 623 623 578 578 578
$10 Incentive
All Subjects Without Assisted Subjects Strict Specification
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
Robustness
Add CovariatesEx Ante Share, Excluding Flu
Ex Post Share, Excluding Flu
Delta Share, Excluding Flu
Delta Share, Including Flu
0.028 0.181*** 0.153*** 0.144***(0.029) (0.028) (0.022) (0.019)
0.030 0.056 0.026 0.026
(0.035) (0.035) (0.027) (0.024)
0.002 -0.001 -0.003 -0.020
(0.035) (0.034) (0.025) (0.022)
-0.003 -0.005 -0.002 -0.002
(0.006) (0.006) (0.005) (0.004)
0.00003 0.00007 0.00004 0.00002
(0.00007) (0.00007) (0.00005) (0.00005)
-0.106*** -0.060* 0.046* 0.030
(0.035) (0.033) (0.025) (0.022)
-0.166*** -0.093*** 0.073*** 0.053**
(0.033) (0.031) (0.025) (0.022)
0.021 -0.003 -0.023 -0.018
(0.035) (0.034) (0.026) (0.023)
-0.069** -0.107*** -0.038 -0.048**
(0.034) (0.032) (0.027) (0.023)
0.001 -0.017 -0.017 -0.021
(0.040) (0.038) (0.028) (0.025)
Month Fixed Effects Yes Yes Yes Yes
Control Mean 0.44 0.53 0.08 0.04
Observations 637 637 637 637
Self-Assessed Health
Has Primary MD
Uninsured
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Age
Age Squared
≤ High School Education
Low Income
Robustness
Adjusting for False Discovery RateOutcome = βex post
1
0.107 0.161 0.204 0.256 0.100 0.182{0.001} {<0.001} {<0.001} {<0.001} {0.008} {<0.001}{0.005} {0.001} {0.001} {0.001} {0.027} {0.001}
0.105 0.221{0.028} {<0.001}{0.080} {0.001}
0.219{<0.001}{0.001}
Share 4—
Black MD
Flu—
Black MD
Flu—
$5
Flu—
$10
Diabetes—
Black MD
Diabetes—$5
Chol.—
Black MD
BP—
Black MD
BMI—
Black MD
Robustness
Other Types of ConcordanceOutcome = Share of non-incentivized screenings
X =
-0.011 -0.021 -0.003 0.017(0.023) (0.026) (0.052) (0.089)
-0.007 -0.080(0.044) (0.110)
0.153*** 0.153***(0.030) (0.025)
Control Mean 0.16 0.09 0.15 0.08Observations 620 620 556 556
X
X * Black Doctor
Black Doctor
Age, 10 Years Education
Robustness
Distribution of Doctor Fixed Effects: Delta Share
0
20
40
60
80%
0 .1 .2 .3 .4Coefficient
Non-Black Doctor Black Doctor
Doctor Fixed Effects
Distribution of Doctor Fixed Effects: Invasive Services
0
20
40
60
80%
-.1 0 .1 .2 .3Coefficient
Non-Black Doctor Black Doctor
Doctor Fixed Effects
Communication, Controls for Tests
(1) (2) (3)
Subject Talk to MD
Doctor NotesAbout Subject
Non-Preventive Notes
0.095** 0.093** 0.070**(0.045) (0.044) (0.028)
-0.082 0.058 0.007(0.054) (0.054) (0.038)
-0.080 0.017 -0.049(0.054) (0.053) (0.035)
Control Mean 0.35 0.32 0.08Observations 498 498 498
Black Doctor
$5 Incentive
$10 Incentive
Communication
Sample of Doctor Comments
I Black doctor commentsI “needs food, shelter, clothing, job”I “‘flu shot makes you sick,’ he got one.”I “subject yelled at me but then agreed to get flu shot because I recommended it.”
I White doctor commentsI “?Homeless”I “Very appreciative. ‘I decided not to get any shots years ago’”I “Unhappy with what was told.”
Communication
Sample of Subject Comments
I Black men who saw black doctorsI “cool doctor”I “The doctor gave me some great information, friendly staff as well, thank you again.”I “very informative learning experience”
I Black men who saw white doctorsI “It was a great and fast experience, doctor was great as well.”I “very informative, very appreciated.”I “Great experience went by pretty quick. The doctor has provided me with a lot of great
information.”
Ratings
Concordance Table
Black MD White MD Race Match Black MD White MD Race Match Black MD White MD Race Match Race Match
0.350*** -0.055* 0.531*** -0.001 0.241*** -0.255*** -0.047(0.025) (0.030) (0.024) (0.029) (0.024) (0.029) (0.030)
0.273*** 0.479*** 0.175***
(0.029) (0.027) (0.030)
0.144***(0.023)
Mean 0.11 0.27 0.54 0.12 0.19 0.69 0.11 0.43 0.62 0.48R-squared 0.12 0.08 0.03 0.23 0.24 0.04 0.09 0.04 0.07 0.06Observations 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 1,490 2,980
Quality AccessCommunication
Black Respondent
White Respondent
Communication
Which MD most qualified? Which MD understands me? Which MD available near me?
Communication vs. Quality
Communication and Concordance Conclusion
Heterogeneous Effects: Hassle Costs
X = Long Wait Time High Congestion Long Commute
0.181*** 0.142*** 0.090*(0.055) (0.050) (0.046)
-0.005 0.014 0.023(0.030) (0.027) (0.026)
0.109*** 0.100*** 0.108***(0.029) (0.031) (0.028)
Observations 451 451 618
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Heterogeneous Effects
Heterogeneous Effects: Demographics
X = Low IncomeHigh School Education
Younger than 40
0.087* -0.075 0.033(0.047) (0.049) (0.047)
0.053* 0.106*** -0.031(0.029) (0.028) (0.028)
0.112*** 0.192*** 0.136***(0.029) (0.037) (0.028)
Observations 571 556 620
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Heterogeneous Effects
Null Heterogeneous Effects
X = Medical Mistrust Legal Mistrust
0.061** 0.043(0.031) (0.036)
-0.017 -0.030(0.019) (0.021)
0.056 0.040(0.053) (0.091)
Observations 611 527
Black Doctor * X
X
Black Doctor
Heterogeneous Effects
Observational Evidence CommunicationInformation is giving out - communication is getting through. Sydney J. Harris
I Cooper et al. (2016) record and score outpatient visits. Speech speed, patient centeredinterviewing and physician verbal dominance all scored the same. However, ethnicdiscordant visits were characterized by less social talk and lower global ratings of“physician positive affect” which includes interest, friendliness and sympathy.
I Elliot et al. (2015) studied doctors’ interactions with patients at the end of life usingstandardized patients. Although the doctors said similar things to both black and whiteactors posing as patients, they stood closer to the white patients, made more eye contact,and touched them more often.
Heterogeneous Effects
Utilization and Concordance in MEPSAdult Male Sample
Go To Doctor for Preventive Care
Doctor Listens Understand Doctor
Black Respondent -0.008* -0.013 -0.015(0.005) (0.012) (0.014)
Hispanic Respondent -0.002 -0.010 -0.012(0.005) (0.013) (0.016)
Asian Respondent -0.004 -0.020 -0.035(0.007) (0.019) (0.024)
Black MD -0.012 -0.064** -0.066*(0.009) (0.025) (0.040)
Black Resp * Black MD 0.020** 0.082*** 0.080*(0.009) (0.026) (0.041)
Hispanic MD -0.001 -0.028* 0.004(0.005) (0.016) (0.017)
Hisp Resp * Hisp MD 0.001 0.032* -0.004(0.006) (0.018) (0.025)
Asian MD -0.004 -0.015 0.002(0.005) (0.011) (0.014)
Asian Resp * Asian MD 0.003 -0.007 -0.002(0.008) (0.021) (0.028)
White Resp * White MD -0.003 -0.004 0.004(0.005) (0.013) (0.016)
Any Insurance 0.004 0.051*** 0.022(0.003) (0.010) (0.013)
Age Categories Yes Yes YesIncome Categories Yes Yes YesEducation Categories Yes Yes YesObservations 32,661 22,473 7,837Years 2005–2015 2005–2015 2011–2015
MEPS Concordance
Predicting Education/Race through Consumer Behavior
Education Race
Source: Bertrand and Kamenica (2018) Racial Concordance
Results from Clinic Encounter: BMI
Overweight Obese
0
20
40
60%
10 20 30 40 50 60BMI (kg/m2)
Non-Black Doctor Black DoctorThreshold
Kolmogorov-Smirnov p-value: 0.638
Results from Clinic Encounter: Blood Pressure
Pre-Hyp. Hypertension Hypertensive Crisis
0
20
40
60%
100 120 140 160 180 200Systolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)
Non-Black Doctor Black DoctorThreshold
Kolmogorov-Smirnov p-value: 0.362
Results from Clinic Encounter: Cholesterol
High Choletserol
0
20
40
60%
100 150 200 250 300 350 400Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
Non-Black Doctor Black DoctorThreshold
Kolmogorov-Smirnov p-value: 0.757
Results from Clinic Encounter: Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes Diabetes
0
20
40
60%
4 6 8 10 12Hemoglobin A1c (%)
Non-Black Doctor Black DoctorThreshold
Kolmogorov-Smirnov p-value: 0.887
Statements from Leading Medical Institutes
Introduction Conclusion
Statements from Leading Medical Institutes
Introduction Conclusion
Statements from Leading Medical Institutes
Introduction Conclusion
African-American Trends
Share of Medical School Graduates, Black
Share of Population, Black
6
8
10
12
14%
2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
Other trends
Source: AAMC, Census Bureau Population Estimates
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Medical School Representation
Asian
White
Hispanic
Black
0 1 2 3 4Ratio of Share of Medical School Graduates to Share of Total Population, 2014
Source: AAMC, Census Bureau Population Estimates
Physician Shortages in Minority Communities
I In California, Black/Hispanic communities 4x more likely to be designated physicianshortage areas (PSA) regardless of community income.
Source: Komaromy et al. NEJM
Practice Location Choice
I African-American and Hispanic physicians more likely to practice in MUAs.
Asian
White
Latino
Black
0 5 10 15 20 25 30Percentage of Physicians in Medically Underserved Areas, California
Source: Walker, Moreno, and Grumbach (2012)
Occupational Choice
I African-American and Hispanic physicians more likely to work in primary care.
Asian
White
Latino
Black
0 10 20 30 40 50 60Percentage of Physicians Working in Primary Care, 2008 (%)
Conclusion
Source: AAMC (2008)
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