There are striking racial and class-based disparities in health care. Racial and ethnic inequalities remain when socioeconomic factors are parceled out. Such inequities are profoundly disturbing in the United States, given the nation's philosophical commitment to equality. Communication can play an important part in reducing health care inequities. This introductory article discusses contributions communication can make, briefly summarizes the cross-disciplinary articles in this issue, and describes challenges that lie ahead.
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Kressin, N. R., & Petersen, L. A. (2001). Racial differences in the use of invasive cardiovascular procedures: Reviewof the literature and prescription for future research. Annals of Internal Medicine, 135, 352-366.
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Marmot, M. (2004). The status syndrome: How social standing affects our health and longevity. New York: Times Books.
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Satel, S. (2000). PC, M.D.: How political correctness is corrupting medicine. New York: Basic Books.
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