We Ask Because We Care

At Hartford HealthCare, we like to say we're the best at getting better.

To do this, we must be dedicated to getting to know our patients and anything that may influence their health. In part, this means we ask every patient questions about race, ethnicity and preferred language. We know the categories for race and ethnic background do not completely represent a complex, personal topic like racial and ethnic identity.

It's up to you if you answer these questions, but we ask because we care about you and want to better serve you and make sure you receive the highest quality care tailored to your unique needs. 

What is ‘We Ask Because We Care?’

We want to make sure each patient gets the best care possible. We Ask Because We Care is a way for you to tell us about yourself and it will help us:

• Better understand the communities we serve.
• Understand the need for interpreter services and provide them so patients receive the highest level of care.
• Identify opportunities to customize and improve care for different groups of patients.
• Fulfill regulatory and compliance obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is asking about race, ethnicity and language important?
Our goal is to provide you with the best care possible. To do this, we need to understand you.  Information about your race and ethnicity helps us identify any increased risks you may have for certain diseases. Knowing your language preference helps us get you any needed translation services and/or multilingual resources.

Currently, the data available on patient race, ethnicity and preferred language is limited or wrong. Knowing these things is important to know our progress in improving quality of care for all and eliminating disparities.

Who will ask me these questions?
Hartford HealthCare colleagues in our call centers, at registration desks or an office front desk ask these questions. You may also be asked by other members of your care team.

What if I’d rather not speak to someone about this information?
That’s ok! You can enter this information yourself when you electronically check in for an appointment or on the Hartford HealthCare patient portal MyChart Plus. You can enter as much or as little information as you want. For more information about MyChart Plus, go to the MyChart Plus signup page.

Who sees the information? Is it shared?
Any information you provide is confidential and protected by the HIPAA law. It will only be accessible by healthcare providers if they need it to care for you.

Don’t you have this information already?
Yes, we may but not always. We want to be sure we have the correct information for every patient so we can continue to ensure everyone gets the best care regardless race or ethnicity.

What if I belong to more than one race?
You may choose any/all races that best represent you.

Who are you collecting this information from?
We are asking all our patients to answer these questions.

Is it mandatory to provide race and ethnicity?
No, you do not have to answer these questions.

Definitions to help you understand what we’re asking and why

• Race: A broad social political characterization of people based on social, cultural and/or physical characteristics.
• Ethnicity: A social category based upon cultural factors such as nationality, regional culture, language and family history. Often, it’s simply if you identify as “Hispanic or Latino/a/e” or “Not Hispanic or Latino/a/e.
• Ethnic background: The part(s) of the world you or your ancestors are from.
• Preferred language: The language you feel most comfortable speaking when talking with healthcare teams.
• Health disparity: A health difference that is linked with economic, social or environmental disadvantage.
• Health inequities: According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, it means, “Differences in health outcomes that are systematic, avoidable and unjust. Inequities are created when barriers prevent individuals and communities from accessing conditions for well-being.”

Questions?

If you have questions, please email centerforequity@hhchealth.org.

For More Information

Go to https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/understanding-racial-ethnic-identity-in-federal-data-impacts-health-disparities.