Predictors of patient inclusion in treatment decisions: evidence from the 2013 medical expenditure panel survey

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between patient race/ethnicity and inclusion in treatment decisions using the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (N = 21690). A binary logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship, as well as the mediating effects of education, number of medical visits, insurance coverage, and chronic condition diagnoses after controlling for gender and age. Hispanic, black, and Asian patients were all less likely than white patients to always be included in treatment decisions. Differences in education, number of medical visits, and insurance coverage partially explained the difference in inclusion in treatment decisions for Latinx and black patients, with insurance coverage having the largest influence on inclusion in treatment decisions. Chronic condition diagnoses only had a minor effect on Asian patients' inclusion in treatment decisions.