How cultural competency can help reduce health disparities.

Radiologic technologists encounter patients from a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Reduced income and access to health care among minority and immigrant populations accounts for many health disparities. Enhancing cultural competency among health care providers and providing culturally appropriate services can improve communication, access to health care, and eventually health outcomes. Although awareness of a patient's ethnic or racial background can aid in screening and diagnosis, patient-centered care requires that everyone be seen as individuals first and members of a racial or ethnic minority second.