Medical care utilization by Hispanic children. How does it differ from black and white peers?

Factors associated with the utilization of medical care by Hispanic, black Non-Hispanic, and white Non-Hispanic children were analyzed using multivariate regression techniques on a Health Interview Survey sample. The findings indicate that Medicaid coverage was the sharpest enhancer of entry into care for Hispanics and blacks, contributing significantly to the amount of physician visits. While financial factors seemed more influential determinants of physician contacts for minorities, perceived health needs appeared to be important contributors to entry into health care for white children. Such differences reveal that important racial-ethnic disparities persist with respect to physician utilization among children. Improved insurance coverage for Hispanics, particularly children of Mexican origin, is suggested as an important intervention to facilitate access for this population.