This cross-sectional study examined racial and ethnic disparities in diagnostic testing rates in acute care settings across four U.S. states from 2016 to 2018. Using a diagnostic intensity index, the study evaluated the likelihood of receiving tests related to nonspecific diagnoses like abdominal pain and chest pain among over 3.6 million emergency department (ED) discharges, observation stays, and hospital admissions. Results showed that Black patients had a 26% lower odds of receiving diagnostic tests compared to White patients discharged from the ED with similar conditions. No other racial or ethnic group exhibited disparities of similar magnitude. These findings raise important questions about potential diagnostic overuse in White patients versus undertesting in Black patients, warranting further investigation.

Ellenbogen MI, Weygandt PL, Newman-Toker DE, Anderson A, Rim N, Brotman DJ. Race and Ethnicity and Diagnostic Testing for Common Conditions in the Acute Care Setting. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2430306. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.30306