Cultural competency

Culture is a major factor in how people respond to:

• Health services
• How they experience illness
• How they access care
• How they approach the process of getting well

Patient satisfaction and even positive health outcomes are directly related to good communication between a member and his or her provider.

A culturally competent provider effectively communicates with patients and understands their individual concerns. It is incumbent on providers to make sure patients understand their care regimen.

The Medicaid population in Ohio is approximately xx percent African American and xx percent Hispanic. Many live in long-term care and residential settings (xx percent) and participate in HCBS waiver programs (approximately xx percent). Each segment of this population requires special sensitivities and strategies to embrace cultural differences.

Training resources for our providers

As part of our cultural competency program, we provide information to our providers on the Office of Minority Health's web-based A Physician's Guide to Culturally Competent Care. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians endorse this program, which provides up to 9.0 hours of category 1 AMA credits at no cost.

In addition, as an Aetna Better Health provider, you have access to free online education modules provided by Aetna. Earn CMEs through courses on topics such as "Closing the Healthcare Gap and Quality Interactions". You can view the catalog of courses.