Introducing - Intention to Treat: Money and Misdiagnosis
Summary
This episode of The Race Equation examines how race-corrected lung function tests have led to underdiagnosis and reduced disability benefits for Black veterans. Reporter Rachel Gottbaum shares the stories of veterans Marcus and Richard, who suffered from undetected severe lung disease due to biased algorithms. Doctors Peter Sporn and Cheryl Connor discuss their efforts to implement race-neutral testing, highlighting the financial and health disparities caused by these flawed medical practices.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Race correction in medical disability benefits
Marcus's story: Gulf War veteran with undiagnosed lung disease
The impact of race-corrected spirometry on diagnosis
Financial consequences: Lost disability benefits for Black veterans
Doctors advocate for race-neutral testing at Jesse Brown VA
How PFT scores determine VA compensation amounts
Richard's story: Vietnam veteran re-evaluated with new tests
VA freezes nationwide switch to race-neutral testing
Study reveals $1 billion in potential benefit changes
Federal DEI bans chill advocacy efforts within the VA
Conclusion and preview of next episode on pulse oximeters
Listen ad-free on Castria