Boost Your GYN Health IQ

Overcoming healthcare inequality

Long before the pandemic caused many women to put off important health screenings, there were inequalities in healthcare for people of color. Wellstar physicians are doing everything they can to address, impact and make lasting change so healthcare is available to every woman in Georgia.

“We’re seeing disproportionate numbers of women from Black and Brown communities with a higher incidence of disease and poorer outcomes,” said Dr. Hines, who also serves as Wellstar’s Medical Director of Diversity Inclusion & Health Equity.

But there’s good news. The American Journal of Public Health studied factors that keep women of color from obtaining preventative healthcare, which showed promising results. Regardless of race and ethnicity, women of color were at least twice as likely to receive preventative care as those who did not have a dedicated healthcare provider.

“The take-home message is to see your provider annually,” Dr. Hines encouraged. “We have mechanisms to make opportunities for women at highest risk to get those screenings done. There are vouchers for mammograms and medical residency programs that offer Pap smears at a low cost.”

Visit Wellstar’s Center for Health Equity to learn more about how Wellstar is making preventative healthcare visits and screenings accessible to all.

Most health plans cover preventative care services — like vaccines and screening tests — at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar Medical Group practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.

To find a primary care provider or gynecologist, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Learn more about gynecological cancer

Take control of your health. Learn easy ways to prevent and screen for cervical cancer and how to lower your risk and recognize signs of gynecological cancer.