Philadelphia-Area Coalition Announces the End of Race Adjustments in Clinical Decision Support Tools

The Regional Coalition to Eliminate Race-Based Medicine, convened by Independence Blue Cross in 2023, has announced that all member health systems, including Temple Health, have removed race adjustments in key clinical decision-support tools. Previously used in lung, kidney, and OB-GYN care, these tools have now transitioned to race-neutral approaches, marking a significant step toward equitable healthcare for all.

Among those championing this transformative change is Dr. Abiona Berkeley, Interim Senior Associate Dean of the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Berkeley emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Temple Health is committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare for all patients. We are excited to partner with Independence Blue Cross and other regional health systems in this groundbreaking initiative to ensure all of our patients are afforded maximal access to treatment.”

The coalition’s efforts have already led to better patient outcomes, including 721 patients moving up the kidney transplant list and 63 patients receiving transplants in 2023. The updated race-neutral tools include the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test, the vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) calculator, and lung function tests like spirometry. These changes are expected to improve diagnoses, treatment access, and overall health outcomes for marginalized communities.

Temple Health is one of several institutions involved in the coalition’s efforts to challenge race-based medical practices, ensuring all patients receive appropriate, evidence-based care.

For more information, visit Temple Health’s website.