We Ask Because We Care: FAQS
The following frequently asked questions and answers provide more information about Lakeshore Clinic effort to collect race, ethnicity, and preferred language information from our patients.

Why are you asking patients about their race, ethnicity, and preferred language?
Lakeshore Clinic will use this information to learn more about the health needs of our community and better design our services to meet those needs. It will also help us continue to improve the quality of health care we provide to all our patients.

We are one of many health care organizations in our region and the country working to ensure all patients - regardless of race, ethnicity or language - receive the best care possible.

Why will these questions be asked by the check-in staff, instead of my doctor or care team?
We do not want to take away from the time you have with your doctor. Asking at check-in helps to maximize the amount of time you spend with your doctor.

What exactly will each question be, and why will each question be asked?

Here are the questions and more information about why we're asking each question:

Ethnicity: Do you consider yourself Hispanic or Latino?
Currently, the two largest ethnic groups in the United States are Hispanics and Latinos. It is important to understand the health care needs of everyone, especially the unique needs of the country's largest ethnic groups. Ethnicity refers to a shared culture or common characteristics; this can be influenced by many things, including language and country of birth.

Race: Which category best describes your race? You may choose one of the categories.
Race is the group that you identify with as having similar physical characteristics or similar social and geographic origins. We are using race categories that applied to the U.S. census.

Language: What is your preferred language?
We'd like to know what language you prefer to use when communicating with your doctor.

What happens if I decline to answer? If I decline, will it affect my care?
You have every right to decline to provide this information. Declining to answer will have no effect on your care.

Will I be asked these questions more than once?
You should be asked these questions only once.

Will this information become part of my electronic medical record?
Yes, the information will be entered into your electronic medical record.

Will this information be kept private?
Yes. This information goes into your electronic medical record and will only be accessed by Lakeshore Clinic. All of your information is private.

Is it legal for Lakeshore Clinic to ask patients these questions?
While it is legal to ask this information, it is important to note that you do not have to answer the questions.

More than 80 percent of the nation's hospitals and clinics ask patients these same questions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations are encouraging health care systems to ask this information so they can continuously learn about and better meet the needs of their patients.

Will this information affect my health care premiums or costs?
No. Your responses do not affect coverage or premiums.

Will parents be asked these questions about their children?
Yes, we will ask parents these questions about their children.

If you do not find the information you need, or you have more questions, please contact Customer Service.

Race Ethnicity Preferred Language Form