Healthcare Disparities and the Impact on Mortality in Incarcerated Patients

This article addresses the healthcare disparities and potential impact on mortality among incarcerated patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Incarcerated individuals are more likely to suffer from acute and chronic health conditions and have inconsistent access to healthcare services. Demographic trends, behavioral health trends, and lack of insurance coverage are major contributing factors to healthcare disparities among incarcerated individuals. This article highlights the need for a new model of care, which includes clinical programs focusing on the transition period from incarceration to the community and linking individuals to post-incarceration healthcare utilizing community health workers and clinicians to establish rapport with individuals prior to their release. Addressing healthcare disparities and providing adequate healthcare to incarcerated individuals is crucial because a conviction should not deprive an individual of basic human rights, including the right to healthcare.