Patient Race and Ethnicity Information

By asking about race, ethnicity and language, we're better able to give every patient the best care possible. We use this information to identify patterns that may negatively affect care for different populations. Without knowing a person's race, ethnicity or language, these patterns may go unnoticed in health care.

Race often refers to similar physical characteristics such as facial features, skin color and hair texture.

Ethnicity usually refers to shared geography, language, ancestry, tradition or history.

In terms of race, we ask our patients if they identify with any of the following:

• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
• White
• Middle Eastern or North African
• Hispanic/ Latino/a
• Prefer not to answer
• None of these
• Unable to provide

In terms of ethnicity, patients who identify as Hispanic/ Latino/a ethnicities can also tell us if they identify with any of the following:

• Hispanic or Latino/a
• Cuban
• Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano/a
• Puerto Rican
• Other Hispanic or Latino/a
• Prefer not to answer
• None of these
• Unable to provide
  *Patients who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a can identify with any race*

We have also added a detailed ethnicity section that lets us capture more specific ethnicity information. Login to My Health at Vanderbilt to see all options. 

Research shows that patients prefer a list that combines race and ethnicity. Since many communities outside of the U.S. do not use race, having combined lists helps people to identify how they want. 

Update your race, ethnicity and language in the My Health at Vanderbilt portal at any time.

You can also discuss updating this information with registration staff during one of your visits.

By asking about your race, ethnicity and language we're better able to give every patient the best care possible. Your answers will go in your medical record. Only people who are allowed to see your medical record will see what you share. You do not have to answer any question you do not want to.

We may have the information already, but in some instances we do not. We want to make sure we have accurate information for all patients so we can continue to ensure that everyone is getting the best quality of care regardless of race or ethnicity.

We understand that you may not feel comfortable answering these questions. If there are questions you do not want to answer, we can make a note in your medical record that you choose not to answer the question. If you prefer, you can share your information through the patient portal, My Health at Vanderbilt. Even if you decide not to answer a question, we'll always provide you with the best possible care.  

The race, ethnicity and language options are based on demographics from Nashville and surrounding areas that were available when we created the list. If your race or ethnicity is not on this list, please use this form to let us know.