We want to make sure each patient gets the best care possible. These questions help us:

• Know you and our community better
• Provide interpreter services
• Support programs that improve quality of care
• Meet compliance standards

Stanford Medicine staff members in our call center and patient services areas may ask these questions. Front desk staff and members of your care team may ask you too. They have all been trained to ask these questions. 

We are asking all our patients about their:

Race: A social construct, or an idea created and accepted by the people in a society, based on how a person looks.

Ethnicity: In the context of patient demographic data collection, this field is to indicate whether patients identify as Hispanic/Latinx.

Ethnic background: Refers to your ethnic origin, heritage, or the birthplace of your parents or ancestors. Examples include “Chinese” or “Mexican.” Knowing our patients’ ethnic backgrounds improves our ability to identify and address the differences in care received across patient populations.

Preferred (written) language: The language a patient feels most comfortable reading when communicating with medical staff.

Preferred (spoken) language: The language a patient feels most comfortable speaking when communicating with medical staff.

This information is confidential. We limit access to patient information, including race and ethnicity. We only use the information if it is needed to provide care or other hospital services such as billing. Your information is always protected.

You do not have to answer them. It will not affect your care. Your doctor may also ask these questions privately during your visit. You do not have to share your answers. You can also ask your doctor questions.

Patient portals are set up to allow patients to enter this information. You can enter as much or as little information as you want.

For more information about MyChart for Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, visit: https://mychart.stanfordchildrens.org/MyChart/Authentication/Login? 

For more information about MyHealth for Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners, visit: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/for-patients-visitors/myhealth.html