Researchers have noted in a new study that blacks were less than half as likely as whites to receive antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. In addition, blacks were less likely to have complete laboratory evaluation.

This recently released study, available online from the American Journal of Public Health, looked at old medical records from eight Veterans Affairs medical centers. Interestingly, both blacks and whites had similar chances of specialist referral and liver biopsy.

I applaud studies such as this because this is the first step in trying to figure out why such discrepancies exist. Because the study was done using VA records and patients, finances are probably not the reason. Whatever the reason, I think it deserves a closer look.