Stigmatizing Language in Health Records

Image by Marko Klaric

Epiphany Health, LLC

May 14, 2025

Studies have shown that stigmatizing language in health records is more common for non-White patients, reflecting racial biases among healthcare providers. Using such language in electronic health records can worsen patient outcomes, erode trust in the healthcare system, and perpetuate discrimination amongst providers and others who access health information.

Common stigmatizing documentation includes that which questions a patient’s credibility, blames them for their condition or circumstances, or includes negative descriptors, such as “aggressive” “non-compliant” or “uncooperative”.

Organizations can improve relationships with patients, boost health outcomes, and reduce racial bias by educating staff on topics such as cultural awareness, culturally responsive trauma-informed care, and the use of stigmatizing language in electronic health records.

Himmelstein G, Bates D, Zhou L. Examination of Stigmatizing Language in the Electronic Health Record. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(1):e2144967. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44967