I'm going to presume that this conversation happened someplace in America...

[MrScorpio]

[sheshe2]

1. K&R

[tymorial]

2. I don't think this is that surprising to be honest

Many people equate Spanish speaking with Hispanic or Latino. I have had this conversation before. If you break it down to how race and ethnicity are classified it becomes even more confusing. The CDC defined the race and ethnicity categories that are used today. There are only two ethnicities for demographics, Hispanic or Latino and non Hispanic or Non Latino. When it comes to race, well if you are Hispanic it can be difficult identifying ones race from black or African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American or Alaskan Native, and White. That's it. Those are your options besides undetermined, none, and declined to answer.

I called CMS once and asked how exactly to document Hispanic patients and was told, none for race and Hispanic for ethnicity. Everyone just used undetermined in the patient didn't document their race themselves.

Lest you think this is unusual, every EMR categorizes race and ethnicity in this way as it's a requirement for certification

[IluvPitties]

3. Hispanics/Latinos are of any race

I am Afro-Latino myself... you can't believe how many times I am asked "Where did you learn Spanish?" "Aren't you black?". Yes- I am a black, native speaker of Spanish!