Thanks all. I didn't mean to be arbitrary, but someone has to decide the undecidable. I suppose the best is to ask the patient, but they can take offense at the question. The receptionists have enough problems with cranky patients and lists of foolish questions they are required to ask -- and yet another one is just a little over the top. Sometimes the receptionist will just have to decide rather than argue.
Maybe post a little note:
The Federal Government requires us to record your race. Please do not take offense, but choose one of the following categories. There is no "other" choice, and it doesn't matter if it makes no sense. Please contact the Bureau of the Census if you have concerns:
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Black Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
White
White Hispanic or Latino
