Accessing quality medical care can often feel overwhelming if you don’t speak English. However, requesting an interpreter or finding a language-friendly clinic can help you communicate effectively and get the care you deserve.

Navigating the United States healthcare system and accessing quality medical care can be challenging if you don’t speak English or if it isn’t your first language.

Everyone has a right to access quality medical care, no matter what language they speak. In fact, the United States government has made it a legal requirement for all healthcare facilities receiving federal funding to provide free language assistance to people with limited English proficiency.

This can help ensure everyone has meaningful access to healthcare services and the tools and support needed to make independent healthcare decisions.

If you are navigating the United States healthcare system and don’t speak English — or are trying to support someone who doesn’t — the following tips can help ensure language isn’t a barrier to getting the right care.

‘I Speak’ card

Many states provide an ‘I Speak’ card, which can be printed out and filled in to identify a person’s primary language. It can be presented when visiting city agencies, such as a healthcare facility or bank, and allows for staff to arrange interpretation services.

A medical interpreter is trained to facilitate effective communication between an individual and a healthcare professional in the individual’s preferred language. Federally funded healthcare facilities provide these services for free.

An interpreter can provide various methods of support, including but not limited to:

  • accurately communicating your concerns and questions to the doctor
  • accurately relaying information back to you
  • translating complex medical information into simple language
  • ensuring you understand your treatment plan or aftercare instructions
  • helping you fill in medical paperwork
  • offering culturally sensitive support

A medical interpreter is a trained professional whose job is to be neutral and free from emotional bias. This is why it’s recommended that family members or friends do not act as interpreters.

How to avoid miscommunication when using an interpreter

The teach-back method is a technique that can help reduce the risk of miscommunication when an interpreter is used.

Here’s how it works:

  1. The healthcare professional will explain the information to the interpreter, who will then translate it back to you using clear and simple language.
  2. The interpreter will then ask you to “teach back” the information in your own words.
  3. The interpreter will check that your understanding is accurate and fill in any gaps or re-explain where needed.
  4. If another explanation is needed, you will be asked to teach back the information again to confirm your understanding.

This technique can have several benefits, such as ensuring that you have an active role in your healthcare and that you leave your appointment with a clear understanding of important information and next steps. It can also reduce the risk of medical errors.

Language-friendly clinics are healthcare facilities that aim to remove obstacles to accessing care services. They seek to provide care that meets the needs of their local community.

They often have multilingual staff who are trained in providing culturally accessible care and medical interpretation. Their services also typically include translated medical materials, such as forms and documents, as well as educational resources in multiple languages.

To find a healthcare facility that meets your language needs, try searching the Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA’s) database for a Federally Qualified Health Center in your area.

If you don’t have insurance, the HRSA has a search tool that can help you find low cost or free healthcare with language assistance.

Most hospitals and clinics have a patient advocate on staff, with many being fluent in more than one language. They can help you navigate the healthcare system by:

  • attending appointments with you and helping you to communicate your needs so you feel heard and respected
  • helping you make appointments, including follow-ups
  • supporting you in applying for financial and social support
  • supporting you in communicating with your insurance company

You can call the hospital or clinic before you need to attend to see if an advocate who speaks your required language is available.

When making your appointment, consider opting for an in-person or video appointment. This can allow you to use body language and facial expressions to communicate more effectively, such as shaking your head, to express when something is unclear. You can also use gestures to show the doctor where symptoms, such as pain, are occurring on your body.

When preparing for your appointment, it can be helpful to do the following:

  • bring along any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking
  • fill out any needed paperwork beforehand
  • write down your symptoms or concerns beforehand, and where possible, consider translating key words, such as “pain” or “head”

If you need to fill out medical paperwork, you can ask the reception staff for help. They may be able to provide an interpreter or a translated form.

Remember, it’s OK to ask for more time if you need it when reading and filling out any forms.

Understanding what to do after a healthcare appointment or medical procedure is vital. It can help ensure that your treatment is progressing in the needed direction.

Here are several tips to help you stay informed about your next steps:

  • Confirm your understanding before you leave: Before you leave, take some time to ensure you understand your next steps and write down any important information about your treatment plan.
  • Ask for translated documents: If you have received or are awaiting test results, you can ask for these to be translated and for any medical terms to be explained in simple language.
  • Clarify medication information: If you have been prescribed new medication or a new dosage, you can ask the doctor or a pharmacist to write down any instructions clearly. Many pharmacies also offer translation services.

If you feel confused about your treatment plan, aftercare, or follow-up steps, you can always call the facility to clarify any details or ask for a follow-up appointment.

Accessing support during an emergency

If you or someone else requires emergency medical support and you don’t speak English, you can still call 911. When you are put through to a dispatcher, state your chosen language, such as “I speak Spanish,” or just “Spanish” or “Español.” They can then add an interpreter to the call.

Accessing quality medical care can often feel overwhelming if you don’t speak English or are trying to support a loved one who doesn’t.

It’s important that every individual feels as though they can express their health needs and understand all the healthcare options available to them.

Requesting an interpreter, bringing an advocate to your appointment, or finding a language-friendly clinic can help you communicate effectively and get the care you deserve.