WHEN YOU CAN'T TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Language Access Advocacy Project California 2004
WHEN YOU CAN'T TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Purpose of Presentation: To educate consumers so that they understand their rights and responsibilities when requiring language services.
Overview of Presentation
- Why is good communication important?
- Why shouldn't I use my friend or family member to interpret?
- How do I talk with a trained interpreter?
- Do I have a right to a trained interpreter?
Overview of Presentation
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How do I get a trained interpreter?
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What if I cannot get a trained interpreter?
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Tips on communicating with your doctor.
When You Cannot Talk to Your Doctor
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You cannot explain what is bothering you.
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You may not understand the treatment the doctor recommends.
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You can get confused about medications.
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You may feel frustrated or angry.
Why Good Communication is Important
Doctors rely on what you say to decide what tests to order or what treatment to try.
CHEST PAIN
Skin?
Muscle?
Bone?
Lung?
Heart?
Nerves?
Why Family and Friends May Not Be the Best Interpreters
Their English may not be good enough.
Some people, especially children, are not fluent enough in your native language.
If they do not work in the medical field, they may not know important words or concepts.
…appendix, arthritis, chemotherapy, hemorrhoid, thyroid, ultrasound, virus…
Why Family and Friends May Not Be the Best Interpreters
They often forget to interpret important things you say.
It may be embarrassing for you or for your family member if sensitive issues come up.
There are issues that you may want to keep private. You have a right to privacy.
Sometimes they may have their own opinions or goals.
Talking with Trained Interpreters
It is best to use a trained medical interpreter.
Trained medical interpreters:
- Are fluent in both languages.
- Have studied medical words.
- Have good memories so they can repeat exactly what the patient and doctor are saying.
- Keep everything that the doctor and patient say private.
Talking with Trained Interpreters
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After you talk, pause. That way, the interpreter can say what you said to the doctor.
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Try not to interrupt the interpreter. It can make them forget information.
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Interpreters are not there to give medical advice. They are there so you can get medical advice from your doctor
You Have a Right to an Interpreter:
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If you are hospitalized.
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If you are a member of a Medi-Cal or Healthy Families HMO.
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If you are a member of a private HMO in California.
You Have a Right to an Interpreter:
Because of federal law. (Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act)
Because of regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Because of California laws.
Because of California contract requirements with Medi-Cal and Health Families HMOs.
See companion presentation” State and Federal Requirements”
How Do I Get an Interpreter?
When you call to make an appointment with the doctor, ask for an interpreter.
Ask your doctor or nurse to call a telephone interpreter.
Call your health insurance plan to ask about how you get an interpreter.
How Do I Get an Interpreter?
Use an "I Speak" card.
I SPEAK SPANISH
Necesito servicios de
de intérprete en español
I need a Spanish interpreter
If I Have a Right to an Interpreter,
Why Don't I Get One?
There is not enough money to pay interpreters.
There are laws, but they are not always obeyed.
There are not enough trained medical interpreters.
What if I Don't Get an Interpreter?
Make a complaint with the hospital.
Make a complaint with your health insurance plan.
Work with community organizations.
Make a complaint with the federal Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights.
Communicating With Your Doctor
Write down your questions before your appointment.
Bring the list with you to your appointment, and show your doctor your list at the beginning of your appointment.
Do not wait until the end of your appointment to give the doctor your list of questions.
Communicating With Your Doctor
Work with your doctor to decide what is the most important thing to discuss at each appointment.
Ask questions if you do not understand something or want more information.
Communicating With Your Doctor
Bring all your medications to every visit.
Keep each medication in its own bottle.
Bring a friend or family member to take notes and to help you remember things -- not to interpret!
Communicating With Your Doctor
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Leave each visit knowing:
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What are my main problems?
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What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
From www.AskMe3.org
Resources
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Health Consumer Centers
http://www.healthconsumer.org/ -
Office for Civil Rights
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/lep/ -
"I speak card" samples
http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/civilrights/ISpeakCard_1304.htm
Questions?
Language Access Advocacy Project Contact Information
Asian Pacific American Legal Center
Hemi Kim
213-977-7500 x 215
213-977-7595 Fax
hkim@apalc.org
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Alice Chen and Gem Daus
415-954-9988
415-954-9999 Fax
achen@apiahf.org
gdaus@apiahf.org
Language Access Advocacy Project Contact Information
California Pan-Ethnic Health Network
Ellen Wu and Martin Martinez
510-832-1160
510-832-1175 Fax
ewu@cpehn.org
mmartinez@cpehn.org
California Primary Care Association
Vivian Huang
916-440-8170 x 238
916-440-8172 Fax
Vhuang@cpca.org
Language Access Advocacy Project Contact Information
Fresno Health Consumer Center
Teresa Alvarado and Sengthiene Bosavanh
559-570-1205
559-570-1253 Fax
talvarado@centralcallegal.org
seng@centralcallegal.org
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California
Lupe Alonzo-Diaz and Patty Diaz
916-448-3234
916-448-3248 Fax
Lupe@lchc.org
Pdiaz@lchc.org
Language Access Advocacy Project Contact Information
National Health Law Program
Doreena Wong
310-204-6010 x3004
310-204-0891 Fax
wong@healthlaw.org
Supported by The California Endowment
For more information, contact the APIAHF Policy Division staff:
Gem Daus, Legislative and Government Affairs Coordinator, GDaus@apiahf.org
Dr. Alice Chen, Sorros Fellow
