The healthcare system can be hard to figure out. It can be especially hard if we have trouble speaking English or we don't understand American culture very well. But don't give up! Here are some ways to help put you at ease and make your doctor visits a positive experience. Choose a doctor who speaks your language if you do not speak or understand English. It is important that you understand what your doctor and the office staff tell you. It is also important to find health care workers who speak your language or can understand your culture and beliefs.
How to Find a Doctor Who Speaks Your Language
When you use our “Find Care” web site, you can find out if a doctor’s office speaks your language. When you call the office to set up an appointment, confirm they have someone who can speak in your language. Many of our doctors also have special training to assist patients with special beliefs and customs, or who speak limited English. Ask for a trained interpreter. Try not to use your family or friends to translate. Your family members, especially a child, may miss something important that the doctor says. They also may not tell the doctor everything you say. So if you need language help, ask if the doctor can have an interpreter there. Write down your questions. Rehearse what you are going to say to the doctor. If going to an English-speaking doctor is new to you, practice what you are going to say with someone who has been to a doctor before. Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, remember to ask three questions:
When you use our “Find Care” web site, you can find out if a doctor’s office speaks your language. When you call the office to set up an appointment, confirm they have someone who can speak in your language. Many of our doctors also have special training to assist patients with special beliefs and customs, or who speak limited English. Ask for a trained interpreter. Try not to use your family or friends to translate. Your family members, especially a child, may miss something important that the doctor says. They also may not tell the doctor everything you say. So if you need language help, ask if the doctor can have an interpreter there. Write down your questions. Rehearse what you are going to say to the doctor. If going to an English-speaking doctor is new to you, practice what you are going to say with someone who has been to a doctor before. Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, remember to ask three questions:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
No. We use this kind of information to help us understand how to communicate better with you and our other members. When possible, we do our best to have materials available in languages other than English - or translate them. This information will not be used for eligibility or insurability.
It’s important to have what you need to use your health plan. You deserve simple, straight-forward plan details, no matter what language you speak.
- Just call the service number on your ID card.
- Customer Service will set up a conference call for you with an interpreter.
- He or she will help you understand your plan, and translate printed plan materials over the phone, if needed.
- This is a free service that’s available during business hours.
- Your native language or ethnic background does not impact getting quality service or coverage from us.
- For Speech or Hearing Impaired Members, just call 711 for TTY/TDD services. A special operator will contact Anthem to help with your needs.
