For patients with limited English proficiency, navigating the US healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Language barriers make it harder to book appointments, communicate with providers, and manage follow-up care. Unfortunately, these challenges are often overlooked, putting patients at greater risk of miscommunication and adverse health outcomes.
Nearly 1 in 5 people in the US speak a language other than English, with Spanish being the most common. However, only a small fraction of physicians and nurses identify as Hispanic or are fluent in Spanish, creating a wide communication gap. This mismatch contributes to misdiagnosis, procedural complications, hospital readmissions, and even poorer mental health access. For example, only 5% of patients with limited English proficiency reported awareness of the 988 mental health hotline.
Importantly, federal protections exist: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Affordable Care Act require healthcare organizations to provide interpreter services and prohibit reliance on family members as translators. Still, patient satisfaction often hinges on how well providers address communication needs. Patients consistently report higher satisfaction when bilingual staff or qualified interpreters are available—and lower satisfaction when these supports are absent.
Best practices for reducing risk and improving communication include:
- Speaking directly to the patient, not the interpreter
- Using slow, clear language
- Documenting when and how interpretation occurs, including interpreter names and methods used
- If staff step in due to lack of resources, recording the reasoning and efforts made to follow policy
Addressing language barriers isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, equity, and trust. When providers make communication a priority, patients are more engaged, more satisfied, and more likely to experience better outcomes.
Want to discuss your specific risk challenges? Contact Catherine Mullaney, MHA at cbretz@med-iq.com.
