Tackling the Language Barrier in Healthcare

There are many kinds of language barriers. Many times, they have nothing to do with the language you speak. The barriers can be in your own native tongue when doctors use complex medical terms.  

Because language barriers can affect your healthcare, you should consider it when searching for a doctor or therapist for your child. Call around. Ask if you can have a “meet and greet” with the doctor. Ask questions, tour the facility, see if it’s a good fit. 

One time, the doctor wrote an acronym on my daughter’s medical referral form under “diagnosis.” To me the acronym meant a completely different diagnosis. It was very upsetting.  All night I worried that the doctor thought she had this new diagnosis. Thank goodness that when I called the next morning, they explained what it meant. It was simply a different word for her already diagnosed asthma! 

Sometimes when we visit a doctor who’s from another country, it can be hard to understand them. If you can’t understand what the doctor says, you have no idea what to do. Be sure to take the time to make sure you understand what they’re saying, and that they understand you. It also helps to get their recommendations in writing.

If there is a word or something you don’t understand, speak up and ask. This will make for much better healthcare. 

Knowing how to talk with your doctor is the first step.