Everyone needs medical care to maintain their health, recover from illness or injury, and prevent future problems. However, for Spanish speakers in Texas, receiving care in Spanish can be a challenge. The language barrier sometimes prevents medical staff from fully understanding a patient’s symptoms. This lack of understanding can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. Not speaking the same language can also result in a patient not understanding the care and treatment they should receive. For many people in Texas, having healthcare services in Spanish is essential. Texas is home to one of the largest Hispanic populations in the United States, and in cities like Austin, the demand for medical services in Spanish is growing.

The need for Spanish-language healthcare in Texas

The need for Spanish-language healthcare in Texas is more critical than ever. According to U.S. Censusdata , in 2020, more than 11 million people in Texas spoke Spanish at home, representing approximately 39% of the state’s population. This number continues to rise, making it imperative that healthcare services are tailored to the needs of this community.

Language can be a significant barrier when it comes to accessing healthcare services. Many Spanish speakers in Texas face difficulties communicating with doctors and other members of the healthcare system. Due to a lack of understanding of the language, doctors often ask patients for less information and patients often fail to fully explain their symptoms, which can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect diagnoses, or even a lack of trust in the healthcare system.

Spanish-Speaking Patient Rights in Texas

Spanish speakers in Texas have the right to receive health care services in their language. Knowing your rights is essential to being able to exercise them.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , any healthcare institution that receives federal funding is required to provide access to interpretation services for non-English speaking patients. This means that hospitals and clinics must offer interpretation services free of charge to ensure that all patients receive the care they need.

If a patient feels that their rights are not being respected, they have the option of filing a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is critical that Hispanic people feel empowered to demand their rights and to ensure that they are receiving the comprehensive health care they deserve.

Resources for finding Spanish-speaking medical providers

Fortunately, there are multiple resources that can help Spanish speakers in Texas find medical services in Spanish. One of the most accessible resources is online directories. Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and LosMedicos.com allow users to search for providers based on the specialty they need, the city they live in, and the language they speak.

Another key resource is medical interpretation services. Many hospitals and clinics in Texas offer free interpretation services for non-English speaking patients. For example, the health organization Asencion offers Spanish-speaking doctors and on-call and video interpreter services. These services ensure that communication between patient and doctor is clear, which is critical for effective medical care.

Organizations that offer medical services in Spanish

In Texas, several organizations are dedicated to providing healthcare in Spanish, ensuring that the Spanish-speaking community has access to health services without the language barrier.

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Among the medical institutions that provide services in Spanish in Austin, the following stand out:

1. The Hispana Rubimed Clinic
2. Suvida Healthcare
3. Hispanic Clinic
4. Rubymed Hispanic Clinic
5. Nazareth Hispanic Clinic
6. Zamora Medical Center
7. Hispana Rundberg Clinic
8. Jerusalem Hispanic Clinic
9. South Austin Health Center
10. UT Austin School of Nursing Wellness Centers

In addition to these organizations, several religious and charitable institutions also provide medical assistance in Spanish. These organizations often work in collaboration with hospitals and clinics to offer free or low-cost services, ensuring that no one is left without the medical care they need due to financial or language barriers. Some of the low-cost or financially assisted medical institutions that provide services in Austin include:

1. The Good Samaritan – Wallace Mallory Clinic
   1. Address: 7000 Woodhue Dr., Austin, TX 78745
   2. Phone: (512)439-0701
2. People’s Community Clinic
   1. Address: 2909 North I-35, Austin, TX 78722
   2. Phone: (512) 478-4939
3. Windsor Seton Community Health Centers
   1. Branches:
      1. McCarthy Community Health Center
         1. Address: 2811 East 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78702
         2. Phone: (512) 324-4930
      2. Kozmetsky Community Health Center
         1. Address: 3706 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
         2. Phone: (512) 324-4940
      3. Topfer Community Health Center
         1. Address: 8913 Collinfield Dr, Austin, TX 78758
         2. Phone: (512) 324-6850
4. CommUnityCare
   1. Address: 21 Health Centers in Travis County
   2. Phone: 512-978-9000
5. Medical Assistance Program (MAP card)
   1. Phone: (512) 978-8103
   2. Address: 5 offices in Austin and its metropolitan area.

Top Reasons Hispanics Need Health Care in Texas

The Hispanic community in Texas faces unique health challenges that underscore the importance of accessing healthcare in Spanish. Due to socioeconomic factors affecting the Latino community, Hispanics are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, conditions that require ongoing management and clear communication with healthcare providers.

Hispanics are also at higher risk for workplace and motor vehicle accidents. Many Latinos work in industries such as construction and agriculture, where accident rates are higher. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Hispanics are at higher risk for injury or death in motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, according to the Texas A&M report, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Hispanics between the ages of 1 and 34, and Hispanic children between the ages of 5 and 12 are 72% more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than non-Hispanic children. Lack of access to medical care in their language can make it difficult to receive proper treatment and follow medical instructions after an accident.

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, the first thing you need to do is seek immediate medical attention. Next, it is essential to contact a skilled accident attorney to help you deal with the legal challenges that arise after a car accident. Schedule a free, confidential consultation in Spanish with Abogado Dang – Accident Attorneys today. Our legal team will assist you in Spanish, support you through every part of the legal process, and work to get the at-fault party to pay you the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to.

Find medical care in the language of your choice

By law, the Hispanic community in Texas has the right to receive medical care in Spanish or receive interpreter support at health institutions that receive federal funding. In addition, there are multiple clinics and institutions in Austin that provide quality medical care in Spanish. Demanding your right to receive care in Spanish or to attend a Spanish-speaking clinic is essential for Spanish speakers. In an environment where communication is vital, receiving medical care in your language can make the difference between a positive medical experience and a confusing one that does not resolve or address your needs.

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Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.