Why do you need a Hispanic Medical Clinic?

If you’re looking for medical care, you should know that not all clinics will be able to serve you as well as one that caters to your needs. A language barrier can make it much more difficult to get the best medical services. And for Hispanic and Latino people, language is only one of the things that can stop them from getting the services they need. 

If the medical staff doesn’t speak the language you’re most comfortable with, it’s difficult to communicate your medical history clearly. Filling out forms can also be difficult, making it even harder to give the doctor a full picture of your health and needs. When the doctor explains test results or medication instructions, it’s easy to misunderstand their directions. 

It’s common among the Hispanic and Latino communities for people to be uninsured or underinsured. A clinic that focuses on meeting their needs is much more likely to have the information and resources to help them get the care they need. 

Experts say that Hispanic and Latino patients more often avoid routine medical care. If they don’t feel comfortable at a clinic, they aren’t likely to see a doctor regularly. Instead, they may not seek care until they experience an urgent medical problem, then they will go to the emergency room. Unfortunately, this means that their condition is typically more advanced and difficult to treat, and they suffer longer than they have to. 

Emergency rooms are also not the best option for the long-term treatment of medical problems. They are set up to deal with acute conditions and save your life, not to help you stay healthy and strong. 

Benefits of a Hispanic medical clinic

A Hispanic medical clinic offers more benefits than you may expect. Here are some of the best reasons to seek one out:

• The medical staff is more likely to be aware of common health issues in a community, so they can be on alert for these problems. For example, Hispanic patients are more likely to suffer from heart disease, asthma, liver disease, and diabetes. Diagnosing a health problem early is the best way to treat it.  
• When patients are able to communicate in their primary language, they are able to explain their symptoms more clearly and better understand their doctors’ advice.
• Patients who find a clinic that feels welcoming and safe are more likely to get regular medical care. Check-ups, immunizations, and basic health screenings are powerful tools to protect your health.
• Regularly seeing a primary care physician instead of emergency room doctors means that patients receive continuity of care. The primary care doctor is able to access their charts, so they have information about their medical history, including medications, blood work, and weight changes. All of this important information helps doctors have a better understanding of the patient’s needs and health changes. 
• Clinics that serve populations that are more likely to be uninsured have better information about financial programs to help them get the medical care they need.

How to find a Hispanic medical clinic

If you’re looking for a medical clinic that serves the Hispanic and Latino community, the search can feel a little overwhelming. Where do you start? You can always google “best Hispanic clinics near me,” but what do you do with the list of options?

The first group of experts you might want to speak to is your family and friends. People who are in the same situation as you are are likely to have the information you need. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, your local social services department or health department should also be able to provide you with a list of Hispanic clinics.

When you have a list of possible clinics, don’t hesitate to call them and ask if they have Spanish-speaking staff available and medical forms in Spanish. Being able to communicate clearly is very important so you can get the best care. Speaking your primary language also demonstrates a clinic’s respect for your and your health. 

Centro Médico Latino can help

To talk to someone about your search for “Hispanic clinics near me” and to receive the healthcare that you need, feel free to reach out and make an appointment with Centro Médico Latino! At our convenient locations in Charlotte and Monroe, NC, our compassionate staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!