HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
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32<br />
If You Need Help in Your Language<br />
Y<br />
ou have <strong>the</strong> right to language assistance. Ask your Medicare<br />
<strong>HMO</strong> to help you find doctors who speak your language.<br />
Or ask <strong>for</strong> an interpreter. Ask <strong>for</strong> consent <strong>for</strong>ms, prescription<br />
drug in<strong>for</strong>mation, and o<strong>the</strong>r instructions in your language.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional medical interpreters are trained to interpret health<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation correctly. They must keep all your in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
private. The interpreter may be in <strong>the</strong> same room with you<br />
and <strong>the</strong> doctor, or may be on <strong>the</strong> telephone or a video screen.<br />
“It is hard <strong>for</strong> my<br />
son to translate<br />
medical in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
when he’s<br />
worried about my<br />
health. So I ask<br />
<strong>for</strong> an interpreter<br />
to be <strong>the</strong>re, too.”<br />
You have <strong>the</strong> right to an interpreter when you need to:<br />
Tell your symptoms or medical history to your doctor.<br />
Understand your health problem or treatment choices.<br />
Understand instructions about medicines, medical equipment,<br />
or follow-up care.<br />
You and Your Doctor<br />
Make sure that you and<br />
your doctor understand<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r. If something<br />
is not clear to you, repeat<br />
it in your own words. If<br />
you have an interpreter,<br />
ask <strong>the</strong> interpreter to<br />
translate your words<br />
back to <strong>the</strong> doctor.<br />
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