The Struggle to Find Spanish-Speaking Healthcare Providers

The Issue

An estimated 26 million people ages five and older in the United States have limited English proficiency. Evidence shows that having healthcare providers that speak the same language or provide translation services may improve patients’ experiences and outcomes.

Key Findings

• One in 10 Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults did not have a healthcare provider who spoke their same language or provided translation services in 2022, and one in four reported difficulties finding such a provider.
• About four in five Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults said it was very or somewhat important for their healthcare provider to speak the same language or provide translation services.
• Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults who were concerned about future unfair treatment in healthcare were more likely than those without such concerns to prefer a provider who spoke their language or offered translation services (90% versus 78%).

Conclusion

Researchers say improving access to healthcare providers who speak the same language as their patients or provide translation services is an important step toward reducing language barriers and improving health outcomes.

About the Author/Grantee

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. Visit the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center for more information specific to its staff and its recent research.