Well, I am glad you finally came to see me.
You have high blood pressure-- a risk factor for ongoing heart disease.
(doctor) You need to reduce salt in your diet,
which I know will be hard, because I know you people
like a lot of salt in your diet.
You need to do a better job in cooking your meals,
and pay more attention to your ingredients.
No more salty, fatty foods, like fried chicken.
(doctor) I know that's going to be hard,
but when you come back to see me in two weeks.
(narrator) You have a right as a patient to be treated with care
that is free from discrimination.
You can talk to your organization's patient advocacy department,
or file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights,
which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services,
or your state's health department.
If your issue remains unaddressed,
and, if your organization is accredited or certified by The Joint Commission,
report it at jointcommission.org
Ugh, I couldn't even get through explaining hypertension to Mrs. Lopez.
I'm sure she doesn't understand me anyway,
and her accent is so thick!
(sighing) Did she ask for a translator?
Uh.
I'm going to call Interpreter Services and visit her room later.
Hypertension is a huge risk in her pregnancy,
and we need to make sure she is informed!
(narrator) Discrimination can come in many forms.
You have a right to safe, informed care,
to be treated with respect and, when needed, an interpreter
to help you communicate with your care providers.
I can't make my appointment.
It's too hard for me to take the time off,
and there's no one who can switch shifts with me.
Mmm, okay.
But looking at your chart,
I'm worried about the progression of your diabetes,
because it can affect your blood flow.
Hmm.
There is a mobile health truck in your neighborhood early Friday morning.
Can you make that work?
I can do that. Thanks.
(narrator) Inequity of care can include issues tied to income,
lack of transportation, race, religion, gender,
or even your level of education.
While racism and inequities exist in all facets of life,
everyone everywhere deserves access to quality healthcare.
If you feel you're being discriminated against in your care,
speak up!