| Care1st Cultural and Linguistics (C&L) Department was developed to ensure that all members have access
to health care providers and services in their language of choice. |
| How we Support: |
| The following are just some ways we demonstrate our commitment in assisting our members. |
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FREE interpreter services to
members with limited English proficiency via telephone or face-to-face
interpreters at the providers’ office |
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FREE sign language interpretation assistance
for our hearing impaired members. |
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Member handbooks and other important information are available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Farsi, Korean, Chinese, Cambodian, Russian, and Vietnamese. Materials in other languages are available upon request. |
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Education programs that are designed for
our providers and their staff, and our employees to improve
their understanding of how a member’s cultural background
affects their approach to healthcare. |
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Programs that increase the awareness and
understanding of different cultures are also regularly organized
for our diverse employee population. |
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Free access to member informing materials in alternative format, by request. This includes member documents in Braille, Electronic Text File, Audio, or Large Print. |
The C&L Department is guided in its work by a Community Advisory Committee which is comprised of community based organizations that represents the population Care1st serves.
Resource Corner
24-Hour Interpretation Services
This service is available at No Cost to members and providers. Call Care1st Member Services at (800) 605-2556. Please allow at least 5-7 business days for the request of face-to-face interpreter, and at least 14 business days for sign language assistance.
Click
here to download the Protocol on How to Request Interpreter Services. This includes sign language.
Click here to download the Protocol on How to Ensure Interpreter Services for Your Patients During After Hours.
Access to Materials in Other Languages & Alternative Format
Health Education and Member informing materials are available to members in English, Spanish, Armenian, Farsi, Korean, Chinese, Cambodian, Russian and Vietnamese. Other languages are available by request. To request materials in another language or in an alternative format, please contact Care1st C&L Department at 1-800-605-2556.
Referrals to Community Programs and Services
This service is available at no cost to the member. It is important that your patients are referred to culturally appropriate resources from community based organizations and other available agencies. These programs and services go beyond health education classes and can include, but are not limited to: Domestic Violence, Parenting, Support groups, Adoption Services, Family Counseling, etc. The C&L department can assist you locate community organizations and resources that offer culturally sensitive programs and services for your patients.
If you need to refer a patient to a culturally and linguistically
appropriate service, please follow these steps:
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a) |
Refer to the Care1st C&L Services Community Resource Directory ( Los Angeles, San Diego) to locate and recommend the appropriate service. |
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b) |
If you are unable to locate any
appropriate services in the directory, you may complete a Care1st
C&L Referral
Request Form and fax it to the C&L Department at (323) 889-6242. |
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c) |
The Care1st C&L Specialist, with the
assistance of the UM and/or Health Education departments if
necessary, will make every effort to find the proper service
and make an open-ended referral. |
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d) |
After the patient has been contacted and
referred to the appropriate agency or organization, the provider
will be notified via fax. |
Interpretation Services Poster
A translated poster informing patients that they can receive interpretation
services at no cost must be posted in visible areas in your office
(i.e. reception desk, waiting room, exam room, etc.). This
poster is translated into LA County’s 10 threshold languages
and will inform patients that they can receive interpretation services
at no cost. Click
here to download a copy of the Free Interpreter
Services Poster.
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