GOING TO THE DOCTOR DIALOGUES
Luis: Hey Laura, I’ve been thinking about going to the doctor, but I’m worried about the language barrier.
Laura: I get that. When I first moved here, I was really anxious about explaining my symptoms. Have you considered taking a friend to help translate?
Luis: That’s a good idea. I might ask my cousin. And what about insurance? I’ve heard it can be complicated for immigrants.
Laura: It can be, but some clinics offer services on a sliding scale. It’s worth asking around. Do you know if your employer provides any health benefits?
Luis: Not sure yet. I’ll check with HR. Honestly, I’m just nervous about how much it might cost.
Laura: I understand. Just remember, it’s better to go and get checked out than to wait. Your health is important!
Luis expresses his concern to Laura about visiting the doctor due to the language barrier, recalling his own anxiety about explaining symptoms when he first moved. Laura suggests taking a friend for translation help and mentions that some clinics have sliding scale services for immigrants. Luis considers asking his cousin for assistance and is unsure about his employer’s health benefits, expressing nervousness about potential costs. Laura reassures him that seeking medical attention is more important than delaying it for financial fears, emphasizing the importance of his health.
TRUE OR FALSE?
Statements:
1. Luis is worried about visiting the doctor because he cannot speak the language well.
2. Laura thinks it is not important to see a doctor.
3. Luis is thinking about asking his cousin for help.
4. Some clinics offer services that help immigrants pay for medical care.
5. Luis feels confident about his employer’s health benefits.
Correct answers:
1. True – Luis is worried about visiting the doctor due to the language barrier.
2. False – Laura believes it is important to seek medical attention.
3. True – Luis considers asking his cousin for assistance.
4. True – Laura mentions that some clinics have sliding scale services for immigrants.
5. False – Luis is unsure about his employer’s health benefits.
Extra Credit for Week 2: Select one of the following discussion questions and answer it in 3-5 sentences in the comments section at the bottom of this page:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you feel nervous about visiting the doctor?
2. Have you ever needed help to talk with a doctor?
3. What do you think is important when we visit a clinic?
4. How do you ask for help if you don’t understand something?
5. Do you have a friend or family member who helps you with language?
6. Why is it good to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?
7. Have you ever worried about how much a doctor’s visit costs?
8. What do you do if you need help but feel shy?
9. Is it easy for you to explain your feelings to someone?
10. How can friends support each other in difficult situations?
Luis: Hey Laura, I heard you went to the doctor last week. How was it?
Laura: It was okay, but honestly, I was a bit nervous. The language barrier makes it hard to explain everything.
Luis: I get that. When I had to go, I brought my cousin to help translate. Did you think about doing that?
Laura: I thought about it, but I didn’t want to bother him. I tried to use my phone for translation, but it wasn’t always accurate.
Luis: I know what you mean. And sometimes, the doctors don’t have time to wait for the translation to catch up.
Laura: Exactly! Next time, I think I’ll just ask for an interpreter when I make the appointment. It might make things smoother.
HOSPITAL DIALOGUES
Luis: Hey Laura, have you been to the hospital since you moved here?
Laura: Yeah, I went last week. Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming. The place was packed. How about you?
Luis: I went a few months back for a check-up. It was similar – I had to wait for hours. But at least the staff was friendly.
Laura: That’s good to hear. My doctor was nice, but I still struggled to understand some of the medical terms.
Luis: I get that. I had to ask my doctor to explain things in simpler terms. It’s tough navigating a whole new system.
Laura: Exactly! I wish there were more resources for immigrants to help us understand how everything works in these hospitals.
Luis and Laura discuss their experiences at a local hospital after Laura’s recent visit, which she found overwhelming due to the crowd. Luis shares that he had a similar experience during a past check-up but appreciated the friendly staff. Laura mentions her difficulty in understanding some medical terminology, while Luis relates by explaining that he also needed his doctor to simplify things. They both express a desire for more resources to assist immigrants in navigating the healthcare system.
TRUE OR FALSE?
Statements:
1. Laura felt calm during her visit to the hospital.
2. Luis had a good experience because the staff was nice.
3. Laura understood all the medical terms easily.
4. Both Luis and Laura want more help for immigrants in healthcare.
5. Luis has never been to a hospital before.
Correct answers:
1. False – Laura found her visit overwhelming, not calm.
2. True – Luis appreciated the friendly staff during his experience.
3. False – Laura had difficulty understanding some medical terminology.
4. True – They both expressed a desire for more resources to assist immigrants.
5. False – Luis mentioned he had a similar experience during a past check-up.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you feel nervous about visiting the doctor?
2. Have you ever needed help to talk with a doctor?
3. What do you think is important when we visit a clinic?
4. How do you ask for help if you don’t understand something?
5. Do you have a friend or family member who helps you with language?
6. Why is it good to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?
7. Have you ever worried about the cost of going to the doctor?
8. What do you do if you need medical help but feel scared?
9. Is it easy for you to explain your health problems?
10. How can friends help each other in difficult situations like this?
Luis: You know, I’ve been thinking about how different the hospitals are here compared to back home.
Laura: Absolutely. In my hometown, you’d wait hours just to see a doctor, but here it feels like they actually respect your time.
Luis: Right? But I still find it overwhelming. The paperwork and all the insurance stuff… it’s a lot to navigate.
Laura: I get that. I had to figure out how to apply for insurance myself. It’s not easy when everything is in a different language.
Luis: Exactly! And sometimes I worry about the quality of care. Back home, people really know their community doctors.
Laura: Same here. But I’ve heard great things about some local clinics. Maybe we should ask around for recommendations?
DENTIST DIALOGUES
Luis: Hey Laura, I’ve been thinking about finding a dentist. You know anyone good around here?
Laura: Yeah, actually! I went to Dr. Ramirez last month. She’s really nice and speaks Spanish, which made it easier for me.
Luis: That’s great! I always struggle to explain my dental issues in English. Did you have to wait long for your appointment?
Laura: Not at all! I had an appointment within a week. And they were pretty punctual; I didn’t wait long in the office either.
Luis: That sounds perfect. Did they accept your insurance? I’m worried about the costs.
Laura: Yes! They accepted mine, and they helped me understand everything before the treatment. It felt like they really cared. You should definitely give them a call.
Luis is looking for a dentist and asks Laura for recommendations. Laura suggests Dr. Ramirez, noting her kindness and ability to speak Spanish, which made communication easier for her. Laura had a quick appointment and minimal wait time, and she confirms that the practice accepted her insurance and provided clear explanations about the treatments, making her feel well cared for. She encourages Luis to contact Dr. Ramirez.
TRUE OR FALSE?
Statements:
1. Laura recommended Dr. Ramirez because she is nice and speaks Spanish.
2. Luis has already visited Dr. Ramirez for dental care.
3. Laura had a long wait time for her appointment.
4. The dental practice accepted Laura’s insurance.
5. Laura thinks Luis should not contact Dr. Ramirez.
Correct answers:
1. True – Laura recommended Dr. Ramirez for her kindness and ability to speak Spanish.
2. False – The text does not say that Luis has visited Dr. Ramirez; he is looking for a dentist.
3. False – Laura had minimal wait time for her appointment.
4. True – The dental practice accepted Laura’s insurance.
5. False – Laura encourages Luis to contact Dr. Ramirez.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you have a dentist that you like?
2. How do you feel when you go to the dentist?
3. Have you ever had a good experience at a dental office?
4. Why is it important to find a nice doctor or dentist?
5. Can you speak another language with your doctor or dentist?
6. What do you think about waiting for an appointment?
7. How often do you visit the dentist?
8. Do you ask friends for recommendations for doctors?
9. What questions do you have for your dentist?
10. How does insurance help you with medical visits?
Luis: Hey, Laura, have you found a good dentist since we moved here?
Laura: Not yet! I went to one last week, but the wait time was ridiculous. What about you?
Luis: I tried a place recommended by a friend. The dentist was nice, but I felt like they rushed me through the check-up.
Laura: That’s frustrating. I want someone who takes their time, especially since we’re not used to this healthcare system.
Luis: Exactly! I also worry about language barriers. Did you have any issues communicating with them?
Laura: A little. I ended up bringing my husband to help translate. It’s tough navigating all this when you’re new in the country.
Pregunta #1 answers No, it’s never happened to me. Pregunta#2 answer Yes a translator . Pregunta #3 answers That the doctor understands well. Pregunta#4 answers I tell the nurse that I help translating. Pregunta#5 answers Yes my daughter. Pregunta #6 answers To know if we have any disease. Pregunta#7 answers Yes because I didn’t have insurance before. Pregunta #8 answers Well I talk to the nurse. Pregunta #9 answers Yes. Pregunta#10 answers Talking about my situation.
1. Do you feel nervous about visiting the doctor?
No, I feel relaxed and calm
2. Have you ever needed help to talk with a doctor?
Yes, my English is not so advanced to communicate effective with the
3. What do you think is important when we visit a clinic?
I think it is important because this way we can detect if there is something wrong in our body in time.
4. How do you ask for help if you don’t understand something?
I ask a friend or the internet.
5. Do you have a friend or family member who helps you with language?
Not really
6. Why is it good to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?
Because seeing a doctor can make us feel more emotionally and physically
7. Have you ever worried about how much a doctor’s visit costs?
Not currently, since I have good medical insurance that covers all my medical expenses.
8. What do you do if you need help but feel shy?
I try to find support in other people
9. Is it easy for you to explain your feelings to someone?
No, since I am a closed person.
10. How can friends support each other in difficult situations?
In difficult situations the best support is to understand and understand the other person.
1. Do you feel nervous about visiting the doctor?
No, I don’t feel nervous.
2. Have you ever needed help to talk with a doctor?
Yes, I have needed help because I don’t know how to speak English.
3. What do you think is important when we visit a clinic?
I can explain the reason for the visit to the doctor so he can help me.
4. How do you ask for help if you don’t understand something?
Using the translator, or asking someone for help to translate.
5. Do you have a friend or family member who helps you with language?
Yes, I have my sister.
6. Why is it good to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?
Because the doctor is the one who can help us feel good and maintain good health.
7. Have you ever worried about how much a doctor’s visit costs?
Not at the moment.
8. What do you do if you need help but feel shy?
I have not been in that situation so far, but I would always try to handle any problem.
9. Is it easy for you to explain your feelings to someone?
Whenever I can help myself, I try to be as honest as possible.
10. How can friends support each other in difficult situations?
Listening to the other person and trying to get them to look at the situation differently without belittling what they feel.
Why is it good to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?
It is very important to see a doctor when you are not feeling well, because the doctor can check your health and prescribe medication and advice you on how to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. to prevent serious illnesses in the future.
4. Why is it important to find a nice doctor or dentist?
Because they need to know what they are doing, because some diseases are very dangerous to health