Latino patients struggle with communication in California

Gloria R. Lopez, left, talks to Licensed Clinical Social Worker Uzma Nazir, far right, through Medical Interpreter Fabiola Cardenas, second from left. Lopez is being briefed on recovery and lifestyle implications after a kidney transplant she is yet to receive while her daughter Gloria A. Lopez, second from right, listens in to learn her role as caretake for her mother. Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio Conversations at the doctor's office are not always easy. Fear of bad news and complicated medical terms can make for a tense environment. But for limited English speakers, language problems can barriers to good care. Federal and state laws require translation or some other plan for non-English speakers. But in California, these patients have mixed success communicating with health care providers. Pauline Bartolone of Capital Public Radio reports from Sacramento.