Research has shown that patients with limited-English proficiency experience lower quality health care, have more difficulty communicating with their physician and more likely to need a translator which potentially lead to significant adverse health outcomes. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that patients with limited-English proficiency face more barriers which create equity and disparity in understanding their physician as compared to their English-speaking counterparts.

Secondary data analysis was performed using the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011-2012. The CHIS is a population-based random-digit dial telephone survey conducted every two years of California's population. The survey consists of extensive questions in a variety of health related topics. For purposes of this study, specific questions were selected for statistical analysis.

All the literature and data analyses strongly supported that patients with limited-English proficiency are more likely to face barriers in obtaining quality care throughout the health continuum.