Does Your EMR ‘Habla Español’? Here’s Why It Should.
Bridge the Language Gap and Boost Patient Satisfaction
Effective communication is the foundation of quality care. Yet, more than 25 million people in the U.S. have limited English proficiency (LEP, and Spanish is the most common language spoken among them. When physical therapy clinics don’t offer intake forms in Spanish, it creates barriers from the very first interaction, leading to miscommunication, misdiagnoses, and lower patient satisfaction.
Why Spanish-Language Intake Forms Matter
Studies show that patients who struggle to communicate with their providers are less likely to follow treatment plans, leading to worse health outcomes. In fact, research from the American Medical Association indicates that language barriers can increase hospital readmissions and emergency visits, proving that effective communication isn’t just about patient experience, it’s about better health results.
When clinics provide Spanish-language intake forms, they see:
More Accurate Diagnoses – Patients can describe symptoms and medical histories in their preferred language, reducing miscommunication and errors.
Better Treatment Adherence – Clear instructions in a patient’s native language improve understanding and follow-through.
Higher Patient Satisfaction – When patients feel heard and understood, they trust their providers more.
Improved Health Outcomes – Eliminating language barriers leads to fewer medical errors, lower costs, and better long-term care.
Stride Physical Therapy EMR Makes It Simple
Unlike many EMRs that only offer English-language intake options, Stride EMR allows clinics to enable digital intake forms in Spanish at the patient level—customized to their workflow. Patients can complete forms from their phone, tablet, or computer in their preferred language, ensuring:
No more reliance on patients bringing a translator
No more handwritten transcription errors
Accurate data instantly available in the EMR for better treatment decisions
Make Every Patient Feel Heard
Every patient deserves a welcoming experience starting with their first interaction. By offering Spanish-language intake forms, Stride EMR helps clinics enhance patient trust, reduce administrative burdens, and improve clinical outcomes.
