In our ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare quality and access for all, we want to emphasize the critical role of the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS). These standards are instrumental in promoting health equity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the care they need and deserve.
The CLAS standards were developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help healthcare organizations provide equitable and culturally competent care. They are designed to address the unique needs of diverse patient populations, reduce health disparities, and enhance the overall quality of care. Health equity remains a pressing concern. Disparities in health outcomes persist among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, highlighting the need for change. Achieving health equity means ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
We would love for you to join our Quarterly Health Equity Council, a dynamic initiative aimed at addressing disparities and advancing health equity in the communities we serve. By participating, you have the opportunity to influence positive change, reduce disparities, and enhance patient experiences. Please email acarson@mdwise.org for more information.
To truly address health disparities and promote health equity, it's essential that we begin by understanding the unique needs and backgrounds of our patient population. By regularly reviewing member demographic data, we can identify trends, disparities, and opportunities for improvement. This valuable information enables us to tailor our services and initiatives to better meet the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they deserve. See below for membership details for 2024.
Each year our team reviews race/ethnicity diversity. Below is a snapshot of race/ethnic breakdown of our membership as of March 2024.
Does your patient need interpretation services? Check out available alternate language translation & interpretation services!
MDwise addresses the communication needs of its members and ensures the availability of interpretive services to optimally engage, direct and support each member and his/her family and/or support systems.
In-person Interpreter Requests
A member or provider may ask for in-person interpretation services for an appointment by calling 1-800-356-1204. MDwise provides these services free to our members. Requests for in-person interpretation should be made at least three business days in advance. MDwise will do its best to provide in-person interpretation for requests made less than three business days in advance.
Follow the steps below to complete a request.
This information is required:
- Member name and ID number
- Language required
- Appointment date and time (estimated duration, if known)
- Complete address and phone number of on-site appointment
- Purpose of appointment
- Member’s phone number
- Interpreter gender preferred
Our staff will schedule the in-person interpretation. Follow-up will be done within two business days to confirm.
Telephone Interpreter Services
During business hours only, members and providers have the option to use oral interpreter services by calling 1-800-356-1204. The member or provider would explain the need for an interpreter and the preferred language. MDwise will connect the call for oral interpretation for any covered service. MDwise does not require advanced notice for oral interpreter services during business hours.