Community Health Improvement Services

Culturally Competent Chinese Medical Program Expands Access to Care

For 26 years, Tak Yu traveled from Middletown to New York City’s Chinatown if he needed medical care. The Chinese American dealt with the long, inconvenient drive, travel costs and cash payments for health care services because he felt comfortable with Chinese- speaking physicians. When he was too sick to drive, Tak paid $200 for a round-trip cab ride to Chinatown. He did not know he had an option – until he learned about Monmouth Medical Center’s Chinese Medical Program.

Now, instead of traveling to Chinatown, he turns to the program’s bilingual Chinese staff members who understand his culture and who help him – and Mary, his wife of 40 years – by coordinating his care and scheduling appointments.

“I am very pleased with the Chinese Medical Program and appreciate how staff matches doctors to my health insurance and sets up doctors’ appointments in a timely manner,” says Tak. “It is very important for the Chinese community to be aware of this program. I am very comfortable with the staff and services.”

Monmouth Medical Center - Long Branch
Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) along with The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center is one of New Jersey's largest teaching hospitals and has been an affiliate of Philadelphia’s Drexel University College of Medicine for more than 40 years. From its earliest days, MMC has been a leader in surgical advancement and has introduced many technological firsts to the region, including robotic surgery and other minimally invasive techniques. U.S. News & World Report has recognized MMC as a regional leader in cancer, geriatrics, gynecology, neurology and neurosurgery.

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