A study was undertaken to identify and describe some of the obstacles, especially sociolinguistic, that stand between Hispanic communities in rural Nelson County, Virginia and appropriate health care, so the barriers can be minimized through provision of culturally sensitive outreach services and health-literacy programming. The target population consists of seasonal and migrant farm workers and family members, mostly aged 25-44 years and with an average of 5.5 years of school and chronic barriers to continued schooling and English language instruction. Individuals (n=approximately 100) were surveyed concerning their decisions, when ill, not to go to a doctor or to delay going to a doctor. The survey also investigated whether limited-English-speaking individuals would judge certain situations in the medical encounter as more difficult to negotiate verbally than others. These include making appointments by telephone, making appointments in person, registering and giving personal and insurance information, talking with nurses, talking with doctors, and checking out and paying. Results are analyzed and recommendations made for further research and action. The survey forms, in Spanish and English, and tabulated results are appended. Contains 33 references. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)