One organization is trying to change that. The Centro Latino started a program called "Promotoras de Salud," which aims to give Hispanics adequate access to healthcare.

Grace Vega of University Hospital says most Hispanics don't understand the American healthcare system, so they don't know what resources are available to them.

"It's certain that there is a fear of going to a doctor that may not be able to speak your language," she said.

Latinos make up 14 percent of Columbia's population. They're three times less likely to have a consistent source of medical care and one and a half times more likely to use the emergency room as a primary source of healthcare. Making unnecessary trips to the emergency room is one of the most common mistakes Hispanics make, and it can cost them hundreds of dollars.

"If you go to the emergency room for the same treatment, it's going to cost $500, $600 or even $1,000 for one visit. This is one thing we need to help people understand," said Eduardo Crespi of Centro Latino.   

When asked about the quality of healthcare, 76 percent of Latinos say the care they received was excellent or good.

But when asked if they received poor medical attention in the past, most admitted they face problems the rest of the population doesn't. A Pew Research study found: 

• 46 percent say they believe their accent contributed to their poor care.
• 43 percent say they believe their inability to pay contributed to their poor care.
• 37 percent say they believe their race or ethnicity caused them to receive poor care.

As the Hispanic population continues to increase, knowledge on where to go for help spreads.

"Their best network of information is each other," Sister Francine Kruehler said.

Crespi says he's seen four times the number of Hispanics come looking for help recently.  He credits this to an increasing Hispanic population and knowledge about the Promotoras de Salud program.