Is It Good To Have a Medical Interpreter Or Translator for Appointments?

LEP patient care will be negatively impacted by poor communication. 

Studies have also shown that language barriers can lead to misdiagnosis, patient safety events, and inappropriate treatment.  

Certified medical interpreters are crucial to overcoming language barriers in medical settings. Certified interpreters will have the experience to work in a high-stress medical situation, they will be trained in medical terminology, and must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.  

Three reasons why you need a medical interpreter :   Have the best possible access to health care. 

In healthcare, even the most minor inaccuracy can have devastating consequences. When every second counts, healthcare professionals need a language services partner they can trust. 

Unbiased, accurate communication. Patients often need to make crucial decisions. 

Communicating with patients through a professional medical interpreter removes any emotional bias or additional family trauma and ensures the correct information is shared. 

 You could be breaking the law. 

In the USA, all patients have a right to a competent medical interpreter. Failure to provide language assistance to patients who are not fully qualified in English could be breaking the law, and patients now have the right to complain if your facility does not provide.