Medical and healthcare terms can be difficult to understand on their own. Imagine having to understand them in another language. It’s not only frustrating when you can’t understand your provider or your provider can’t understand you—it’s unsafe. If you prefer to speak in a language other than English—or use American Sign Language—having a professional healthcare interpreter is important.
How interpreters work
Healthcare interpreters are trained in medical and healthcare-related terms and are also familiar with the values of a particular culture’s approach to illness, treatment, medication and dying. They are there to help you and your provider discuss your care in a clear, specific manner.
Interpreters are available on video, over the phone and, when possible, in person. At Dartmouth Health, we have recently expanded our services to include 170 mobile devices across the system that provide live video and phone interpreters in 240 languages and dialects (languages specific to a region or culture). In addition, interpreters are also available for telehealth visits.
We want you to receive care in the language that is most comfortable for you. If it is a language other than English, we will provide an interpreter for you—at no cost.
It’s important to remember that friends and family cannot take the place of professional interpreters. All communication between you and your provider must be done by a professional interpreter. Even if you speak some English, having a trained interpreter will help you and your provider make the best healthcare decisions.
Facts you should know about using an interpreter:
- Interpreter services are free and required by law.
Both federal and state laws require healthcare organizations to offer interpreter services at no cost to the patient. - Our interpreters are certified, trained and licensed medical interpreters.
Interpreters are trained to explain healthcare terms and understand cultural values. - Interpreter services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including telehealth visits.
Interpreter services are always available. - Professional interpreters must follow privacy and confidentiality policies (such as HIPPA).
Interpreters must follow privacy laws, just like healthcare workers. - The Interpreter Services team makes all the arrangements for having an interpreter.
There is nothing for you to schedule.
For information on Interpreter Services, visit the Interpreter Services section of our website.