Chapter 10: Additional Careers in Allied Health
Karen Piette
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 24 million Americans are considered to qualify as limited english proficiency patients (LEPs). LEP’s experience health disparities caused by a decreased access to medical services, decreased comprehension regarding their office visits and poorer outcomes. It is important for LEP’s to fully understand their healthcare and be able to communicate with their healthcare practitioners fully, which brings us to the role of the medical interpreter
medical interpreters translate between medical providers and patients. Also called language access providers, medical interpreters help individual patients who may have trouble speaking or understanding English. Medical interpreters may work in physician offices, hospitals or nursing homes translating medical information into the native language of non-english speakers. They play a critical role in making sure patients understand medical-related instructions, medical procedures, treatment and medical advice from providers. Not only do medical interpreters translate information from a provider to patient, but they also translate patient questions and concerns back to the providers.
In addition to translating with providers and medical staff, medical interpreters translate various documents such as medical intake forms, consent forms, insurance and billing documents, medication information and pamphlets. Medical interpreters may also facilitate follow-up medical care by translating during phone calls, conducting reminder calls and accompanying patients to appointments.
It is important to understand that medical interpreters must adhere to confidentiality laws as well as policies of individual entities where they are translating. Medical interpreters are usually well versed in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which is a federal law that protects individual health information of patients.
Medical Interpreter Requirements and Qualifications
In order to work as a medical interpreter, the candidate must be fluent in English and another language. Two or more languages are preferred. They need to be able to translate medical terms, medical information, treatments, procedures, etc.
Medical interpreters must have a high school diploma or GED as a minimum requirement. Coursework in college-level language coursework is helpful. Coursework for medical interpretation may include medical terminology, foundations of interpretation, medical ethics and interpreting in medical specializations. There are many live and online programs throughout the country offering certificates and associate’s degrees in medical interpretation.
There are two national certifications in the United States. These include Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CorCHI) and Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI). The CHI follows the guidelines of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters