Are there Resources for Interpreter Services?
Check with your local hospital(s). Many times hospitals offer interpreter services or have already done the research to determine what resources are available in your locality. Use employees. You may have staff who might be able to provide translation services, particularly if they receive training in medical translation. If you have a significant number of patients needing interpreter services, it may be cost effective to spend the resources to train staff to handle interpretation within the office. You might also consider whether bilingual staff might be able to interpret for general, customer-service related needs versus medical translation. Utilize professional services. Professional translators provide an excellent resource for complex admission, diagnostic and patient education scenarios. Language Line Services provides 24-hour, over-the-phone interpretation in 168 languages, with or without a contract. Contact (800) 528-5888. Call (800) 821-0301 for a free, recorded demonstratio
