What is a Qualified Medical Interpreter?

A picture of a nurse, an interpreter and a patient in a neck brace talking in a hospital room

Qualified medical interpreters are trained in healthcare terminology and are taught that impartiality and confidentiality are of the utmost importance. They must possess a deep understanding of both the healthcare and interpreting fields, A qualified medical interpreter:

  • Is at least 18 years of age.
  • Has a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
  • Has a proof of bilingualism and literacy through a validated language proficiency assessment (LPA).
  • Can provide a certificate of completion for a professional interpreter training course of at least 40 hours.

Why Healthcare Organizations use Qualified Medical Interpreters

  • Professional medical interpreting is accurate and clear.

Our medical interpreters have been trained to accurately convey complex medical information. Even the best intended family member may not be familiar with the specialized medical terminology required.

  • Professional independent third parties are unbiased.

Professional interpreters are trained to facilitate clear and unbiased communication, ensuring that patients fully understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care plan. We want family members to focus on the most important thing: their family. The burden of communication should not land on family.

  • Qualified medical interpreting is now required by law.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires healthcare organizations to use a “Qualified Medical Interpreter” for any medical conversation with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Our medical interpreters are also bound by HIPAA, ensuring patient information remains confidential.

A picture of a young doctor talking to an older female patient smiling in her bed with a family member and a qualified medical interpreter present

Benefits of Qualified Medical Interpreters

A picture of a young male nurse and an older female patient looking at a tablet together for virtual remote interpreting

Several studies have shown that the use of professional interpreters improves LEP patient outcomes. For example, a report by the Joint Commission states that professional interpreters allow for better communication between patients and providers, resulting in reduced disparities in health care services, and increased satisfaction among all those involved in the clinical encounter.

Another study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients with LEP who used professional interpreters rated the quality of interpretation as high, regardless of whether it was delivered in-person, via video conferencing, or via telephone.

The benefits of fast, reliable access to the clear communication provided by professional medical interpreters cannot be overstated. Eliminating delays means better outcomes and reduced liability, improving patient outcomes and also saving the healthcare organization time and money.