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    Providing Interpreters for Patients


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    We are a privately owned practice. Are we required by federal or state laws to provide interpreters for our limited English proficiency patients?

    Answer:
    Under antidiscrimination laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, patients have a right to interpreter services. Very few health plans reimburse the physician for it. The Academy supports American Medical Association (AMA) efforts to increase coverage for interpreters.
    You may utilize bilingual staff, but it is the physician's responsibility to ensure that non-English speakers understand the medical advice when discussing care and treatment. Many practices use telephone or video interpreters whose fees are priced by subscription or number of minutes used.
    Consult your liability carrier for complete guidance. Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. (OMIC) offers a Q&A at Bridging Language Barriers – OMIC.