Why Interpreters Are Critical for Physicians, Not Just Their LEP Patients

A doctor with a wide smile waves at a patient through a video call.

The benefits of using an interpreter aren’t limited to patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) — healthcare providers reap significant benefits as well. If a patient declines an interpreter, the provider still has the right to request an interpreter to ensure they can accurately understand and relay medical information, meet evolving laws and regulations, and mitigate legal risk and liability. In this article, Kristin Quinlan, CEO of Certified Languages International, offers actionable advice to help providers reduce risk and ensure that they can communicate effectively with the patients they serve.

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CLI rolls out MERFi™, their own proprietary VRI platform. CEO Kristin Quinlan aimed for a nimble, flexible solution built with interpreting in mind.
Addressing language-related barriers can make access to healthcare more equitable. These actionable steps enable health systems to better support their LEP patient populations.
Remote medical interpreters, like CLI’s Helen Sweeney, played crucial roles during the pandemic, ensuring patients with a non-English language preference had access to healthcare amidst restrictions.