If you or a family member is more comfortable in a language other than English, you can usually ask for a qualified medical interpreter at no cost. Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, health programs that receive federal financial assistance, which includes most hospitals and many clinics, must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to people with limited English proficiency, including free language assistance. You can read the official overview from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Why a qualified interpreter, not a family member
- Medical words are hard to translate on the spot. Trained interpreters know the terms in both languages.
- Family members may soften bad news or skip embarrassing questions, and important details get lost.
- Children should not be asked to interpret, except in a true emergency. It puts adult decisions on a child.
Interpreters can be in person, by video or by phone. All are fine; ask for the one that works best for you.
How to ask
- When you make the appointment, say: "I need a Spanish interpreter, please." / "Necesito un intérprete de español, por favor."
- Ask again when you check in, and before signing any form you don't fully understand.
- If you're offered a family member or a bilingual staff member who isn't trained, you can still ask for a qualified interpreter.
Get ready for the visit
Write your questions down before you go, and use teach-back at the end: repeat the plan in your own words so everyone knows it was understood. Our Bilingual Doctor Visit Planner has a before-your-visit worksheet and teach-back notes in English and Spanish, and the free Emergency Health Kit includes cut-out interpreter request cards.
En español
En Estados Unidos, la mayoría de los hospitales y muchas clínicas deben ofrecerle un intérprete calificado gratis. Pídalo al hacer la cita y otra vez al llegar: "Necesito un intérprete de español, por favor." Evite que sus hijos le interpreten, salvo en una emergencia. Antes de firmar algo que no entienda, pida el intérprete.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Follow your own clinician's instructions. In an emergency, call 911. / Este artículo es información general, no consejo médico. En una emergencia, llame al 911.