You may be wondering which healthcare interpretation service is best for you? It depends on your needs. If you need interpretation services for less than an hour, do not want to schedule in advance, or your patient or client is in a separate location (telehealth appointment, Zoom meeting), then remote interpreting is a great option. If you need interpretation services for more than an hour or two, then an in-person interpreter may be the best option.
Here are some critical factors to consider when choosing a healthcare interpretation service:
Type of appointment:
Different healthcare situations necessitate different types of interpreting service. For medical appointments involving children, mental health appointments and other sensitive matters; body language and social cues improve the continuum of care as well as outcomes. Video allows children, patients in mental health, and individuals to receive the highest level of accuracy due to the inclusion of body language and facial expressions. Alternatively, if you need to call multiple patients, remote interpreting allows the interpreter to make one or multiple outbound calls to return patient calls, and confirm or schedule appointments as needed.
Frequency of use:
If you need interpretation services regularly, multiple times a day across multiple languages, and for differing lengths of time, then a remote interpreter is the best option. If you only need interpretation services occasionally and for longer lengths of time, then in-person may be the better option.
Cost:
VRI and OPI are available on-demand and do not have any minimums and are billable by the minute, so in many cases these can be less expensive options than in-person interpretation.
Availability:
VRI and OPI are available 24/7, while in-person interpreters need to be scheduled in advance.
Remote Interpretation
Remote interpretation includes both Over-the-Phone Interpreting and Video Remote Interpreting and uses technology to connect interpreters and clients to provide real-time interpretation services. The interpreter is located in a different location from the client and the interpretation process is conducted through the use of a landline phone, or any device via app or browser. Remote interpretation can be used for a variety of purposes including medical appointments, business meetings, conferences, and other events. It is available anywhere, at any time and you will receive an interpreter in seconds.
Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)
Over-the-phone interpretation is accessed by any device via app or browser, as well via landline phone to provide real-time interpretation services. The interpreter is located in a different location from the client. If you need to call multiple patients or parents, remote interpreting allows the interpreter to make multiple outbound calls to confirm or schedule appointments as needed. It is available anywhere, at any time and you will receive an interpreter in seconds.
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
Video remote interpretation is a service that allows people to communicate with each other using language interpreters who are not physically present with clients. This type of interpretation can be used in a variety of settings, such as doctor’s appointments, court hearings, and business meetings. It is a valuable tool for people from all walks of life, and in many different professional settings. Video is optimal for the continuum of care. It allows children, patients in mental health, and individuals in general to receive the highest level of accuracy due to the inclusion of body language and facial expressions.
In-Person Interpretation
In-person interpretation is a type of interpretation service where the interpreter is physically present with the person or persons who need interpretation services. In-person interpretation can be done in person-to-person interactions or group settings. It allows for more accurate interpretation, since the interpreters can see the non-verbal cues of the person they are interpreting for. This can be important in cases where the meaning of what is being said is dependent on body language or facial expressions. It allows for a more natural flow of conversation, since there are no delays due to technology and can be more effective in cases where there is a need for back-and-forth communication, since the interpreter can easily convey information back and forth between the parties.
Limited English Proficient Direct Dial
This allows the LEP to get an interpreter on the call with them to dial into your healthcare organization.
Ways to Access an Interpreter
Connect with thousands of qualified and vetted interpreters in over 350 languages.
Option 1:
Propio ONE, our proprietary application with the fastest connection times for video and audio/phone services.
- Does not require any special equipment
- Accessible via mobile app (IOS or Android) or on the web
Option 2:
Any telephone for audio interpretation.
- Dial in to your dedicated phone number
- Select or speak the desired language
Request a FREE demo
If you need interpretation services, then Propio Language Services is the best option for you. We offer VRI and OPI services nationwide throughout the US, and we are available 24/7 at a less expensive rate than most other on-site interpretation services. Request a free demo today to see how we can help you communicate effectively.
