Language Assistance & Interpreter Services

Communication Services for Patients

As part of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s (BIDMC) commitment to creating an inclusive care environment, we provide high-quality interpreter services to facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency and/or deaf or hard of hearing and families and their health care teams. Interpreter services are provided to patients free of charge.

In most cases, interpreters for outpatient appointments are booked automatically at the same time through our uniquely coordinated system.

Staffed language services include:

Patients have the right to receive care regardless of their language ability. Virtually any language need can be accommodated through our interpreter staff or extensive network of resources, including interpreting services via telephone.

BIDMC provides professional interpreter services for individuals who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or late deafened. These services are available either in-person or via a Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), through one of our trusted partner vendors, to ensure clear and confidential communication.

About Medical Interpreting at BIDMC

Our interpreters abide by a set of standards of practice and are trained in medical terminology. We are committed to maintaining and improving skills through various professional development opportunities within BIDMC and the medical interpreting industry.

The art of medical interpretation requires an understanding of anatomy and physiology, linguistic competency and interpersonal skills. The service collaborates with the Ethics Program and many other departments to address the complexities that arise as part of the work.

Interpreters respect patient confidentiality, are committed to providing the best in patient care and work closely with medical teams with the goal of maintaining patient safety.