Clear and effective communication isn’t just convenient in the complex world of healthcare—it’s essential. Without the ready availability of medical translation and interpretation, for example, the growing portion of the US population that doesn’t speak English fluently would struggle to communicate their needs or understand their doctor’s instructions.
In the United States, individuals who are not fluent in English are known as Limited English Proficient (LEP). To support this population, the government requires that any organization, including healthcare facilities, receiving federal funding must provide translation and interpretation services to its LEP patients. A recent regulation,the 2024 Medicare ruling, sets specific standards for the quality and speed of these language services. All these regulations are based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Aside from language services, there are other required accommodations in healthcare settings. Patients with other types of challenges understanding or conveying information, such as vision-impaired and hard of hearing individuals, are also protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and require accommodations like alternate format (Braille is an example).
Remote Medical Interpretation Services and HIPAA Compliance
A large portion of healthcare communication consists of medical consultations and other spoken dialogue. When serving LEP patients, two options are most commonly used to bridge the language gap: either Over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) or Video Remote Interpretation (VRI).
Although both VRI and OPI allow for accurate remote multilingual communication, they have slightly different use cases. The 2024 Medicare ruling specifies the standards for both types of language services.
Differences Between VRI and OPI
With its video support, VRI is helpful when you need body language to convey the message, for example if the LEP patient is also hard of hearing.
On the other hand, OPI is used when a quick phone call to an interpreter will do the trick. And with its affordability and near-instant connectivity, OPI is used to fulfill most interpretation requests.
But no matter how the remote medical interpretation is delivered—over the phone via OPI or by video conference with VRI–the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stipulates that patient data must be protected.
In this article, we will be focusing on HIPAA-compliant over-the-phone interpretation, a popular language option in many hospitals, clinics and anywhere else medical care is being delivered.
OPI: A Simple Solution for Medical Interpretation
Medical facilities around the country have been relying on OPI for years, and for good reason: it works well to fulfill most language interpretation needs. Simple to use for anyone in virtually any situation, OPI connects medical staff with professional interpreters using just a telephone.
OPI is known to offer:
- Ease of use: Simply call the number provided to request assistance.
- Fast connection: Reach a professional interpreter in seconds.
- 24/7/365 service: Available day and night, just like hospitals and emergency rooms.
- Professional assistance: Certified medical interpreters.
- Accurate medical care for all: Reduces barriers to care.
- Improved health outcomes: Patients are more likely to understand and follow instructions.
- HIPAA compliance: Personal data is kept secure as per applicable laws.
These are tangible, important benefits for your patients and healthcare facility.
Medical OPI transforms how nurses and physicians communicate with LEP patients, and how patients understand their medical conditions. Your medical staff can be confident that their diagnoses and recommendations will be understood correctly and more likely result in positive health outcomes.
The Role of Professional Interpreters in Discussing Medical Conditions and Terminology
Health conversations are important and should not be interpreted casually. Although, in some situations, it may seem convenient to get by with ad-hoc interpreters such as family members, this solution is insufficient for quality care.Professionally-trained and certified medical interpreters know how to handle sensitive health information, convey complex medical concepts accurately, and communicate effectively even in high-stress situations. With OPI, the patient-provider conversation remains confidential, impartial, and accurate while avoiding costly penalties for non-compliance.
Valid Reasons for Using OPI for Medical Interpretation
HIPAA Compliance
Safeguarding patient information is critical, as well as required by law. A certified medical interpreter undergoes specific training to protect any personally identifiable health information (PHI) they hear during the phone call. When calls are recorded for quality assurance, top-rated language service providers rely on established processes to delete all contents on a regular basis.
Another layer of protection for sensitive data, preferred by many healthcare organizations, is to request US-based interpretation. Although overseas interpretation isn’t necessarily non-secure, depending on the levels of protection set in place by a given provider, many federally funded institutions prefer the additional guarantees and HIPAA assurances offered by onshore OPI.
The sum of these precautions assures healthcare providers that interpretations are conducted without compromising patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and HITRUST standards.
Meeting Data Privacy Infrastructure Requirements
Top OPI providers keep up with the best data privacy practices and have robust infrastructure to protect your patients’ sensitive data. Using secure communication channels and encryption, they ensure your information remains confidential and safe throughout the interpretation process.
When you’re ready to choose an OPI service provider, ask about their standards and processes for protecting patient information against unauthorized access.
Quick Handling of Emergencies 24/7/365 In Multiple Languages
In emergencies, every second counts. Being able to communicate quickly, accurately, and effectively with patients is key.
Quality-oriented OPI services are available 24/7/365, so healthcare professionals like you can access interpretation services at any time. This round-the-clock availability of professional interpreters leads to high quality care with clear, timely, and accurate diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving outcomes, even saving lives.
Patient Safety and Comfort
Utilizing professional OPI services helps the physician or nurse to be understood correctly and to build trust and understanding with patients of all backgrounds. The patient feels safe and well cared for despite the medical issues they are facing, and speaking their native language knowing they are being understood helps reduce the emotional toll of a hospital stay or other stressful situation.
Avoiding Medical Malpractice Through OPI
Reduce misunderstandings and the risk of malpractice with OPI, which enables aligned communication between the patient and provider.
Aligned communication improves the likelihood of medical instructions being followed properly and of patient symptoms being interpreted accurately, while reducing the risk of treatment error which could lead to legal action.
Over-the-Phone Interpretation: Excellent Benefit-to-Price Ratio
Professional OPI services are an ideal choice for a wide variety of healthcare settings, from private practices to clinics to larger hospitals. Its cost-effectiveness is clear—it provides instant access to interpreters with just a simple phone call.
Keep Your Patients Safe and their Data HIPAA Compliant by Researching an OPI Provider That Has Privacy in Mind.
Over-the-phone interpretation services are vital for healthcare providers aiming to ensure equal access to care and compliance with HIPAA regulations. By enhancing communication, improving patient safety, and protecting privacy, OPI is a forward-thinking strategy benefiting medical staff and patients alike, improving outcomes, reducing risks, and closing health care disparities among LEP patients. Together with other language services, like medical translation, OPI is an essential piece of excellent healthcare service delivery.
Ready to see how BIG Language Solutions’ over-the-phone interpretation can keep your patients safe and their data secure? Schedule a consultation today
If you’re looking for multiple services like VRI or translation in addition to OPI, ask your language service provider about building a service package that meets your organization’s needs.
