Imagine going to the doctor for your thumb—only to have your chart say you hurt your toe.
Sounds absurd, right? But it’s exactly the kind of mistake that happens when medical interpretation goes wrong. And in workers’ compensation, even small errors like this can lead to delayed care, denied claims, and frustrated parties on all sides.
Let’s break down why these mistakes happen—and how to prevent them.
Why Do These Mistakes Happen?
In languages like Spanish, the word “dedo” can mean both finger and toe. Without clear context or proper clarification, an interpreter might easily mix the two. And if that incorrect information ends up in the medical record, it can cause real damage.
Some common causes include:
Untrained interpreters with little to no knowledge of medical terminology
Agencies cutting corners by sending whoever is available, regardless of qualifications
Failure to ask clarifying questions due to fear, pressure, or lack of protocol
Why It Matters in Workers’ Comp
In a workers’ compensation case, the medical record drives everything—from treatment decisions to legal outcomes. A simple mistake like confusing a thumb with a toe can:
Lead to wrong or delayed treatment
Complicate or invalidate a claim
Trigger disputes between stakeholders
Erode trust between the patient, provider, and insurer
The Solution: Certified, Trained Medical Interpreters
This is not just a language issue—it’s a professionalism issue.
A certified medical interpreter:
Knows the correct medical terms
Can navigate cross-cultural communication
Clarifies ambiguity with both patient and provider
Protects the accuracy and credibility of the medical record
In short, they get it right the first time.
The Bottom Line
Hiring trained professionals saves time, money, and legal headaches. If you’re involved in workers’ comp—whether as a provider, case manager, attorney, or agency—investing in certified medical interpreters is not optional.
Because when it comes to someone’s health and recovery, a thumb should never be mistaken for a toe.
Need reliable, certified medical interpreters for your workers’ comp cases?
Contact Archway today — because accuracy matters.
