Medical Interpreting

“You will come running back to us, you’ll see!”

Those were the words uttered to me by a representative of one of the largest national interpretation agencies about five years ago. What led to those words, and did they become reality? A determination of who I am and what I shall become.

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Seeking Answers to my Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Frustrations

In the workers’ compensation industry, large insurance companies tend to have a policy to hire only national interpreting agencies. These agencies typically contract out to the cheapest unqualified bilingual labor they can find. The agencies do this so that they can reduce expenses and increase profit. The result is an industry rife with untrained, unskilled

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Why don’t more professionals demand quality interpreters?

I have been told by physical therapists that they prefer our services much better than the present interpreter with whom they are forced to work.  Why do they prefer us? Because our interpreters are always next to the patient, attentive, and ready to interpret. They tell me that the other interpreters tend to sit in

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Six Frustrating Challenges When Using An Interpreter

There is nothing more beautiful to an interpreter than a smooth-running assignment. Often issues arise and complicate matters, and usually they can easily be resolved. This article is intended to address some common, frustrating problems for users of interpreting services and interpreters,  and their easy solutions. 1. Whispering and Mumbling

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Top Ten Reasons to Join the Carolina Association of Translators & Interpreters

I once heard an interpreter declare that associations are for fancy car types.  Ouch, I didn’t think my Ford was fancy.  However, with full disclosure that 95% of the below is on CATI‘s website, here are the top ten reasons to become a member. 1. Provider Database: CATI will list you on its website directory.

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How Case Managers Can Work with Interpreters – Part III

This entry will conclude my three-part series on effective relations between the case manager and the interpreter. Role Boundaries:  “The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement.”  We discussed this a little, but another issue merits consideration.  Some case managers will ask the interpreter to relay messages if the patient

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An Open Letter to My South Carolina Colleagues

Over the last several years, there have been a noteworthy number of interpreters and translators seeking certification in South Carolina. Speaking to interpretation for a moment, I hear occasional complaints from frustrated certified healthcare interpreters that have expended considerable cost and time dedicated to improving their skill (continuing education). After all their effort to reach

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How Case Managers Can Work with Interpreters – Part II

In Part II of case managers and interpreters working together, I highlight a few misunderstood points. Accuracy: The principle is that “Interpreters strive to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration the cultural context.”  Some case managers are annoyed and confused when I repeat the same

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How Case Managers Can Work with Interpreters, Part I

Over the years, I have worked with many insurance company and independent case managers. Case managers coordinate medical care for patients that include doctors’ appointments, exams, therapy, surgery, blood tests, transportation, and interpreters. Whatever a patient might need for medical treatment, the case manager takes care of it. Money is a different issue; if a

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Three Recommendations for Maintaining Polished Skills

Have you seen the Crest commercial, “if you’re not whitening, you’re yellowing?”  In my opinion, if ever there was a motivating catch phrase, this would be it.  No one wants to be found dead or alive with yellow teeth.  What does this mean for language professionals and their clients? You may find it difficult to

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