Your health is important.
So is talking to
a doctor in your
language.
a doctor in your
language.
Ask for an
interpreter.
interpreter.
An interpreter is someone on the healthcare team specially trained to help you talk with others who don’t speak your language.
Watch a Video About Interpreters
Why Use an Interpreter
It’s your right to have an interpreter when you go to the doctor if you want one. And when it comes to your health, it’s important you, your doctor, and the other members of the healthcare team understand each other.
An interpreter:
- Has learned the best way to help you and the healthcare team understand each other
- Helps the healthcare team understand your needs, so you can get the best care possible
- Is an expert in both English and your language
- Knows about your culture
- Helps to make sure your questions are answered, and that you know how to take care of your health
- Is FREE to use (it’s your right under the laws of the United States)
- Is trained to keep your information private
Did you know?
More than 25 million patients in the United States don’t speak English very well.
U.S. Census Bureau (2022)
Serious mistakes that could affect a patient’s health are 2 times more likely to happen when a trained interpreter isn’t used.
Annals of Emergency Medicine (2012)
Friends and family are usually not trained to be medical interpreters and it’s best not to have them interpret for you.
Archives of Public Health (2024)
How to Get an Interpreter
Tell your doctor, nurse, or other staff what language you speak and then ask for an interpreter. You can also carry a card with you that says what language you speak and show it to your healthcare team! Get a card now.
Interpreters can help in 3 different ways
By Phone
By Video
In Person
Ask your doctor, nurse, or other staff which options they have available.
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Get a WeSpeak Card
Get a WeSpeak card to use when you go to the doctor. It can tell everyone the language you speak.
Here’s how:
1
Pick a language from the dropdown below
2
Click “Save” to save the card to your phone or computer
3
When you go to the doctor, show them the card
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Common Questions About
Working With an Interpreter
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About Us
WeSpeak is a project that comes from a partnership between NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYC Health+Hospitals, and multiple community organizations with the goal of improving language access services for everyone.
This project is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Award #: 1CPIMP221354-01-00
Award #: 1CPIMP221354-01-00
Our Partners
Healthcare Professionals
Do you want to help your patients understand the members of the healthcare team better? These materials can help!