US Medical Term · emergency
Medical Interpreter
Intérprete médico
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Medical Interpreter |
| Spanish (Español) | Intérprete médico |
| Chinese (中文) | 醫療口譯員 |
| Korean (한국어) | 의료 통역사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phiên dịch y tế |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Medikal na interpreter |
| Portuguese (Português) | Intérprete médico |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ล่ามทางการแพทย์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 医療通訳者 |
What it means
A medical interpreter is a trained professional who translates spoken or written communication between patients and healthcare providers who do not share the same language. Under US federal law (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act), hospitals that receive federal funding must provide free language services to patients with limited English proficiency. You have the right to a professional medical interpreter for any clinical conversation, including the ER. Interpreters may be present in person, by phone, or by video. Using untrained family members, especially children, for medical interpretation is discouraged. Always ask for a certified medical interpreter if you are not comfortable communicating in English.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I need a Spanish-language medical interpreter; it is my right.
Necesito un intérprete médico en español; es mi derecho.
Can you arrange a medical interpreter by phone or video for us?
¿Pueden organizar un intérprete médico por teléfono o video para nosotros?
I do not want my child to translate medical information for me; please get an interpreter.
No quiero que mi hijo traduzca información médica para mí; por favor consiga un intérprete.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026