Interpreter

Can anyone tell me whose responsibility it is to provide an interpreter for a patients office visit? We are in CA if it matters and this particular patient is deaf. We have been trying to arrange for one through the patients insurance, Medi-cal, but they have delayed the appointment twice now and the patient is getting angry. The patient provided us with contact information of someone they like to use but the interpreter wants us to pay their services of course and also warned us that Medi-cal often sends non-certified interpreters which could be a liability problem for us. Any insite?

Read this

In California the insurer must pay for the translator- you are very lucky. As to this patient, you are only required to use what the insurance provides; if the patient wants more, they pay. Of course the interpreter is going to tell you why you should pay for them and not trust Medi-cal.

http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov/dmhc_consumer/br/br_language.aspx

Thank you

I can't thank you enough for the information and link. I was convinced that we were going to have to pay for this on top of the many other burdens put on the providers. BTW, the interpreter fee is $100 minimum, then $50 per hour or part there of.... wouldn't it be nice if the physician could get that much for his services. I feel for the patient but certainly don't think that the physician should bear the burden. Anyway, thanks again!