Forum - Questions & Answers

Sep 4th, 2014 - vsurratt

can you bill for providing interpertation service through a phone service for patients comming in the office?

Sep 4th, 2014 - youngblood 278 

re: can you bill for providing interpertation service through a phone service for patients comming in the office?

Unfortunately, no. You are required to provide the interpreter as an overhead cost. This was mandated aeons ago by HHS as a civil rights and access to care issue. My documentation dates back to 2003, so the links are probably no longer valid. Google "Limited English Proficiency", and you should find current links. *Also* beware the liability issues before allowing a friend or family member (who probably does not have sufficient medical knowledge) to stand in for a professional.

Sep 4th, 2014 - dsteed   141 

re: can you bill for providing interpertation service through a phone service for patients comming in the office?

It is a cost of doing business. Many hospitals have an interpreter services program that allow staff physicians to utilize. Family members or friends may be completely qualified to translate non-medical information, but are risky to rely on for properly relating medical information.



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