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For individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP) or Deaf/hard-of-hearing and need to participate in a court hearing, they have the right to an interpreter in federal, state, and local courts. An interpreter is required to protect one’s basic constitutional rights by providing equal language access. A legal interpreter plays a critical role in the court process, serving as the bridge between non-English-speaking individuals and English-speaking participants. An interpreter must interpret the content without editing, summarizing, deleting, or otherwise modifying the content. They must be impartial and able to serve the judicial process as required. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the legal interpreter qualifications and requirements used in the legal system. Understanding a legal interpreter’s qualifications is crucial for ensuring accurate communication in court, protecting constitutional rights, and avoiding errors that could affect case outcomes. Table of Contents Federal Legal Interpreter Qualifications Federally Certified Legal Interpreter Professionally Qualified Legal Interpreter Language Skilled / Ad Hoc Legal Interpreters State Legal Interpreters Local and National Organizations and Agencies American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) Organizations that Support Interpreters and Translators Legal Implications of Interpreter Qualifications Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Interpreters Avantpage Legal Interpreters: Bridging Language Gaps in the Legal System The federal government recognizes three types of legal interpreters. A federally certified interpreter has passed the Administrative Office certification exam. These exams are only available for Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole interpreters. The local federal court will determine if an interpreter is professionally qualified or has the language skills for other languages. This designation is for all languages except Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole. A professionally qualified interpreter meets the criteria for this designation. The criteria consider areas like tests and assessments, memberships, and other certifications. A language-skilled / ad hoc interpreter demonstrates the ability to interpret court proceedings to the court’s satisfaction, but isn’t a professionally qualified interpreter. While using a language-skilled / ad hoc interpreter is not always appropriate, it may be acceptable in some cases. Each state has its own legal interpreter requirements. As an example, the state of California recognizes two types of interpreters: Review language access programs by state. Local and national organizations, such as the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT), may provide other labels for legal interpreters, such as “conditionally approved” or “qualified.” These terms can vary a bit, but they essentially mean individuals pre-vetted by organizations, agencies, departments, or otherwise based on references, skills assessments, previous work history, an association with industry organizations, and more. While hundreds of sign languages exist, American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most common types in the U.S. Currently, there’s a shortage of ASL interpreters, and some certifications can’t be tested for anymore. Nationally recognized certifications include: CART, also known as real-time captioning, is a method of transcribing spoken language and sounds. The transcription is displayed on computers, mobile devices or other screens. Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing might prefer this method. LEP individuals may also choose this method over interpreting for various reasons. CART requires reading, and it’s often a one-way communication, although some versions can incorporate two-way communication. Specialists who provide CART services can hold certifications from the Association for Court Reporters and Captioners. Organizations that control assessments, codes of ethics, codes of professional conduct, and more to evaluate interpreter involvement include: The qualifications of a legal interpreter are more than just credentials—they can have real legal consequences. Courts rely on interpreters to provide accurate, impartial, and complete interpretations of proceedings, and errors or unqualified interpretations can impact case outcomes, fairness, and even appeals. By ensuring that interpreters meet federal, state, or professional standards, courts and legal professionals can protect the fairness, accuracy, and legality of proceedings, while maintaining confidence in the judicial process. A legal interpreter should have professional certification, strong knowledge of legal terminology, and proven experience in courtroom or legal settings. Unlike general interpreters, legal interpreters are trained to handle precise legal language, ensure accuracy, and maintain neutrality in court or legal proceedings. Certified interpreters help ensure fairness, accuracy, and compliance with legal standards, reducing the risk of appeals, challenges, or misinterpretation. Legal interpreters have a very important job communicating between LEP, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Legal interpreting is a highly specialized form of interpreting that not just anyone can do. As such, courts may require certain qualifications or a judge may inquire about qualifications, and may come up when a court case is challenged due to the interpretation, such as appeals on verdicts called into question due to the provided interpretation. By partnering with Avantpage, you ensure your legal proceedings are supported by highly qualified interpreters who meet federal, state, and professional standards, protecting both the integrity of the case and the rights of all participants. We provide remote and in-person interpretation services for the legal industry. We partner with the Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals, and we’ve worked with numerous state Superior Courts as well as Judicial Councils. To learn more, contact us with general inquiries, request a free quote, or call us at (530) 750-2040.

All across the world, people are using free artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate to perform the role of an interpreter, allowing them to communicate seamlessly with people who don’t speak their primary language. For low-risk contexts—like a tourist trying to ask a shop clerk how much their souvenir costs, for example—these tools can be quite valuable.  But in high-stakes environments like hospitals and courts, free artificial intelligence interpreters are simply not enough. Large language models and machine translation tools may be capable of interpreting simple, straightforward conversations, but they’re far from error-free: They struggle with nuanced or ambiguous language and lack the cultural knowledge and emotional complexity that human interpreters bring to the job. While Google Translate might be good enough to help you ask a passerby for directions to the nearest train station, it’s absolutely not good enough for a nurse trying to help a patient understand their discharge instructions.  In this blog post, we’ll go over the different ways in which artificial intelligence interpreters are being used today, and why human interpreters are still an absolute must-have in high-stakes environments like legal proceedings, the healthcare system, and emergency services. We’ll explain some of the key limitations of artificial intelligence interpreters and the importance of intervention by human professionals in the interpretation process. Table of Contents What Are Free Artificial Intelligence Interpreters? High-Stakes Environments Where AI Interpreters Are Used Risks of Relying Solely on Free AI Interpreters in High-Stakes Environments Why Human Oversight is Essential Best Practices for Using AI Interpreters in Critical Environments Frequently Asked Questions About Free AI Interpreters Conclusion Artificial intelligence interpreters combine speech-to-text and machine translation technologies to provide real-time language assistance, much like a human interpreter would.  The process works quite similarly to consecutive interpreting: One person speaks in their preferred language, while the artificial intelligence interpreter transcribes what they’re saying and then translates that into the other person’s preferred language. The translation can then be read aloud using text-to-speech technology, or the person can simply read a written translation of what the other person said. Here are a few examples of artificial intelligence interpreters that are available for free: Like a human interpreter, these platforms allow for fairly seamless conversation between two individuals. For low-risk settings—especially settings where you wouldn’t normally have an interpreter with you, like tourism or casual conversation—these can be very helpful tools. But they are also prone to errors that a human interpreter typically wouldn’t make.  For example, if there’s an error in transcribing the speaker’s speech, the translation could be completely wrong. Additionally, machine translation tools are notoriously bad at translating language that is ambiguous, nuanced, or slang-heavy. In fact, recent research shows that medical translations done by ChatGPT and Google Translate yielded errors in spelling, grammar, and readability that caused significant misunderstandings. This means a human interpreter is still necessary when it comes to high-stakes environments where a person’s life could depend on the quality of the interpretation. In general, artificial intelligence interpreters are not being used for high-stakes interpretation—at least not on their own. There are some organizations testing out artificial intelligence tools to bridge language gaps in high-stakes settings like hospitals and legal proceedings, but it’s important to note that these organizations are also taking into account several ethical considerations as well, to ensure that they’re using the tools responsibly. Take the Seattle Children’s Hospital, for instance: They’re testing out artificial intelligence tools to help provide patients and their families with discharge instructions in their preferred language before they leave the hospital (a written translation is also mailed to families after the patient has left the hospital). However, they’re using an internally developed tool to keep patient information private and have created an AI ethics board to oversee the implementation of the technology. And perhaps most importantly, human translators will still be double-checking the translations to ensure that the information is translated appropriately. Artificial intelligence interpreters and translators can present all sorts of risks when such measures aren’t taken. Below, we’ll look at a few of the issues that can arise when you rely on free AI tools alone in high-stakes settings: 1. Accuracy Concerns: All kinds of inaccuracies can come up when using AI interpreters. If the speaker’s speech is mistranscribed, the machine translation will not be an accurate representation of what they meant to say (for example, the word “femur” might be mistranscribed as “lemur,” potentially leading to serious complications). Beyond mistranscription, machine translation tools struggle with accuracy, especially for languages for which less training data is available. 2. Regulatory and Compliance Risks: Using free artificial intelligence tools also raises concerns about potential violations of industry regulations, such as HIPAA in healthcare or legal misinterpretations in court. Take, for instance, the Utah lawyer who was sanctioned for using ChatGPT to help write a brief that cited hallucinated citations (i.e., citations that the model made up). 3. Lack of Contextual Understanding: AI's inability to fully grasp cultural, emotional, or situational nuances that human interpreters would understand. Human interpreters can take cultural and emotional cues and other factors into context, a skill that sets them apart from machine translation and AI. This allows them to better parse out ambiguous or unclear language, leading to more accurate communication between both parties. Using artificial intelligence interpreters without any human oversight can certainly speed things up—but it also lowers the overall quality. Instead of implementing artificial intelligence on its own, it’s important to have a human in the loop—humans can help vet translations and make sure that the final product is a high-quality translation. A hybrid approach—in which artificial intelligence is used as a tool for interpretation, rather than as an interpreter itself—maximizes efficiency and minimizes the risks we’ve outlined above. When it comes to high-stakes settings like emergency room visits or court proceedings, it’s important to have a human interpreter on hand—this is the best way to ensure high-quality language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency. In these settings, inaccuracies caused by poor contextual understanding or grammatical errors can have grave consequences—a human must oversee these processes. By working with a trusted language service provider to contract interpreters, you can be sure that a human interpreter will always be available when you need one, whether by phone or video call. For low-risk contexts, like simple administrative tasks, AI interpreters can be a useful tool to boost efficiency, but it’s still a good idea to have a human reviewing the final product to make sure that everything is accurate and editing things accordingly. Not necessarily—artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool to boost efficiency. That said, AI output needs to be thoroughly reviewed by a human to ensure its accuracy. Free AI interpreters are typically not specialized to the unique needs of those working in high-stakes environments, like hospitals, law firms, and emergency response teams. Individuals working in these industries should look for AI tools that are trained on domain-specific data that reflects their specific needs. In general, no. In healthcare, sharing patient data with a third-party typically violates HIPAA, meaning that tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate are typically not compliant—AI interpreting tools need to store all patient data internally. In the legal field, it varies depending on how and what the tools are being used for. Attorneys, paralegals, and others working in the legal field should also review local regulations and confirm that their use of certain AI interpreters does not violate ethical guidelines. No. Human interpreters are especially important when it comes to high-stakes environments, as AI tools tend to make mistakes that humans wouldn’t. In settings where miscommunication can have a serious impact on an individual’s life, it’s absolutely critical to have a human interpreter. It may not always be possible to get a human interpreter on-site, especially in emergency settings. But language service providers like Avantpage offer on-demand virtual, remote, and over-the-phone interpreting services, which connect you with a qualified interpreter in mere seconds. Consult with a trusted language service provider to identify reliable alternatives to artificial intelligence interpreters. It may be tempting to use a free artificial intelligence interpreter when you don’t have a human interpreter available. But understand that this is a risky gambit. At best, it can lead to an awkward encounter; at worst, a patient could lose their life due to a simple miscommunication that a professional interpreter could have resolved. At Avantpage, we work with a team of professional, human interpreters to provide language assistance in high-stakes settings like emergency healthcare and legal proceedings. Through our in-house platform interpreting program, we can connect clients to human interpreters remotely in a matter of seconds. If you’re looking for human interpreters to enhance your language access measures, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (530) 750-2040 or [email protected].

It’s important for Medicare plan providers and healthcare organizations to make sure they’re able to communicate effectively with their patients — and that means speaking to them in their language.  Medicare Advantage sponsors are required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to translate documents into languages spoken by at least 5% of the members in a plan’s service area. In this way, the CMS requires providers to be mindful of the country’s linguistic diversity. If your organization is looking to translate documents into a new language, or simply want to refresh old translations, you’ll want to work with a translation agency that specializes in Medicare services. A Medicare translation agency will help you identify the documents that need translation and work with you to make sure you’re up to par with the CMS’ requirements. In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the factors you need to consider when selecting a translation agency to work on important Medicare documents, to give you a better sense of what to look for when you’re looking for a language service provider. Table of Contents Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medicare Translation Agency The Relationship Between Turnaround Time, Quality, and Cost What’s the Order of Importance? Additional Factors to Consider Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Translation Agencies Find the Best Medicare Translation Partner With so many language service providers available, how do you choose the one that best meets your organization’s unique needs and goals? These factors all come together to influence one another — for example, shorter turnaround time on a project might require you to sacrifice cost or quality, depending on the agency you work with and its approach. Likewise, lower cost might mean lower quality, and so on. Turnaround time, quality, and cost are deeply intertwined factors that you need to consider when selecting an agency, as they can significantly impact the outcome of your translation projects. For instance, if your priority is quick turnaround time, your agency will need to allocate resources in different areas that will more than likely require a bit of a trade-off between quality and cost. The agency will either need to hire additional professionals or leverage advanced technologies to ensure that the translation can be delivered on time. More human professionals will keep the quality high, but it will also drive the cost up; on the flip-side, technology will keep costs low, but will likely lower the overall quality of your translation. On the other hand, prioritizing quality entails implementing additional processes or involving more linguists in the translation process. This can lead to higher costs and potentially longer turnaround times. If minimizing cost is your primary concern, compromises can be made on the number of linguists involved, simplifying processes, or leveraging cost-effective technologies. However, this often comes at the expense of quality and/or turnaround time. It’s important to recognize that prioritizing low cost in healthcare, particularly in Medicare translation, may not always align with delivering high-quality and timely services necessary for equitable care. Because these factors are so deeply connected, it’s important to figure out which ones you want to prioritize — each organization is likely to have different priorities, depending on the kinds of translation projects they need completed. For instance, Medicare or state-managed health plans like Medi-Cal plans tend to place a premium on both turnaround time and quality, in order to comply with health equity regulations. These regulations often mandate timely delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to effectively address health equity gaps. For example, Medi-Cal Notice of Action letters must not only meet stringent quality standards but also have to adhere to tight deadlines, requiring translations within as little as 4 hours to ensure timely delivery to the patient. Similarly, healthcare organizations that conduct health education workshops may prioritize quality over the other three factors to ensure accurate dissemination of information. While cost considerations are also important, maintaining the integrity of the content and ensuring it resonates with diverse audiences may take precedence. In such cases, turnaround time may be less critical, as events are typically planned well in advance, allowing for adequate preparation time. Ultimately, the order of importance for organizations when selecting a Medicare translation agency may vary based on their specific objectives, regulatory requirements, and the nature of the content being translated. Think of these factors as sort of the “Big Three” to consider when determining the right Medicare translation agency for your organization. They’re the main things you’ll want to consider, but they aren’t necessarily the only things to consider — here are just a few additional factors and sub-factors that could play a role in deciding which agency is the best fit: Medicare translation agencies provide professional translation services and interpretation services to help beneficiaries with limited English proficiency (LEP) navigate health insurance and healthcare communications. By bridging language barriers, these agencies ensure all beneficiaries understand their benefits and receive accurate guidance. Agencies typically offer in-person, on-demand, and phone interpretation options. Medical interpreters are trained to handle complex healthcare conversations, supporting both beneficiaries and healthcare providers with accuracy and clarity. Translation agencies provide subject matter experts in medical and insurance terminology, ensuring that healthcare providers communicate effectively with LEP patients. This improves patient understanding, reduces errors, and supports compliance with federal guidelines. As you look for a Medicare translation agency to help your organization meet its language access goals, there are several factors to consider. Three major ones — turnaround time, quality, and cost — stand out the most. Here are some things to consider as you seek out a language service provider to work with: At Avantpage, we’ve worked extensively with Medicare providers and healthcare organizations to meet their healthcare needs. If you’re looking for a top-notch Medicare translation agency, consider reaching out to us today for a free quote, with any general inquiries, or by calling us at (530) 750-2040.

Whether it’s being used to detect early signs of disease or bridge language gaps between patients and their doctors, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in the healthcare industry.  According to recent research from Deloitte, 75% of leading healthcare companies are “experimenting with or planning to scale generative AI across the enterprise,” and even more (92%) see its potential to improve efficiency in healthcare. But although AI can certainly enhance human-led procedures, it’s far from a replacement for human healthcare professionals. One key strength of AI is its ability to enhance language access measures by speeding up the translation process, helping patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) communicate with their doctors. AI in translation is a powerful tool, but as we’ve seen with machine translation, generative AI-powered translation requires a human in the loop who can ensure linguistic accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and legal compliance.  In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best practices that hospitals and other institutions should follow when implementing AI in healthcare translation. We’ll also go over some real-world examples of how providers are implementing AI in translation while also maintaining human oversight to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive language access measures. Table of Contents Understanding Generative AI in Healthcare Translation How Are Hospitals & Healthcare Providers Using AI? Benefits of AI in Healthcare Applications Risks of AI in the Healthcare Industry Best Practices for Implementing AI in Healthcare Translation Future Outlook of AI in Translation and Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions About Generative AI in the Healthcare Industry Conclusion  Generative AI is a form of AI that can create text, images, and videos based on prompts written in natural language. Tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E are classic examples of generative AI platforms. If a user copies and pastes meeting minutes into ChatGPT and asks it to write up a brief, neatly organized summary of the meeting, ChatGPT will generate a summary based on those notes. In healthcare, generative AI tools can be used to increase administrative efficiency by speeding up tasks such as summarizing doctors’ notes or translating text into a patient’s native language. Other proposed uses for generative AI in healthcare include developing new drug candidates based on data on existing molecular structures and improving the quality of medical images like MRI scans. It’s important to note, however, that generative AI tools tend to “hallucinate,” making up false information that may appear to come out of nowhere. For this reason, human oversight is key whenever AI is used in the healthcare system. When it comes to AI in translation, for example, AI can play a helpful role in producing fast and mostly accurate translations of medical documents and patient records—it can even be used for real-time communication between LEP patients and their caretakers. But it’s not a replacement for translators and interpreters altogether. Humans who are familiar with both the source and target language need to review and vet AI translations to ensure that the AI output doesn’t contain any inaccuracies or hallucinations. Here are a few examples of hospitals and healthcare providers that are using AI to enhance patient care: 1. Partners Healthcare: When Partners Healthcare’s COVID-19 hotline was overwhelmed with callers during the pandemic, the organization implemented an AI chatbot to act as a screening tool. In addition to screening callers for COVID-19 symptoms, the chatbot could also answer most questions about the virus and advise patients on whether they should visit an urgent care or emergency room. 2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Doctors at Johns Hopkins Medicine can use AI to draft responses to patient messages in the patient portal, editing the generative AI response as needed. The team at Johns Hopkins is also working on ways to summarize charts. 3. Mount Sinai: Since 2013, doctors at Mount Sinai have been using algorithms to identify patients in their system who are more likely to get sicker. By using this information, they’re able to more effectively treat them before their conditions worsen significantly. Using AI in translation can have several benefits for healthcare providers, such as: Despite the benefits, using only AI in translation carries several risks that healthcare providers must be aware of: Although the benefits of AI may seem tempting, the risks of using AI on its own outweigh the advantages. Healthcare providers can still take advantage of the benefits of AI in translation by following these best practices: As the technology behind AI improves, you can expect to see AI being used more and more in the healthcare setting. AI has especially great potential for automating translation and administrative tasks—it’s possible that this technology will eventually be used to automate the translation of electronic health records. However, as AI becomes more and more widespread in the healthcare system, ethical concerns are bound to arise. Many concerns around the ethics of AI have already come up—for example, the idea that inaccuracies due to the use of AI could negatively impact a patient’s health. Looking toward the future, it will become important to address these concerns and figure out a way to balance the efficiency of AI with human factors like empathy and judgment. AI is improving efficiency across healthcare by automating administrative tasks and supporting translation for patients with LEP. It can also be used to more efficiently analyze medical images and detect early stages of disease, among other proposed applications of the technology. Not on its own. While AI can speed up translation and improve access, human oversight is essential to ensure accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and compliance with healthcare regulations.  No. AI-powered translations can be fast, but they often contain errors or omissions. Providers should always involve professional medical translators to review and verify AI-generated text. Healthcare providers should use AI tools specifically designed for medical contexts and compliant with regulations like HIPAA. These tools, paired with the expertise of human translators, ensure safer and more accurate outcomes. AI can improve healthcare translation workflows by making things faster, more scalable, and more efficient. But as powerful as AI may be, it can’t replace the expertise, cultural awareness, and judgment of human translators. As with other kinds of translation technology, AI requires human oversight to ensure that it’s being used safely. The most effective approach is a hybrid one—leveraging AI to speed up translation while relying on human professionals to ensure accuracy, compliance, and patient-centered care. For healthcare providers, the next step is clear: Embrace AI as a valuable tool, but implement it thoughtfully. By following best practices—such as incorporating human oversight, using domain-specific datasets, and ensuring regulatory compliance—hospitals and providers can deliver better, more inclusive care to patients of all backgrounds.  At Avantpage, we enable healthcare providers to bridge language gaps between care teams and their LEP patients using technology-forward translation and interpretation workflows with a human in the loop. If you’re looking for a language access solution, Avantpage has you covered. Contact us today at [email protected] or (530) 750-2040, or fill out this form for a free quote.

When your translation project is complete, what becomes of it? The purpose of a document informs not only the deliverable of your translation project but also whether additional language services are appropriate for the project. Many translation projects benefit from undergoing Desktop Publishing (DTP) services in addition to basic language translation. Capturing your audience’s attention is just as important as delivering the right message. Desktop publishing (DTP) allows marketers and small businesses to create professional, visually compelling materials that resonate with their audience, whether in print or digital formats. By leveraging desktop publishing software, design expertise, and strategic page layouts, DTP ensures your content looks polished and communicates effectively. This makes DTP especially useful when translating content to other languages, as it helps maintain consistent format, typography, and visual appeal across all versions of your materials. Table of Contents What Is Desktop Publishing (DTP)? Why Is DTP Important to Pair with Translation Services? How Desktop Publishing Helps You Reach Your Target Audience Examples of Desktop Publishing Deliverables Benefits of DTP for Marketers Frequently Asked Questions About DTP Choose Avantpage for DTP Desktop publishing refers to the creation of documents with professional page layouts using software programs designed for graphic design and typography. DTP software applications often feature drag-and-drop functions, style sheets, and master pages, enabling you to format digital pages, set headers, adjust kerning between typefaces, and design materials in a WYSIWYG (“what you see is what you get”) environment. Modern DTP tools also integrate clip art, stock imagery, and predesigned templates to help beginners and experienced marketers alike create visually eye-catching documents quickly. The process of translating your documents can create significant changes to the original design. For example, the Spanish language takes up considerably more space than English, making Spanish documents span more pages than their English counterparts. In other examples, graphics included in the original document design can be repositioned or resized due to where they fall in the translated text. Desktop publishing keeps design consistent, no matter what language your target audience speaks. Creating professional materials is only half the battle. To truly reach your audience, content must be strategically designed. DTP helps marketers: DTP services can support nearly every aspect of marketing for small businesses, from print to digital content. Common examples include: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marketer, DTP software streamlines your workflow, allowing for consistent format, typesetting, and professional-quality designs across all materials. Implementing desktop publishing in your marketing strategy provides several advantages: By leveraging desktop publishing software, marketers can combine graphic design, typography, and layout into one streamlined workflow, creating visually compelling content that resonates with their audience. Avantpage’s desktop publishing (DTP) services help marketers and small businesses produce a wide range of professional materials, including brochures, flyers, business cards, newsletters, social media graphics, product catalogs, presentations, and digital pages for web campaigns. Using desktop publishing software, templates, and drag-and-drop functions, Avantpage ensures your materials are polished, brand-consistent, and ready for print or digital distribution. No design experience is necessary. Avantpage’s team of experts handles graphic design, typography, typesetting, and layout, using software programs like Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, and QuarkXPress. They ensure your marketing materials, from headers and fonts to full page layouts, are visually eye-catching and professional. Even beginners can rely on Avantpage to deliver high-quality, on-brand documents efficiently. Avantpage streamlines your marketing workflow by combining DTP functions, master pages, style sheets, and prepress preparation into one seamless process. Their team ensures that all your marketing assets—from business cards to full digital page campaigns—are formatted correctly and consistent across print and web formats. By handling layout, typesetting, and design, Avantpage saves small businesses time and reduces errors, allowing you to focus on strategy and engagement. For marketers and small businesses, desktop publishing is more than just a design tool—it’s a way to streamline your content creation process, maintain brand consistency, and produce eye-catching materials efficiently. By understanding DTP functions, typography, typesetting, and layout best practices, you can turn simple marketing ideas into professional-quality documents, from business cards to comprehensive digital campaigns. With the right desktop publishing software and workflow, even beginner marketers can produce polished materials that rival commercial printing results, all from a personal computer. Let our team help you get started on your next desktop publishing project. Give us a call at 530-750-2040 or request a free quote today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of healthcare. One of those aspects is routine doctor visits. While many health issues still need to be handled in person, others can be done online through telehealth services (also known as telemedicine). Telehealth lets you talk to your healthcare provider live over the phone or video chat, send and receive messages using a secure online system, and use remote monitoring for updates.  But if patients can’t speak English and the provider isn’t bilingual, what happens then? Telehealth services have grown exponentially since the pandemic. A study by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) found that the number of Medicare visits conducted through telehealth appointments increased 63-fold, from 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. Also, the number of behavioral telehealth appointments increased 32-fold. Telehealth is here to stay.   Telehealth remains an important part of the modern healthcare system, but how can providers navigate the complexities of offering patient care if they cannot understand the patient? Table of Contents Advantages and Disadvantages of Telehealth Services Offering Telehealth Interpretation: Compliant Support for Patients What Are the Different Types of Interpretation? Improve Healthcare Literacy Through Language Along the Patient Journey  Determine the Best Solution for Your Patient's Need(s) Technology Considerations Appointment Types Language Considerations Frequently Asked Questions About Telehealth Interpretation The Importance of Language Access Needs for Telehealth Services  Telehealth offers many advantages, but it also highlights the gaps in language access, digital literacy, and Wifi accessibility, and thus health disparities, that can impact the health of those with limited English proficiency (LEP). While healthcare organizations may not be able to address some technology issues, they can implement language access solutions in telehealth and the patient journey overall.  Telehealth has advantages and disadvantages for healthcare organizations and patients. Advantages include:  Disadvantages include: 
Let’s look at one of these language barriers: digital accessibility for those with language needs. Unfortunately, this barrier can exacerbate disparities in the healthcare system. For example, one primary care clinic that usually had 14% non-English speaking patients noted that the numbers dropped to 7 percent when operating only as telehealth during the pandemic.    Healthcare organizations won’t be able to make internet access more accessible, but they do have options for improving language services. So how can healthcare organizations close equity gaps when addressing barriers in telehealth and digital access?  For healthcare appointments, providers need to meet language access laws. This includes telehealth, which poses some changes to the new landscape such as accessing remote interpreters, digital literacy, technology, and (Personal Health Information) PHI security.  Providing interpretation services, whether they’re through video remote interpretation (VRI) or over-the-phone (OPI), is critical for improving language access. Healthcare providers should have established language agencies with the setup for appointments and last-minute needs. A language service provider (LSP) can help strategize your needs to efficiently meet video appointments and larger volume calls.  Learn about OPI vs. VRI interpretation, and why you may need to provide both types of telehealth interpreting to patients. To improve healthcare literacy through language, consider patient touchpoints with your organization. The patient journey starts with searching for providers, having an initial appointment, and aftercare, including self-administration of care, and all the touchpoints in between. When you think about the patient experience, ask yourself these questions: If you identify areas that need improvement with language, consider strategizing with your LSP. For example, perhaps you should localize your website or create language voice options on your phone system, and your LSP can help you with that. 
One language scenario may not be enough to fulfill your patients’ needs. Given the disadvantages that we described earlier, and as COVID-19 continues to challenge traditional healthcare solutions, healthcare organizations may have to more than one language strategy for given scenarios.  For example, telehealth appointments may not be the best solution in some cases. With VRI, consider the following factors to have a successful meeting: 
Consider other telehealth options where video conferencing technology won’t be as much of a challenge. For example, some LEP patients may be more comfortable over the phone than on video. The AHA 2022 Environmental Landscape showed that of the 27% of Medicare beneficiaries who participated in telehealth visits, 56% were over the phone, 28% were video, and 16% were both.   Of course, some types of topics are better for telehealth than others. Here are some examples.  Lastly, consider language factors, such as requests by the individual for a specific language and method, complexity of the meeting such as multiple participants which can be confusing on video or phone with interpretation, the digital literacy of all participants, limited hearing by participant(s), sign language users (meaning OPI isn’t a possibility), and more.   Clinicians can determine the need for a healthcare interpreter by reviewing patient records in the EHR system, noting the patient’s preferred language, or asking patients directly when scheduling an appointment. On-demand interpreting solutions and medical interpretation services are available to ensure equal access and health equity, so clinicians can plan ahead and provide professional interpreters for both in-person and telehealth visits. Telehealth interpreters will join appointments via secure links hosted on the AvantInterpret on-demand interpreting platform. Professional interpreters are trained to provide real-time interpreting, supporting patients who are hard of hearing, speak a different language, or need ASL services, all while maintaining accuracy in medical terminology. Yes. All professional interpreters engaged through Avantpage’s medical interpretation services adhere to HIPAA standards, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times. Whether interpreting face-to-face, via video interpretation, or in real-time telehealth sessions, interpreters are trained in medical terminology and confidentiality protocols to protect sensitive health information. Absolutely. Our interpreting platform integrates seamlessly with EHR systems, allowing clinicians to schedule appointments, track patient data, and request medical interpreters directly within the platform. This integration supports real-time, on-demand interpreting solutions and helps ensure that patients receive care in their preferred language without workflow disruption. Yes. ASL interpreters are available for telehealth appointments to provide equal access and support health equity for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Interpreters join in real-time via video interpretation, ensuring clear communication and seamless integration with clinicians’ telehealth workflows.Learn how to work with a sign language interpreter for better health outcomes for patients. Telehealth services are going to continue to grow. To reduce health disparities in language, healthcare companies can provide interpreters, address language needs along the patient journey, and evaluate the best solutions for their patients. We provide VRI and OPI services for healthcare organizations and other industries. To learn more about how we can help you, get a free quote, contact us with a general inquiry, or call (530) 750-2040. 

The post-pandemic Medicaid unwinding has created one of the largest coverage shifts in recent history. For Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), the stakes are high: millions of members risk losing coverage, not because they’re no longer eligible, but because of procedural disenrollment. According to the KFF Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, 70% of Medicaid disenrollments in early 2024 were due to missed paperwork or incomplete renewals, not actual eligibility loss. Many of these members face a common and solvable barrier: language access. When renewal notices, forms, and instructions aren’t available in a member’s preferred language, deadlines are missed, documents are misunderstood, and coverage slips away. The result? Avoidable churn that disrupts care continuity and drives up costs for plans. The good news: this is a fixable problem. The solution: a proactive, multilingual Medicaid redetermination strategy. Table of Contents What Is Medicaid Redetermination? What is a Multilingual Medicaid Redetermination Strategy? Why a Proactive Approach Matters The Core of a Multilingual Redetermination Strategy - Start Early - Deliver Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Communications - Leverage Multiple Outreach Channels - Train Staff and Partners on Language Access Measure, Learn, and Adjust - Renewal Rates Among LEP Populations - Call Center Volume and Language Line Usage - Reduction in Procedural Terminations - Member Feedback and Retention ROI Marketing Redetermination Effectively Common Pitfalls to Avoid Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Redetermination Strategy The Bottom Line Medicaid redetermination is the process by which the state reviews beneficiary information to ensure they still qualify for Medicaid benefits. This typically involves verifying details such as income, household size, and place of residence. It’s a routine step that helps ensure Medicaid is providing coverage to people who meet the program’s rules. Ensuring that communication is clear and accessible in multiple languages is essential to help all beneficiaries maintain their benefits.  Learn more about LEP patients and what it means to be limited English proficient. A multilingual redetermination strategy is a proactive, structured approach designed to help Medicaid enrollees renew their coverage, regardless of their language proficiency. It’s about more than just translating a few forms. It means ensuring that every touchpoint in the renewal process, communications, support channels, and workflows, is designed to work seamlessly across languages and cultural contexts. With the right approach, members who are eligible won’t fall through the cracks simply because they couldn’t access renewal instructions in a language they understand. Too often, plans address disenrollment reactively; contacting members only after their coverage lapses. At that point, re-engagement becomes an uphill climb, requiring additional outreach, administrative effort, and resources. Members may also have already gone without needed care or medications, compounding health risks. A proactive approach flips the script: For MCOs and health plan marketers, the renewal cycle isn’t just an operational requirement; it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and close health equity gaps. Learn more about how improved language access can make healthcare better. A strong multilingual redetermination strategy weaves together language access, cultural relevance, and well-timed outreach. Here are the essential components: Redetermination should begin months before a member’s renewal date. This means: Early contact gives you time to: Translation is only the starting point. True effectiveness comes from cultural adaptation - ensuring messages are understandable, relatable, and trustworthy.Work with healthcare translation experts to ensure every message: Why this matters: Some populations may distrust official-looking documents or may be unfamiliar with how public benefits work. Tailoring the tone and framing can make the difference between a member opening a letter versus ignoring it. Different communities have different communication preferences. A multi-channel approach ensures your message is seen and understood: Tip: Make each communication channel reinforce the others to create a seamless and consolidated experience for members. For example, a mailed renewal reminder can direct members to a multilingual hotline where language resources are centralized and available on demand, providing real-time support without the higher costs of last-minute interpretation. Meanwhile, a follow-up text can link directly to the renewal form, guiding members smoothly through the process. This strategic coordination helps reduce confusion, saves resources, and ensures consistent language access across touchpoints. Even the most perfectly translated materials will fall short if frontline staff don’t know how to connect members to language assistance. Training should cover: Language access consulting can help build a sustainable plan that ensures every frontline staff member, from call center agents to community health workers, not only knows how to support LEP (Limited English Proficient) members effectively, but also understands the process to accurately identify the required language before connecting to an interpreter. Tools like “I Speak” cards or call-routing systems can prevent wasted time and expense from reaching the wrong interpreter. Proper training on using phone systems is also crucial; many staff unintentionally hang up or fail to connect due to a lack of familiarity, which can be uncovered through methods like mystery calls. A multilingual redetermination strategy is only as strong as its measurable impact. Tracking the right indicators ensures that your efforts are driving meaningful retention, improving member experience, and meeting compliance requirements. Pro tip: Segment results by language and region to identify high- and low-performing areas for more targeted follow-up. Pro tip: Use this metric together with renewal rates to gain a fuller understanding. Some members might reach out for help but still fail to complete the process without extra support. Additionally, analyze drop-off points to identify where language barriers may be causing friction for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) members, and conduct quality assurance to uncover gaps in language coverage. Pro tip: Use this metric alongside renewal rates to get a complete picture. Some members may call for help but still not complete the process without additional support. Pro tip: Translate surveys and use trusted messengers to boost response rates from LEP members for more accurate sentiment analysis. When it comes to helping members renew their coverage, especially those with limited English proficiency, the way you market matters. Meet people where they already are. Run targeted ads on social media, place spots on local radio stations, share print flyers, and partner with community media outlets,  all in the languages your members speak. Avoid spreading your resources too thin. Instead, concentrate your outreach efforts on neighborhoods and regions where your target language communities reside and work. This strategic focus ensures that your message reaches those who need it most. To identify these areas, you can utilize the U.S. Census Bureau's interactive mapping tools, which provide detailed demographic data by location. Skip the technical terms and bureaucratic tone. Use clear, friendly language that makes renewal feel simple, urgent, and worthwhile. The goal is to make the process less intimidating and more empowering. By combining these strategies, you can ensure your multilingual redetermination efforts truly connect and help more members keep their coverage. Medicaid redetermination is the process of reviewing a member’s eligibility for coverage. This involves confirming household size and income, among other factors such as residency and disability status. While some states may renew based on this information, beneficiaries may also need to complete a form, provide documentation, or attend an interview.  Medicaid redetermination is crucial because missing deadlines or paperwork can cause members to lose health benefits. Members with limited English proficiency are more likely to miss renewal notices if they’re not in their preferred language. Multilingual materials ensure everyone understands how and when to renew. Clear communication in the right language helps members take timely action, reducing the risk of losing coverage due to misunderstandings or missed deadlines. It should include translated notices, culturally relevant outreach, geo-targeted campaigns, and partnerships with trusted community channels. Yes. Retaining members through better communication reduces churn, improves health outcomes, and strengthens long-term plan revenue. The Medicaid unwinding period is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embedding multilingual and culturally competent communication into your redetermination process, you can: Don’t wait until members disappear from your rolls. Start building your multilingual redetermination strategy today. Ready to take action? Explore our expertise in healthcare translations and language access consulting services. You can also learn more about multilingual outreach strategies or request a free quote to start designing your plan.
By acting early and leading with equity, your organization can turn renewal season from a compliance headache into a member engagement success story.

A sign language interpreter communicates between people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and those who have hearing. A sign language interpreter may be useful or required in many different settings, including healthcare, education, court, an office or other situations. The best way to find a qualified interpreter is to work with a professional interpreting service that meets regulatory compliance. But, how do you work with a sign language interpreter once you secure their help? If you’re going to learn how to work with a sign language interpreter for the first time, or if it’s been a while since you’ve worked with an interpreter, you may not know what to expect. We’ve put together the following list of tips so you can become familiar with the process and be prepared before and during the interaction.   Table of Contents How to Prepare for the Session How to Work with an Interpreter During the Session  How to Work with an In-Person Sign Language Interpreter in a Large Group Setting Frequently Asked Questions About Working with a Sign Language Interpreter After the Session Conclusion Before the interpretation session, here are some things to keep in mind:  The interpreter’s role is to communicate between people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and those with hearing. An interpreter will interpret everything, so don’t ask the interpreter to leave something out. Interpreters are bound by a strict Code of Professional Conduct, such as the code established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. This Code ensures confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality. It’s not uncommon for a sign language interpreter to seek out the individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing to casually talk to assess their sign language skills before the interpretation. This helps establish a trusted rapport as well as helps the interpreter provide more meaningful language access. Signing can be physically and mentally tiring. If there’s only one interpreter, that person may need breaks after 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of interpretation. If there are two interpreters, they can relieve each other during regular intervals. The one who isn’t interpreting can then monitor the conversation and watch for things that may have been missed. Another type of interpretation in which there’s more than one interpreter is when a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) works with a hearing sign language interpreter. In this case, a CDI works with an interpreter to handle dialects, sign languages, home signs, or other cultural differences to make sure the interpretation is precise. If you have any written materials that you plan to use during the session, provide the interpreter with a copy ahead of time. This will allow the interpreter to become familiar with the content and ask questions about the material, such as terminology. Go beyond just written materials by sharing the meeting agenda, names and roles of participants, any specialized vocabulary or acronyms, and whether the session will involve audience participation. The more context the interpreter has, the smoother the communication will be. If you plan to show a video, check to see if it has closed captions. If the interpreter needs to interpret the video, understand this is a form of simultaneous interpretation and they would need to be aware in advance, as well as may need breaks. The connection between your interpreters and patients is just as important as the one between your router and your devices. If you’ll be working with Video Remote Interpreting, the internet connection must be high-quality for full visuals of signs. If you can use a hard-wired internet connection, this will facilitate the best quality connection. Before the day of the session, brief all speakers and staff on how to work with an interpreter, such as speaking at a steady pace, allowing only one person to speak at a time, and addressing the deaf participant directly rather than saying “tell them.” Here are some tips on how to work with an interpreter during a session.   If at any point the deaf participant indicates that the interpretation style is not working for them, be open to making adjustments. Contact your LSP if a different interpreter is needed — feedback is part of ensuring quality communication access. Learn more about language preference in trauma-informed care settings. Here are some tips on working with an in-person sign language interpreter in a classroom or large group setting.  Learn about using ASL interpreting services in government settings. Your job doesn’t end when the session or event is over. Take a few minutes to: Ideally, book as soon as you know the date and time of your event or appointment. Qualified interpreters, especially those with technical, medical, or legal expertise, can be booked out weeks in advance. Early booking ensures you find the right professional for your needs and allows time to provide them with prep materials. An ASL interpreter is typically a hearing person who interprets between spoken English and American Sign Language. A CDI is a deaf professional who works alongside an ASL interpreter to provide greater clarity in complex situations, such as interpreting for individuals with unique signing styles, multiple dialects, or limited language skills. Interpreters do not add personal opinions or “explain” in their own words. They interpret exactly what is signed or spoken, maintaining neutrality. If you need clarification, address the deaf participant directly and allow the interpreter to convey your question. Look at and speak directly to the deaf participant, not the interpreter. Use your normal voice and pace, and allow time for interpretation. Engage with them as you would with any other participant. Yes. Share any materials, agendas, terminology lists, and participant names as early as possible. This preparation allows the interpreter to become familiar with the subject matter and ensures more accurate communication. If the deaf participant indicates the interpreter’s style or skills aren’t meeting their needs, contact the language service provider immediately. It’s important to make changes quickly to maintain effective communication. Not without breaks or support. Interpreting is mentally and physically demanding. For events longer than 1–2 hours, plan for multiple interpreters who can rotate and stay fresh. Knowing how to work with a sign language interpreter should lead to a successful outcome for everyone. Booking early, choosing the right interpreter for your setting, and sharing context well in advance will make the biggest difference in the quality of your session. At Avantpage, we provide interpretation services for all types of industries, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about how the process work. To learn more, get a free, no-obligation quote or call us at (530) 750-2040.

Hosting a webinar for a global audience can be challenging when participants speak multiple languages. How do you make sure everyone follows along? Remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) delivers real-time translation, keeping all attendees engaged, informed, and able to participate fully. 

In this article, we’ll dive into how you can host a webinar using simultaneous interpreting services. If you’re not sure where to begin, a trusted language service provider can help you figure out all the right tools and techniques you’ll need to make your event a success. Before you host your webinar, you’ll need to partner with a language service provider who offers remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) services. Two key components to RSI set it apart from other types of interpreting: As the name implies, it’s both remote (i.e., the interpreter is not physically present at the event) and simultaneous, meaning it takes place at the same time the main speaker presents in the original language. Simultaneous interpretation is a particularly specialized style of interpreting. The cognitive effort of listening to the speaker while translating their speech into another language at the same time can be quite strenuous. As a result, simultaneous interpreters often work in teams and they can be a bit pricier than consecutive interpreters, who wait for a speaker to complete any given utterance before translating their message. This method of interpreting is typically used for events like conferences and webinars, as they allow people to understand the content of these events in real-time, without having to slow the pace of the presentation. RSI services allow interpreters to conduct their work remotely, making it easier to schedule an interpreter who can do the job from any location in the world — as long as they have a good internet connection.

If you’re planning to host a multilingual webinar and want to provide remote interpreting services, here’s what you need to know to get started. And for more general information on planning a multilingual event, check out our best practices for organizing a multilingual event, which includes tips that work for both remote and on-site events. RSI services are a great way to provide seamless multilingual experiences for attendees of your virtual event, but it’s important to keep the following factors in mind when commissioning an interpreting service for your event: Providing yourself with ample time to organize all aspects of an event is critical to making sure your event runs smoothly. Just as you’ll want to set a date and coordinate marketing early on, you’ll also want to plan ahead for having an interpreter.

We recommend booking an interpreter at least two weeks in advance, but the more time you have, the better. This is especially true for underrepresented languages, which may have fewer interpreters available.

Learn about remote simultaneous interpreting for high-stakes communication. Like translators, many interpreters will specialize in certain niches, meaning an interpreter who specializes in medical interpretation may not be the best choice for your webinar on public policy. 

When booking an interpreter for an event, you’ll want to be sure to know exactly what topics you plan to cover and provide that information to the LSP and any interpreters you’re working with.

If available, you can even provide the interpreters with any context surrounding the event or materials that will be presented at the event, such as:
Allowing the simultaneous interpreters access to these materials in advance will help increase the quality of the interpretation for the participants. This information will allow interpreters to prepare for the event and conduct any research that’s necessary beforehand. We highly recommend conducting a dry test run of the webinar beforehand. You can coordinate this with your LSP, which will ensure that all parties involved in the webinar — the speakers, interpreters, and other organizers — will be familiar with the technology and equipment necessary to run the webinar smoothly. A dry test run also allows you to check audio channels, speaker volume, participant connections, and video quality, preventing technical issues during the live event. Working with an interpreter can expand your audience and broaden your horizons, but there are a few key things to consider when working with an interpreter during your virtual event.  To ensure smooth interpretation during your webinar: If you’re working with a sign language interpreter, you must have proper lighting so the interpreter can see your facial expressions. Check out these tips on how to work with a sign language interpreter. Remote simultaneous interpreting allows participants from around the world to join your webinar without language barriers. By offering real-time interpretation in multiple languages, you can reach a broader audience, increase attendance, and engage participants who might otherwise be excluded. RSI not only enhances understanding for multilingual audiences but also ensures your event is inclusive for people with diverse language needs. When paired with captioning, interpreters make content fully accessible for attendees with hearing impairments or those who prefer to read along, creating a more engaging and equitable experience. Providing professional interpretation can help organizations meet legal or regulatory requirements for language access, particularly in healthcare, government, or educational settings. Offering RSI demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, which can enhance your organization’s reputation and trust with your audience. Interpreted webinars enable attendees to ask questions, participate in polls, and interact with speakers confidently in their preferred language. This leads to higher engagement, better feedback, and a more dynamic event overall. RSI allows you to connect with international audiences without the need for physical travel or on-site interpreters in every location. This reduces logistical challenges and expenses while still delivering a professional, multilingual experience. Most professional interpreters can work remotely, but availability may vary for less common languages. Early booking is essential. Simultaneous interpreting is demanding; interpreters typically rotate every 20–30 minutes for optimal accuracy. If your webinar or virtual event is longer than 30 minutes, ask your LSP whether you’ll need to hire multiple interpreters.  Always have backup connections, test all technology in advance, and coordinate with your LSP for contingency plans. To maintain accuracy, provide interpreters with all relevant materials in advance, including slides, scripts, glossaries, or industry-specific terminology. Brief your interpreters on the webinar’s objectives, key points, and any technical or specialized content. Conducting a dry run or rehearsal also helps identify potential challenges, ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and consistently in every language. It depends. If you’re planning to provide slides, PDFs, or any written materials to participants as part of your presentation, it’s highly recommended to prepare translated versions. Keep in mind that document translation services are separate from interpretation. Providing written materials in participants’ native language enhances accessibility and ensures your message is clearly understood by all attendees. Learn about the difference between translators and interpreters. Preparing for a remote multilingual event doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are the key things you’ll want to keep in mind when booking RSI services to ensure that everything moves smoothly at your multilingual webinar: By following these best practices, you can make sure that your multilingual webinar is accessible to folks from all sorts of linguistic backgrounds. If you’re hosting a remote event and need webinar translation services or remote interpreting services, Avantpage is happy to offer RSI services and further consultation for your unique situation. Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call us at (530) 750-2040 to learn more about our RSI offerings.

Miscommunication in healthcare, especially for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), can lead to serious health risks, lower patient satisfaction, and poor outcomes. A comprehensive language access policy isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a powerful strategy for improving care, performance scores, and equity. That’s why every healthcare provider needs some sort of language access policy. And while there are federal regulations that outline the basic obligations—such as requiring hospitals and clinics to offer interpretation to patients with LEP—mere compliance with these laws isn’t quite enough.  Measures like the Health Equity Index (HEI) or Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) heavily emphasize equity of care. These measures can seriously affect a provider’s reputation and funding. This means providers need to go above and beyond the bare minimum requirements to make sure patients with LEP can access their services just as easily as native English speakers.  In this blog post, we’ll explain the strategic importance of having a thorough language access policy that goes the extra mile. We’ll also discuss how language access policies can lead to better health outcomes and improve performance on measures the HEI and HEDIS. Table of Contents What Is a Language Access Policy—and Why It Matters Now Turning Compliance Into Competitive Advantage How to Build an Effective Language Access Policy Measuring ROI: Health Equity, Financials, and Retention Getting Started: Key Actions for Health Plans and Providers Frequently Asked Questions About Creating a Strategic Language Access Policy Final Takeaways A language access policy acts as a blueprint for organizations to address the cultural and linguistic needs of individuals with LEP. It outlines needs specific to the organization, such as how many patients need language access services and what languages are most common among this group. In a healthcare setting, a language access plan may also consider health equity—i.e., how healthcare outcomes for patients with LEP compare to those who speak English fluently—and social determinants of health. Then, the plan outlines strategies for addressing these needs, be it interpreting services, translation services, or other language access services. Typically, a language access policy will cover interpreter access, written translation, accessibility services, staff training, technology integration, and vendor partnerships.  Historically, language access plans were tied primarily to compliance with federal and local regulations, but it can also be a strategic investment. Performance metrics like HEDIS, HEI, and CAHPS factor in communication and patient experience—this means that a provider that does well in other areas but falls short in language access will not perform as well on these metrics as one that does offer high-quality language services. These metrics can impact reputation and funding, so investing in thorough language access measures can pay off, both in terms of improved health outcomes and an organization’s finances. Meeting basic language access requirements is important, but it’s just the beginning. Top-performing health plans go beyond simply offering interpreting and translation services. They make sure that patients with LEP receive the same level of care, communication, and support as English-speaking patients.  That means thinking about ways to make things like patient intake forms, patient portals, and care instructions accessible and easy to understand for people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This proactive approach improves outcomes, strengthens trust, and boosts performance on key metrics like HEDIS, CAHPS, and the Health Equity Index (HEI). By operationalizing things like the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and investing in better workflows, training, and vendor partnerships, providers can: For a language access policy to have a meaningful impact on performance, it should begin with a data-driven needs assessment. Health insurance providers and hospitals alike can look to the following sources for high-quality data on the needs of LEP patients: Organizations should use these resources to identify the size and demographics of the local LEP population and which languages are commonly spoken among LEP locals. Once an organization understands patient needs, they can seek out language service providers who can offer translation, interpretation, and website localization in these languages. Partnering with a qualified vendor who can offer certified medical interpreting that complies with regulations like HIPAA is key to developing a strong language access plan. After a language services vendor has been selected, it’s important to train relevant staff on when and how to access language services, as they may need to use special technology or language identification cards to properly access language services. Make sure your staff members understand the importance of language access and are prepared for successful, culturally sensitive interactions with LEP patients. While language access may seem expensive at first, organizations that implement thorough language access measures can expect that investment to pay off in the long run. For example, health plans that invest in language access often see stronger performance in areas directly tied to reimbursement and public reporting. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’s HEI now rewards Medicare Advantage plans that reduce disparities for underserved populations, including patients with LEP. That means strong language access can directly boost HEI score. Likewise, better communication supports higher HEDIS and CAHPS scores, which influence quality bonuses and member enrollment. When patients understand their care plans, they’re more likely to follow through with screenings, medications, and follow-up visits. And that’s not to mention the impact these measures actually have on LEP patients—clear communication in a patient’s preferred language empowers patients to advocate for and express themselves. This in turn leads to better patient satisfaction and health outcomes, reducing gaps in health equity. If you’re looking to improve your language access plan for your organization, here are a few steps to help you get started: A language access policy in healthcare is a document that outlines the measures a healthcare or insurance provider will take to ensure equitable access for patients with LEP. This outlines high-demand target languages for interpreting, vendors of language services, documents that need to be translated, etc. Poor communication and patient satisfaction can negatively impact HEDIS scores and CAHPS ratings—that means if a provider does not have strong language access measures in place, they may score poorly on these performance metrics. By offering language services to patients and members, providers can improve health outcomes for patients with LEP, in turn leading to higher scores on these metrics. If LEP members can’t understand basic information about their health plan, they’re liable to find a new health insurance provider that has a better reputation. Having a strong language access policy in place allows you to build trust with members who have LEP, in turn making them less likely to leave your plan. An effective policy includes a language needs assessment, clear procedures for interpreter and translation services, staff training, qualified vendor partnerships, and ongoing evaluation to ensure services meet member needs. Health plan providers can track improvements in HEI, HEDIS and CAHPS scores, member retention by language group, and the number of language access-related complaints, among other metrics. While compliance is one key aspect of any language access policy, it’s important to understand that it’s not all about compliance. If done right, it can also be a key market differentiator. Having strong language access measures can set you apart from the competition and help you retain members by improving health outcomes, member and patient satisfaction and performance metrics like HEI and HEDIS. While developing a language access policy may seem like a challenging task, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Avantpage offers language access consulting services on top of medical interpreting and translation services to help healthcare organizations build a policy that aligns with their unique needs.  Ready to turn your language access policy into a strategic advantage? Contact us today at [email protected] or (530) 750-2040 to learn more, or fill out this form for a free quote.

Based on standard hearing exams, one in eight people in the US aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears. This number equals 13 percent of the population or 30 million people. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Title II (state and local governments) and Title III entities (businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public) to communicate with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. That said, it’s crucial to provide certain communication services for the deaf or hard-of-hearing for your organization to be legally compliant and accessible to all. In this article, we’ll explore the types of communication services, how to make accommodations for D/HoH populations, and considerations when looking for an interpreter.  Table of Contents What Are Language Accessibility and Communication Services? Communication Services For Deaf Populations Communication Services For Hard-of-Hearing Populations  How to Make Accommodations for the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing 1. Provide the Preferred Sign Language 2. Provide the Preferred Delivery Method  Considerations for Finding an Interpreter Considerations for Scheduling an Interpreter Conclusion Ensuring effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals goes beyond simply providing interpreters or hearing aids. Language accessibility services are designed to remove barriers, support meaningful participation, and provide equal access to information and services. These services take into account different communication needs, preferred languages, and technologies, helping individuals engage fully in education, healthcare, work, and everyday life. Let’s explore the various communication services for the deaf or hard-of-hearing.  Language accessibility for deaf individuals goes beyond just providing a sign language interpreter. It involves creating meaningful access to information, interpreting services, and nuanced communication, which can include: Communication services for deaf populations are designed to ensure full participation in education, government, healthcare services, and everyday life, respecting both linguistic and cultural identity. For individuals who are hard-of-hearing, language accessibility focuses on amplifying, clarifying, and visually supplementing spoken communication. Services may include: Unlike deaf populations who may primarily rely on signed languages, hard-of-hearing individuals often benefit from a combination of spoken language support and visual communication tools. The goal is to ensure that these individuals can engage effectively in conversations, access government and public services, and participate fully in education, employment, and social activities, including elections.  For those who schedule services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, consider the following. Although ASL is the most common sign language in the US, not all individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing use ASL. That’s why it’s important to find out a person’s preferred language—if someone doesn’t use ASL, then providing an ASL interpreter won’t be helpful.  Some examples include: No two patients are the same. To ensure your communication services are fully accessible, you must offer options for how you interpret and interact with patients.  In-person interpreting provides face-to-face language support, allowing interpreters to capture tone, body language, and facial expressions that are essential to clear communication. This option is ideal for: Over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) connects you to a qualified interpreter within seconds, making it one of the fastest and most convenient interpreting solutions. OPI is available in hundreds of languages and can be used for both planned and on-demand conversations. 

This service is ideal for situations where visual cues aren’t essential, such as: Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) combines the speed of over-the-phone interpreting with the added benefit of visual communication. Using a secure video platform, interpreters can facilitate conversations in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken languages, helping participants see facial expressions and body language for greater understanding. VRI is ideal for: Simultaneous interpreting allows the interpreter to translate spoken words in real time, with little to no delay. This service is commonly used in: CART, also known as real-time captioning, allows a provider to transcribe spoken words into text and then display them on computers, mobile devices, or screens. CART can be used in a variety of ways, such as: Not only does it help individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, but it also helps those who may struggle to hear in loud places and Limited English Proficient individuals. Remote CART can also be streamed to an internet browser for remote communication needs. C-Print is similar to CART, but it uses a QWERTY keyboard. The service provider uses software to type full and abbreviated words, and the software finds full words for the abbreviations. C-Print allows individuals to type responses, making the communication two-way. When seeking out an interpreter, consider these scenarios and preferences. Depending on certifications and skills paired with an individual’s preferences, these interpreters work with a person who is deaf and the organization to facilitate communication, most often using ASL. These interpreters are specially trained with personal knowledge of the deaf community, added resources, and more to work with a hearing interpreter as a team. They have firsthand knowledge of the deaf culture and can work with individuals who are children, use home signs, use sign languages from other countries, and more. CODA interpreters have grown up using sign languages, typically in tandem or even before using spoken English. They have a nuclear family awareness of deaf culture and language. These technologies can be leveraged when individuals understand written English but do not have a way to communicate through signs. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) is the national organization that issues certifications for sign language interpreters. However, in 2016, they placed a moratorium on certifications as a way to address systemic issues with testing, and that moratorium is still in place today. Currently, the only nationally issued certification through RID is the National Interpreter Certification (NIC). There are already too few sign language interpreters, and the RID moratorium presented another issue. Since 2016, not many interpreters have been added. This can make scheduling last-minute sign language interpreters difficult, so plan ahead when you have a need for an ASL interpreter. Learn about AvantInterpret, our sign language interpreter scheduling software:  Before you schedule an interpreter, talk to your patient population to determine the best ways to communicate with them. Remember to schedule as far out as possible to ensure you can meet the needs. We provide in-person and remote interpretation services for all kinds of industries and environments. For more information, get a free, no-obligation quote online or call us at (530) 750-2040. Let us help you provide the best language services.

Recognition reflects Avantpage’s commitment to innovation, industry leadership, and building communication bridges that bring people closer together  DAVIS, CALIFORNIA — August 14th, 2025 — Avantpage, a trusted leader in language access services, has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies in the Sacramento area by the Sacramento Business Journal. The honor will be celebrated at a special ceremony on August 14, 2025, bringing together the region’s most dynamic and forward-thinking companies.  This achievement is more than a measure of growth; it is a reflection of Avantpage’s unwavering commitment to transforming the language services industry. In a world that changes quickly, Avantpage has not only kept pace with trends and technology but has actively redefined how language access is delivered. By combining advanced tools, human expertise, and a deep respect for the communities it serves, the company has built  solutions that go far beyond simple translation.  For Avantpage, growth comes from listening to its clients, understanding complex challenges, and creating new ways to meet them. This approach has led to new services, stronger partnerships, and a team that is empowered to solve problems for some of the largest and most demanding organizations in government, healthcare, and life sciences.  “This recognition means so much to us because it shows that doing the right thing and aiming high can go hand in hand,” said Luis Miguel, CEO of Avantpage. “We work every day to make communication easier, fairer, and more human for everyone, and we are proud to be leading the way forward.”  Over the past year, Avantpage has made significant investments in innovation, from adopting cutting-edge translation and localization technology, created a brand new Innovation department, to developing more efficient workflows that keep quality and accuracy at the highest level. These advances are paired with a strong human touch, ensuring that every project supports understanding, empathy, and inclusion.  The Sacramento Business Journal’s Fastest-Growing Companies list honors local businesses that have achieved exceptional revenue growth while showing resilience and vision. Avantpage’s inclusion on this list reinforces its reputation as both an industry innovator and a mission-driven organization.  About Avantpage 
Avantpage is a language access solutions provider dedicated to helping organizations communicate with diverse communities. Serving government, healthcare, and life science organizations, Avantpage delivers translation, interpretation, and localization services in over 150 languages. Guided by the belief that understanding is everything, Avantpage builds bridges of communication that create equity, connection, and opportunity for all.