Blogs

According to a recent article in the New York Times*, the new state-run healthcare exchanges still have a long way to go before the October 1, 2013 deadline. The health exchanges are the cornerstone of the Affordable Care Act, and it is estimated that they will make health insurance available to up to 30 million people who are not currently covered. However, studies have shown that as many as three quarters of those eligible for this new coverage are completely unaware of their options. With the deadline for open enrollment looming, health care advocates, community organizers and consumer health care organizations are scrambling to get the word out. Compounding the problem: Among the people expected to sign up for coverage, one in four speak a language other than English at home, and three out of four have a high school diploma or less. In California, the state-run health exchange, Covered California, must reach five million people who communicate in 13 different languages and reside across an area encompassing 163,000 square miles. This underscores the importance of communicating not only in appropriate languages, but at appropriate reading levels as well. Translation services will play an essential role in removing language barriers and reaching out to these newest health care consumers. With political parties still at odds over the implementation of the new health care law, consumer confidence has been further eroded regarding health care reform.  Despite these hurdles, healthcare organizations and insurers are moving ahead to identify and reach out to the uninsured in anticipation of enrollment. Community outreach and education is necessary at every level to make uninsured consumers aware of their new healthcare options and encourage them to enroll. Translation will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective communication in the wide variety of languages necessary to reach out to these new health care consumers. * "Racing to Spread Word About New Health Plans", Robert Pear, April 23, 2013

At the recent 2013 MedAssets Business Summit, Avantpage spoke with numerous healthcare organizations regarding their language assistance needs and how they’re currently handling their written translations. Many representatives mentioned they rely on in-house translators to handle vital documents translations. Although this is often done in the hopes of reducing costs, using internal translators who have other job priorities and who also have not been professionally trained in translation runs the high risk of miscommunication – actually increasing costs in the long-run. In addition, the sheer number of vital documents required for translation can exceed the capabilities of in-house translator. The documents must also meet certain language assistance standards, such as the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care Standards (CLAS). To find out more about our impressions of the conference and what we learned, contact us at sales@avantpage.com. We'd love to share our ideas about how using a professional translation provider can provide high-quality translations to increase patient safety and satisfaction and reduce your costs.

Translating materials into other languages spoken by your Limited English Proficient (LEP) customers increases communication while supporting diverse cultures within your community. Translation also enables you to remain in compliance with language requirements set forth by state government regarding water issues. Working with a reputable, trusted translation firm is critical for communicating effectively with your LEP customers. Accurate, high-quality translation of documents, forms, letters and notifications keeps your customers informed –– and keeps you in compliance with California regulatory measures. Recent changes in state regulations now require water agencies to promptly notify LEP customers in their first language. Specifically, Assembly Bill 938, which went into effect on July 1, 2012, adds new legislative requirements for Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) members, including: Avantpage’s language services help businesses communicate, collaborate and function more effectively within a multicultural environment. Avantpage helps organizations in the public and private sector reach across language barriers and cultural differences. Translation enables people to create lasting professional relationships based on mutual understanding and crystal-clear communication. Avantpage was asked to translate a project for ACWA into 31 languages – Arabic, Armenian (Eastern), Armenian (Western), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, French Creole, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian) Portuguese (Continental), Russian, Serbo Croatian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese.   Avantpage translated a total of 1,179 words into 31 languages. This project was challenging in that we had to coordinate 31 different translators, get them up to speed on translation requirements, and operate within a tight deadline. Teamwork between all departments and Avantpage’s collaborative culture helped to create a positive, tightly-focused working environment. Translators, project managers and IT experts all coordinated their efforts to deliver accurate, consistent, high-quality files on a rolling basis to meet the deadline. The result? A satisfied client who is now able to communicate directly and effectively with their LEP customers. Avantpage also developed a number of practical letter templates for ACWA that can be repurposed for different situations. These can be used to reach out to a large community of non-English speaking persons and keep them informed about the quality of their water. Founded 16 years ago, Avantpage is a translation industry leader serving government, education, healthcare, financial, legal and other sectors. We are located in Northern California, and have successfully completed state, national and international contracts, partnering with government and private entities. Call Avantpage today at 530-750-2040, x3, to get a detailed translation needs assessment and get on the path to compliance.

Like many executives at hospitals and healthcare centers, you know that translation plays an important part in providing quality healthcare. But many organizations question how to get started with translation and also ensure compliance with Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care Standards (CLAS). As a specialized, highly qualified healthcare translation provider, Avantpage has the answers needed to communicate more effectively with a Limited English Profi cient (LEP) audience. The key to creating a trusted, safe healthcare experience is translating materials into the core languages that LEP clientele speak and understand. This includes signage, fl yers, surveys, patient education documents, consent and intake forms, booklets, registration forms, and more. Patients will be better equipped to understand medical information and instructions, navigate a healthcare facility with confi dence, and make informed, educated choices regarding their healthcare. Many LEP patients speak some English, but are more comfortable reading signs, forms, and other information in their own languages. While some healthcare organizations think they don’t have extra resources to spend on translation, the truth is that they don’t have the luxury of choosing to forgo translation of critical documents. Language access is mandated by federal laws and regulatory agencies. Not only is it the law, it makes sound business sense, too. Translating critical documents and instructions into threshold languages: Translation done poorly puts a company at risk. At best, an organization might end up with inaccurate translations, which will cause embarrassment and damage to a good reputation. At worst, misinformation exposes an organization to malpractice suits, other legal claims, medical errors, and non-compliance rulings. At Avantpage, we’re fully versed in and adhere to CLAS Standards, which provide a framework for all healthcare organizations to best serve their increasingly diverse communities, and our highly qualifi ed translation teams are trained specialists in managed care threshold languages. For more information on how to create a comprehensive, cost-effective translation program, contact us today.

An MBE (Minority-owned Business Enterprise) is defined as a for-profit business which is owned, operated and controlled by minority group members who are Asian, Black, Hispanic or Native American. At least 51% of the business must be owned by a minority to qualify or, if the business is publicly-owned, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by one or more members of a minority. The management and day-to-day operations of the business must be controlled by minority group members as well. Avantpage, providing translation services since 1996, with owner and CEO Luis Miguel at the helm, is certified as an MBE by The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).  The council helps its corporate members (including IBM, Microsoft, Marriot, AT&T, AFLAC, Kraft Foods, Lockheed Martin, MetLife and many more) connect with the more than 17,000 minority-owned suppliers in its database. Seventeen states and 25 cities also accept NMSDC certification for programs designed to help minorities win public-sector contracts. Many federal and state agencies are committed to working with minority owned businesses and have programs in place to ensure that a certain amount of contracts and projects are awarded to these businesses. Corporations are also interested in working with and supporting MBEs, and make it a point to seek out contractors, vendors and suppliers who fit the criteria.  Working with minority owned businesses has proven to be a win-win situation for many of America’s largest organizations:  they are able to build good will and garner positive support throughout many minority communities; they gain the respect and trust of minority consumers; they work with minority suppliers committed to delivering exceptional products and services; and they are recognized for supporting diversity through their actions. As a leading player in the translation industry, Avantpage is accustomed to addressing minority concerns in regard to language barriers. Our staff is sensitive to the communication issues and cultural differences that LEP individuals experience, and our goal is to deliver accurate, high-quality translation that is also culturally sensitive and audience-appropriate. Contact us today at sales@avantpage.com to learn more about how our MBE certification informs all aspects of our service, and can help you create a comprehensive, affordable translation strategy. You’ll be able to communicate more effectively with your clients, increase your market share, and secure new business.

Healthcare reform is one of today’s hot button medical topics –– from the water cooler to the boardroom, everyone’s talking about it, and everyone has a different idea of what’s in store. Let’s take a quick look at what’s going on as the 2014 deadline for implementation draws closer … First of all, healthcare reform (President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) was established to address the health insurance needs of Americans as health care and medical costs continue to rise astronomically in this country. For a typical American family, the average premium is almost $14,000 dollars a year…and growing. Premiums have doubled over the last nine years, and indications are that they will continue to rise. As a result, many Americans do without health care, and that is no longer acceptable. Everyone deserves healthcare, and health care reform will make sure everyone gets it. In 2014, major changes to health care under the ACA include: expansion of Medicaid; health insurance tax credits for those who are eligible; the implementation of state-run Health Exchanges; and the mandate that everyone be required to buy health insurance, or pay a penalty. Also in accordance with the ACA, Insurers will no longer be able to exclude those who have pre-existing conditions, or charge sick people more for coverage. By 2019, it is estimated that 32 million Americans who are currently without health insurance will have it.  How will America pay for all this expanded health care coverage? Over the next 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office has surmised that 938 billion dollars will be spent on health care reform.  The money will come from various sources:  savings from health care providers and insurers through Medicare; higher Medicare taxes for those who earn more; new taxes on insurers and businesses; cutting wasteful spending throughout the healthcare industry. Whether you support reform, would rather keep to the status quo, or fall somewhere in between, one thing is certain – this is the biggest overhaul of our nation’s health care system since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. To view an entertaining short video on this subject, please visit http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx  Written and produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation, it is available to watch in English and Spanish.

Avantpage and School Innovations & Advocacy have partnered together for the 9^th year in order to deliver SARC (School Accountability Report Card) documents that accommodate multiple languages and are fully compliant with state and federal laws regarding translation of materials. SARCs represent a school’s opportunity to highlight the year’s success stories, generate community support and goodwill, provide information to the public, build support for upcoming bond legislation, and promote a positive outlook for the coming year. When 15% or more students enrolled in a particular school speak a single primary language other than English, all notices, reports, statements or records, including SARCs, must be communicated in that primary language in addition to being written in English.  Parents or guardians of these students may respond in either English or their primary language. Schools are responsible for posting their SARCs online if they have a website, and must make hard copies available to parents if requested. The deadline to complete and publish SARCs is February 1, and Avantpage has been working closely with SI&A, handling translation assignments for a variety of SARC projects in languages including Spanish, Hmong, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Khmer. Avantpage’s goal is to ensure that SARCs are communicated in a clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive manner. Avantpage and SI&A have worked together on many projects over the years, and SI&A remains one of our most valued long-term clients. Dr. Luis Miguel, CEO of Avantpage, says, “Avantpage is privileged to work with SI&A on the translation of these important documents, which keep California public schools, parents, and the community connected.” Since 1996, Avantpage has offered accurate, high-quality LEP (Limited English Proficient) translations for industries including Education, Medical/Healthcare, Elections, Financial, Government, Medicare Marketing, and more.

The digital age is profoundly impacting society as we know it, but since we do translations best, let’s focus on the changes happening there! As consumerism’s voracity has sharpened, and people used to the exponential growth of technology start expecting faster turnaround times, corporations look for work that is cheaper, and faster. Machine translation has played a pivotal and controversial role in this trend, as well as translation glossaries and other extraordinary web/digital tools! Sensationalists and extremists on both sides wonder if the combination of the growing sophistication of non-human translation tools, and the increasing reluctance to hire translators who don’t use these tools to expedite their process will contribute to the end of the translation industry as we know it. We, at Avantpage, though, say ‘no!’ to those extremists. We’re reasonable and clear about our mission: to use our custom array of translation technology to its utmost potential without sacrificing the quality of the work. And the truth is for however much technology becomes able to do, there is never a full replacement for a human translator (especially ours!) using his or her unique sensibility and professionalism to do the job just right! We’re always giving you the product we know you’ll respond to and want to come back for, and we know how to keep the outflow of quality work streamlined with the optimal efficiency of machine/human collaboration! Have a wonderful 2013, translation!

At Avantpage, we often create Style Guides for our clients--whether they're for a healthcare, medical, Medicare marketing, election, or government industry. These language service style guides enable us to streamline and customize the translation process. Style Guides are manuals created to indicate linguistic and stylistic preferences for a specific client, and include an organization’s linguistic requirements, grammar, punctuation, acronyms, currency and numeric preferences, and more. Each guide we create is tailored to a client’s individual needs, preferences and requirements, and becomes a valuable reference tool for our translators. Style guides can include: Why Use Style Guides? When we work with our clients, style is one of those things that creates a good deal of back-and-forth effort, which can slow the translation process. Knowing in advance how to handle things like acronyms, grammatical preferences, punctuation, audience reading level/background, etc. allows us to work more quickly and accurately to tailor the translation pieces to individual client needs. Improved Efficiency, Consistency and Quality Style Guides encompass all of an organization’s written linguistic, tone and style preferences, providing a general framework and specifications for anyone who is involved in the translation projects. Style Guides ensure that every piece we translate for you matches your organization’s individual preferences and requirements. This results in improvement of translation quality and style consistency across all translation projects. Contact us today at sales@avantpage.com to learn more about how our resources can help you create a comprehensive, affordable translation strategy. You'll be able to communicate more effectively with your clients, increase your market share, and secure new business.

Recently, Altamed Health Services has been creating youtube videos to educate their patient populations and demographics about caring for individuals’ health responsibly. Part of this series included a telenovela style web-series, entitled “Sin Vergüenza” or “Without Shame,” focusing on issues of homosexuality, safe sex, HIV testing, and more. We’re really happy to have served Altamed by translating the script to this series (see English trailer here), and we’re inspired by their multifaceted, creative commitment to bettering the world through health. It’s always a joy to modulate the nuance of our work to fit the style of the original document and cater to the target audience, and we’re always staying on point to deliver the messages and themes as precisely as possible! Though we specialize in Healthcare translations, this is an example of blending that expertise with our expertise for dramatic script translations, and we get how all of our expertise can co-mingle to serve a greater whole in all our fields of work! Your language is our betterment, and we’re always eager to hear about what kinds of translations you want for your business or projects!

The BBC just posted a piece on all the languages one can discover in New York, but conversely all the ones that become extinct there! With a rich historical upbringing, NY was originally home to the indigenous Lenape people, then settled by the Dutch, then the English, and now is a hub to a myriad of diverse migrants! You may be amazed as an English-speaking American, at how many cultures and languages are just under your nose in the communities in which you live! In NY, it’s as simple as choosing a destination by subway, and then listening to the predominant non-English conversations on the train, or spying the prominent translated safety signs along your way! The reason languages die, according to anthropologists, is because of what’s called “language shift,” where a group of people consensually decide to change tongues, or simply must because of circumstantial pressure (such as being conquered). With over 6,000 languages in existence across the globe, and half of these on the verge of evaporation, it’s our duty as a language service business to know what’s going on in the world of languages, and promote awareness by offering expertise in these languages, as well as quality standards! Let us know what you think here at our blog!

Covered California–– California’s new Health Benefit Exchange –– represents a unique opportunity for health plan providers to increase market share and gain new customers … but timing will prove critical. When Covered California goes into effect (January 2014, with pre-enrollment beginning October 2013), thousands of consumers and small businesses will be newly eligible to purchase health insurance. This pool of newly eligible consumers will be largely LEP (Limited English Proficient), which means that health plan providers must have a solid translation strategy in place before Covered California goes “live.” What do these LEP customers want as they shop for coverage through Covered California? They need to understand benefits information; compare plan offerings; and make educated choices regarding costs, benefit options, quality, value and more. Click here to read our Special Report: "Covered California - Claiming Your Share of the Health Benefit Exchange" - which explains the Health Benefit Exchange, how providers should plan to stay ahead of the game, and the five steps health plans can take now to get started. At Avantpage, we specialize in translation for the healthcare industry and work closely with a variety of healthcare organizations, including CalOptima, Delta Dental, Alameda Alliance for Health, MESVision, California Department of Public Health, EyeMed Vision Care and more. Contact us today to create a comprehensive, affordable translation strategy that will help you communicate more effectively with your clients, increase your market share, and secure new business.