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Clear communication with your health care team is important for understanding your health condition or that of a family member. It allows you and your doctor to make treatment decisions to achieve the best possible outcome. That’s why Duke Health offers a range of free language assistance services for all patients who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. Our interpreters are trained to work in a health care setting and follow all national standards for medical interpreters.
When scheduling your appointment at Duke Health, you can request a medical interpreter to attend your appointment. Interpreter services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through in-person, phone, or video interpreters. If you have a Duke MyChart account, you can indicate your preferred language and interpreter needs in your profile.
In-Person Interpreters
Patients have the right to request in-person interpreters at all Duke Health hospitals and clinics. Duke Health will make every reasonable effort to fulfill your request. If an in-person interpreter is not available, we will connect you to a qualified medical interpreter through our video or phone services. If you are in need of an in-person interpreter, please inform our staff upon admission or in advance whenever possible.
Phone Services
Medical interpreters are available via phone in over 150 languages, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, to assist with your health care visit. If your preferred language is not already indicated in your Duke MyChart profile, please be sure to alert staff to your language needs when scheduling your appointment or as soon as possible on arrival.
Video-Based Services
At all Duke Health locations, medical interpreters are available via video 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 40 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). If your preferred language is not already indicated in your Duke MyChart profile, please be sure to alert staff to your language needs when scheduling your appointment or as soon as possible upon arrival.
American Sign Language (ASL)
With 48 hours’ advance notice, your scheduler can arrange for an in-person ASL interpreter when you make your appointment at any Duke Health location. If an in-person interpreter is not available, Duke Health can provide video-based ASL interpreter services.
Telehealth
For telehealth (virtual) appointments, language services are provided through an approved telehealth platform. Your session will include you, your doctor, and the interpreter. All telehealth interpreter services can be set up by your scheduler when you make your appointment.
If you are monitoring the status of a family member or loved one in a Duke Health hospital but English is not your preferred language, we can help. Call the appropriate number below for more information.
To ensure that you fully understand written health information, we offer translation of print materials including Duke Health letters of consent, discharge instructions, educational materials, and other Duke Health medical documents. Nurses, doctors, and other health care providers can submit a translation request for Duke Health printed materials on your behalf.
If you are traveling to Duke Health from another country, International Patient Services can assist you with interpretation, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation and lodging, and more.