“We are wondering if you might be able to help us with the following matter. We are finding that it may be possible that insurance companies may pay for interpretation services for patients. Are you able to confirm this? If so, do we put something specific on the claim and send the invoice as well? We are just trying to figure out how to offset some of this cost as most of the patients that require interpretation are coming in for nail care and it costs us more to pay the company than we get for services provided. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.”
The ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, requires that health care providers pay for interpreters, and they cannot charge patients for the cost of interpreting services.
Explanation:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that covered entities, such as health care providers, provide effective communication to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- This includes providing interpreters, which should be free of charge to the patient.
- Health care providers should not require patients to bring their own interpreter or rely on a minor child or companion to interpret.
- The cost of providing interpreters is considered part of the overhead costs of operating a business.
- The provider can rely on a companion to interpret in only two situations.
1. In an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public, an adult or minor child accompanying a person who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication only when a qualified interpreter is not available.
2. In situations not involving an imminent threat, an adult accompanying someone who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication when a) the individual requests this, b) the accompanying adult agrees, and c) reliance on the accompanying adult is appropriate under the circumstances. This exception does not apply to minor children.
The ADA also requires that agencies provide interpreters who can interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially.
This is my opinion.
Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC
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