Interpreter Services

Free interpreter services are available for patients and families with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or who are deaf or hard of hearing under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.* Hospital staff are responsible for arranging for this assistance.

Staff Interpreters - The Health System currently employs Spanish and Sign Language interpreters.  Our staff interpreters will attend your clinic appointments, and help you to navigate through the health care system. 

CyraCom Telephone Interpreters - When our staff interpreters are not availabe or for languages other than Spanish we utilize a dual-handset telephone to connect with a medically trained interpreter.  CyraCom provides interpreters in over 150+ languages and dialects 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   

MedBridge - In addition to live and telephone interpreters, we have the ability to communicate via a unique software-based technology.  This enables us to ask you questions in your language with the assistance of a computer. 

Language Bank - Our language bank is comprised of UVa healthcare providers, UVa employees, UVa students and community volunteers who are proficient in languages other than English, and are willing to interpret when their schedule permits.  All volunteers are tested for proficiency in English and their target language. 

Document Translation - Many vital forms and documents have been translated into Spanish. Documents that are not translated will be interpreted via an interpreter in person or over the phone.  Click here to view the documents.

*Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: "No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." 42 U.S.C. Section 2000d 

Scheduling an Interpreter:

There is no need for you to call our office to schedule an interpreter for your clinic appointment.  Our office is automatically notified when you call to schedule an appointment.