General Quick Reference
🗣️ I Need an Interpreter…
Right Now (Video/Phone)
Use the in-room telehealth system, grab an Alvin (iPad cart) and launch the LanguageLine Insight app, or call the phone interpreter line listed on CenterLink and your blue badge card.
In-Person
| Language/Location | Time | Request Process |
|---|---|---|
Arabic or Spanish @ Base |
8am-5pm Monday-Friday |
Secure Chat the Interpreter Flow Lead or use the Service Tasks button in Epic |
Arabic @ Base |
8am-4:30pm Weekends/Holidays |
Secure Chat the Arabic interpreter directly or use the Service Tasks button in Epic |
Spanish @ ED |
Afternoon & Night |
Secure Chat either Interpreter Spanish - Burnet ED or Interpreter Spanish - Lib ED |
Other Immediate Need |
Any |
During business hours, call 6-1444. Otherwise call Language Access Manager listed in Who’s On Call. |
Other Future Need |
Any |
Complete the interpreter request form on CenterLink |
For a Rare Language
If the language you need is not available or the wait time is too long, follow the Rare Language Process on CenterLink.
📄 Written Translations
Submit a Translation Request
Do not use Google Translate or AI. That’s against the law in healthcare because it isn’t safe.
Complete the Translation Request Form on CenterLink.
🚧 Challenges
They Want to Speak in English
You cannot force someone to work with an interpreter. If they want to communicate in English, but you think you are not understanding each other, use teach-back.
They Want a Friend or Family Member to Interpret
This is sometimes permissible. Read more to understand when and how to document it.
The Interpreter is Ineffective
Talk to the interpreter directly about the problem. If this does not resolve it, ask the interpreter to leave and work with a different interpreter via phone or video.
Report problems via the Interpreter Complaint Form on CenterLink.
🆘 Still Stuck?
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Email the Language Access Team at interpreterservices@cchmc.org
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Call for immediate help, 24/7/365:
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During business hours: 6-1444, option 0
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Outside business hours: Language Access Manager in Who’s On Call
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