Paula Yomona has faced two particularly challenging moments in her health care journey: surgeries on her leg and eye. Effective communication with her medical team has been critical during both of these health challenges.

Paula is part of an estimated 21.6% of the U.S. population who speak a language other than English at home, which equates to approximately 67.8 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data.

Based on the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 16% of people in Colorado speak a language other than English at home. The largest percentage of these people — 11.7% — speak Spanish.

People in the U.S. speak at least 350 languages ​​other than English.

Medical interpreters play a vital role in tearing down language barriers in health care.

They bring not just technical skills but also a deep sense of empathy, ensuring that patients feel understood and cared for.

These skilled professionals deliver accurate medical interpretation, guaranteeing that patients fully understand their care and providers connect deeply with their patients even if they speak different languages.

Effective communication with patients and families is crucial for safe, high-quality health care. It’s not just a formality but a critical factor that can significantly impact patient outcomes.

“The doctors’ terminology can vary significantly, especially regarding surgeries, which are delicate procedures. It is advisable to have a qualified interpreter because if a family member serves as the interpreter — despite being fluent in English — there is still a risk of misunderstandings,” Paula said.

Paula has interacted with multiple medical interpreters at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and other clinics, including Mario Flores.

“I like the way Mr. Mario translates. I like it when the person does not stumble (is fluent) and translates the word the way I said it,” Paula said.

UCHealth provides qualified medical interpreters on-demand at no charge for any patients or doctors who request assistance.

Improving patient outcomes and access to care through better communication

Health care providers, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—Section 1557, are legally bound to ensure high-quality medical care that adheres to human rights and equity principles for all their patients, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.

“We interpret what the doctor says, and we also interpret for the patient. Additionally, we constantly keep up with medical terminology,” Flores said.

Professional medical interpreters, like Flores, offer accurate, timely, and objective interpretation, which enhances patient understanding, treatment compliance, and overall health outcomes.

Pursuing the best health outcomes for non-native English-speaking patients represents a challenge when, due to cultural practices, they rely on a family member or other trusted person to undertake medical interpretation, which poses a risk to their health. Patients must sign a waiver document to decline interpreter services in those cases.

Relying on professional interpreters is a much better option than leaning on family members

Flores encourages anyone who speaks a language other than English to take advantage of the help they can receive from interpreters.

“It’s in the patient’s best interest,” he said.

Flores explained that medical interpreters help clarify complex medical information, which leads to better care.

Relying on a family member, on the other hand, may lead to misunderstandings.

That’s much less likely to happen when patients rely on certified medical interpreters who are trained in bilingual medical terminology.

Professional interpreters provide accurate and reliable interpretations during each session, ensuring that the patient fully understands their condition and treatment plan.

“As an interpreter, I have a moral and legal obligation to interpret information literally. We provide accurate and reliable interpretations during each session,” Flores said.

Growing demand for interpretation services

‘‘UCHealth provides about 75,000 interpretation sessions each month, either by telephone, video, or in-person,” said Scott Suckow, director of UCHealth Language and Cultural Services.

The demand for interpretation services has been growing at a rate of 25 to 30% per year, a clear indication of the increasing need for such services in a diverse society.

Medical interpreters are invested in addressing the unique needs of culturally diverse patients. Dedicated care includes identifying and documenting each patient’s preferred language in their medical record and using technology to improve interpreter availability.

“Language services are a bridge between patients and their care teams,’’ Suckow said.

‘‘Interpretation services cross language and cultural barriers that may exist to enable clear and effective communication between the patients and their providers, so that the patient can understand everything that they need to understand and vice versa with the providers, contributing to ensuring the best health outcomes for patients,” Suckow said.

Overcoming health care barriers

“I explain to patients that we provide interpretation services at no cost. I tell them they don’t need to worry about the expense. I tell them it won’t cost you anything,” Flores said.

The role of language services in culturally and linguistically appropriate care is an ethical imperative, but it is also a strategic approach to enhancing patient satisfaction and improving health outcomes.

Data from the National Institutes of Health indicate that patients with limited English proficiency are 25% less likely to receive preventive care services and 50% more likely to face adverse health outcomes than English-speaking patients. Language services can help address these disparities.

“The interpreter’s role is to make sure that your health provider fully understands your questions and comments and that you fully understand your provider’s recommendations for your care,” Suckow said.

Access to language services is essential for providing care to patients with limited English proficiency. These services are an ethical and legal obligation in delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate health care for all.

“If you’re a patient whose preferred language for health care is something other than English, then UCHealth will provide a professional interpreter for you every time you come. They’re very skilled, motivated and experienced. We hire the best of the best,” Suckow said.

“It’s much better to use a professional interpreter, just like you would engage a professional in any other health care support service you encounter,” Suckow said.