Professional interpreters often work for various types of insurance companies such as Workers’ Compensation, Medi-Cal, PPO’s, and HMO’s. The testing requirements to become a certified interpreter are both rigorous and demanding. The disparity between a professionally-certified interpreter and an uncertified interpreter, has obvious implications. Many misdiagnoses, serious injuries, and even deaths have resulted from poorly interpreted words, context, or slang. These unfortunate circumstances have lead most governmental entities to require a certified interpreter to provide services. California is also one of the few states that require employers to maintain active workers’ compensation insurance policies for each of its employees. The labor code for California states, “if an injured worker does not speak or understand English proficiently, he or she has the right to an interpreter of their language for their medical and legal appointments.” Per Labor Code 5811, the interpreter must be certified. Medical interpreting in this area is primarily focused on one of two categories:

1. Injured workers seeking treatment

2. Low income monolingual, Spanish-speaking individuals being treated by a doctor through Medi-Cal

In both instances a certified medical interpreter is legally required. Thanks to DFS Interpreting’s long-standing reputation, the relationships with all certified interpreters across California gives us accessibility to sub-contract last minute and emergency appointments.

Disclaimer: Telephonic or video-remote interpreting services are not intended to replace the fees billed under Section 9795.3 of the California Labor Code for interpreting services pertaining to workers’ compensation matters. Those services will still be billed to the insurance carriers directly at the OMFS, whether they be in-person or remote.

“DFS has become the most trusted and reliable source for assisting injured workers and other patients in communicating effectively with their doctors and medical providers”. 

MENTAL HEALTH

DFS Interpreting has extensive experience in counseling sessions with psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental-health professionals. This type of interpreting is complex and requires high concentration, emotional strength, and professionalism as these settings are highly stressful and emotional. DFS Interpreting adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality. DFS Interpreting also understands that throughout treatment, these patients have gone through disturbing events and psychological trauma. Not only is confidentiality important, but having compassion and understanding for everyone should be equally important.; DFS Interpreting exercises this understanding with each point of contact.

DFS Interpreting also regularly assists with Psychological Evaluations for court cases involving personal injury and workers’ compensation injuries. Our interpreters are experienced with various techniques, methods, and testing including MCMI (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory). DFS Interpreting offers experience in various mental-health settings. From government provided services to private practice – having a knowledgeable professional makes a difference in the quality of service provided and the overall treatment of the patient.

NURSE CASE MANAGERS (NCM'S)

DFS Interpreting has worked alongside many Nurse Case Managers. Nurse case managers manage, develop, and evaluate patient care plans specific to each patient. They act as “social workers, advocate patient welfare, and serve as a liaison between patients, their families, and healthcare providers.” In many cases the NCM’s job is impeded by a language barrier. Even a simple phone call to the patient to arrange appointments cannot be successfully attained; therefore DFS Interpreting helps facilitate the process from start to finish.

Our certified medical interpreters are available
for your medical interpreting needs.