MINNEAPOLIS, July 8, 2008—An audio feature broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio Monday focused on the importance of interpreters as part of the medical team.

The job of the medical interpreter, the story said, is to help physicians communicate with the roughly 22 million Americans who speak limited English. It is a difficult challenge because more than 300 languages are spoken in the U.S.

Only one-quarter of U.S. hospitals are thought to have trained interpreters on staff. Larger urban hospitals, like the Fairview clinic at the University of Minnesota, often have whole departments dedicated to language services. But in smaller clinics interpreters are scarce.

A 2003 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that interpreters typically make 31 mistakes in the course of a single medical appointment.

Non-professional interpreters make many more mistakes than professional interpeters. The most common mistake is leaving out important information. Some interpreters even edit the doctor's words, adding their own take on the situation.

The MMA made reimbursement for interpreter services one of its three legislative goals in 2008. News stories about interpreter services may be found here.

The feature was created by MPR reporter Sanden Totten.

MPR report