Interpreter at Doctor appointment

Shoshana

Shoshana

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HI, For about 5 years Ive had "attacks" of severe vertigo and other symptoms--After an inconclusive CAT scan and EEG (Because I have a CI the test couldn't be measured correctly), they ordered me to do a balance test. I went yesterday and it defiantly made me spin like a top! My Mom came with me, since after this test I was unable to drive, My mom also helps in "relaying" what people say to me (she cant sign, but repeats it so I can understand). A lot of the Doctors and staff at this place have accent or different reason that make it difficult for me to lip read and comprehend. Anyways, At the end of next month I need to go back and (HOPEFULLY) Ill finally be getting a diagnosis. The issue is my Mom lives in NC (Im in FLORIDA) and she will not be here to help me, My boyfriend will not be able to take the day off work as he will just be returning from a 2 week vacation. Its important I do not misunderstand or miss any information at the appointment, so I was thinking if I do not have my family I will need an interpreter to be present. How do I go about this? Do I just have someone call and tell them? Thanks!:ty:
 
Yes, that would be a good idea. The sooner you do it, the better.
 
If you were deaf and used ASL, the doctor's office is supposed to provide you with an interpreter to sign. However, if you don't sign, then I'm not sure what they are supposed to provide you with. Call (can you use the phone?) your local office of Disability Services or some such similar title and ask.
 
Beach girl said:
If you were deaf and used ASL, the doctor's office is supposed to provide you with an interpreter to sign. However, if you don't sign, then I'm not sure what they are supposed to provide you with. Call (can you use the phone?) your local office of Disability Services or some such similar title and ask.
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I think she uses ASL, and was only commenting that her mother does not. There are however, oral interpreters for non signing deaf people.

And under the ADA the doctor's office is really obligated to provide either one.
 
Bottesini said:
I think she uses ASL, and was only commenting that her mother does not. There are however, oral interpreters for non signing deaf people.

And under the ADA the doctor's office is really obligated to provide either one.
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Oh, OK, I didn't know, re: her signing.
 
OK, then. If you use sign, no question, the doctor's office is supposed to provide an interpreter. They are expensive, so docs don't like to do it, but tough on them. It IS your right, and they DO have to pay for it. You need to request one with sufficient lead time for them to find you one, of course.
 
Thanks! Ill have my boyfriend place a call within the next few days!
 
Beach girl said:
If you were deaf and used ASL, the doctor's office is supposed to provide you with an interpreter to sign. However, if you don't sign, then I'm not sure what they are supposed to provide you with. Call (can you use the phone?) your local office of Disability Services or some such similar title and ask.
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An oral interpreter is a possibility. It sounds as if that is the function her mother was performing.
 
Bottesini said:
I think she uses ASL, and was only commenting that her mother does not. There are however, oral interpreters for non signing deaf people.

And under the ADA the doctor's office is really obligated to provide either one.
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Dang, we did it again! Great minds, Bott, great minds...:P
 
I am pretty tough on complication communication to doctor misunderstand, instead call on interpreter I responsibility important email appointment my interpreter prepare to before correct I think so better improve strict!
I understand hard to write on communication to my doctor don't understand! doctor think confused I am deaf, I am label deaf prove on fill formI Please call to contact to interpreter nurse said okay! fair to nurse! that is why point my said!
 
I called the place this morning (relay) and told them I will be needing an interpreter, they said no problem at all and they will make sure it is set up for me! how nice! I will call a few days before my appointment (july 26th) to make sure its been set up :) Hopefully I finally get diagnoisis!
 
My insurance provider informed me that I have a new doctor, as they no longer are affiliated with UNF....so I called there yesterday to get more information. And asked if the new doctor will have intrepretors for any deaf patient.....she said No, we don't provide that.....I said I'm sorry, but it's the law..so she put me on hold to ask her supervisor and after a long wait, she came back to say that I was the first deaf patient and would make a note of it and they would provide me an intrepretor.....

Whether that transpires or not...is to be seen....I will call for an appt. sometime soon...and when I do, will request an intrepretor.

Also, I'm still fighting with Shands Hospital where I see a specialist (ENT), about them not providing me an intrepretor. And another hospital here, Baptist Hospital was sued not too long ago for this same infractions...
 
rockin'robin said:
My insurance provider informed me that I have a new doctor, as they no longer are affiliated with UNF....so I called there yesterday to get more information. And asked if the new doctor will have intrepretors for any deaf patient.....she said No, we don't provide that.....I said I'm sorry, but it's the law..so she put me on hold to ask her supervisor and after a long wait, she came back to say that I was the first deaf patient and would make a note of it and they would provide me an intrepretor.....

Whether that transpires or not...is to be seen....I will call for an appt. sometime soon...and when I do, will request an intrepretor.

Also, I'm still fighting with Shands Hospital where I see a specialist (ENT), about them not providing me an intrepretor. And another hospital here, Baptist Hospital was sued not too long ago for this same infractions...
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wow! I am sorry! I hope they follow through and get interpreter like they said
 
Shoshana said:
I called the place this morning (relay) and told them I will be needing an interpreter, they said no problem at all and they will make sure it is set up for me! how nice! I will call a few days before my appointment (july 26th) to make sure its been set up :) Hopefully I finally get diagnoisis!
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wow... I wish other people's doctors are as kind and accommodating as yours :thumb:

stay safe and don't fall down!
 
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