Telehealth Strategies and Resources for Serving Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Published June 2020

Download the full PDF resource at the bottom of this page.

Telehealth has the power to provide care to people in ways that were not possible before rapid communication via internet and video services. For many, telehealth has removed barriers and ensured that people receive care when and where it is most convenient. Telehealth has been especially powerful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when non-emergency services such as primary care, behavioral health, and other in-person visits have been postponed to reduce the spread of the virus. However, while telehealth can remove obstacles, if not used deliberately and thoughtfully, it can exacerbate many inequalities that exist in the United States health system. One factor that is essential to account for is language accessibility, which, if not provided, limits the number of patients who are able to utilize telehealth services. A number of tools and strategies are available to improve access for patients with limited english proficiency. The resource, available for download below, includes information on the folllowing:

• Third-party services to provide real time interpertation in telehealth visits.
• Technology functionality that supports expedient and effective interpretation in Zoom, Doxy.me, and other telehealth platforms. 
• Telehealth options beyond audio/ visual. 
• Other useful information for clinics serving LEP patients via telehealth.
• Share interpretation capacity and need with other organizations.