NYC Health + Hospitals is dedicated to helping every patient fully understand their medical needs and care. We offer free interpreters in over 300 languages, available whenever you visit any of our locations. Additionally, we provide translated versions of essential documents in the most commonly spoken languages—always at no cost to you.
We are also proud to support patients with disabilities by offering free communication services, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and key documents in Braille.
Our language services reflect our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, compassionate, and culturally responsive care that puts patients at the heart of everything we do.
How can I get an interpreter?
Friends and family are usually not trained to be medical interpreters so it is best not to have them interpret for you. Tell your healthcare team what language you want to speak in and ask for an interpreter
We have We Speak Your Language signs at all facilities asking if you need language services. The signs are in all practice areas, info kiosks, lobbies and at the entrance of every building.
As soon as you enter one of our facilities, you can let our staff know you need language services by pointing to your language on the sign.
We have I Speak cards available for you.
You can use your I Speak card to identify your preferred language and request an interpreter – it is your right!
Digital I Speak cards may also be used and downloaded onto your cell phone for easy access any time.
Visit https://innovations.nychhc.org/languagecard/ to get one.
Using language services will not cause any negative impact to your patient care. It is important that you understand your care and treatment needs.
What We Do and How We Do It
Spoken Services: Interpretation
Interpretation is when an English-speaking provider or staff uses a qualified interpreter to speak with a patient who prefers a language other than English.
When using one of our interpreters, you can count on getting a qualified, medically trained interpreter. They may be a trained qualified bilingual staff, an interpreter via a telephone or video, or an on-site interpreter.
Interpreters are available in over 300 languages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at every facility.
Telephone Interpreters:
We use dual handset, cordless, and mobile phones, as well as interpretation carts to get an interpreter on the line when you need one. Telephone interpreters are available in 350+ languages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Video Interpreters:
We use interpretation carts to access interpreters in 75+ languages including Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL) and CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreters). Many languages are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
On-Site Interpreters for Sign Languages & Spoken Languages:
Some facilities may have on-site interpreters available for ASL and spoken languages. Qualified bilingual staff may also be available to assist with interpretation.
Written Services: Translation
Translation is the process of changing written words or text from one language into another.
Essential documents, patient education materials, and patient records:
We offer consent forms, policy documents, health education materials, and many other written communications in the top 13 languages widely spoken in New York City.
If your language is not available, a staff member will work with an interpreter to read the documents to you in your language and ensure you understand everything.
Our pharmacies also provide medication labels in our 9 most commonly used languages.
CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation): CART services may be available to facilitate effective communication for patients who have hearing loss.
We’re here to help you communicate your health care needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at every facility.
Notice of Nondiscrimination for Patient-Related Services – NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals provides high-quality health care to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay. We’ll also help you with applying for health insurance if you need it. Click here to learn more about MetroPlusHealth, our affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.
Contact Us
NYC Health + Hospitals provides language services at all our hospitals and neighborhood health centers. If you have any questions before, during, or after you visit, please feel free to reach out to the facility’s Section 1557 coordinator.
