Making Care More Accessible: Interpreter Services at Diagnostic Imaging Northwest

Clear communication is an important part of quality health care. When patients understand what to expect, can communicate comfortably with their care team, and feel confident asking questions, they can take a more active role in their health care decisions.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, we believe that understanding your care should never depend on what language you speak or how you communicate. That’s why we provide free interpretive services for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and patients who speak languages other than English.

With International Translation Day observed each year on September 30, it’s a great opportunity to recognize the importance of language access and the role effective communication plays in creating a welcoming health care experience for everyone.

Breaking Down Communication Barriers

Medical imaging can involve unfamiliar terms, instructions, and procedures. Whether you’re preparing for an MRI, CT scan, mammogram, or another imaging exam, it’s important to understand what will happen and have the opportunity to communicate your questions or concerns.

A language barrier shouldn’t make that more difficult.

Our interpretive services are designed to help patients communicate with their caregivers and better understand information related to their care. Services are available in virtually all languages, depending on the patient’s communication needs.

Interpreter Services Available to Our Patients

Diagnostic Imaging Northwest offers several options to help patients communicate comfortably throughout their care, including:

• In-person interpretation during appointments
• Telephone interpretation for patients who need language assistance
• Sign language interpretation during appointments

We can also arrange a three-way conference call for patients who need an interpreter when scheduling an appointment or speaking with a financial counselor.

These services are provided at no cost to our patients.

What If I Need an Interpreter?

If you need an interpreter, simply let us know when your appointment is scheduled. You can also ask your health care provider to notify us of your communication needs when your imaging exam is ordered or scheduled.

Letting us know in advance gives our team an opportunity to arrange the appropriate service for your visit.

You should never feel uncomfortable asking for an interpreter. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to participate in your care and feel comfortable communicating with your health care team.

Supporting Language Access Beyond the Appointment

Communication support doesn’t stop when your appointment begins. We also provide key patient documents in several languages commonly spoken by patients in our region, including:

• Spanish
• Korean
• Vietnamese
• Russian
• Cambodian
• Ukrainian

Providing information in a patient’s preferred language can make it easier to understand important instructions and navigate the health care process with confidence.

Why Language Access Matters in Health Care

Health care can be complicated enough without adding a communication barrier.

When patients have access to interpretation services, they can more easily ask questions, understand instructions, discuss concerns, and make informed decisions about their care. For imaging appointments, this can be especially important when patients need to understand preparation instructions, what to expect during an exam, or information provided before and after their procedure.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, language access is one of the ways we work to create a more comfortable and inclusive experience for our patients.

Celebrating Communication and Connection

International Translation Day (celebrated on September 30) is more than a celebration of translators and interpreters. It’s also an opportunity to recognize how communication helps connect people, communities, and cultures.

In health care, that connection matters.

Every patient should have the opportunity to understand their care, communicate with their caregivers, and participate in decisions about their health—regardless of the language they speak or how they communicate.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, we’re committed to helping make that possible.

If you need interpreter services for your imaging appointment, please let us know when scheduling. We’re here to help make your experience as clear, comfortable, and accessible as possible.