5 Star Interpreting provides on-site and video remote ASL interpreting for hospitals, clinics, specialty providers, and patient care teams throughout Utah, Idaho, Illinois, and Georgia. As a Deaf- and interpreter-owned agency, we understand what is at stake when communication breaks down in a medical setting. HIPAA-aware interpreters. On-site and VRI.
The short version
Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients have the legal right to effective communication under the ADA. In most clinical settings, that means providing a qualified ASL interpreter, not relying on family members, lip-reading, or written notes. When communication fails in healthcare, patients make decisions without complete information. That affects outcomes.
Many Deaf patients leave medical appointments with an incomplete picture of their diagnosis, treatment plan, or follow-up instructions. Not because their provider did not try, but because the communication support was not adequate for the conversation.
When communication fails, care suffers.
A qualified medical interpreter ensures both sides of the conversation are fully understood in real time, not summarized, not approximated. That standard matters for patient safety, informed consent, and ADA compliance.
Relying on family members, lip-reading, or written notes for complex medical conversations is not legally or ethically sufficient. The ADA places the obligation to provide qualified communication access on the healthcare provider, not the patient.
For a full breakdown of what the ADA requires in healthcare settings, see the guide to ADA compliance for Deaf communication access.
| MEDICAL INTERPRETING | MEDICAL TRANSLATION | |
|---|---|---|
| WHAT IT IS | Live, real-time communication support | Written document conversion |
| WHEN IT HAPPENS | During appointments, procedures, and consultations | Before or after the visit |
| FORMAT | Spoken or signed, in person or via VRI | Written text |
| EXAMPLES | ER visits, surgical consultations, mental health sessions, and patient intake | Discharge instructions, consent forms, medication guides, and treatment plans |
| ADA APPLICABILITY | Required for effective communication in most clinical settings | Required for written materials provided to patients |
5 Star Interpreting coordinates ASL interpreters across the full spectrum of healthcare, from routine visits to complex clinical scenarios.
Pre-op consultations, surgical consent, inpatient and outpatient procedures
Medication instructions, discharge education, follow-up care plans, and post-treatment guidance
Radiology, laboratory visits, diagnostic testing, and results discussions
Cleanings, orthodontics, oral surgery consultations, and patient education, see dental interpreting
ER visits, trauma, urgent care, inpatient stays, and hospital-wide communication access
Primary care visits, intake and discharge, wellness appointments, and ongoing care
OB-GYN, oncology, neurology, cardiology, pediatrics, and other specialist consultations
Therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, crisis support, and behavioral health
5 Star was founded by Ben Daniel, a Deaf professional, and Cody Simonsen, a nationally certified interpreter. Both have direct experience with the communication barriers healthcare settings create for Deaf patients. That perspective shapes how every medical assignment is assessed and staffed.
Our interpreters review medical terminology and appointment details before each visit. They understand the clinical vocabulary, the emotional weight of medical conversations, and the confidentiality requirements that come with patient care. They come prepared, not just available.
A brief pharmacy interaction and a surgical consultation are not the same conversation. We assess each request and match the appropriate format and the right interpreter to the clinical context. Same-day and recurring scheduling are supported when possible.
Yes. Both on-site and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) are available for medical settings. On-site interpreting is recommended for complex, emotionally sensitive, or extended consultations. VRI is a strong option for urgent same-day requests, shorter appointments, and telehealth visits. The right format depends on the clinical context.
Yes. Recurring appointments are available for ongoing treatment cycles including dialysis, oncology, prenatal care, mental health sessions, and other regular care schedules. Recurring appointments (weekly, monthly, and procedural cycles) are available.
A CDI is recommended when the patient uses non-standard or regional signing, has had limited formal language exposure, is DeafBlind, or when the conversation is complex enough that standard interpretation may not ensure full understanding. Common situations include psychiatric evaluations, complex surgical consent discussions, and any appointment where the stakes of miscommunication are high. If you are not sure, tell us about the appointment and we will help you assess.
Yes. All interpreters coordinated through 5 Star are trained in HIPAA compliance and confidentiality requirements. They treat patient information with the same care as any member of the clinical team.
Yes. Our interpreters receive ongoing training in medical terminology and prepare before each appointment by reviewing relevant clinical context when available. Subject matter familiarity directly affects accuracy in fast-moving medical conversations.
Yes. Same-day and urgent scheduling is available subject to interpreter availability and location. VRI is typically available immediately for situations that cannot wait.
In most clinical settings, yes. The ADA requires healthcare providers to ensure effective communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. For appointments involving diagnosis, treatment decisions, informed consent, or detailed patient education, a qualified interpreter is typically the appropriate standard of care. The obligation rests with the provider.
Yes, our interpreters receive ongoing training to stay current with medical terminology and healthcare language.
We make scheduling easy: whether you need a one-time appointment or ongoing interpreting support for recurring treatment plans.
