How to prepare for a medical appointment with an interpreter

A medical appointment in another language can feel stressful. A professional interpreter takes the language barrier away, but a little preparation makes the visit smoother for everyone: you, your doctor and your interpreter.

Before you book

When you send your request, tell us as much as you can:

• The language you speak and whether you also understand some English or Turkish.
• The hospital or clinic and its address, or that the appointment is online.
• The date and time, and how long you expect it to take. A half day covers up to four hours.
• The type of appointment — a check-up, a specialist consultation, a test or a procedure. Some settings need an interpreter with medical experience, and this helps us choose the right person.

We recommend booking at least five working days ahead. Shorter notice is often possible, so send your request anyway and we’ll tell you quickly.

Gather your documents

Bring everything the doctor may want to see: previous reports, test results, scans, and a list of the medicines you take, with the doses. If your documents are in another language, mention it in your request so we can plan for it.

Write down your questions in advance. When you are nervous it is easy to forget them.

Meet your interpreter a few minutes early

Arrive 10–15 minutes before the appointment and say hello to your interpreter. Briefly tell them why you are there and what matters most to you. Your interpreter is bound to confidentiality: what you share stays between you, your doctor and them.

During the appointment

• Speak to the doctor, not to the interpreter. Look at the doctor and talk as if you shared a language. The interpreter will relay everything.
• Use short sentences and pause so your words can be interpreted accurately.
• Everything is interpreted. Your interpreter won’t add, leave out or soften anything, so don’t say anything you wouldn’t want the doctor to hear.
• Ask if something is unclear. It’s always fine to ask the doctor to explain again.

After the appointment

Before you leave, check that you understand the next steps: medication, tests, follow-up visits. Ask for a written summary or report if one is available.

If you need a follow-up appointment, let us know early. Where possible, we’ll book the same interpreter, so you don’t have to explain everything again.

Quick checklist: your documents and medication list, your written questions, the address and appointment time, and 15 minutes to spare.

Need an interpreter for an appointment? Send us a request and we’ll confirm availability and a clear price before you pay.