Interpretive Services

Nebraska Medicine provides free language and communication support for all patients. These services can be arranged by your care team.

Language and communication support

  • Spanish interpreters are available 24/7.
  • Interpretation for other languages is available by phone. 

Ask your provider or care team to request an interpreter for you. 

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available upon request. Your provider can arrange this service for you.

If you are hard of hearing, pocket talkers are available for use. Please ask your care team for one.

If you're speaking to someone who is hard of hearing, these tips can help improve understanding.

  • Attract their attention before speaking.
  • Make sure your face is visible and well-lit so they can read your lips if needed.
  • Do not shine a light on their face.
  • Eliminate background noise whenever possible.
  • Speak slowly, clearly and directly -- do not shout.
  • Use facial expressions and hand gestures to emphasize your message.
  • Do not remove their hearing aids or cochlear implants.
  • Use paper and pencil if needed. 

Document translation

We provide written translations of medical documents so you can better understand your care. We can translate:

  • Consent forms.
  • Educational materials.
  • Procedure and discharge instructions.
  • Test results and summaries.
  • Research-related documents.

Note: We do not translate copyrighted materials. 

Ask your provider or care team to request a translation for you.