Telehealth has become a necessity that a lot of people rely on. And for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients, approximately 3.6% of the US population, ensuring access through American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters is not just a matter of equity and care quality, it’s also required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). With video remote interpreting (VRI), telehealth providers can effectively serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients, especially when best practices are followed to ensure clarity, comfort, and connection.
As a language access manager, you’re navigating tighter budgets, shifting policies, and a greater demand for accessible care. This guide will help you work with ASL interpreters via remote video effectively and prove the ROI of your language access program.
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Best Practices for Working with Remote ASL Interpreters
To get the most out of your ASL VRI sessions—and to ensure you meet both care quality goals and legal requirements—follow these industry-approved best practices. Because ASL is a visual, three-dimensional language that the Deaf and HoH depend on, clear video and visibility are very important. A laggy feed or poor lighting can turn a conversation into confusion.
Use Proper Equipment
- Use a high-speed internet connection.
- Devices should support at least 720p resolution (1080p60 ideal).
- Equip with adjustable monitors, ideally 19.5 inches or larger.
Create an Effective VRI Environment
- Provide a quiet, private room with minimal distractions.
- Keep the screen within two feet of the patient.
- Eliminate backlighting to ensure facial expressions are visible.
Check-In and Confirm Comprehension
- Allow time for the interpreter to introduce themselves and verify that the VRI is set up correctly.
- Periodically ask the patient if they can see and understand the interpreter.
- Encourage providers to treat VRI sessions with the same attentiveness as in-person encounters.
Get Qualified, Professional Interpreters
- Partner with qualified ASL interpreters, a requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Highlight the requirement for professional credentialing in internal training to boost clinician confidence.
Document and Report Outcomes
- Collect post-visit feedback to monitor quality.
- Use satisfaction and readmission data to support ongoing investment.
ASL Video Remote Interpreting Supports Better Healthcare Outcomes
Access and Equity, Delivered Remotely
When in-person interpreters are unavailable due to scheduling, emergencies, or location, VRI ensures language access doesn’t become a barrier. Through a secure video connection, patients can communicate in real time with interpreters trained in ASL and medical terminology.
A Simple Process with Big Impactv
A clinician starts a VRI session through a platform like Boostlingo On-Demand. Within seconds, they’re connected to a certified ASL interpreter. It’s intuitive, scalable across departments, and integrates easily with tools already in use (IMS, EMRs, etc.).
Remote ASL Real-World Use Cases
ASL VRI proves most valuable in:
- Short-notice consultations or urgent care visits
- Discharge planning
- Telehealth follow-ups
- Emergency department interactions
In these moments, delayed access can impact care delivery or even compromise patient outcomes. VRI helps providers stay compliant and responsive.
The ROI for Language Access Managers
Every missed communication can result in unnecessary costs or readmissions. By implementing high-quality ASL VRI, you reduce that risk, support patient satisfaction, and demonstrate measurable success, especially valuable in Value-Based Care (VBC) models.
Want to look into how language access directly supports VBC initiatives? Read our eBook, Bridging the Language Gap in Value-Based Care, to see the data, strategies, and success stories driving real outcomes.
Telehealth + VRI: A Strategic Investment in Value-Based Care
With over 70% of providers using telehealth, inclusive solutions are more important than ever. For Deaf patients, this means enabling visual language access every time they connect.
By integrating VRI into your language access strategy, you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re improving clinical outcomes, enhancing patient satisfaction, and lowering overall care costs. These are the outcomes that matter in Value-Based Care models.
Inclusive Telehealth with ASL VRI
If you’re looking for more ways to ensure your VRI setup is truly patient-ready, we’ve got you covered. Check out the ADA’s guidelines on effective communication to understand the compliance side and browse through the National Association of the Deaf for-advocacy resources and Deaf community insights.
Ready to improve your language access program? Contact Boostlingo to learn how to implement VRI that works for your care team and patients.
