Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) is a social distancing friendly, affordable way to get quality interpretation services when you need them. Because VRI is on demand, meaning it can be scheduled on the fly, this makes it ideal for many industries and settings. One industry that has a lot to gain from Video Remote Interpretation is healthcare, where telemedicine and telehealth are increasingly being utilized.
What is Video Remote Interpretation?
Video Remote Interpretation is the ideal format for professional real-time language access. VRI works by connecting an interpreter, who is typically at a call center equipped with a headset and video camera, with people who need assistance communicating in various languages.
Who uses Video Remote Interpretation?
Although the benefits of Video Remote Interpretation are virtually limitless when it comes to real-time interpreting, there are many settings and industries where it is more frequently used. These include government, insurance, healthcare, medicine, business, call centers and education.
Here Are the Top Reasons Why You Should Start Using Video Remote Interpretation:
1. Video Remote Interpretation No Longer Requires Pricey Software or Equipment
The Video Remote Interpretation technology of today no longer requires expensive startup costs like software or equipment. Back in the early days of VRI, upfront costs were commonplace, making the service out of reach for some customers. With today’s advances in technology, all you need is an internet connection and a device with a webcam, and you’re set. Most current devices come standard with a web camera, and high speed internet is readily available and accessible most everywhere in the United States.
2. Video Remote Interpretation Accommodates the Need for Social Distancing
COVID-19 is making us all think about in-person meetings and how we can safely distance at every opportunity possible. Video Remote Interpretation enabled social distancing long before the phrase became a common household term. VRI gives real time access to an interpreter without ever having to meet in person. The best part of the service is that many of the benefits that come from working with an interpreter in person are retained, like the ability to see the facial expressions and body language of the participants. Video Remote Interpretation is also an ideal platform for American Sign Language services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
3. VRI is Affordable
Most people think VRI is an expensive service that is too cost prohibitive to even be considered. Because of the reduced costs of technology, such as high-speed internet and an abundance of competition for the service, Video Remote Interpretation is the most competitively priced it has ever been in its history. Most VRI providers will offer the service on-demand and will charge by the minute. This means you only ever get charged for what you use. Enterprise users who regularly utilize large amounts of minutes have also figured out a way to get lower rates by negotiating contracts. This is a win-win for both the client who gets a good deal and the provider who can scale up staffing in order to accommodate recurring regular demand for their services.
4. No Travel Required
Interpreters do not have to travel to perform VRI services. This means costs will be lower when compared to an in-person service. Some in-person services also charge travel time and have minimums, but these costs aren’t applicable to VRI. All of these factors make VRI a lower cost alternative to in person interpretation.
5. Available On Demand
Situations may occur where interpretation services are needed at a moment’s notice. With VRI, interpreters can be lined up within minutes making it an on-demand service. This has obvious benefits in emergency scenarios, such as at hospitals or in first responder situations where accurate communication is needed quickly. How you access the on-demand option may vary from provider to provider. For added convenience, some language providers have a free app that downloads to your phone or device, which can make scheduling or even on-demand requests a breeze. Make sure to check with your language service provider to see what they have available. Not all VRI services are created the same so make sure your vendor checks all the boxes that you will need with your service.
6. Video Remote Interpretation is Telemedicine and Telehealth Friendly
There are multiple reasons why VRI so easily integrates into telehealth and telemedicine systems. For one, its on-demand nature makes it ideal for emergency scenarios. Also, it enables patients to be able to receive healthcare from the comfort of their own home via real-time video. Since federal law requires covered entities (healthcare programs and activities that receive federal funds, like those that receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements) to provide language assistance to patients who need it, Video Remote Interpretation allows instant access, making healthcare entities compliant. With today’s required social distancing measures, VRI makes great sense for Telemedicine and Telehealth systems, because using it means fewer people coming into clinics, hospitals and healthcare settings, putting less people at risk.
