Akorbi's Solutions for Healthcare & CMS Requirements

Your Trusted Ally in CMS Compliant Language Services

Akorbi has deep knowledge and extensive expertise in the healthcare sector and we understand the complexities involved in meeting CMS guidelines. Our committed team is available to navigate you through the complexities of CMS compliance and provide high-quality language services along the way.

Understanding CMS: Who Needs to Comply and Why?

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency that oversees major healthcare programs in the United States. Its primary goal is to ensure equal access to healthcare for all individuals, including those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). In the US, around 26.5 million people face challenges with English proficiency.

Regardless of their native languages, these individuals are entitled to the same level of healthcare communication as English speakers. To maintain this standard, CMS has implemented strict regulations for healthcare providers and insurance companies participating in federal programs. These regulations include the provision of language assistance services, effective communication through qualified interpreters, and the translation of vital written documents into commonly spoken languages.

Our Approach to CMS Compliance

CMS compliance may seem complex and intimidating at first, but with Akorbi by your side, the process becomes much easier. We specialize in navigating through CMS standards, including Section 1557 and 508 parts of CMS requirements. We understand the challenges healthcare providers and insurance companies face, and our dedicated team at Akorbi is here to support you every step of the way. Our aim is to untangle the complexities and help you create a healthcare environment that's inclusive and equitable.

What are Sections 1557 and 508?

Section 1557Section 508

Section 1557

Section 1557 is a significant part of the Affordable Care Act that prohibits discrimination in certain health programs or activities. It specifically addresses the importance of language services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Healthcare providers are required to offer language assistance, including qualified interpreters and translators. This regulation ensures that everyone, regardless of their language proficiency, has equal access to healthcare services and information.

Section 508

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that federal agencies make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that healthcare information is available in formats that can be consumed by individuals with disabilities such as visual or hearing impairments. By championing the rights of individuals with disabilities, this requirement ensures equal access to information and services.

Language Access Plans and their Role in CMS Compliance

Meeting CMS requirements can be challenging, but implementing a Language Access Plan (LAP) is crucial for ensuring compliance with language services. This plan serves as a framework that enables healthcare organizations to provide high-quality language solutions, facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers, insurance companies, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals.

A typical Language Access Plan Includes:

Evaluations

of where their current and potential clients would interact with the organization. This can include their common touchpoints and interaction intensity, whether it is calling cusomer support, submitting a form, settling a bill or interating directly with staff members. These evaluations can be conducted by analyzing a variety of sources, such as health needs asseessments, demographic studies, community databases, emergency room records and more.

Outlines

detailed with the available language services and strategies for informing patients about these resources, which may include language identification cards, notices about patients' rights to free language services, and clear, visible signs communicating the availability of language assistance.

Training programs

for all employees, spanning from reception to leadership, on the existing language service policies and the appropriate utilization of these services. Training sessions might cover respectful communication with LEP clients, policy awareness, interpreter and translator assignment processes, and information accessibility for customers.

Linguist criteria

for qualifications, adhering to state-specific licensure and certification requirements for interpreters and translators.

Reviews

based on feedback from clients, demographic shifts, and service use patterns to determine if updates to the plans or procedures are needed. This includes monitoring staff engagement with language services, response to LEP feedback, usage frequency of different languages, health equity evaluations, and collaboration with external agencies.

Demographic analyses

using external surveys and population data to identify prevalent languages and cultural backgrounds in the community, ensuring the organization’s services align with the linguistic needs of the area served.

Partner with Akorbi in Implementing Language Access Plans

With our deep understanding of the complexities involved in developing and implementing an effective Language Access Plan, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced professionals are well-versed in the measures required for compliance and are committed to delivering top-notch language services that adhere to CMS guidelines.

Language Solutions with Akorbi

Executing a successful Language Access Plan requires not only understanding the CMS compliance intricacies but also entails the integration of robust, efficient, and high-quality language services. At Akorbi, our comprehensive solutions align seamlessly with these needs. We take pride in our ability to provide a wide range of language services, from professional interpretation and translation services to multilingual staffing and localization solutions. Our team of skilled linguists are proficient in over 170 languages, ensuring that the unique language needs of your organization are met with utmost accuracy and quality, all the while adhering strictly to CMS compliance guidelines.

Translation Services

Akorbi's translation and localization services help healthcare organizations meet CMS regulations and ensure equitable access to healthcare for diverse patient populations. We specialize in translating important CMS documents, such as NPP, consent forms, patient rights, medical records, discharge instructions, and health education materials. Our commitment to accuracy and linguistic expertise ensures effective translations that are culturally adapted.

Akorbi's 508 Remediation Services for Document Compliance

Akorbi goes beyond traditional language services to offer comprehensive 508 remediation services, providing a critical layer of support for healthcare organizations in achieving compliance with Section 508. Our team of experts meticulously reviews and modifies digital documents to ensure that they are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

508 Remediation Process

Our approach to 508 remediation encompasses a thorough assessment and adaptation of digital documents. From PDFs to web content, we ensure that all forms of electronic information are accessible to individuals with various types of disabilities, including hearing and visual impairments. We deploy tagging techniques, modify reading orders, add alternative text descriptions, and incorporate other accessibility features to make your documents 508 compliant.

Compliance Assurance

We don't just stop at remediation; we also provide a comprehensive validation and testing process. We utilize advanced tools and conduct manual checks to ensure that remediated documents are fully compliant with Section 508 standards. In doing so, we not only help healthcare providers meet regulatory requirements, but also affirm our commitment to fostering equality in healthcare communication.

Interpretation Services

According to CMS regulations, healthcare organizations should avoid using unqualified interpreters, such as family members or childre.Using untrained individuals for medical interpretation can lead to miscommunication, undermining healthcare programs' effectiveness. CMS requirements go beyond prohibiting unqualified interpreters, with the emphasized need for interpreters with specific qualifications and expertise in healthcare settings.

In contrast, Akorbi's interpretation services surpass CMS compliance. Our highly skilled interpreters exceed the required qualifications and training standards, guaranteeing accurate and compliant communication. They are well-versed in medical terminology across multiple languages, ensuring precise communication in healthcare settings. Additionally, we prioritize cultural sensitivity, adhere to CMS guidelines, and enforce rigorous quality assurance processes.

ADAPT, Offering Healthcare Communication to 170+ Languages

ADAPT, our multimodal language platform, connects patients with highly skilled language experts who are proficient in over 170 languages, empowering them with real-time, on-demand access to qualified interpreters. Healthcare providers and organizations can effortlessly connect with non-English speakers, ensuring effective communication with patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Whether it's accessing healthcare interpreters through their desktop, mobile phone, or even through a phone call, ADAPT offers multiple channels for convenient and reliable interpretation services. Not only does ADAPT provide over-the-phone interpretation and video interpretation, but it also offers scheduled services to accommodate a wide range of healthcare needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the quality healthcare they deserve, regardless of their language preferences.

Why Choose Akorbi as Your CMS-Compliant Language Service Partner?

When it comes to choosing a language service partner proficient in CMS compliance, Akorbi stands out for its comprehensive services, extensive linguistic expertise, and unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Our services are designed to not only meet but exceed CMS requirements, ensuring that your organization is fully compliant and equipped to provide exceptional care to diverse patient populations.

When you partner with Akorbi, you gain access to:

Expertise in Healthcare

Akorbi has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, ensuring that our translation and interpretation services are tailored to the specific needs and terminology of healthcare organizations.

Qualified Interpreters

We provide qualified interpreters who meet CMS requirements, guaranteeing accurate and effective communication with limited English proficiency (LEP) patients.

Comprehensive Solutions

Akorbi offers a wide range of language solutions, including document translation, interpretation services, and cultural adaptation, making us a one-stop-shop for all language-related CMS compliance needs.

Cultural Competence

Our team understands the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare, ensuring that translated materials and interpreted conversations respect the diverse backgrounds of patients.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We leverage advanced technology, such as secure video remote interpreting (VRI) and translation management systems, to streamline language access and improve efficiency in compliance efforts.

Scalability

Akorbi can scale its services to meet the demands of healthcare organizations of all sizes, from individual clinics to large hospital networks, ensuring seamless language support for LEP patients.

Quality Assurance

We have a rigorous quality assurance process in place, including skilled linguists, editors, and proofreaders, to ensure the highest quality translations and interpretations.

Regulatory Knowledge

Our team is well-versed in CMS regulations and keeps up-to-date with any changes, ensuring that our services consistently align with evolving compliance requirements.

Take the First Step Towards Comprehensive Language Compliance Today

Partnering with Akorbi helps ensure a CMS-compliant, inclusive, and effective communication solution, helping your healthcare organization provide superior care to all patients, irrespective of language or cultural background. Our commitment to quality, cultural sensitivity, and comprehensive language solutions empowers healthcare providers to deliver exceptional, accessible services to diverse patient populations. Are you ready to transform your healthcare communication and meet CMS requirements effortlessly?

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