I know we have to provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf patient, but does it have to be an in person interpreter or can it be a virtual interpreter?
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This is an excellent follow up. Doing a bit of research I would say no.
In fact if the economic burden is too great, you actually don't need to do it all. But, the caviot, is that if your office is located in a hospital or hospital facility you may.
If your office is in a free standing office building, privately owned NOT by the hospital according to this article, (https://www.justdigit.org/are-doctors-or-hospitals-required-to-provide-live-interpreters-for-deaf-patients/) you may be off the hook entirely.
This article also supports that you may provide this service remotely.
What it does not say is that you are ok to charge the patient the $75.00 fee that the remote service or whatever the in person service fee may be.
It simply states you don't have to provide the service if the economic burden is too great. I would suggest that your practice paying a $75.00 fee for an office visit that reimburses you $35.00, that would be an economic hardship.
Bottom line here: Check this out with an attorney who is well versed in ADA.
Your state society should be able to provide you with FREE advice on this issue.
As this issue is not just your question alone, but everyone's.