A framework to identify the costs of providing language interpretation services

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Economics
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Language services are a standard of care for patients with limited English proficiency in the US.
• Significant challenges exist in funding language programs, with no federal payment policy.
• States are developing diverse methodologies for cost determination and reimbursement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a conceptual framework for identifying language program costs.
• To create a tool applicable across healthcare entities for cost analysis.
• To inform strategic discussions and guide research on payment and reimbursement policies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized case study methods to develop the cost identification framework.
• Defined the perspective for cost analysis.
• Differentiated between financial accounting costs and economic opportunity costs.

Main Results:

• A conceptual framework was established to identify program costs.
• The framework distinguishes direct, indirect, overhead, and opportunity costs.
• It provides a common ground for understanding and discussing reimbursement.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework offers a standardized approach to assessing language service costs.
• It supports informed decision-making for healthcare providers, payers, and policymakers.
• Facilitates strategic planning for sustainable language service programs.