Last updated: 11/02/2026
Many families know this scene well. You take half a day off work to drive Mom and Dad to the doctor and translate every sentence, yet on the way home they still aren't sure what the doctor told them. Back at the house, everyone squints at an English-only instruction sheet, trying to work out how to take the new medication.
Taking parents who don't speak English to the doctor gets much easier with a little preparation. This guide walks through eight tips across three stages, before, during and after the visit, so your parents understand their health and you can worry a little less.
Before the visit
Tip 1: Know which parts of Medicare your parents have, and bring the right cards
Before the appointment, find out what coverage your parents have. In short, Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, and Part D covers prescription drugs. If your parents are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the clinic will usually need that plan's card instead of their Medicare card.
Pack a small folder with:
- Their Medicare card, or their Medicare Advantage plan card.
- Cards for any other coverage, such as Medigap, Medi-Cal or a Part D drug plan.
- A photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID.
If you're not sure how the parts of Medicare differ, read our guide What Is Medicare? A Plain-Language Guide for Vietnamese-American Families.
Tip 2: Request a Vietnamese interpreter when you book
Many hospitals and clinics that accept Medicare offer interpreter services, usually at no cost, in person, by phone or by video. The best time to ask is when you call to book, so the clinic has time to arrange it. When you arrive, remind the front desk once more.
Here are a few short phrases you or your parents can use:
|
When to use it |
What to say in English |
What it means in Vietnamese |
|---|---|---|
|
When booking |
Please note that my father needs a Vietnamese interpreter for this appointment. |
Xin ghi chú giúp là ba tôi cần thông dịch viên tiếng Việt cho buổi hẹn này. |
|
At the front desk |
I need a Vietnamese interpreter, please. |
Tôi cần thông dịch viên tiếng Việt. |
|
When something is unclear |
Could you please say that again more slowly? |
Bác sĩ nói lại chậm hơn giúp được không? |
|
To get it in writing |
Could you write down the instructions for us? |
Bác sĩ ghi lại lời dặn giúp chúng tôi được không? |
|
To ask for materials |
Do you have these instructions in Vietnamese? |
Có bản hướng dẫn bằng tiếng Việt không? |
Tip 3: Write down symptoms and questions in Vietnamese
Older adults often get nervous in the exam room and forget what they meant to say. The evening before, sit down with your parents and write things down in this order:
- What's bothering them and what it feels like.
- When it started, and when it gets better or worse.
- What they've tried to feel better, such as medicines, cạo gió or medicated oils, and whether it helped.
- The questions they want to ask the doctor.
This note helps the interpreter convey exactly what your parents mean, and makes sure nothing important gets missed.
Tip 4: List every medication they take
The doctor needs to know everything your parents take, including vitamins, supplements, herbal medicine and medicines sent from Vietnam. Some of these can interact with what the doctor is about to prescribe.
The quickest trick is to take a photo of every bottle label with your phone, or bring all the bottles in a bag. If your parents take many medications, a full review with a pharmacist is also worth considering. Learn more on our Medication Review page.
During the visit
Tip 5: Let the interpreter translate while family sits alongside
Having family in the room means a lot, and parents often feel calmer with a loved one beside them. Still, it's best to leave the translating to a professional interpreter. Interpreters know medical terms, translate fully and neutrally, and are less likely to skip something or unintentionally soften what the doctor says.
Try not to rely on grandchildren to interpret. Kids can easily mistranslate medical terms, and grandparents often feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics in front of them. Family still plays an important role: reminding your parents of what they wrote down, asking follow-up questions when something isn't clear, and taking notes.
Tip 6: Ask for the key instructions to be repeated
Before the visit ends, ask the doctor or interpreter to sum up two or three main points: what the condition is, what to do at home, and when to come back or go to the emergency room. A good check is to have your parents repeat the instructions in their own words. If they can, they've understood.
Also ask whether the clinic has written instructions in Vietnamese. Many clinics keep translated handouts for common conditions.
After the visit
Tip 7: Ask questions about any new prescription
If the doctor prescribes something new, make sure your parents can answer these four questions:
- What is this medicine for?
- When should they take it, before or after meals?
- How much should they take each time, and for how long?
- Does it interact with any medicines, supplements or herbal remedies they already use?
When you pick up the prescription, ask the pharmacist directly. Many pharmacies can also connect you with a phone interpreter to explain how to take it. For older parents, writing the dosing times on the bottle cap or using a weekly pill organizer can make things much easier to remember.
Tip 8: Think long-term with a Vietnamese-speaking doctor and pharmacist
The tips above make each visit go more smoothly. But if your parents live with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, doctor visits become a regular part of life, and arranging an interpreter becomes a recurring task. Having a care team that speaks Vietnamese can take a lot of weight off the whole family.
Compass AgeWell has a team of Vietnamese-speaking doctors, pharmacists and care coordinators who support your parents by phone or video, right from home:
- Chronic care management: a monthly call to check on their health, remind them about medications and coordinate with their doctor based on a care plan.
- Medication review with a pharmacist: a pharmacist reviews everything your parents take and explains how to take each medicine in Vietnamese.
- Telehealth visits: when a new health concern comes up, your parents can see a Vietnamese-speaking doctor without leaving home.
Many of these services are covered by Medicare, depending on each person's benefits. To learn more about your parents' Medicare benefits, see our guide What Is Medicare?
If you live far away
You can't always be there in person, especially if you live in another city or state. Even from a distance, you can still help in a few ways:
- Join by three-way call during the visit. Ask the clinic ahead of time whether you can join on speakerphone. Many are happy to arrange it if your parents agree.
- Send the medication list and questions in advance. Prepare them with your parents by phone the day before, then text a photo of the note for them to bring.
- Use the patient portal. If your parents give you access, you can review test results, the doctor's instructions and upcoming appointments.
For more ideas, read our guide Caring for Aging Parents From a Distance.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to pay for an interpreter?
Usually not. Most hospitals, clinics and pharmacies that accept Medicare or other federal funding are responsible for providing language help to patients with limited English, and this service is usually free. If you're told there's a charge, ask the front desk or the patient services office to double-check.
Can a family member interpret instead?
Yes, if your parents request it themselves. The clinic may ask your parents privately to confirm that's what they want. For important visits, such as getting test results, discussing surgery or changing medications, it's still best to have a professional interpreter to avoid misunderstandings, with family sitting alongside to support and ask questions.
Does Medicare cover phone or video visits?
Yes, for many types of visits. People with Medicare can currently have telehealth visits from home, and the usual Part B cost-sharing applies just like an in-person visit. See our guide Does Medicare Cover Telehealth?
Final thoughts
A little preparation before the visit, and not hesitating to ask for an interpreter, can make your parents' appointments much easier. What matters most is that your parents understand their health and know what to do once they're home.
If your family would like your parents to receive regular care in Vietnamese every month, learn more about Compass AgeWell.