How the Free Interpreting Service (FIS) supports private medical practitioners
The FIS gives private medical practitioners free access to professional certified interpreters to communicate complex or technical information to patients with limited English proficiency. Using a professional interpreter improves communication and reduces medical errors. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Code of Conduct outlines standards for meeting patient’s language, cultural, and communication needs, including using interpreters when needed.
Eligibility and registration
Private medical practitioners are defined as:
- general practitioners
- nurse practitioners
- endorsed midwives
- approved Medical Specialists (as defined by the Medical Board of Australia) Medical Board of Australia - Specialist registration
- practice support staff – including administration staff and practice nurses.
Eligible activities
The FIS can be used to schedule and to deliver private health services that are:
- Medicare-rebateable, and
- in private practice, and
- to anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare (Australian citizens, permanent residents and select temporary visa holders).
Ineligible activities
The FIS cannot be used for Australian or state/territory government-funded public health services and programs.
Registration
Each practitioner will need a unique client code to access the service for each practice they work in. This client code is used to request an interpreter.
Practice support staff working with a private medical practitioner who is registered with TIS National may access the FIS using the practitioner’s client code.
Free Interpreting Service extended to support temporary humanitarian visa holders
Private medical practitioners with a FIS client code can now use the FIS for non-English speaking clients who have recently arrived from Ukraine, Palestine or Israel. Evidence of entitlement to Medicare is not required for these clients.
Medical Practitioner Priority Line
1300 131 450
24 hours a day, every day of the year
