FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about HCIN, the Network and how it works.

Can I speak with an administrator at a current member hospital?

We are happy to facilitate an introduction to one or more of our member organizations.
What if I don’t currently have any interpreters?

HCIN has a membership level for organizations that currently do not employ interpreters. We will review your current costs of providing spoken language interpretation and ASL to your patient population, and suggest the appropriate membership level.
How do I determine how many video devices I need?

The HCIN installation team will work with your staff to determine where and how many clinical video units will be needed. Our team will make suggestions based on their 20+ years of installation experience with a variety of organizations ranging from small hospitals to major academic teaching organizations.
What if I have a large staff of interpreters?

Members with a large number of interpreters can share them with the network to generate income that partially offsets the cost of the interpreters. HCIN will review your interpreter staffing patterns and workload statistics and make suggestions that will improve coverage and maximize your shared interpreter income.
Do we need to install new technology?

HCIN has been installed in organizations with a variety of IT platforms. Our system engineers will work with your IT/Telecom staff to insure a successful installation.
How do I learn more?

Contact HCIN Executive Director Frank Puglisi at: fpuglisi@hcin.org or 510-658-2831.
What do membership fees fund?

Membership fees fund the cost of maintaining the network 24/7 including system engineering support, monthly data reports, technical assistance as needed, T-1 costs ( if applicable), and hosting fees ( if applicable). The fees also support the Director of Quality and Programs, and a modest administrative infrastructure.
How do we know the quality of interpretation is excellent?

The shared healthcare interpreters have all gone through a minimum of a 40-hour approved health care interpreter training and have passed an independently evaluated interpreter skills test. For languages in which national certification is available, the majority of shared interpreters are nationally certified. HCIN employs a full-time Director of Quality & Member Engagement who works with the interpreter managers and quality assurance staff to develop needed and requested in-service training programs, and who conducts regular presentation test calls on the Network. HCIN Learn has become a nationally recognized site for interpreter resources.
How does HCIN compare to other language interpreter services?

HCIN is a unique model that allows member organizations to share their interpreter resources with others in the network including those who do not have any interpreters. Our health care interpreters are employees of the respective members.
Do you have technical assistance for getting set up?

Yes, our installation and engineering staff will work with your program and technical staff.
How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the type of membership that suits your organization's needs.
How long does implementation take?

Depending on the size of the organization, IT/Telecom infrastructure, wireless or not, number of sites where you want the video units to be deployed, implementation, including training of staff, can range from a few weeks to approximately three months.