Interpretation & Communication Guide for International Patients
Interpretation & Communication Guide
Please check how communication will be handled before your visit, so that your consultation can be safe and thorough.
NB Plastic Surgery does not currently have a full-time interpreter on staff.
Our medical staff can handle basic communication in simple English and Chinese. They are not, however, able to conduct consultations in those languages at the level of precision that surgical methods, risks, the recovery process and consent require.
International patients coming for an important consultation or for surgery are advised to bring a companion or a professional interpreter who can interpret accurately between Korean and their own language.
Not sure yet? Start with a consultation.
The clinic keeps interpretation devices on hand, and where needed, interpretation and translation applications can be used for basic communication at reception and during the consultation.
However, translation through a device or an application may not convey medical terminology and fine detail accurately, so we recommend the help of a professional interpreter for important surgical consultations and for the consent process.
If you are visiting from overseas, please let us know before booking which language you will use and whether an interpreter will accompany you.
We will tell you in advance what communication is possible at the clinic, but we cannot guarantee that an interpreter will be assigned to you or that professional interpretation in a particular language will be provided.
What communication is possible now
- Basic English and Chinese communication with medical staffThis does not amount to professional interpretation or complete medical translation.
- Interpretation devicesThis does not amount to professional interpretation or complete medical translation.
- Interpretation and translation applicationsThis does not amount to professional interpretation or complete medical translation.
- Basic guidance using messages and materials sent in advanceThis does not amount to professional interpretation or complete medical translation.
Why we recommend bringing an interpreter
- Scope and method of the surgery
- Anaesthesia and the recovery process
- Side effects and risks
- Precautions before and after surgery
- The patient’s medical history and current medication
- Surgical consent and cost terms
- Communication in an emergency
Who we recommend you bring
- An interpreter the patient personally trusts
- A companion proficient in both Korean and the patient’s language
- A professional interpreter with experience in medical consultations
What to tell us before booking
- The language you will use
- Whether an interpreter will accompany you
- The procedure you wish to discuss
- Existing medical conditions
- Current medication
- Previous surgeries
- Your visit schedule
The output of automatic translation or an interpretation device does not fully replace an explanation given by the medical staff.
If the necessity, method, risks, side effects and aftercare of the surgery are not fully understood, the surgery need not go ahead as scheduled, and the consultation can be repeated with a professional interpreter present.
International patient enquiries
Please let us know your language and whether an interpreter will accompany you before booking.
Sinsa Stn, Gangnam, Seoul · Private parking tower
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00