Interpreting services for general practice

TIS National free interpreting services

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people with limited English language proficiency and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. 

Private medical practitioners can use the free interpreting service to access interpreting services delivered by TIS National, including:

• immediate phone interpreting
• Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS)
• pre-booked phone interpreting
• on-site interpreting
• video remote interpreting

TIS National immediate phone interpreting

Phone: 131 450
Hours: 7 days, 24 hours

TIS National Medical Practitioner and Pharmacy Priority Line

Phone: 1300 131 450
Hours: 7 days, 24 hours

Under the free interpreting service, private medical practitioners are defined as general practitioners, nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and approved medical specialists.

Private medical practitioners are eligible to access the Free Interpreting Service when delivering services that are:

• Medicare-rebatable
• delivered in private practice
• provided to anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare

Practice support staff working with a private medical practitioner registered with TIS National can also access the service using the same client code.

The free interpreting service can be used for delivering health services, including but not limited to:

• arranging appointment times
• undertaking health consultations
• developing health plans
• providing medical test results

Free Interpreting Service extended to support clients who have recently arrived from Ukraine

Service providers with a Free Interpreting Service (FIS) client code can now access the FIS for non-English speaking clients who have recently arrived from Ukraine. Evidence of entitlement to Medicare is not required from these clients. 

Access the range of promotional materials TIS National has produced. Complete the promotional materials order form to request hard copies of promotional items via the TIS National website. 

Please visit the TIS National website for interpreting service information relevant to pharmacy and allied health professionals.