Just because a patient speaks a different language doesn’t always mean you ALWAYS need an interpreter.  There are basic communication skills you can still do!   After all, our non-verbals communicate far more meaning that our verbals.  And don’t forget, patients sometimes present without an interpreter – so rather than going to default and asking the patient to come back with an interpreter – do some basics, like what have they come for and whether you can cope with the other communication skills available to you.