Equiti acquires Lexi AI to bridge the language gap in healthcare

Breaking the language barrier in healthcare

Equiti, the company behind the Martti medical interpretation platform, is acquiring Lexi AI to build a hybrid language-access model that combines AI-powered interpretation with qualified human interpreters. The deal, announced October 28, brings together Lexi's immediate AI language support — covering 35+ languages and dialects — with Martti's network of human interpreters spanning 250+ languages, available 24/7 to hospitals and health systems.

The combined approach, which Equiti calls "Modality Matters," lets healthcare organizations match each patient encounter with the right tool: AI for routine, lower-stakes interactions (think appointment scheduling, post-visit messaging, and follow-up logistics) and human interpreters for complex, high-stakes conversations like diagnosis, informed consent, and palliative care discussions.

Key Takeaways

• AI interpretation will focus on pre- and post-visit communication, while human interpreters remain central to clinical care delivery
• The hybrid model gives organizations flexibility to shift between modalities in real time based on clinical context and patient preference
• Equiti's existing customers include Wellstar Health System, Corewell Health, NYU Langone, and Lee Health

Why it matters: Language barriers in healthcare aren't just a communication inconvenience — they affect clinical outcomes, patient safety, and health equity. By extending language access beyond the exam room and into everyday patient touchpoints, this acquisition could meaningfully reduce gaps in care for millions of patients with limited English proficiency.