Medical Transcription

Medical transcription involves converting recorded spoken medical records from physicians and other health care professionals into text, which is in turn used to prepare reports, consultation notes and correspondence forming part of the permanent record of a patients care.

What is a Medical Transcriptionist?

Medical Transcription practitioners perform an integral function within the health care system: namely keeping accurate records which form part of the patient file.

When patients attend for consultations with their health practitioner, they are frequently subject to a medical examination or a diagnosis. They may also discuss laboratory or diagnostic studies which may be necessary to faciltiate a diagnosis, and determine with their health practitioner a plan of treatment once a proper diagnosis has occurred. Once the consultation is complete, the health professional uses voice recording to dictate a report or information which is then transmitted to and transcribed by a medical transcriptionist.

The reports and documents prepared by medical transcriptionists form part of the patient records and enable other medical professionals quick and easy access to critical medical information about their patients.

What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?

The medical transcriptionist profession involves listening to dictated recordings made by doctors, physicians and other health care professionals, then transcribing the information into accurate medical reports, correspondence or other administrative information. The position requires the medical transcriptionist to wear headphones to listen to the recordings and may involve the use of audio dictation software.

Whilst the position sounds simple on a practical level, medical transcriptionists require a significant medical knowledge base to ensure they can intuitively transcribe information and instructions from healthcare professionals. This includes an expansive knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, anatomy and diagnostic procedures.

Medical transcription frequently requires research and an ongoing development of industry knowledge, together with compliance with the legalities of patient confidentiality.

Medical Transcriptionists utilise the dictations provided by health practitioners to produce a range of documents that include:

• discharge summaries;
• physical examination reports;
• medical history reports;
• operative reports;
• reports of consultations.

The position requires a responsible and thorough approach as documents prepared by medical transcriptionists form part of patients’ permanent medical files, and the importance of the role should not be understated.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following skill sets are important for medical transcription :-

• A detailed knowledge of advanced medical terminology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
• Knowledge and experience in transcription and the ability to create reports according to industry standards, including History and Physical Exam, Consultation, Operative Report, and Discharge Summary.
• Knowledge of and proper application of grammar.
• Knowledge of and use of correct punctuation and capitalization rules.
• Demonstrated MT proficiencies in multiple report types and multiple specialties.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and an ability to communicate effectively.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Organization skills including the ability to sort data accurately.
• Ability to use dictation equipment, software and word processing.
• Capacity to follow written and verbal instructions whilst maintaining initiative.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Transcribes patient-identifying information for files.
• Transcribes audio dictation of health professionals.
• Maintains medical procedures and terminology references.
• Maintains a transcription log.
• Receives dictation and distributes completed transcribed reports.
• Performs quality assurance check.

Medical Transcription School & Training

More and more students are looking to obtain qualifications from schools which are recognized within the industry, or are taking advantage of the flexibility and benefits of online programs to fast track their medical transcription careers.

Medical Transcription Qualifications

Medical transcription qualifications are available at several levels both for campus attendees and online programs:

• Medical Transcription Certificate Programs
• Associate Degree in Medical Transcription
• Bachelor in Medical Transcription
• Masters in Medical Transcription
• PhD in Medical Transcription

Length of an Online Medical Transcription Program

The length of the program and the school at which you enrol will determine the time it takes to obtain your medical transcription qualifications. For example, you may elect to obtain a one year certificate with a view to fast entry into training and employment, or pursue a two year associate’s degree for a more conclusive education which may result in improved career prospects. Some programs also involve a period of intern-ship and training (typically six months).

Some students may be able to complete an associates degree over a shorter period if they are eligible to transfer core credits from another school or course.

Medical Transcription Certification

Attending a medical transcription school is the preliminary step to becoming a part of the medical transcription profession. However, many medical transcription employers prefer candidates with certification from accredited institutions. The best way to improve your career prospects after graduation is to earn voluntary certification from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.

Medical Transcription Salary

Graduates who hold accredited online medical transcription degrees can expect to make an average yearly salary for full time employment between $23,000 and $47,000, however as salary can be dependent on output there is scope to earn a significantly higher annual income. Some MT’s earn as high as $60,000 – $80,000. The medical transcription profession is expected to experience above average job growth over the next five years, meaning greater job opportunities and employment offers as the demand for medical transcription continues to increase.

Medical Transcription at Home and in the Office

The medical transcriptionist has a relatively comfortable work environment. Many work in doctor’s offices. Others work from the comfort of their home office.

 

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