What is a medical transcriptionist? He or she is someone who transcribes doctor’s reports from voice recordings and then converts them into written reports. The transcriptionist may also proof and edit medical documents, interpret medical abbreviations and terminology, and give summaries.
Insurance companies have made typed doctor’s notes a mandatory requirement inn making claims. There is a huge demand for medical transcriptionists due to the growing volume of healthcare services and the fact that the baby boomers are now reaching their retirement years.
What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?
The medical transcriptionist will transcribe this confidential patient information using particular formats depending on the physician’s specialty. A medical transcriber is used. It is essentially a cassette player with foot controls operated by the medical transcriptionist for playback and transcription.
The dictation is changed either into a typed document or into an electronic format. The reports may be reserved in their electronic format or printed and placed in the patient’s file. Each transcribed record is combined and becomes part of the patient’s medical history or medical chart. There are still some private practice family doctors that opt not to use a medical transcriptionist. However, they prefer to keep their patient’s records in a handwritten format.
Because of the sheer volume of patients and paperwork, hospitals often prefer electronic storage of their medical records. This provides other departments or providers immediate access to the patient’s care. It also shows certain details like past or present medications and any allergy alerts. To establish patient history facilitates healthcare performance, medical transcriptionists play a n important part in this process. It is prudent noting is that a written report has now become a requirement for documentation of a medical bill or an application for Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Duties and responsibilities of a medical transcriptionist:
- transcribes patient information, including name, social insurance number, and medical record
- transcribes accurately and carry out edits any inconsistencies
- look for references for terminology and medical procedures
- keeps a transcription log
- follows up on physicians’ dictation, and gives reports in a timely fashion
Are you suited to be a medical transcriptionist?
Medical transcriptionists have distinct personalities and often tend to be conventional individuals, which means they are conscientious and conservative. They are logical, efficient, and organized. Some of them are also investigative, implying that they are intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive.
What is workplace of a Medical Transcriptionist like?
A medical transcriptionist may work directly for clinics, physician’s groups, and medical institutions. They can also work for corporations that provide transcription services. A majority of medical transcriptionists work from home as a telecommuting employee, working as an independent contractor, or for a firm or a doctor’s office.
