Medical Transcriptionists
Overview
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings from doctors and other healthcare workers, then convert them into written medical reports using specialized software and electronic devices. They work with advanced speech recognition technology and electronic health record (EHR) systems to create accurate patient histories, discharge summaries, and examination reports. This role requires strong attention to detail, medical terminology knowledge, and the ability to work independently, often from home. Many transcriptionists complete certificate programs or associate degrees in health information technology to enter this field.
Did you know?
Most employers in the US prefer or require completion of a medical scribe training program and certification from organizations like ACMSS or AHDI.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$38,523.20 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Social Perceptiveness
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and maintain medical files and databases, including records such as x-ray, lab, and procedure reports, medical histories, diagnostic workups, admission and discharge summaries, and clinical resumes.
- Decide which information should be included or excluded in reports.
- Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.
- Perform a variety of clerical and office tasks, such as handling incoming and outgoing mail, completing and submitting insurance claims, typing, filing, or operating office machines.
- Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.
- Answer inquiries concerning the progress of medical cases, within the limits of confidentiality laws.
- Receive patients, schedule appointments, and maintain patient records.
- Receive and screen telephone calls and visitors.
- Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
- Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.
- Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.
- Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.
- Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.
- Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.
- Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.
Career Considerations
Certification and Training Requirements
Most employers in the US prefer or require completion of a medical scribe training program and certification from organizations like ACMSS or AHDI.
Electronic Health Records Proficiency
Strong computer skills and familiarity with major EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, or Allscripts are essential in the American healthcare market.
Career Advancement Opportunities
The role often serves as a stepping stone to other healthcare careers, with many scribes pursuing nursing, medical school, or healthcare administration in the US.