Healthcare providers across the United States consider medical transcriptionists to be key role players in their practices. Their main task is transcribing audio files into written document form. But this is not as easy as it sounds. The role of a medical transcriptionist in a healthcare practice is one demanding in-depth knowledge, consistency, and many skills few people have.
Before looking at the role of a medical transcriptionist in a healthcare setting, we first need to be clear as to what this person actually does. In a nutshell, they support a healthcare provider with written documentation resulting from transcribed voice recordings.
A good example is when a healthcare provider makes a recording of a patient’s treatment plan. The medical transcriptionist will, after taking careful note of everything said, type up this information into a report. These sought-after professionals may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, acute care facilities, and even in private family practice.
Although medical transcriptionists can work full-time or part-time, many work from a remote location. They do not need to be situated in an in-house office setting.
Hiring the services of a virtual medical transcriptionist is often seen as a cost-saving measure that provides you with a professional transcription service. We have many remote workers at Cool Blue VA who can easily fulfill your need for this type of service.
The role of a medical transcriptionist varies. It largely depends on your practice’s needs. Essentially, they can turn any type of recording into a professionally written, detailed, accurate document.
The documents you can rely on to be done accurately and professionally include patient file updates, letters, discharge summaries, and just about anything else to do with a healthcare environment. Creating these documents takes time and is often repetitive although all need to be done promptly. In-house staff often has difficulty coping with these demands, and they may need to stay late or be paid overtime to get everything done.
Furthermore, a medical transcriptionist can edit reports as well as identify possible errors. This means they closely work with healthcare providers to ensure all information set down is both current and accurate.
But the role of the medical transcriptionist does not end there. This is because many healthcare professionals jot down notes that accompany their recordings, often using abbreviations or field-related jargon. A qualified medical transcriptionist is familiar with these. It does not hamper their ability to do the job.
The skills needed for this type of work do not come easily, though.
Becoming a competent, efficient medical transcriptionist means a person would have to complete training for this much-in-demand role. Mastering this difficult skill needs a lot of patience, and of course, practice. It is not something someone can learn to do overnight.
Most people who take up the role of a medical transcriptionist have experience in the medical field. They also usually have some sort of certification. Many people working in this much-in-demand field opt to work remotely. This is not to the detriment of healthcare providers, as it allows them to employ the right person for the job. Often, medical providers struggle to find a suitable candidate closer to home for various reasons.
Although there are various training programs available, they usually cover similar topics. These include the transcribing of audio files, editing skills development, privacy laws, and the maintenance of patient records. They also have to have a strong background in the use of medical terminology and may need extra training depending on the specific field in which they wish to further their career.
A medical transcriptionist also needs specific equipment to be able to do their job. But while a virtual hire has their own equipment, an in-house hire will need to be provided with the necessary equipment by your practice.
People often confused the role of a medical transcriptionist with that of a medical scribe. They may perform similar duties, but there are key differences.
As noted, a medical transcriptionist transcribes recordings that have already been made. In other words, they need not sit in on a consultation. The position is also flexible, and they can work from a remote location.
Medical scribes, on the other hand, often sit in on consultations, record information, take down information, or make relevant updates in a real-time setting. They do this either in-person or from a remote location using technology.
This specialist benefits you and your practice in numerous ways.
Cool Blue VA is a leading provider of virtual transcriptionists in the healthcare industry. Our highly trained team is ready to help you run your medical practice more efficiently.
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If looking for a cost-effective, efficient way to enhance the running of your medical practice, hiring a Cool Blue VA medical scribe is the perfect solution. Contact us today at 714-695-8000 to find out more about how we can assist you in taking your practice to the next level.
