Medical transcription As A Career:

A person considering medical transcription career needs to understand a plenty of facts regarding the field. An individual who performs medical transcription is known as a medical transcriptionist or an MT. The equipment the MT uses is called a medical transcriber. The individual who performs medical transcription should always be called a "medical transcriptionist." A medical transcriptionist is the person responsible for converting the patient's medical records into typewritten format rather than handwritten, the latter more prone to misinterpretation by other healthcare providers. The term transcriber describes the electronic equipment used in performing medical transcription, e.g., a cassette player with foot controls operated by the MT for report playback and transcription.

 There are no "formal" educational requirements to be a medical transcriptionist. Education and training can be obtained through traditional schooling, certificate or diploma programs, distance learning, and/or on-the-job training offered in some hospitals, although there are countries currently employing transcriptionists that require 18 months to 2 years of specialized MT training. Working in medical transcription leads to a mastery in medical terminology and editing, MT ability to listen and type simultaneously, utilization of playback controls on the transcriber (machine), and use of foot pedal to play and adjust dictations - all while maintaining a steady rhythm of execution.

 Curricular requirements, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of basic to advanced medical terminology is essential.
• Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology.
• Knowledge of disease processes.
• Knowledge of Medical Style and Grammar.
• Average verbal communication skills.
• Above-average memory skills.
• Ability to sort, check, count, and verify numbers with accuracy.
• Demonstrated skill in the use and operation of basic office equipment/computer.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Records maintenance skills or ability.
• Above-average typing skills.
• Knowledge and experience transcribing (from training or real report work) in the Basic Four work types.
• Knowledge of and proper application of grammar.
• Knowledge of and use of correct punctuation and capitalization rules.
• Demonstrated MT proficiency in multiple report types and multiple specialties.

Duties and responsibilities

• Accurately transcribes the patient-identifying information such as name and Medical Record or Social Security Number.
• Transcribes accurately, utilizing correct punctuation, grammar and spelling, and edits for inconsistencies.
• Maintains/consults references for medical procedures and terminology.
• Keeps a transcription log.
• Foreign MTs may sort, copy, prepare, assemble, and file records and charts
• Distributes transcribed reports and collects dictation tapes.
• Follows up on physicians' missing and/or late dictation, returns printed or electronic report in a timely fashion.
• Performs quality assurance check.
• May maintain disk and disk backup system.
• May order supplies and report equipment operational problems.
• May collect, tabulate, and generate reports on statistical data, as appropriate.

 Job opportunities: