Medical Transcriptionists

What medical transcriptionists do

Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

Typical tasks

1. 1Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.
2. 2Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.
3. 3Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.
4. 4Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
5. 5Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.
6. 6Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.
7. 7Set 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.
8. 8Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.
9. 9Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.
10. 10Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.

Technology used

• Microsoft ASP.NET
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• eClinicalWorks EHR software

How to become one

Education

The most common level among workers surveyed is a post-secondary certificate (39%). Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.