What is a Medical Transcriptionist?

Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare professionals make and convert them into written reports.

They may also review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition or other technology.

Transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.

Duties of a Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists typically do the following:

• Listen to the recorded dictation of a doctor or other healthcare professional
• Transcribe and interpret the dictation into diagnostic test results, operative reports, referral letters, and other documents
• Review and edit drafts prepared by speech recognition software, making sure that the transcription is correct, complete, and has a consistent style
• Translate medical abbreviations and jargon into the appropriate long form
• Identify inconsistencies, errors, and missing information within a report that could compromise patient care
• Follow up with the healthcare provider to ensure the accuracy of the reports
• Submit health records for physicians to approve
• Follow patient confidentiality guidelines and legal documentation requirements
• Enter medical reports into electronic health records systems
• Perform quality improvement audits

Medical transcriptionists use audio playback equipment or software that is connected to their computer. This equipment includes a headset and foot pedal which are used to control the recording playback speed. They use word processing and other specialized software, as well as medical reference materials, as needed.

Technological advances have changed the way some medical transcription is done. In the past, all transcription was done by listening to a dictation and transcribing the report. While many transcriptionists still perform these traditional transcription services, others are taking on additional roles. Today, many medical documents are prepared with the use of speech recognition technology, in which specialized software automatically prepares an initial draft of a report. The transcriptionist then reviews the draft for accuracy, identifying any errors, and editing the report as necessary.

To do their work, medical transcriptionists must become familiar with medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. Their ability to understand what the health professional has recorded, correctly transcribe that information, and identify any inaccuracies in the transcript is critical to reducing the chance that patients will get ineffective or even harmful treatments. Transcriptionists are part of the team that ensures high-quality patient care.

Medical transcriptionists need to be familiar with electronic health records (EHR) systems as they may need to enter reports, create templates, help develop documentation policies, and train physicians on how to use EHR systems.

Medical transcriptionists who work in doctors’ offices may have other duties, such as answering phones and greeting patients.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Average Wages:

Medical transcriptionists in Canada usually earn between $13.67/hour and $29.65/hour.

Source: Job Bank Canada

Job Outlook:

Here is the job outlook for medical transcriptionists by province and territory.  Note: This may not include allowance for the remote transcriptionist who works from home.

Source:  Job Bank Canada