Introduction to Career in Medical Transcription
Career in Medical Transcription is one of the growing fields in IT and health care sector. The demand has increased as a consequence of increase in health insurance policy which increases the demand for detailed medical records.
What is Medical Transcription?
Medical Transcription commonly known in short form as MT is a process which transcribes all medical records dictated by doctors and others into an electronic format in order to create files representing the treatment history of patients. The dictated report after performing a procedure includes but not limited to history and physical reports, clinic notes, office notes, operative reports, consultation notes, discharge summaries, laboratory reports, x-ray reports and pathology reports. An individual who performs medical transcription is known as a Medical Transcriptionist (MT) or a Medical Language Specialist (MLS), the equipment used is called a medical transcriber.
Job Roles and Job Responsibilities of Medical Transcriptionist
Role of a medical transcriptionist is to transcribe medical records dictated by doctors and others into an electronic format. This include transcribe and interpret the dictation from healthcare professional. Review, edit, rectify errors and missing information within the report which was normally drafted by speech recognition software. Maintain the accuracy of the document by proper follow up with healthcare professional.
Educational Qualification Required
One required to undergo training in medical transcription and sometimes need to complete short term courses in medical transcription to become a medical transcriptionist. Even though the requirement for this job include certain skills, a bachelor’s degree (preferably in English) will be an added advantage. Proficiency and fluency in English, mostly in American accent is considered to be must in this field. Getting knowledge about medical terminologies and medical procedures is also important.
Skills and Knowledge Required
Basic knowledge about computers are a requirement for this job. Listening skills, communication skills, reporting skills, patience, etc. are also required for a successful career in MT.
How to get Career in Medical Transcription?
After obtaining a bachelors degree (preferably in English), one can go for short term certification course in MT. One can also do specialized certification and skill development courses to improve skills like spoken English, communication, report writing, basic computer operation, etc. This will help a person to enter into MT career.
Where do I get the Job?
Job opportunities are available with transcription companies. These companies recruit people as trainees and develop their skills to make them experts in this field. Hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical marketing companies, etc. are also offering jobs for medical transcriptionists.