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Medical Transcription a new emerging profession is the process of conversion of a dictated medical report into a soft copy format. In other words, medical transcriptionists record the oral information/data about a patient's case history and recommended treatment.
Keeping a record of the patient's medical history, diagnosis and treatment is mandatory in the US and other Western countries. Since the doctors there do not have the time to for this necessary activity, the job is passed on to the medical transcriptionists.
Doctors usually dictate their medical reports into computers or other voice recording devices and it is the job of the MT to hear these dictated reports and convert it into soft copy format by entering it on the computer. From local clinics to multinational hospitals around the world, physicians rely on medical transcriptionists to provide accurate documentation for their patient records. The medical transcription industry, has a bright future in the country.
Medical transcription involves transcribing a doctor's audio reports, performing quality assurance checks and exporting the data back to the medical facility in the US or Europe via satellite.
The voice recordings of the physicians and surgeons are sent in a compressed form over data communication lines. These voice recordings are decompressed. Medical transcriptionists listen to these voice recordings, using special playback equipment that allows precise control over the playback of the voice, and key in the data using word processing software.
This data is then proof read for errors and is sent back using data communication links to the country of origin. Medical transcription means primarily sedentary work. One can also work from the home if one has the required infrastructure.
As evident from the job profile, one need not be a medical student, an IT professional or even a graduate. There is no age bar whatsoever. In fact, even if you're employed and feel the need for a change of career to a sunrise industry, this is your chance. What you need is:
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Fluency in English
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Proof reading and editing skills to ensure accuracy
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Versatility in use of transcription equipment and computers
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Analytical skills, employing deductive reasoning to convert sounds into meaningful form
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Practical knowledge of medical terminology (including Greek and Latin suffixes, prefixes, and roots), anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and the internal organization of medical reports
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Awareness of standards and requirements that apply to medical records
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Awareness of legal significance of medical transcripts
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Patience is required as the work gets monotonous
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Ability to listen and concentrate well
One should constantly educate oneself about medical matters to keep up on new drugs - their trade names and generic names, their spelling and general application, medical procedures and protocols , etc.
Knowing or learning Latin and Greek verbs and adjectives used in medicine, as well as combining forms, suffixes and prefixes will also help you more easily perform high quality medical transcription. Being adept at using a word-processor and macros (small programs used to repeat actions) can be an integral part of performing transcription quickly and accurately and therefore more efficiently.
Medical Transcription has opened up manifold career opportunities. The demand for trained transcriptionists is growing.
At the entry level, medical transcriptionists can expect to earn around Rs 6,000 per month. After gaining of two years, one can expect to earn upto Rs 15,000 or even more. The figure can rise significantly with experience and increase in efficiency. Besides the basic salary, many companies offer perks and performance based incentives. There is scope for growth to a proof reader, editor, team leader, shift supervisor, shift manager, production manager, etc.
Medical Transcriptionists can choose from a variety of employment options. Apart from being a transcriptionist, you can become an instructor, service owner, proof reader or an editor. Once you have medical transcription experience, you may opt to become an independent transcriptionist. Transcription work can be done in an office or at home using a computer and modem.
The more knowledge and skill you acquire relevant to the medical field, the greater your opportunities. Medical transcriptionists can even graduate to work for medical publications and allied fields.
Otherwise MTs work primarily in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, transcription services, insurance companies, and home healthcare agencies. Many MTs operate from their homes as independent contractors or subcontractors, and some are home-based employees.
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