What is Medical Transcription?

Medical transcription is the process of accurately and swiftly converting medical records that have been dictated by the doctors or other medical professionals from a voice format into a written text format.

Virtually every encounter that takes place between a health care provider and his or her patient must be put into written documentation. Generally, the information is recorded either onto tape or a digital voice processing system. The dictated information is then listened to by a medical transcriptionist (MT) who transcribes the report into either a hard

copy or an electronic medical record using a computer and a word processor.

The text format becomes part of a universal electronic database. The record transcribed include patient's history, laboratory reports, x-ray reports, physical reports, clinic notes, operative reports, psychiatric evaluation, office notes, consultation notes, discharge summaries, letter and pathology reports.

What does a medical transcriptionist do?

Medical transcriptionist are more recently being referred to as a medical language specialist. Their work involves receiving dictation by tape, digital system or voice file, using ear phones, usually a foot pedal for start-stop control and a word processing program. Their job is converting the voice file to a digital text.

What books do I need to do medical transcription?

A medical definition book, physician directory, laboratory and pathology term book, a complete medical dictionary, an English dictionary, a grammar and style guide, a surgical term book, a medical terms book by specialty, a drug/medication index, a medical abbreviation word book.

Specialized word list are helpful.

Use a medical spell checker.

Use an extensive abbreviation system such as Instant Text or Smartype.

What is STAT work and how do you charge for it?

Basically STAT work is work with a speedy turnaround time. There are different interpretations for "stat work". Some say "8 hour turnaround" is "stat work". Others consider it to be getting work back in the same day. Another group consider "stat work" to be a "10-12 hour turnaround". So the first thing you need to do is clarify that both parties are referring to a "stat work" as the same thing.

When you ask to perform "stat work" it will mean that you have to prioritize your work schedule. Remember to charge a STAT rate. This can also vary, but a rate around 1½ times your standard line rate is usually acceptable. You may be prepared to offer a set rate per page PLUS the regular line rate to established customers.

REFERENCE:

http://www.medical-transcription-specialist.com