Practical Tips for the Medical Transcriptionist

Quick: What’s the difference between a medical transcriber and a medical transcriptionist? If you answered that the first is the equipment and the second is the person who uses that equipment, then you’re well on your way to success in the field of medical transcription.

You see, medical transcription demands of its practitioners not just precision but also a wide stock of knowledge. You won’t last long in the business if you don’t have both.

Now that you’re embarking on a medical transcription career training, here are some practical tips to transcribe by:

1.     Don’t rush. You’re not in the ER; you’re in a field where accuracy is paramount, where a small error could snowball into something that can endanger someone’s health. Some tend to liken medical transcription to other types of transcription. It’s not a good comparison. Transcribing medical records is a lot more demanding on your accuracy, sense of fidelity, alertness, and knowledge of the field. Slow down. Advice: Set your transcribing machine at a slower speed.

2.     Right References. Be right. That is, be correct based on the right references. The medical profession is a science not an art (notwithstanding terms like “medical opinion” or “the medical arts”). In fact, it is much more a science now than it was just 10 years ago, what with the advent of genetic engineering, stem-cell research, and nanotechnology. So, arm yourself with the right reference materials: an updated copy of the Physician's Desk Reference, for one; bookmarks to reputable medical websites and pharmaceutical companies, for another. You may even want to have a basic Latin-English dictionary on hand since most ailments go by a Latin name. You’ll need to take pains to look up unfamiliar drug names and medical terms with Latin names so you can put in context the medical notes you’re transcribing.

3.     Leave Blank an Unfamiliar Word. If you’re in doubt, leave a blank (or an easily noticeable marker) in place of the word you can’t decipher. Don’t guess (“it sounds like”) because there’s no such thing as a half-right word. Play it safe because it is the correct thing to do. When you’re ready to proofread, simply refer to your markers and go back to each spot on your recording where the problematic words appeared. Again, slow your machine down.

Now, you’re all set.