Medical Transcription - An Emerging Profession
Medical transcription is a relatively new profession that is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. This often repetitive task of coding medical records allows students without a background in biology or health care to learn skills and knowledge that provide an attractive entry point for the field of medicine. The demand for qualified medical steno and dictation provides a steady stream of work for those with these skills, but the amount of work available can vary depending on patients' insurance plans and current legislation. There are also many opportunities in transcription when going into business for oneself, including being hired by hospitals and other facilities.
The major reason medical transcription is not a well-known profession is that most people hear two terms when learning about it: medical coding and medical billing. Medical coding is the task of actually converting written script into computer code. Medical billing is the process of determining what services have been provided and what fees need to be paid for each service. Medical transcription is the work that takes place after these processes are finished, transcribing physician's notes written directly onto the patient's chart to allow for later review by physicians and other health professionals. Essentially, medical transcription is the written form of what a physician hears during an examination.
Medical transcriptionists do much more than transcribe medical records. In fact, the term "transcriptionist" refers to someone who transcribes words from one language to another, not just from spoken word to written word. Transcriptionists are often used in business to record meeting minutes, indexing tasks and more. However, for our purposes we will be concentrating on the transcription of health care records and dictation.
This is an emerging profession, and the majority of transcriptionists are self-employed. Medical transcription is seen as work that is often low-paying and difficult to keep within budget, but it's an industry that has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The demand for trained medical transcriptionists will continue to increase in coming years as more clinics and hospitals begin to utilize medical record transcription services. This need for such services also has spurred a number of businesses to have branches of their own dedicated to providing this service. There are many opportunities for students who wish to be in control of their own schedules and enjoy learning a new skill while earning money at their own pace. The field is generally seen as a good fit for students who enjoy working with computers, since it requires a basic understanding of computer systems and language translation.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical transcriptionists was $44,500 in April 2005. This represents an estimated 1% growth from 2004, when the median salary was $44,000. The median annual pay for all occupations grew by only 1% over the same two-year period.
The BLS projects that medical transcriptionists will grow at a faster rate than other occupations through 2010 (1%), which means the 1790 projected employment growth for this occupation stands at 165 jobs through that year. This rate is much faster than the national average for all occupations (1%). For future growth, the BLS expects a shortage of 290 medical transcriptionist jobs by 2015.
Medical Transcriptionists typically work in several different settings, including hospitals, clinics and related medical facilities, where they may assist physicians in performing their duties by taking dictation. This work can include writing down clinical notes from doctors' examinations and using their notes to prepare billing statements to reimburse patients for services provided. They may also take dictation from physicians during appointments or write patient reports during clinic hours, which often involves typing patient records regularly or on a schedule set by a health care provider who works part-time in such capacity as a volunteer or trainee. In many situations, medical transcriptionists will have a basic understanding of the medical terminology used by physicians and also are expected to have an extensive knowledge base in business and office practices.
If one is hired as a transcriber for a clinic or hospital, they may be required to operate their own computer-equipped transcription software and use various electronic equipment. This equipment includes computers with high-speed Internet access (as well as telephone lines) for the purchase of customer service related products and services. They may also be at the mercy of the employer for any insurance coverage if one does not provide proof that they are covered under specific plans. They usually work 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend or evening hours being tolerated as part of an overall flexible schedule.
Many transcriptionists work part time while pursuing other jobs or while going to school. Some work full-time, but then expect to work overtime in a hospital or clinic to cover for themselves and their fellow coworkers. Some get an emergency call or two that requires them to come in on their own time and begin transcription immediately, even though they are already working other jobs. Usually, this is decided by the employer as part of the job description and is not required of the individual. However, it may be requested at times if the transcriptionist is unable to fulfill their job duties for one reason or another.
In searching for new employment, one may be lucky enough to find a job through one of several websites which list available transcriptionist positions. These sites typically have a forum or mailing list where job seekers can talk about their employment and ask questions about the various positions, pay rates and other relevant information. For example, the website healthcarejobs.org offers several listings for transcribers and also includes links to many other websites that offer opportunities for medical transcriptionists. Indeed.com is another popular website with many listings of jobs in the medical field that offer transcription as part of their primary duties.
Besides job listings, there are also many conferences and workshops that are offered around the United States, which provide good opportunities for individuals to learn more about this profession and establish contacts with employers. For example, the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT) offers a number of educational resources and opportunities for advancement. The Transcriptionist Scholar program is designed to teach medical transcriptionists the skills they need to obtain employment in a wide variety of settings. The AAMT also offers certification in several levels, with specialization available such as in Pediatrics or Surgery. In addition, there are state-specific professional organizations that offer their own training programs for those who wish to advance within the field. For example, the New Mexico Association of Medical Transcriptionists offers training for those interested in pursuing jobs involving the medical field though their affiliate, the New Mexico Association of Medical Technicians.
Another useful resource for those seeking employment is a certified transcriptionist application form found on many various websites. These typically include a cover letter and resume with the relevant questions and answers provided by industry professionals. This document should be tailored to specific positions to help employers see how one will fit within their work environment. For example, if one is applying for a position that requires them to write in a foreign language, it would be appropriate to include such information on their application as well as examples of previous work that required such clinical transcription services.
Conclusion
Medical transcription is a very rewarding career because it is not only helpful to people in need of medical services but also allows one to perform a job that helps the economy and the environment. Many companies offer healthcare transcription jobs at an entry level which requires less education and experience than other positions available in the field. However, for those interested in advancement, obtaining certification by obtaining an accredited degree through an accredited institution can help one find employment in higher paying positions with more responsibilities. As well, pursuing a professional license such as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist from the State can help one start to maximize their knowledge and skills before applying for jobs relating to specific hospitals or clinics.