Medical transcriptionists translate dictated recordings from doctors and other medical professionals into written reports, correspondence, and documents. Those who work in doctors' offices might also have additional clerical duties. An alternate job title for this occupation is healthcare documentation specialist.
Medical transcriptionists, sometimes referred to as healthcare documentation specialists, listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and convert them into written reports. They also may review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. Transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.
Duties
Medical transcriptionists typically do the following:
Listen to the recorded dictation of a doctor or other healthcare worker
Interpret and transcribe the dictation into patient history, exam notes, operative reports, referral letters, discharge summaries, and other documents
Review and edit drafts prepared by speech recognition software, making sure that the transcription is correct, complete, and consistent in style
Translate medical abbreviations and jargon into the appropriate long form
Identify inconsistencies, errors, and missing information within a report that could compromise patient care
Follow up with the healthcare provider to ensure that reports are accurate
Submit health records for physicians to approve
Follow patient confidentiality guidelines and legal documentation requirements
Enter medical reports into electronic health records (EHR) systems
Perform quality improvement audits

Keyskills: medical transcription transcription services medical office medical terminology problem solving analytical skills multitasking skills