Medical Transcriptionists Keep the Record Straight |
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February 8, 2007
By Kathy A. Johnson
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Medical transcriptionists type up the dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals. They turn those recordings into finished documents that often become part of patients' permanent files. Documents include medical histories and physical examination reports, discharge summaries, emergency room reports, referral letters, pathology reports, and more.
Critical Knowledge
Medical transcriptionists do more than simply type what they hear. "Medical transcription requires a practical knowledge of medical language, anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, laboratory medicine, and the internal organization of medical reports," according to the American Association for Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT). Transcriptionists must be able to understand the medical terminology used, and detect any medical inconsistencies in dictation.
Transcriptionists also must also be comfortable working with state-of-the-art technical equipment. Doctors and other healthcare professionals use electronic equipment to record and transmit medical information to the medical transcriptionist, who then must translate it into written form (either on paper or electronically).
Formal Training
A medical transcription program is the best way to gain the specialized knowledge you need. Vocational schools, community colleges, and distance-learning programs provide a variety of options, including a two-year associate's degree or a diploma program. Some transcriptionists study medical science, medical terminology (including Greek and Latin roots), medical reference materials, and research techniques.
Because of the growth of the healthcare industry, medical transcriptionists' services are in demand. A career in medical transcription offers job security, challenge, and stimulation. Medical transcriptionists are constantly learning and using their skills to help others.
Sources
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
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