Dictation equipment has been used since the early 1900s. The original systems were huge and more than cumbersome to work with. The recording equipment produced less than clear reproduction for the transcriptionists to interpret. Poor equipment led to a popular alternative to the process. Stenographers became the method to transcribe dictated information by writing the information in shorthand and then transcribing it using a manual or electric typewriter.

This soon gave way to newly designed dictation equipment. The standard cassette and later the micro cassette exploded in popularity as the stenographer rapidly took a back seat to the latest technology in dictation. This type of dictation process remains popular even today with all the technological advances that are available. Many physicians have invested in the equipment for cassette dictation and have seen no need to change.

Differences in Dictation Equipment

Other physicians are taking advantage of the latest technology of digital recording and voice recognition software. This makes it possible to record in a digital format, transfer the data by email or over the Internet to a medical transcription company, and receive the completed medical record in just a few hours. It is also possible to dictate directly into the computer and have the result appear on the screen as the dictation proceeds.

The choice of dictation equipment will determine if there is a need for a medical transcriptionist. If the voice recognition software is not utilized, then the report must be manually entered by someone trained in medical terminology and dictation procedures. Many schools are available online and through correspondence for learning to use the equipment and to provide proper medical documentation.