Medical transcription is an occupation that has been around for a long time. It has evolved from oral dictation for pen and paper to dictating into a recorder for transcription to the latest digital voice transcription available today. Many physicians, hospital, and clinics use the most common method of dictating into a digital or standard record and sending the recording to a transcriptionist.

The transcriptionist uses a standardized format to transfer the spoken word to a written document. This document becomes a permanent part of the medical record. It is vital that the transcription be exact and complete. The older style of mini-recorders is still in popular demand today simply because it is easier for some to use familiar equipment than to change to the latest digital recorders. Many physicians are making the change and word is spreading about the advantages of digital recording over tape recording.

Changes in Medical Transcription

The process of medical transcription has taken on a completely new slant with the ability to send voice data via the Internet. This opens a market for medical transcriptionists to work from home. Many companies offer outsourcing for physicians and hospitals. For a fee, the dictation is sent to a server at the company and the company is responsible for sending the dictation to a transcriptionist familiar with the medical specialty for a quick and accurate report.

Once the report is complete, it is returned via the Internet to the sending office. This turn around is much faster than picking up a stack of tapes, doing the transcription, and returning everything to the office a few days later. Most companies can guarantee a return of 24-36 hours. This is important for hospitals and physicians, particularly in the case of a seriously ill patient where information is vital.

Major Changes in the Medical Office

Medical transcription is also possible without ever touching a key on the computer, except for an occasional spelling correction. The latest technological advancement involves the use of voice transcription. This is possible by use of software designed for voice recognition. It takes a little bit of training for the speaker, but it cuts back on the expense of hiring a transcriptionist or outsourcing the medical information for typing.

Voice recognition software in medical transcription allows the practitioner to dictate directly into the microphone on the computer and enter the information into a form template. The record is complete within minutes of the patient encounter. Busy physicians will often dictate into a handheld digital recorder and later upload the recording to the computer with the same voice recognition technology. Changes or corrections can be made as the information is going onto the screen.

Medical Transcription Equipment

Depending on the style of dictation, the kind of equipment used in medical transcription will vary. For dictation other than voice recognition transcription, the equipment will include some type of foot control for starting and stopping the dictation. It will also have a forward and backward option to repeat a phrase or check to see if the transcription is interpreted correctly. Sometimes recordings can become distorted, especially if old tapes are used repeatedly. This is one great advantage of going digital over tapes. The digital recording is much easier to understand.

Many aids are available for anyone transcribing medical dictation. Online medical and pharmaceutical dictionaries are available. There are medical spell check programs to quickly identify errors and offer suggestions for correct spelling. Many train through online classes for this occupation. It is one of the more popular stay-at-home jobs today. Training can be done online or through a correspondence course.