Friday, January 19, 2007

Medical Transcription

Medical transcription is slowly turning into a mainstream profession. The publics' awareness of the gains of medical treatment has meant more documentation work for hospitals and medical offices. This is where medical transcription comes into the picture. Today, hospitals and medical professionals are constantly looking for competent professionals to look after the patients' records.

The job of a medical transcriber is to listen to audio files of doctors and medical professionals and convert them into text documents.

Transcribers listen to doctors' dictated recordings and record it into a computer or a word processor. A foot pedal and head set are accessories used to review edited work and avoid outside noise distractions. Transcriptionists transcribe reports, notes, studies and letters.

Many transcriptionists work in relaxed environments like offices, hospitals, laboratories or even their homes. With the advent of the Internet, audio files can now be downloaded with high-speed Internet connections and subsequently uploaded to a secure website, where doctors and physicians can have convenient access.

Medical transcriptionists generally, do not need a degree. However, it is imperative for them to have familiarity with the medical language and a good comprehension of its terminology.

Thus, you can find many medical transcribers who have formerly worked in medical facilities in some capacity or the other. Of course, skill in typing with a knack for attention and speed is vital. Also, transcriptionists are required to look for mistakes in grammar and consistency.

The salary of the medical transcriptionist is dependant on many factors. Those who ply their trade at on-site facilities can make anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000. Independent contractors are paid hourly by the amount of work they produce.