Medical Transcriptionist

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 And Responsibilities

• 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

• Relevant degree to practice as a medical transcriber
• Must be able to type seventy (70) words or more per minute
• Secretarial training (added advantage)
• Good spelling and grammar.
• Background in any medical facility would be a great advantage
• No older than 45 years