The Medical Transcription Profession

The professional healthcare team includesrepresents a part of a patient's life, the medical
physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians,transcriptionist transcribes it with care,
dieticians, and other healthcare support staff. Ademonstrating an extensive knowledge of medical
vital member of this team is the medicalterminology, anatomy, pharmacology, human
transcriptionist. While not as visible to the generaldiseases, surgical procedures, diagnostic studies,
public as those members of the team providingand laboratory tests in order to produce an
hands-on care, the medical transcriptionist plays anaccurate and complete permanent medical record.
important role in documenting the quality ofA mastery of English grammar, structure, and
patient care.style, a knowledge of transcription practices, skill
Medical transcriptionists provide an importantin typing, spelling, and proofreading, and the
service to both physician and patient byhighest professional standards contribute to the
transcribing dictated medical reports thatmedical transcriptionist's ability to interpret,
document a patient's medical care and condition.translate, and edit medical dictation for content
These may include office chart notes, history andand clarity.
physical examinations, consultations, letters,Medical transcriptionists work in a variety of
memos, admission notes, emergency departmentsettings, including medical centers, general and
notes, operative reports, discharge summaries,specialty hospitals, clinics and group practices,
and many specialized laboratory tests andradiology and pathology offices, government
diagnostic studies. Medical transcriptionistsfacilities, insurance companies, home offices, and
transcribe reports from a variety of medicalother environments. Some medical
specialties, and each day's work presents a uniquetranscriptionists combine their transcription skills
challenge and opportunity for learning.with clinical skills to work as medical assistants.
Medical transcriptionists contribute to qualityOthers become supervisors, managers, and
patient care through their commitment tocollege teachers.
excellence. Because each dictated report