Medical Transcription Profession : The professional
healthcare team includes physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians,
dieticians, and other healthcare support staff. A vital member of
this team is the medical
transcriptionist. While not
as visible to the general public as those members of the team providing
hands-on care, the medical transcriptionist plays an important role
in documenting the quality of patient care. Medical transcriptionists
provide an important service to both physician and patient by transcribing
dictated medical reports that document a patient's medical care condition.
These may include office chart notes, history and physical examinations,
consultations, letters, memos, admission notes, emergency department
notes, operative reports, discharge summaries, and many specialized
laboratory tests and diagnostic studies. Medical transcriptionists
transcribe reports from a variety of medical specialties, and each
day's work presents a unique challenge and opportunity for learning.
Medical transcriptionists contribute to quality patient care through
their commitment to excellence. Because each dictated report represents
a part of a patient's life, the medical transcriptionist transcribes
it with care, demonstrating an extensive knowledge of medical terminology,
anatomy, pharmacology, human diseases, surgical procedures, diagnostic
studies, and laboratory tests in order to produce an accurate and
complete permanent medical record.
Medical transcriptionists work in a variety of settings, including
medical centers, general and specialty hospitals, clinics and group
practices, radiology and pathology offices, government facilities,
insurance companies, home offices, and other environments. Some medical
transcriptionists combine their transcription skills with clinical
skills to work as medical assistants. Others become supervisors, managers,
and college teachers.