Medical Transcription?

[CardinalPointVA]

As a former nurse with a paralegal certificate, I've spent 30+ years working in the legal field and have utilized my medical background heavily. Unfortunately, much medical transcription work is being sent overseas. I say unfortunately for 2 reasons. As I review medical records for attorneys I am amazed at the poor quality of the transcription work and the fact that obviously the doctor is not rereading these reports before they are signed or filed. Basic English grammar is often lacking and whole sentences make no sense at all. Secondly, I worry about the lack of privacy once the records leave US borders. We truly have no way of enforcing HIPPA overseas.

Having said that, if you are interested in doing this I'd invest my money in a foot pedal ($75) and a copy of Stedman's Medical Spelling software and get on with it. Look online for material to practice on. If you want a specific type of training materials, check on eBay first --- or look on Craig's List in a Metropolitan area. You'd be amazed what you can find.

It's a hard field to break into. I'd talk to local doctors/medical groups in person first. Once you get your first client it's easier as you have a reference and a referral source.

Good luck.

[webmss]

You can search for medical transcription online at www.mtjobs.com. There are a lot of companies and it is a long process but there might be some work there. Be sure you read the instructions.

Cindy Freland
Maryland Secretarial Services, Inc.
www.webmss.com

[Amanda Dufries]

Hi, Kari! I am currently providing medical transcription services and have been a medical transcriptionist for 11 years. I agree that experience is a big factor in MT. However, I think it would be worth the investment to take classes and become certified. If you have experience in a particular field, i.e. pulmonology, it will not help you obtain clients in other fields. To acquire clients in all fields of medicine, your best bet would be to invest in classes/certification. Some practices are willing to train you and are patient while you learn specific field terminology, but not all. Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me any time you have questions, etc. Have a blessed day!

[CardinalPointVA]

Amanda:

I agree with you. I think because I came in from the legal side it was easier for me. However, as with any VA work, education is the key to professionalism and I encourage folks to look into certification. As I indicated in my prior message, I have many concerns over the level of medical transcription work I am seeing. Not only am I concerned over the poor work product, I'm also concerned about the impact this poor transcription might wel have on medical treatment. If a review of prior medical record yields incorrect information, the practitioners currently treating the patient may well make a serious mistake.

[Amanda, my favorite Aunt was an "Amanda" and I love the name. Seldom heard these days.]

[anjwilli]

My VA partner does medical transcription. She does not have a certification but has been doing this for government agencies and private sector for years. I had considered doing it as well.

I was able to find a USB footpedal on EBay a few months ago for $15! You may want to check that out as well.

Good luck!

[CardinalPointVA]

I've used ExpressScribe for years and it does a great job. In 10 years I think I've only had one video transcription and I just recorded that off onto my digital recorder and transcribed it like normal. I too have 2 regular transcribers (from my old days) but seldom need them these days. Digital is so much better and easier.

[AWVBM]

I did medical transcription many years ago for a short time. I think I agree that with a good medical speller it wouldn't be too hard, but there is the HIPAA issue which wasn't around back then. Also, without current references doctors may not be as willing to let the work out. Still, I think I'll look into it myself as a possible service to offer. Thanks.

[dedee51]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but not new to medical transcription. I had a successful transcription business for 8 years until the field got flooded and the wages went down and then along comes VR and sending the work overseas and I am now making about half of what I used to make and work is scarce. I would not recommend anyone get into medical transcription as a full time job these days. As an additional service for a VA business, yes, if you already are proficient in medical terminology but not to count on for a living. I am now back in school for legal and looking to reopen my business which started out as services for all types of business but I was good at MT and the referrals were coming in so fast and furious I gave up all the rest. Now I wish I hadn't. Just my humble opinion.

Dee

[theotheroffice]

I got mine from Penn Foster about a year and a half ago. I have done lots of transcription job since then, but none of them medical. I do believe that having it on my resume is a great help in getting new clients however.

[Becky]

I recently took a medical transcription program through a local college and worked 187 hours doing an unpaid internship at a hospital. The internship taught me things I could never have learned through the school. What I am finding out now is that most places require 2 to 5 years experience before they will hire. It seems to be a very tough field to get into.