Medical transcription is a vital part of keeping accurate healthcare records.
Record keeping is a vital part of today's health care system, and the accuracy of medical transcriptions can affect patient care and well-being. It is important for those working in the field of medical record keeping and transcription to stay abreast of trends in care and terminology. Medical transcriptionists should take advantage of today's available resources to ensure that their work is being done at the highest possible level.
Initial Training: The Most Valuable Resource
Medical transcription programs can be completed online or at a local community college.
The best resource for medical transcriptionists is good initial training. There are many online certification programs, in addition to certificate programs offered by a variety of community colleges and technical schools. AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity) is an organization that approves programs based on their own model curriculum. There is no accrediting agency for medical transcription programs, but employers take AHDI program approval into consideration when hiring graduates of these programs.
Reference Books
Reference books are a key resource for medical transcription.
An important resource for transcriptionists is a comprehensive medical dictionary. There are a variety medical dictionaries available, but be sure you choose one that is a trusted source. Stedman, Taber and Dorland are resources used by medical transcriptionists. The American Association for Medical Transcription has a book of style and other word books, and Tarascon Publishing has a book of pharmacopoeia. Other reference books would include surgical word books, abbreviation books, drug indexes and anatomy/physiology reference books.
Equipment
Filing is an important part of keeping medical records organized.
One key component of medical transcription is equipment. In addition to having the proper headset and foot pedal, there are online resources including spell checkers and line counters (many transcriptionists are paid by line). A comfortable chair and an ergonomic keyboard are also worthwhile investments, since they are used frequently. Basic office and filing supplies will help keep work organized.
Online Forums, Publications and Study Guides
There are online forums dedicated to helping medical transcriptionists answer questions and discuss trends and issues (such as Medical Transcription Hub). In addition, the Journal of the American Association for Medical Transcription is available by subscription with six issues per year. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins carry many resources for transcriptionists, including study materials for the registered medical transcriptionist (RMT). Taking advantage of these resources will assist medical transcriptionists in their vital role of accurate record keeping.
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