What Does a Medical Transcriptionist Do?

Support services are often overlooked when thinking about a career in health care. There is a growing need for health care staff to take care of patients, but with the increasing demand, there is also a rise in the areas that support these professions. That is where medical transcriptionists come in. They provide a vital service to the health care team in creating and preparing health care documents.

Duties

Medical transcriptionists listen to doctors', and other health care professionals', dictations, and type them into documents that are then put into patients' files. They also translate medical terms and abbreviations.

Electronic Files

Most of the transcription is still saved on paper, but some hospitals and doctor's offices have chosen to go paperless and save them electronically.

Types of Documents

Medical transcriptionists prepare all sorts of health care records. Some of those documents include: medical reports, patients' medical history, and doctors' correspondence.

Work Enviornment

Medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics or from home.

Pay

Medical transcriptionists make approximately $15 per hour. Of course, this is dependent upon location, type of medical facility, experience and certifications in the field.