How to Get Started Doing Medical Transcription at Home

Medical transcription is one of the few businesses that allow you to work from home. Your clientele can expand across the country because most medical transcription can be done via the Internet using digital transcription equipment. Yet, most clients prefer that you have had some education and previous on-the-job training working in clinics or hospitals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, medical transcriptionists have a median wage of $15.41 per hour. Home-based medical transcription is ideal for someone who wants a varied workload and flexible hours.

Instructions

1. Apply for a in-person or online medical transcription course. Look for an accredited transcription course. Contact the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity for information on accredited courses. Courses teach you how to transcribe physician notes, medical records, patient evaluations and case notes. Become proficient at using digital transcription equipment. You'll most likely use digital equipment in your home business to serve clients around the country.

2. Complete medical transcription courses and earn your certificate of completion. The length of time for transcription courses vary from state and program requirements.

3. Take the Medical Transcriptionist Certification exam provided by the AHDI. Pass this exam to become certified for three years. Certification is not required in all states, but it can assist you in gaining employment and attracting clients to your home business.

4. Purchase a digital transcriber. Talk with your clients to see if you need to purchase additional equipment.

5. Arrange a space for a home office. Organize your space with a computer, Internet connection, telephone, transcription equipment and medical resource books. Choose a place in your home that allows you to work with little interruption from pets and kids.

6. Advertise your medical transcription home business to build clientele. Contact insurance companies, claims departments, hospitals and research centers about your services. Offer your services to local law enforcement agencies including 911 call centers.

7. Send out a resume that details your education, certification and experience. Post your resume online, in classified ads and look for freelance work on the Internet. Join professional associations like the The American Transcription Association to find clients and to network with others in the industry.

8. Price your services. Decide if you want to charge by words, hour, page or line. Research other medical transcription companies to see how they charge their services, so you can accurately price your home business among the competition.

Tips & Warnings

• Medical transcribers need to be detailed orientated with strong grammar and writing skills. You must also be able to provide your medical transcripts to your clients when they request them.

• Avoid all online medical transcription scams that make promises that sound too good to be true.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Transcriptionists
• MT Daily: Medical Transcription FAQ
• Money Making Mommy: Transcription Jobs for Typists, Medical Coders and Data Entry

Resources

• Medical Transcription Industry Association
• The American Transcription Association
• Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity