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A medical transcriptionist listens to a tape-recorded summary about a patient, types what is heard, and then places the information in the client’s permanent record. This transcription provides a clear, concise, written record that must contain correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Transcriptionists use computers and word processors to complete many medical documents, including medical histories, physicals, consultations, and operative reports. They record procedures and treatments for the medical record and for the practitioner’s reference.
Medical transcriptionists work primarily in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, transcription services, insurance companies, and home health care agencies. Many MTs work in their homes as independent contractors or subcontractors, and more and more as home-based employees.
$35,800
Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2016 to 2026. Technological advances have changed the way medical transcription is done. Speech recognition and electronic health records (EHR) software advances often allow physicians to create some of this documentation in the moment, reducing the need for transcriptionists.
Classroom and clinical experience lasts from nine months for a certificate up to two years for an associate degree.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
4120 Dale Road, Suite J8-233
Modesto, CA 95356
800-982-2182
www.ahdionline.org