What are the Different Types of Medical Transcription Work?

Medical transcription is more varied today than in times past. In some cases, this is due to changing demands from health care professionals. At other times, the different types of medical transcription work have come about due to innovations in technology. If you are considering the possibility of a medical transcription career, here are some examples of different types of work that you may be called upon to provide.

Traditional medical transcription work is still one of the more common applications of this service. The health care professional is supplied with recording equipment that can be used to create audio records for transcription at a later time. Often, the medical transcriptionist retrieves the audio records according to a pre-arranged schedule, prepares text documents for each of the recordings, then returns both the recording and the document to the client. This form of medical transcription work is ideal for busy doctors who need hard copy data for patient files but do not wish to spend time engaged in the task of preparing paper documents.

In addition to transcribing audio recordings, some medical transcription jobs require real-time transcription. This is often the case when a meeting is taking place. In this scenario, the transcriber sets up equipment that is similar to that used by a court reporter. As the meeting progresses, the transcriber creates a text document of everything that is said and by whom. Often, an audio recording is made in conjunction with the live transcribing, providing a quick and easy way to double-check the accuracy of the text.

Along with using this format in meetings, medical transcription work of this type can also be utilized in a classroom setting. The transcriptionist can be present during a lecture by a health care professional, creating a text document of the presentation as it takes place. Physicians, medical researchers, and others often find this type of service as an excellent way to archive presentations and refer back them at a later date.

Real-time transcriptions do not necessarily require that the transcriptionist be present at the meeting. If the meeting is held in a virtual setting, the transcriptionist simply logs into the meeting and goes about the business of creating the transcription. This type of medical transcription work can take place as part of an audio conference call or a web based conference that includes both audio and video components. As with other types of medical transcription work, the transcriber is likely to record the event as a means of double-checking the text before delivering the final document to the customer.

With virtually every type of medical transcription work today, clients have the option of receiving hard copies of the transcription or opt for an electronic copy. One benefit of the electronic copy is the document can be emailed or retrieved from an FTP site once it is available, rather than waiting for delivery by more traditional means.