Medical Transcriptionist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Medical Transcriptionist, or Medical Transcriber, is responsible for listening to audio recordings from medical professionals like Physicians to type and organize medical documents. Their duties include communicating with Physicians and administrative staff to fact-check information and medical terms, typing a variety of medical documents including patient reports or public health advice and ensuring they complete writing tasks within established deadlines for their employer.

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Medical Transcriptionist Duties and Responsibilities

A Medical Transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing and editing audio files. Other Medical Transcriptionist duties include: 

  • Producing medical reports and records, correspondence for Physicians, patient information and other administrative material such as statistics and patient data
  • Reviewing and editing transcriptions for spelling, grammar, clarity and correct medical terminology
  • Maintaining medical files and databases for various records such as medical histories

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Medical Transcriptionist Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Allergy Asthma Immunology Care (AAIC) is a well-established private practice serving the Orlando and Kissimmee communities for over 30 years. Now seeking a full-time Transcriptionist to join our team. The ideal candidate must have a desire to be an integral part of a team; preferably with a Medical Assistant background. The current work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00am to 5:00pm, and requires traveling between Orlando and Kissimmee offices (2 days in each).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Data entry

  • Transcript / scribe experience a plus

  • Cross Train as a Medical Assistant

  • Comply with ethical & legal regulations (HIPAA, OSHA, Bio-Hazard, etc.)

  • Comply with applicable regulations and with corporate policies and procedures

  • Contribute solutions to intra- and inter-departmental problems

  • Protect clinic assets and property against loss or waste through negligence or dishonesty

  • Attend and participate in team meetings

  • Any other duties as assigned

  • Job duties are subject to change to meet our practice requirements.

    Knowledge, Skills AND Abilities
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the medical staff and the general public.

  • Ability to react calmly, objectively and effectively in emergency situations.

  • Ability to communicate clearly with staff and others.

  • Good customer service manners and etiquette.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Must be detail oriented.

  • Strong computer skills.
  • Strong medical terminology knowledge.

  • Fast typing skill required.

  • Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.

    Education/License/Certification
  • High School diploma

    Experience
  • At least one-year experience in a medical office preferred

  • Electronic Health Records experience preferred (eClinicalWorks a Plus)

  • Transcribing/scribe experience a Plus

    Requirements
  • Excellent computer and communication skills.

  • Ability to travel between two offices: Orlando and Kissimmee areas.

  • Immunization and background checks may be required as a qualifying criterion.

    Benefits Include
  • 401(k)*
  • PTO*
  • Paid holidays

    Qualification criteria will apply

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $13.50 - $15.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • Day shift

    COVID-19 considerations:
    To keep our employees and patients as safe as possible, we’ve implemented COVID-19 protocols, such as: appointment scheduling, child companion and wait time limitations; temperature checks; face masks requirements, gloves, face shield, and hand sanitizer.

    Application Question(s):
  • Are you available to work between the hours of 6:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Thursday?
  • Are you able to travel 2 days to Orlando and 2 days to Kissimmee?

    Experience:
  • EMR systems: 1 year (Preferred)

    Language:
  • Spanish Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 2

  • Accurately and thoroughly document medical visits and procedures including but not limited to:
  • Patient medical history and physical exam
  • Procedures and treatments performed
  • Patient education and explanations of risks and benefits
  • Provider dictated diagnoses, prescriptions and instructions for patient or family members for self-care and follow-up
  • Prepare referral letters as directed by the provider
  • Dictation/faxing/phone calls and clerical tasks.
  • Prepare referral letters as directed by the provider, via dictation or summary of the medical record.
  • Ensure that letters are mailed or faxed on a daily basis to all providers involved in a patient’s care, and with all copies of pertinent reports or tests attached.
  • Research contact information for referring providers, coordinate referrals, prepare operative reports, make phone calls, and other clerical tasks as assigned.
  • Identify mistakes or inconsistencies in medical documentation and check to correct the information in order to reduce errors.
  • Ensure all addenda must be signed off by a provider.
  • Ensure that all clinical data, lab or other test results, the interpretation of the results by the provider are recorded accurately in the medical record.
  • Alert provider when chart is incomplete.
  • Comply with specific standards that apply to the style of medical records and to the legal and ethical requirements for preparing medical documents and for keeping patient information confidential.
  • Collect, organize and catalog data for provider quality reporting system and other quality improvement efforts and format for submission
  • Assist in developing and maintaining systems to track patient follow up and compliance
  • All other duties as assigned

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    We are requiring that all employees have the COVID Location: One location
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    Example 3

    Job description

    General Summary

    The Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine is looking for a medical transcriptionist to join our team of board certified physicians and medical staff.

    COVID-19 Vaccination Required

    JOB Description:
  • Retrieves transcription from physician after dictation is complete.
  • Transcribes medical dictation to provide a permanent record of patient care.
  • Clarifies and edits dictation which is unclear or incomplete, seeking assistance as necessary.
  • Understands the importance of accurate documentation as related to the transcription of medical records.
  • Distributes and files completed transcription.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and requested.

    Experience
  • 1-2 years of medical transcription
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to transcribe dictated reports in a well-organized and accurate manner.
  • Completes work in a timely, accurate method.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • Excellent typing and word processing skills.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $15.00 - $21.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Jacksonville, FL 32207: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 4

    MRE Family Care Clinic is a recently opened family practice clinic in Iowa City. We pride ourselves on our multigenerational care with consideration for cultural differences, and patient preferences. Here at MRE Family Care Clinic we are looking to hire someone to assist in the daily operations of our practice, and supply direct support to our providers. This position is for a medical assistant and transcriptionist whose daily work will revolve around patient care and provider efficiency.

    This position provides the employee with priceless insight to the medical field. With many opportunities to learn about various aspects of medicine, perfect for those who are considering a career in the field.

    We prefer someone with experience in a clinical setting with correspondence with patients. Ideally someone with phlebotomy and lab experience. But this is not required, and can be trained.

    Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    Greeting/registering patients

    Obtaining vitals

    Entering vitals into Nextgen Healthcare.

    Respond to task within EMR

    Rooming patients

    Lab, lab draws, urine analysis, preparing items to go to lab. Willing to train

    Administer vaccines. Willing to train

    Documenting patient provider interactions in EMR for real time documentation of encounters.

    Prior Authorizations

    Referrals

    Patient follow up

    Assisting with phones

    Scanning and uploading files

    Expectations of working in our office include:

    Arriving on time.

    Working all scheduled shifts.

    Assisting with any responsibilities asked of you without complaint.

    Communicating with staff about concerns or needs.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • Health insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    All patients are required to wear masks in clinic, we avoid bringing upper respiratory illness in the office as much as possible. We do require covid vaccination for employees.

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Iowa City, IA 52245: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    What Does a Medical Transcriptionist Do?

    Medical Transcriptionists typically work for various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, healthcare clinics or private practices to help their employer compose and update documents from audio formats. They can also work for transcription agencies or as self-employed individuals. They work closely with Physicians, Nurses and administrative staff members to confirm patient details and other information to benefit their reports. Their job is to use different technologies like medical transcriptionist software programs to aid in creating medical documents. 

    They may also be responsible for overseeing digital filing systems or databases to ensure their employer and healthcare staff have access to well-organized patient files.

    Medical Transcriptionist Skills and Qualifications

    Medical Transcriptionists need a variety of skills in order to accurately complete their duties. Some Medical Transcriptionist skills are:

    • Using medical dictionaries, drug reference books and medical books to use the correct spelling of medical terms and vocabulary
    • Knowledge of transcription software such as a foot pedal, audio software and word processing software
    • Communication skills to communicate with health care personnel and patients about patient information and work assignments
    • Project management skills to manage time and be organized for several transcription projects at once
    • In-depth knowledge of medical terms and medical language to correct errors in transcripts
    • Ability to keep patient information confidential

    Medical Transcriptionist Salary Expectations

    The average salary for a Medical Transcriptionist is $15.26 per hour. This exact amount may vary depending on geographical location or the experience level of the applicant. The typical tenure in this position is three to five years.

    Medical Transcriptionist Education and Training Requirements

    A Medical Transcriptionist usually has an associate degree from a community college or a similar degree from a vocational school. Often a high school degree and a certificate are enough, but an advanced degree makes the Medical Transcriptionist more employable. Transcription education includes how to use transcription software, keyboarding, transcription, editing and proofreading and information management. Classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology helpMedical Transcriptionists understand their work as medical employees. There is voluntary accreditation with the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs. These programs are associated with the American Health Information Management Association. Other certificates such as the Registered Medical Transcriptionist and the Certified Medical Transcriptionist designation are available for transcription professionals. 

    Medical Transcriptionist Experience Requirements

    Being a Medical Transcriptionist requires two to three years of education. The role of a Medical Transcriptionist requires a person to have experience with computer systems, transcription software and management of health care databases. The more senior Medical Transcriptionist roles require that someone has worked consistently five or more years as a Medical Transcriptionist. Some Medical Transcriptionist positions may require management or mentoring experience if the person focuses their work as a Medical Transcriptionist Project Manager or Lead Transcriptionist.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    If this job description is not exactly what you’re looking for, some of the positions similar to the title, experience and duties of a Medical Transcriptionist are:

    Ready to Hire a Medical Transcriptionist? Build a Medical Transcriptionist Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Medical Transcriptionists

     

    What is the difference between a Medical Transcriptionist and a Medical Scribe?

    Both Medical Transcriptionists and Medical Scribes convert what they hear into typed documentation. However, they differ in the types of qualifications they receive and the nature of their work environments. For example, Medical Transcriptionists typically need to earn a high school diploma, followed by obtaining a Medical Transcriptionist certification or an associate degree in medical transcription. 

    In contrast, Medical Scribes typically earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in an area like human anatomy or pre-medicine. Further, Medical Transcriptionists usually perform their work duties in a separate room within a clinical facility or at home. In contrast, Medical Scribes work within an examination room to record a patient’s symptoms and document a Physician’s observations throughout the exam.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Medical Transcriptionist?

    On a typical day, a Medical Transcriptionist starts by arriving at an office location or clinical setting to collect audio files from Physicians. Throughout the day, they listen to audio files using headphones and press a pedal under their desk to pause the recording as they type. Medical Transcriptionists take frequent small breaks to keep themselves energized before they start revisions or complete additional tasks. They also communicate with Physicians via phone or email to ask questions, verify statistics or send completed documents.

     

    What qualities make a good Medical Transcriptionist?

    A good Medical Transcriptionist is someone who has excellent manual dexterity. This quality allows them to type in a quick and efficient manner. They have experience using transcription software or equipment and always look for ways to hone their skills through certification programs or additional job-site training. 

    Further, a good Medical Transcriptionist understands medical terminology and proper abbreviations, enabling them to create comprehensive and accurate documents. A good Medical Transcriptionist also has superb attention to detail to identify spelling or punctuation errors on medical documents before publication.

     

    Who does a Medical Transcriptionist report to?

    A Medical Transcriptionist reports to different roles depending on their place of employment. For example, if a Medical Transcriptionist works for a transcription agency, they report to the Agency Manager. These individuals provide Medical Transcriptionists with client assignments and act as a point of communication for their scheduling needs. In contrast, Medical Transcriptionists working directly for healthcare facilities typically report to the Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Manager.

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