Medical transcription implies turning doctors’ voice records into written ones. Job duties include proofreading the documents to make sure they are properly structured and correspond to generally accepted industry standards. The job also entails discharging acronyms and abbreviations, as well as interpreting medical terminology.
Doctors must provide critical and confidential data for every diagnosis, testing, surgery, etc. This information is typically presented in the form of voice recordings, which must then be submitted as separate reports. Without these files, it would be impossible to bill insurance companies and pay medical providers for their services. The healthcare sector would not function efficiently and smoothly without the reports created and checked by MT experts.
Indeed, the profession of medical transcriptionist is gaining in popularity and demand, which is not surprising. The job, however, carries with it corresponding requirements for future progression and growth. Those who are willing to try themselves in this sphere must obtain their GED or at least get a high school degree. This is, practically, the only formal prerequisite to accomplish the goal. MT specialists can voluntarily become certified and there are so many options available today. They can pass certain online courses which significantly simplify the academic process, as well as enroll in a local university program or submit an application to the program at the desired medical institution. On average, the duration of the certification procedure is in the range from half a year to one and a half, though it may last longer in certain locations.
Essential certificates for the MT job
Undoubtedly, obtaining certifications increases employment prospects. In fact, certified medical transcriptionists with a degree, license or diploma are more preferred by employers. Educational programs give learners not only a general overview of specialized vocabulary but also fundamental knowledge of medical documentation, and different transcribing techniques. Interested individuals have the opportunity to become certified experts by passing online MT programs at a variety of professional colleges and other educational institutions.
Below is a short review of the most significant exams in the sphere, i.e., the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (hereinafter the RHDS) and Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS). MT specialists should have some proficiency to take certification exams. The RHDS credentialing exam is for MT courses’ alumni or specialists with fewer than two years of professional experience, as well as individuals who specialize in one area (i.e., pathology, radiology) or who work for a privately held company. The CHDS exam is for experts who are employed in medical establishments at the moment and have at least two years of work experience in a multi-specialty acute care practice.
To date, there are a lot of job opportunities in the dynamically developing healthcare sector. Those who decide to connect their lives with the medical transcription industry are definitely on the right path to raise their income and expertise.