Four Characteristics of a Productive Medical Transcriptionist

You can come up with various characteristics when you think of being a productive transcriptionist like excellent spelling skills and grammar skills, amazing typing skills, comfort with technology, good online research skills and ability to work with minimal supervision. But, what does a medical transcriptionist must really have aside from these all?

 



 

Commitment in every single thing you do is the basic step in order to do things right. Being optimistic is a good start, enjoying and loving what you are doing will keep u going, and eventually, you will be happy with the result because you work effectively. A positive attitude creates positive results.

Being a medical transcriptionist, one must know the nature of this work so you can work efficiently.

• First, a transcriptionist should have the necessary medical knowledge so you can transcribe the words correctly. This is necessary not only for the accuracy of the report but ultimately for the safety of the patient whose report is being transcribed. Medical transcription is not just an ordinary job, but rather a specialized work where only the most committed practitioners will be successful.


• Second, a transcriptionist must be dependable and accountable in what you are doing. Willingness to take on more than is also necessary, meaning you can do more than what is assigned to you without complaining.


• Third, a good transcriptionist must have a concern for your environment. One must care not only about their job per se but also thinks of people who are related to what you are doing. And this is in reference to every patient who's involved and also the doctor who’s recording notes and don’t forget the employer who trusted you and stands accountable in every single thing you will do.


• Fourth and lastly, accept the fact that there are things you know and you really don’t know (in transcription world it’s a big NO to make a guess). But do not stop in just accepting, try to research, ask and learn. Do not complain about the things you thought you cannot do or things you still don’t know, rather start learning.

If you have these characteristics then the next thing you do is to set your working area for you to work properly in order to transcribe productively (quantity) and accurately (quality). Like for instance, have a comfortable place to work with (less noise, so you can focus on what you’re doing). Make sure you have the necessary gadgets you need in transcribing (PC, quality headset, anti-RSI and soft-to-touch keyboard, comfortable chair, Internet connection etc.) and again, have a positive attitude.

Contributor: Joanne Melody Evardome