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Medical transcription is the process of converting health care professionals’ medical records into typed copy. A person who transcribes medical records is known as a medical transcriptionist or a medical transcriber.

Because of the ever-growing health care industry and the fact that most medical professionals lack both time and proficiency in computer keyboarding, there is increasing demand for skilled medical transcriptionists. In addition, health care professionals are facing an increasing risk of litigation in the form of malpractice lawsuits. Thus, they need to keep accurate, detailed records.

A person who has a firm command of medical terminology and procedures can use this expertise to establish a successful medical transcription business. Clients that need medical transcription services include hospitals, physicians, medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, audiologists, and counselors. With this wide variety of clientele, a medical transcription business can prove to be very profitable.

Because start-up costs are relatively low, there is rarely a need for financing. The basic office setup (computer, word processing software, audio cassette player, medical transcription software and Internet connection) is virtually all that’s needed for a medical transcription business.

Vocational schools, community colleges, and online programs offer training that leads to degrees and certification in medical transcription. A potential student should have acute listening skills and be able to understand dictated notes. The ability to type fast and accurately is essential.

Once an individual has established a medical transcription business, clients can be contacted for assignments. The transcriptionist can be paid either by assignment or on a monthly basis.

Because the health care field is continually changing and adopting new terminologies, it’s imperative that medical transcription businesses keep up with the industry’s latest jargon. It’s wise to take refresher courses and obtain recertification every few years.

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Jerry is a programming veteran that develops medical imaging software designed to help doctors, radiologists and other medical professionals operate their practices more efficiently.