Each year, more and more people are opting for remote work opportunities, and the healthcare industry is no exception. Medical typing from home jobs have become increasingly popular, providing a practical and flexible option for healthcare professionals who wish to work from the comfort of their own home. Medical typing involves transcribing medical reports, documenting patient care, and converting medical terminology into codes that are used for billing and insurance purposes. Due to the nature of the work, medical typists must have excellent knowledge of medical terminology, computer literacy, and proficiency in typing. With the increasing demand for remote work, there has never been a better time to consider a career in medical typing from home. This article will explore the basics of medical typing, the necessary skills and training needed, the pros and cons of remote work within the healthcare industry, and how to find job opportunities in the field.
What is Medical Typing?
Medical typing is a type of administrative work that involves the conversion of medical information into digital format. This job can take many forms, such as:
- Transcription of medical reports from audio recordings or handwritten notes.
- Converting medical terminology into codes that are used for billing and insurance purposes.
- Documenting patient care such as treatment plans, medical histories, and test results.
To become a successful medical typist, one must:
- Have excellent knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy.
- Be proficient in computer skills and typing, with a high rate of accuracy.
- Be able to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
Medical typing is an essential part of the healthcare industry and provides a critical service in maintaining accurate records and billing.
What is medical typing?
Medical typing is a specialized form of transcription that involves converting recorded medical dictations into written documents. This type of typing requires knowledge of medical terminology, as well as the ability to accurately transcribe the spoken word. Medical typing is typically done by trained transcriptionists, who may work for medical offices or clinics or for transcription service companies.
Some websites and products that offer medical typing services include:
- Transcription Hub
- Rev Healthcare
- Transcription Outsourcing
These services can be helpful for healthcare professionals who need accurate and timely transcription of patient notes, medical histories, and other important documents.
Skills and Training Needed
To be successful in a medical typing job, a person needs to possess specific skills and training. These skills include:
| Skills Needed | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Terminology | Must understand and accurately transcribe medical terms. |
| Keyboarding and Computer Skills | Proficient in typing and possess excellent computer skills. |
| Proofreading and Editing | Must have an eye for detail to proofread and edit transcribed documents for accuracy. |
| Research Skills | Ability to research and verify medical terminology and treatments. |
Formal training and education in medical typing or transcription is an asset in securing a job in this field. A certification in Medical Transcription/Typing shows a level of professionalism to potential employers. Some schools have degree programs in medical transcription, offering courses such as:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- English Grammar and punctuation
- Medical coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT
What is the skill set of a medical transcriptionist?
- Excellent typing speed and accuracy
- Knowledge of medical terminologies, abbreviations, and jargon
- Proficiency in using transcription software
- Ability to understand and follow medical reports, dictations, and instructions
- Attention to detail and strong editing skills
- Good communication and listening skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
If you’re looking to hire a medical transcriptionist or want to become one, there are various websites and courses that provide training and certification programs, such as AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity) and Medical Transcription Education Center.
Pros and Cons of Medical Typing from Home
Medical typing from home has its benefits and challenges:
Pros
- Flexibility – work from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
- Less commute time means more time for personal activities.
- Reduce work-related expenses such as vehicle maintenance, gas, and work wardrobe.
Cons
- May experience feelings of isolation and lack of collaboration with colleagues.
- Requires self-discipline and good time-management skills.
- May need to supply office equipment and materials such as computers, internet, and printer.
To help mitigate some of the challenges, consider:
- Creating a designated workspace to help reduce distractions.
- Setting defined hours for work and personal activities.
- Investing in high-quality office equipment and supplies.
What are the cons of being a transcriptionist?
- Repetitive work
- Long hours sitting at a desk
- Tight deadlines and pressure to be accurate
- Low pay for beginners
- Difficult audio quality and accents
- Potential for hearing loss or eye strain
Transcription can be a challenging job that requires patience, attention to detail, and good listening skills. While it can be a rewarding career for some, others may find the cons outweigh the pros.
Where to Find Medical Typing Jobs
There are several places to find medical typing jobs:
Job Websites
- FlexJobs
- Indeed
- Remote.co
- Virtual Vocations
It’s important to ensure that the job listing is legitimate before applying. Be wary of job postings that ask for personal information or require an upfront fee.
Networking
- Joining professional organizations such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) can provide job leads and networking opportunities.
- Connecting with colleagues and former colleagues to ask for referrals and potential job openings.
Starting Your Own Freelance Medical Typing Business
- Consider marketing your services on freelancer websites like Upwork or Freelancer.
- Develop a website or use social media to promote your services.
Starting a freelance business can be challenging, and it may take time to build up a steady flow of clients, so be persistent and patient.
How to do medical typing?
To start medical typing, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a reliable typing software or website that is specifically designed for medical transcription.
- Familiarize yourself with medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Practice your typing skills regularly to increase your typing speed and accuracy.
- Use a headset to clearly hear the audio files you will be transcribing.
- Proofread your work carefully before submitting it for review.
Some recommended websites for medical typing include TranscriptionStar, Speechpad, and Scribie. These sites offer a variety of transcription services and are trusted by many medical professionals.
Conclusion
Medical typing from home jobs offer several benefits and can be a great option for those looking for flexibility and the ability to work from home. However, it is important to have the necessary skills and training to excel in this field, and to be aware of the potential downsides such as a lack of interaction with colleagues. Finding legitimate job postings and networking can help in finding job opportunities, and starting a freelance business is also a viable option for those interested in entrepreneurship.
If you’re considering a career in medical typing from home, take the time to research the different types of jobs and the training and certification requirements. Network with other professionals in the field and take advantage of online job sites and freelancer websites. With the right preparation and dedication, a career in medical typing from home can be both rewarding and flexible.
