Medical Transcription Philippines

To prepare, MTs-in-the-making study medical language, including Greek and Latin word origins, with the roots, suffixes (suffices is the purer form), prefixes (same with prefices), and compound words. The knowledge includes anatomy and physiology of all body systems and various disease processes. A cursory knowledge of the following is imperative:

• medical science
• medical and surgical procedures, involving thousands of instruments, supplies, appliances, and prosthetic devices
• pharmacology
• laboratory values, correlating laboratory test results with a patient’s diagnosis and treatment
• use of medical reference materials and research techniques

Relative knowledge and experience:

• good keyboarding skills (50 and above WPM ideal) though with the exposure to actual transcription, slower skills usually markedly improve
• knowledge of word processors (WordPerfect, MSWord), and basic computer and software programs
• an interest in words as words, e.g., people who read a lot and have a good vocabulary understanding
• good spellers
• above-average knowledge of English punctuation and grammar
• good auditory skills, allowing the transcriptionist to interpret sounds almost simultaneously with keyboarding
• good proofreading and editing skills, ensuring accuracy of transcribed material
• versatility in use of transcription equipment and computers, since transcriptionists may work in a variety of settings
• highly developed analytical skills, employing deductive reasoning to convert sounds into meaningful form or make decisions about incorrectly dictated material

Keyboarding and transcription should not be confused. The primary skills necessary for performance of quality medical transcription are extensive medical knowledge and understanding, sound judgment, deductive reasoning, and the ability to detect medical inconsistencies in dictation. For example, a diagnosis inconsistent with the patient’s history and symptoms may be mistakenly dictated.

The medical transcriptionist questions, seeks clarification, verifies the information, and enters it into the report. It’s important to note that all of the natural talents we list above and below can be acquired as skills through training with even average abilities. There’s no substitute for perseverance and hard work.

source: www.meditec.com, photo from nic.edu