EMR: Good for Medical Transcription?

Trailing is a new opportunity for medical transcriptionists that has come about due to the implementation of EMR (Electronic Medical Records). You see, many of the folks who sell EMR software to medical practices use a line that EMR will REPLACE their costs for medical transcription.

OFTEN NOT TRUE. WHY?

Physicians, who are also business owners, and practice managers are realizing their businesses have shown a decrease in profits because of the time involved with the input of data by the physician. How many patients can one physician see in a day? How many patients can that same physician see if he or she has to input data into a computer for each patient? The latter results in decreased production. And let's face it, patient care is a matter of production if the practice wants to make money.

We've been seeing ads pop up here and there for a "medical trailer" for a while now. The ad below is from the York, PA area. No one has really given this position an official title, so OM's are just throwing something out there hoping to hit the right crowd. I'm pasting the ad below:

Scribe Full-time Ophthalmic
We are a busy 3 doctor ophthalmology practice.
The job entails being a personal assistant to assigned doctor and being with the doctor on every patient exam. During the exam the scribe documents all exam information into Electronic Medical Records. The scribe is also responsible for coding at the end of each exam.
Must type 50 wpm or more. Must be able to spell and medical terminology a strong plus.
We offer the following benefits:
Benefits:Medical, Dental, 401K,
Medical company sponsored (60% of premium paid) after 90 days employment
401K and retirement plans
Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrues with longevity
7 paid holidays each year
We are looking for the following qualifications for scribe:
Grammar, spelling and typing/transcribing skills
EMR experience (would be great)
The level of experience is negotiable


So, if you've been feeling anxious about your future as a medical transcriptionist, I do believe you should think again. This is an example of how EMR is a good thing.

Look at the benefits package. Not many work-at-home MTs get those perks.

Lastly, think of the potential impact on outsourcing! Hmmm...Just sayin'....

I'm posting this on my blog as well. Join me there if you'd like to post your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. http://transcriptionpractice.blogspot.com/

Susan Berzonski
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