7 Tips For Medical Transcriptionists, New And Experienced

1. Find the best resources available to medical transcriptionists; these include word books

, drug books, cheat sheets, the list goes on. These resources will make or break you in a job as an MT. Some experts indicate you are only as good as those resources. I also believe that to be true. It is imperative to know where you need to go to get answers to your questions, the quicker the better. One suggestion would be to jot down anything you want to find out later that you don't have time to look up as you're transcribing. You want to investigate these things each day. Don't let a list grow and grow. That would cause frustration everytime you come to that same question. If the answer you need is not found in your resource material then find someone like a co-worker or mentor who will help you with answers to your questions.

2. Use effective autocorrects and/or expanders. These are a must. If you are an MT, each keystroke that you save adds to your increased productivity which equates to more money in your paycheck. It also helps with the wear-and-tear on your fingers and wrists. The autocorrects available for your use are limitless. Don't be one of those who think it takes too much time to stop and add them; in the long run it will save you tons of time. An MT should never look up something more than once. For example, if you look up whether a particular drug is capitalized or not, that should be the first and last time you do it. Add it right then to your autocorrects for the next time you'll need it. I put in such shortcuts as year-old (1yo, 2yo, etc.) or month-old (1mo, 2mo, etc.) that save me keystrokes each day. The key here is for the autocorrects to make sense to you so you remember them.

3. Use cheat sheets. A medical transcriptionist cannot work without them. The number of cheat sheets you use will depend on the different specialties you type for. There are many of your fellow medical transcriptionists that will share their cheat sheets if you just ask them. Another idea would be to ask those you work with to develop a cheat sheet or two with you since you are all typing for the same specialties. Together you can figure out certain phrases or words that a doctor is using and get them on the sheet for future use. How often do we see something typed that isn't what the provider dictated? A little research would eliminate that and putting something that is "close" to what they are dictating is really a disservice. Another way to identify information you have looked up before in one of the reference books is to tag or highlight it.

4. Receive monthly information on what's new with medical transcription. Find a place that has a monthly newsletter where they provide you with the newest information pertaining to drugs, medical terminology, changes in rules for medical transcription, etc. It is up to each of us to keep up on this new information. It is such a positive that our community wants to help each other. If you are a new MT, you can accept help now and return the favor to others as you gain more experience. You may want to get on an e-mail list of medical transcriptionists where they pass around information that helps each other. These are a few examples of how to stay in touch with what is going on in the world of medical transcription.

5. Get help with your resume. Find someone, possibly a service, who can help with your resume. It is not that you should be jumping from job to job but if the time comes when you need to apply for another position, you should always have a current resume on hand. A great resume is essential. Things have changed over the years as far as what they look for on a resume. There are specific do's and don'ts that you need to know about to even have your resume considered to begin with. There are countless applicants out there for every job you're competing for. One tip I can share is that your resume needs to be one page in length, if possible.

6. Locate the best document samples. Document samples are the key to helping you in your day-to-day work. There are times when you can type without a sample, but there are more times when you will want a sample. Get samples of what is in reports like a physical exam and review of systems. Get samples of any procedures or surgeries that you type on an on-going basis. How many times have you wondered if a symptom being dictated goes under musculoskeletal or extremities, cardiovascular or respiratory? Does this sound familiar? Search out the information before you require it.

7. Understand the ergonomics of your position and equipment. You must be comfortable when you are sitting at a computer and transcribing most of the day. First off, don't hesitate to get up and move around when you feel that is necessary. You will be doing both yourself and your employer a service. Taking care of your body is paramount. It keeps you working longer and feeling better. Make sure you take your breaks and lunch. It's been proven that you will key more accurately and quicker after taking your breaks and lunch each day. Make sure that you have the right chair and that your posture is correct for typing. It is also importantto have your screen at the correct level. If you did not set up all of these items when you first set up the space for your office, do so now.

If you follow these 7 tips for medical transcriptionists, I really believe you will be more productive and accurate. Bottom line though is that by following these tips you will actually earn more in your paycheck.

by: Jeff Dahlberg

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