Is anyone a medical transcriptionist? (job question))

[Snow White]

Hi, just wondered if anyone is a medical transcriptionist? I have enrolled in a class that takes 8 months (2 nights a week) to the tune of $3700 and I wondered if anyone does this that could give me some input...

1. Do you work from home?
2. Do you get enough work to keep you busy?
3. Is the pay all that great?

I'd appreciate any input, I am a little unsure about doing this, I would love to work from home, but really need an income and was afraid this was just another scam,

thanks!
michelle s.

 

[babar]

I don't do it myself, but I know a lot of girls who do in my field. The pay is pretty good, and they all work from home! Some of them do it part-time as a supplement to their hospital job, some do it full-time at home because they have kids, and some do it full-time at home and have no kids!! I can ask them tomorrow what the average salary is, and how they feel about the workload.

Andrea

 

[Snow White]

That would be great, I'd appreciate it!!!
thanks!
michelle

 

[EROS]

Michelle, I have a patient who has been a transcriptionist for over 20 years. Originally, she was hospital based but has been working exclusively at home for the last 8 years. She downloads operative reports, discharge summaries etc which are ordered on a STAT (immediate basis). She is employed by a company which has contracts with various hospitals here and receives full health benefits.

I'd call around in your area to see if similiar jobs exist there. Start with local hospitals and ask how they handle their transcription work. I'd also contact any HMO or large medical groups too.

Good Luck,

 

[Snow White]

thanks Eros! I appreciate the help!
michelle

 

[Pin Wizard]

I have a friend who has been doing it somewhere between 12 and 15 years now. She had stopped and worked in a doc's office for a while but then went back to transcription because she made more money doing it! But that wasn't the case starting out. She just loves it and can make a great salary. The worst part of it for her is when she gets tapes of those with foreign accents she has trouble understanding. Good luck!

 

[CyranoJones]

I did my husband's transcription for a number of years while staying at home to raise our daughter. Being an RN, it wasn't hard since I knew all the medical and technical jargon. I can't imagine trying to do it without having some type of class or seminar, if only to get used to some of the abbreviations, etc., plus some references such as a PDR would be helpful.

Most of my DH's transcription was in the formal letter format since much of his work is done in consultation. And you would have to learn how each individual doctor likes his/her notes set up.

Other than that...there was plenty to keep me busy and he didn't pay me as much as he pays his current transcriptionist!! LOL!!

 

[Snow White]

btt

 

[melk]

I've wondered about this profession myself. Does anyone know of any schools in the Boston area that offer a course in this? I've never noticed before.

 

[MonaCK]

I have a friend (who lives in the Boston area) that is a medical transcriptionist. W hile at first she loved it, she now can't stand it anymore, and is looking ot get out of it. The place where she works is actually downsizing as a lot of doctors offices are moving towards computerized transcription systems thus eliminating the middle man.

She has learned more about medical terms then she ever thought she would - and it does give her the flexibility to set her own ours while working out of the house. For her, those are the only advantages.

 

[Snow White]

I was a little concerned about the computers taking over the job with that voice activated thing they have....that is something to think about, I wonder if that will make this job obsolete?