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MT Fact or Fiction?
Want to Know the Real Truth About Medical Transcription?
The fact is ... many people don't even know what medical transcription is. They have no idea that doctors dictate medical reports or how a medical record is put together. Most of all, they have no idea that transcriptionists can now work from their spare bedroom in a lucrative career that leaves the rest of the administrative staff behind.
But what is fact ... and what is fiction? Let's explore some of the myths involved with medical transcription:
Myth #1: Medical transcriptionists only get paid a small amount for the work they do.
Fact: This may be true for UNQUALIFIED medical transcriptionists, but for those who do their homework and obtain the proper skills, the demand is so great that you can literally write your own ticket.
Myth #2: Medical transcriptionists have to work evening hours or unflexible hours each day.
Fact: Some MTs choose to work evening hours, and some MTs who choose to work as an EMPLOYEE may be designated certain hours to work (depending on the transcription service). However, as an independent contractor, medical transcriptionists cannot be asked to work any specific hours. Your schedule is up to you and you alone. The deadline and the quality of work are what is important to the client. Again, this is another prime example of how a good education will allow you many, many more choices.
Myth #3: Medical transcription is boring and only for introverts.
Fact: Actually we had to laugh when we read that one! Medical transcription is a relaxing profession but far from boring! The doctors are telling you a story about a person's life. It's far from boring!! You'll learn more about people and the human body every day. To us, the human body is a miracle and amazing. What a better way to spend a day than to listen to these most interesting facts and know that you're making a real difference in someone's life by transcribing it carefully and correctly. In addition, there are TONS of people to talk to -- both on the Internet and by telephone -- if you want to. There are a number of excellent bulletin boards and chat rooms especially for medical transcriptionists who love to gather together and share their stories.
Myth #4: I'll get carpal tunnel syndrome if I type too much.
Fact: Here's another myth that comes from those who don't know much about the industry. Again, it's a matter of working SMARTER, not HARDER. What the smart transcriptionists do -- those that are serious about their careers -- is learn a shorthand program such as Smartype which can literally double their productivity in just a short period of time. These are things that a good MT program will share with you.
Myth #5: I don't need training -- I'll learn on my own.
Fact: With today's litigious society and with healthcare so intense and complex, I'd sure hate for someone with little or no experience to be typing MY medical reports. Wouldn't you? But there's no need to worry -- when there are errors, patient care can be affected and the clients complain. What happens is that the inexperienced are weeded out quickly (if they even get the job in the first place!) and the cream of the crop quickly rise to the top. To be among the top requires more than just working harder and enrolling in a school. It requires training in the RIGHT things that are going to cause you to become more productive as well as accurate. Now THAT'S smarter!
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