Differences Between a Medical Scribe and a Medical Transcriptionist/Virtual Scribe

Medical transcriptionists and medical scribes, as well as virtual scribes, play crucial roles in healthcare documentation, but their duties, working conditions, and the ways they gather medical information differ significantly. Here, we explore these differences to provide a clear understanding of each role's unique aspects.

What is a Medical Transcriptionist?

A medical transcriptionist is a medical professional who uses their skills behind the scenes to document healthcare encounters. Doctors utilize dictation systems to create records of their findings and important details from patient visits, and these files are transmitted to transcriptionists for transcription into medical documents. Medical transcriptionists are unparalleled in typing speed and ease of use of shortcuts and macros, which allow them to transcribe doctors' dictations accurately and quickly.

The Role and Responsibilities of a Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists handle roles that go beyond just typing. They must understand and correctly spell complex medical terms very quickly, especially when dealing with poor quality dictation files. These files can have issues such as low volume, background noise, or a difference in native languages of the transcriber and the provider. A solid foundation of medical knowledge is crucial to overcome these challenges.

Why the Switch from Transcriber to Typist?

While medical transcriptionist roles were once among the most in-demand, they are now facing challenges due to technological advancements and changes in healthcare documentation. Voice recognition improvements and the integration of EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) have reduced the need for transcriptionists in many areas. Additionally, the job outlook for medical transcriptionists is projected to decline over the next decade (BLS, 2014-2024). This decline is also influenced by the increasing use of automated dictation systems and other cost-effective alternatives.

Differences Between a Transcriber and a Medical Scribe

While both medical transcriptionists and medical scribes are involved in healthcare documentation, their responsibilities and working conditions differ significantly. Medical transcriptions and clinical records, while similar in some ways, have few commonalities beyond the product of their work.

Working Style and Expectations

The most notable difference is how these professionals obtain and document medical information. Transcribers record verbatim what is dictated, while medical scribes extract relevant information from patient encounters. Medical scribes must navigate the complexities of patient interactions, which can be overwhelming, especially for experienced transcriptionists. Transcriptionists, on the other hand, are often in separate rooms or even off-site, making their work more isolated.

Tools and Workflow

Transcriptionists heavily rely on shortcuts and macros to increase their transcription speed. However, many EHR programs lack this functionality, which can hinder their efficiency. Medical scribes, in contrast, work closely with doctors, making their work more dynamic and patient-facing. They can ask for clarification during patient visits, which is not as straightforward for transcriptionists.

Job Variability and Financial Impact

Both positions offer variety in job locations, and transcriptionists often work from home. Scribes, however, are more likely to be in the examination rooms, making their presence indispensable to the doctor's workflow. There is a variety of ways to be employed and paid, which can impact salaries. The expected decline in job opportunities for medical transcriptionists may affect salaries and job availability as healthcare systems adopt more advanced technological solutions.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between a medical transcriptionist, a medical scribe, and a virtual scribe is crucial for career planning and decision-making in healthcare documentation. Each role offers unique challenges and benefits, and choosing the right one depends on personal preferences and career goals. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, these roles will remain important but may transform in response to technological advancements and changing healthcare practices.