Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence, and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity.

The documents they produce include discharge summaries, medical history and physical examination reports, operative reports, consultation reports, autopsy reports, diagnostic-imaging studies, progress notes, and referral letters. Medical transcriptionists return transcribed documents to the physicians or other healthcare professionals who dictated them for review and signature or correction. These documents eventually become part of patients’ permanent files.

To understand and accurately transcribe dictated reports, medical transcriptionists must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. They also must be able to translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms. To help identify terms appropriately, transcriptionists refer to standard medical reference materials—both printed and electronic; some of these are available over the Internet making a work from home situation possible. Medical transcriptionists must comply with specific standards that apply to the style of medical records and to the legal and ethical requirements for keeping patient information confidential.

Experienced transcriptionists spot mistakes or inconsistencies in a medical report and check to correct the information. Their ability to understand and correctly transcribe patient assessments and treatments reduces the chance of patients receiving ineffective or even harmful treatments and ensures high-quality patient care.

Currently, most healthcare providers use either digital or analog dictating equipment to transmit dictation to medical transcriptionists. The Internet has grown to be a popular mode for transmitting documentation. Many transcriptionists receive dictation over the Internet and are able to quickly return transcribed documents to clients for approval. Also, because of the popularity of using the Internet to transmit documentation, many medical transcription departments are beginning to work closely with programmers and information systems staff to stream in voice communication that provides seamless data transfers through network interfaces. This practice allows medical transcriptionists the convenience of having hand-held personal computers or personal data assistants (PDAs) that utilize software for dictation.

Another increasingly popular method uses speech recognition technology, which electronically translates sound into text and creates drafts of reports. Transcriptionists then format the reports; edit them for mistakes in translation, punctuation, or grammar; and check for consistency and any wording that doesn’t make sense medically. Transcriptionists working in specialties such as radiology or pathology, which have standardized terminology, are more likely to use speech recognition technology, a medium that will become more widespread in all specialties as it becomes more sophisticated and is better able to recognize and more accurately transcribe diverse modes of speech.

Medical transcriptionists who work in physicians’ offices may have other office duties, such as receiving patients, scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, and handling incoming and outgoing mail. Medical secretaries, discussed in the statement on secretaries and administrative assistants elsewhere in the Handbook, also may perform transcription as part of their jobs.

source: U.S, Department of Labor

CCS® is a hospital based certification offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is the most sought after certification from AHIMA and is well respected in the healthcare industry.

Certified Coding Specialists

• Review patients’ records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure
• Possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems
• Are knowledgeable about medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology

CCS is a mastery designation and can help you secure a better job with better pay.

Salaries are predicted to rise as employers prepare for the implementation of ICD-10 in 2013, especially for those who are certified in one or more areas including CCS and CPC.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 20 percent increase in employment for billing and coding specialists between 2008 and 2018.

A CCS® with an associate degree will earn around $42,304 a year according to a survey conducted by BLS, but can make $51,820 with a bachelor’s degree, and $66,137 with a master’s degree.

Experience will also greatly affect wages. With only two years on the job, the average salary sits at $33,584 a year. After 10 years of experience, salary averages jump to $44,949 annually, and the most experienced coding specialists, those with 20 years or more on the job, average over $50,000 a year.

You can become a medical coder through different avenues. Certificate programs are offered at technical colleges and medical trade schools, and generally take anywhere from one to two years to complete.

Associate degree programs are offered at community colleges and typically take about two years to complete. Many employers prefer graduates with associate degrees, and some even require candidates to be certified.

In order to become certified, graduates must pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam administered through the AAPC.

Take your CPC exam on your pre-scheduled test date. Expect the test to take up to five hours and 40 minutes and consist of 150 multiple-choice questions.

The position of medical billing and coding makes up one of the most important back-office careers in the medical and insurance sectors.

The demand for medical billing and coding specialists is on the rise as the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment in this field is expected to outpace many other sectors over the next several years.

Be prepared to learn a lot of detailed medical information such as classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology for medical coding.

Online medical coding training offers the flexibility to learn medical coding at home. This type of training prepares would-be medical coders in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology much the same as a course given on campus.

Medical transcriptionists and medical coders must possess a razor sharp attention to detail and provide quality work in a timely manner.

While you can work from home as a medical coder, you will still be accountable to an employer or client. Your success will be determined on the quality and timeliness of your work.

Medical Coders apply for jobs in hospitals, medical clinics, doctors’ offices and insurance companies.

Most colleges also have career development centers. This is a good place to begin your job search.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income of medical records technicians, including coders, was $33,880 per year as of May 2009.

The lowest earners, at the 10 percent level, earned $20,850 per year. The highest earners, at the 90 percent level, earned $51,510 per year.

You can improve your chances of advancing to higher-paying supervisory jobs by obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. You can also qualify for better pay with specialty certification, for which you can prepare either through experience or formal study.

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A coder is the liaison between the doctor and the insurance company or government agency.

These highly trained and skilled personnel are a critical link in a medical business.

They must ensure that every procedure is documented and billed properly.

These professionals are not like the office secretaries of the past.

They are the wave of the future!

Should I get certified?

Yes! Certification is almost mandatory for a medical coding job.

The certification credential for physician and outpatient coding or inpatient coding are currently the only medical coding credentials recognized by employers, payers and government agencies.

If you are preparing for the certification exam we have some helpful information that will assist you in your preparation.

What are the types of certifications available?

The most common certifications come from two agencies, American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC®) and American Health Information Agency (AHIMA®).

AAPC® offers three main certifications, CPC, CPC-H, and CPC-P. These are the most common certifications and the certifications sought after by employers. They also offer other specialty certifications plus Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) required to keep a coders certifications current.

AHIMA® offers many certifications with the most common are Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and CCS-P. These certifications are based more around medical records and health information. Most AHIMA® certification require more schooling or experience prior to taking the exams.

What is the average pay for a certified coder?

The average pay varies quite a bit depending on where you live, your experience, and your certification level. The good news is that the average salary has increased over 11% since 2007 and the industry continues to grow. Here is more specific information on coding salaries.

What is Medical Billing?

It is the process of claims submission to an insurance company or government agency for services rendered. Billers are responsible for gathering records of patient charges for medical services and issuing a bill to the patient as well as the insurance company.

Can I work from home?

Yes! The benefits of working from home are far reaching for both the employee and the employer. Many with families choose to work from home whenever possible, however, you should have experience and have built up a trust within the medical community.

Can I start my own Medical Billing business from home?

Just like any other business, it is very difficult if you don’t have the right tools. I have found one of the most complete packages available including bonus package plus  everything you need to start your own Medical Billing Business. It is very user friendly and I highly recommend it!

If you are looking for work and don’t have the time to search for a job you can post your resume to over 75 career sites like Monster, Hot Jobs, and Career Builder all in one place and save time.