Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Medical Scribe
Medical scribing jobs have been trending for some time now. It has replaced medical transcription owing to the comfort level it offers to physicians. Read this post until the end if you plan to become a medical scribe.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Medical Scribe
The medical scribe acts as the right hand of the physician. S/he will be documenting the medical and health data of the patient. If you are planning of becoming a medical scribe, you must know the roles of the job. The roles of a medical scribe are:
- Documenting a patient’s medical history, the physical examination data, diagnosis of the ailment, and medical treatment programs planned by the physician.
- Preparation of medical records concerning the client is another responsibility.
- Streamline the medical consultation and treatment process for efficient functioning of the system.
- Assist the physician during the medical consultation of the patient.
A medical scribe’s job description involves comprehensive non-medical support to the doctor. For becoming a medical scribe, the aspirant must learn medical terminologies and understand the basic concepts.
Skills and Qualifications Needed
Following are the skills and qualifications needed for becoming a medical scribe:
- Analytical Skills – The medical scribe must have basic analytical skills to understand the core element of the medical documents.
- Knowledge of Medical Terms – The medical scribe will be taught medical terminology. He or she will not be able to perform the tasks without having an idea about the medical terms. Medical scribe qualification can be obtained once the candidate succeeds in learning and understanding the terms and terminologies.
- Computer Skill – Medical scribing involves extensive usage of computers. The aspirant should be fluent in computer usage to become a medical scribe.
- Stress Management – Of course, stress is a normal thing in the present scenario. A medical scribe must know how to manage stress, to function efficiently.
- Time Management – Managing time effectively can not only help in performing better but also help in gaining appreciation.
Benefits of Becoming a Medical Scribe
Since you have understood what is a medical scribe, let’s see the benefits of becoming a medical scribe. Of course medical scribe salary is one of the most prominent aspects that attract youngsters to this profession. Besides that, the other benefits include:
- Great Opportunities: Great job opportunities around the world is one of the main reasons for people choosing medical scribing as a profession. The waiting period after completion of a course is excruciating. Imagine the mental trauma a youngster undergoes when their friends and family members ask repeatedly about being unemployed. One can simply avoid such a situation by obtaining medical scribe qualifications.
- Professional Growth: Be proficient, perform well, and remain a trusted medical scribe, you can climb the ladders of success quite conveniently. Once you are in the medical scribing field, your knowledge of medical terminology, the ability to document medical records in the best possible way, and the overall output you deliver are what matter.
- Networking in Medical Industry: A medical scribe will be working in close association with physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and others from the medical sector. The close-knit relationship with them creates a network that is beneficial for the medical scribe. You may go through the medical scribe job description to understand the overall functioning of the professionals in this field.
Challenges in Medical Scribing
Time management issues, stress, and long working hours might be some of the issues you might come across. While checking out the medical scribing job description or what is a medical scribe. Nonetheless, the challenges can be tackled by remaining proactive and imbibing the necessary skills. The common challenges observed by medical scribes are:
- Time Constraints: Medical scribes would be working closely with physicians. They are supposed to remain active and listen to the conversation between the doctor and the patient. Besides documenting the medical reports, diagnosis, and lab results, the conversation is also documented by the medical scribe. This might lead to long working hours. Learning time management and managing tasks by understanding the work process are effective in overcoming this challenge.
- Stress: Working in a fast-paced environment, constant medical emergency situations, busy patient schedules and other such conditions are normal for a medical scribe. Undoubtedly, this can create confusion and stress. By understanding stress relief methods and implementing them effectively, one can eliminate this challenge as well.
- Miscommunication: Medical scribes will be constantly listening to the conversation between the physician and the client. The medical scribe probably misinterprets the conversation. This can lead to confusion and ambiguities in medical scribing. With experience and thorough learning medical scribes can overcome this challenge effectively.
Steps to Become a Medical Scribe
So, what is a medical scribe?
A medical scribe is a professional who documents the conversation between the physician and the patient, the medical reports, and other relevant medical documents.
How to become a medical scribe?
The following are the steps to become a medical scribe:
- The minimum qualification to become a medical scribe is 10+2.
- Enrol in the medical scribing course at a reputed medical scribing institute.
- Learn medical terminologies and other necessary topics, as per the internationally approved medical scribing curriculum, and get certified.
- A medical scribe certificate with worldwide acceptance is the doorway to gaining entry to renowned organizations.
- Enhance attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of medical terminology.
- Internship obtained with the support of the medical scribing institute will get you the experience necessary to join elite entities.
- Prepare curriculum vitae, including the certificate details and internship info.
- Get selected.
Salary and Career Progression
Medical scribe salary is the first question many ask. The salary of a medical scribe will differ depending on his or her qualifications, experience, and performance. Nevertheless, the starting salary of a medical scribe in Kerala is observed to be 30K+. Medical scribe career progression directly depends on the performance metrics.
To sum up, medical scribing would be an ideal choice for those looking for a productive and progressive profession.
Are you planning to become a medical scribe?
To know more about the medical scribing profession, medical scribing salary, what is a medical scribe and other related aspects, call us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for medical scribing?
Take a medical scribing course, at a reputed medical scribing institute, learn medical terminology, get the internship, obtain medical scribing certification, and apply. Internationally accepted medical scribing certification is necessary to become a medical scribe
Is medical scribing a good career?
Medical scribing is a progressive career, with a good reputation. Professional growth in the medical scribing field will depend on the person’s performance, certification, and experience.
What typing do you need to be a medical scribe?
The typing speed required by a medical scribe, to be considered by an elite international organization, is typically above 70 WPM. At the same time, 60-80 WPM is considered a good typing speed for a medical scribe.
What is the qualification for medical scribing?
Any aspirant with a 10+2 qualification can join the medical scribing course.