Doctors are often overworked and overburdened with administrative and transcription tasks. Delegating some of these activities to other healthcare professionals, like medical scribes, will help ease their workload. But what does a scribe do, exactly? Keep reading—we’ll take a closer look in this article!
What Does a Medical Scribe Do?
A scribe assists a healthcare provider (typically a physician) by documenting patient encounters in real time, including patient history, examination findings, and treatment plans.
The scribe notes the doctor’s verbal instructions and observations in a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR). This allows the doctor to focus on the patient, improving the visit’s efficiency and accuracy. Scribes work in a fast-paced environment and require a strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Good communication and computer skills are also essential.
What are a Medical Scribe’s Duties and Responsibilities?
A scribe’s primary responsibility is to ensure that a doctor’s instructions and observations are in the EMR. They also gather patient history and vital signs and enter them into the electronic record. Additionally, they may assist the doctor with patient exams and procedures by preparing equipment and documenting findings.
Another critical aspect of a scribe’s job is ordering lab tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests and entering the results into the EMR. They also communicate with other healthcare team members, such as nurses and pharmacists, to ensure that all patient information is accurate and up-to-date.
This healthcare professional may also schedule follow-up appointments and referrals to specialists. They do all of this while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and similar regulations and keeping up-to-date with changes in medical terminology and codes.
What Does a Scribe Do to Gain Training?
Many employers prefer scribes to have some college education, although this is only sometimes required. Some college coursework in a related field, like Biology or Medical Technology, is also preferable. Some scribes work part-time, and are medical school students.
Becoming a scribe requires a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, and psychiatry. This knowledge is essential for understanding the medical language used by doctors and other healthcare professionals and accurately transcribing patient information into electronic records.
In addition to this medical knowledge, it is also vital for a scribe to be familiar with EMR systems and similar technology.
Many employers provide a training program for scribes. Besides this training, certification programs can help increase a scribe’s knowledge and skills and make them more competitive in the job market.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Medical Scribe
While becoming a scribe can be an excellent opportunity for those interested in a healthcare career, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Some advantages of getting a medical scribe job include gaining valuable experience in the medical field, having several career paths to choose from, and being in a personally fulfilling line of work.
However, it is also important to consider the potential downsides of the job, such as a fast-paced work environment, narrow margin for error, and the possibility of burnout.
A Medical Scribe Gains Plenty of Experience
Medical scribing offers several advantages for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to gain valuable medical experience.
Scribes can observe and assist healthcare professionals in various settings, including emergency departments, clinics, and hospitals. This hands-on experience provides a great introduction to the medical field and could help someone decide which area of healthcare they would like to pursue.
Additionally, working as a scribe can also provide networking opportunities. Scribing positions often allow individuals to work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare specialists. These connections can prove invaluable when looking for future job prospects or seeking letters of recommendation.
Discover the Benefits of Being a Medical Scribe in Healthcare
Working as a medical scribe offers a unique vantage point within the healthcare industry, allowing you to be close to the action without performing hands-on tasks. This role blends the precision of typing with medical knowledge, creating an environment that challenges and rewards its participants.
Flexibility and Diverse Work Environments
One of the significant advantages of being a medical scribe is the flexibility it offers. Hospitals, which operate around the clock, provide varied shifts, giving you the freedom to tailor your schedule to fit personal needs. This is particularly beneficial for those who require non-traditional work hours or enjoy a dynamic, ever-changing atmosphere.
In contrast, clinic settings offer a more predictable work schedule. This consistency appeals to individuals who prefer regular hours and are less inclined to work overnight, on weekends, or during holidays. Whether in the bustling emergency room or the steadier pace of a clinic, there’s a setting suited to every preference.
Contribution to Healthcare Advancement
Medical scribes are crucial to the modern healthcare landscape. By digitizing patient interactions and facilitating the seamless flow of information, scribes contribute directly to the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This not only supports medical teams but also enhances patient care by ensuring doctors can focus more on their patients and less on paperwork.
Career Growth and Learning Opportunities
Entering the field of medical scribing can be a gateway to broader career opportunities in healthcare. It provides invaluable experience, whether you’re seeking a long-term profession or a stepping stone on your journey to another healthcare role. Through this position, you’ll gain firsthand knowledge of medical procedures, terminology, and patient interaction, building a solid foundation for future growth.
Enhancing Patient Care
Arguably, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a medical scribe is the positive impact on patient care. By alleviating administrative burdens on doctors and nurses, scribes enable healthcare providers to focus more intently on patients, ensuring better outcomes and more personalized care.
In summary, working as a medical scribe is not only a job but a valuable opportunity to play a pivotal role in the evolution of healthcare, learning intensely while making a meaningful difference.
What Does a Medical Scribe Do Later On?
One potential track for a scribe is to continue working in the role while pursuing higher education. Many transcribers return to school to become nurses, physician assistants, or physicians. The medical experience they gain can be beneficial in these other roles.
Another potential path is to move into a supervisory or management role within the scribing industry. These positions may involve overseeing a team of scribes, training new hires, or working with healthcare facilities to improve their scribing operations.
Some scribes may transition into a related healthcare field, such as medical billing and coding, health informatics, or quality improvement. These positions also require knowledge and experience with electronic health records and medical terminology, skills acquired as a scribe.
Common Pathways to Becoming a Medical Scribe
Finding a job as a medical scribe can be a rewarding entry point into the healthcare field. Here are two popular routes to explore:
1. Joining a Medical Scribe Service
Many aspirants start by applying to established medical scribe companies. These organizations have contracts with hospitals and various medical facilities, making them a gateway to abundant opportunities. A notable example is Wing Assistant, though there are several others in the industry.
Hiring Cycles: These companies often recruit at specific times during the year. They experience regular turnover as scribes frequently leave for further education or progress to administrative roles.
Selection Process: The hiring process is competitive. Candidates go through rigorous classroom training and testing phases before they work alongside physicians in real-world settings. Success rates can be low, with less than a quarter of trainees making it through the initial stages.
2. Direct Application to Clinics or Hospitals
Another pathway is to apply directly to medical facilities such as clinics or hospitals. This route can offer a different experience:
Hiring Flexibility: Clinics, especially privately-owned ones, often have more flexible hiring and training processes. For example, new scribes might begin working with patients within a few days.
Training: Training in such settings tends to be hands-on. New scribes typically receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced scribes, gradually taking over charting responsibilities.
Continuous Learning: Even after the formal training, there’s always something new to learn in terms of medical knowledge or industry practices.
Both pathways offer valuable experiences and opportunities for growth, making them excellent starting points for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a medical scribe.
Scribes Work in a High-Pressure Environment
Working as a scribe can be challenging due to the fast-paced nature of the job. These professionals are often required to keep up with the pace of an emergency department or high-traffic clinic.
Keeping up with the constant flow of new information can be challenging. Scribes must be able to process and transcribe large amounts of medical data quickly and accurately, which can be difficult when dealing with complex medical cases or unfamiliar medical terms.
Moreover, scribes must keep up with healthcare regulations and laws and ensure that the records they transcribe comply with them. This can add extra pressure to the job.
Errors Can Lead to Health Complications
Inaccurate documentation can lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment, which can have severe consequences for the patient’s health.
For example, if a scribe mistakenly records a patient’s symptoms or medical history, the physician may make a misdiagnosis or prescribe the wrong treatment. This can result in delayed or improper treatment, leading to serious health complications or even death.
Additionally, erroneous medical documentation can also lead to legal issues. If a patient’s medical records contain errors, they can be used against the physician or healthcare facility in a malpractice lawsuit. Inaccurate medical documentation can also cause problems with billing and insurance claims.
There is Much Potential For Burnout
Medical scribes may experience burnout due to some factors, including long hours, high levels of stress, and the repetitive nature of their work. Additionally, medical writers may need more autonomy or control over their work and a lack of recognition for their contributions.
In some cases, scribes may also experience moral distress, which can occur when they witness patients receiving suboptimal care due to systemic issues within the healthcare system.
Despite the challenges of working in healthcare, many people still pursue becoming a scribe. Assisting healthcare professionals in providing high-quality care to patients can be incredibly rewarding. Scribes can see firsthand the positive impact their work has on the lives of those in need.
Additionally, being a scribe can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, as it allows one to be part of a team that works together for the well-being of others. It is a demanding and busy environment, but also very satisfying.
Hire a Trained, Dedicated Medical Scribe from Wing
A medical scribe is a trained professional working alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to document patient encounters in real time. Using a scribe has become increasingly popular to improve efficiency and productivity in healthcare settings.
Wing Assistant is the perfect solution for your medical transcription needs. Our highly trained and experienced scribes can accurately transcribe medical reports while ensuring that your sensitive medical information is confidential and secure. Get in touch today to learn more!
Aya is Wing Assistant’s blog manager. When she’s not wrangling content briefs, editing article drafts and handling on-page SEO, she is crafting messages for Wing’s other communication materials. Aya writes about SaaS startups, marketing for startups, search engine optimization, and pop culture.
Wing is a fully managed, dedicated virtual assistant experience designed to help startups and SMB teams offload time consuming, yet critical tasks and focus on things that matter.
