HomeAbout UsCareersServicesFAQContact Us
Home > InterScribe FAQ's..
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medical Transcription?

'Medical Transcription' is the process of converting medical information from an audio form (dictation) into accurate medical reports in the text form (electronic and print).

What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?

Medical transcriptionists are medical language specialists who possess a unique set of core competencies in order to convert voice to text. In the Health Information Management (HIM) arena, professional medical transcriptionists serve as a vital cog in the accuracy and hence reliability of the patient's medical record.

Why is Medical Transcription important?

The quality, timeliness and confidentiality of medical documentation is more important today than ever before. The use of electronic medical records and the wide variety of treatment options as well as greater patient awareness means that documenting patient care is an important legal and medical requirement. This, coupled with the advent of government regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States coupled with more and more insurance company requirements are key drivers for efficient, accurate and secure medical transcription.

Increased pressure on healthcare finances are driving budget cuts on capital expenses and staff reductions. This coupled with a shortage of qualified medical transcriptionists globally has created demand for Interscribe’s New Zealand based labor to deliver high quality, efficient and timely service to hospitals around the globe.

What are the types of records that get transcribed?

There are numerous kinds of reports; however, the most frequently encountered are:

  • History and Physical Examination Reports
    This report is typically created the first time a patient presents to the clinician. It includes information about the patient's past health problems, family's health problems, social history, current health concerns, and the findings of the physician's physical examination of the patient.

  • Consultation Reports
    These are typically business letters/reports written by physicians to share patient information with other physicians and with insurance companies.

  • Operative Reports
    This is a detailed report of a surgical procedure, or operation.

  • Discharge Summary Reports
    A report is dictated when a patient leaves the hospital, and it includes a summary of the patient's tests and treatments, discharge medications, and plans for future care.
The preceding four reports are called the Basic 4, and are the primary reports transcribed. In addition, medical Transcriptionists frequently transcribe the following reports:

  • Emergency department report
  • Radiology report
  • Pathology report
  • Chart Notes
How can I find out more about Medical Transcription?

You can visit the following sites to learn more about what we do;


© INTERSCRIBE Ltd. All Rights Reserved 2007