Medical Transcription:Transcription has long been the standard for documenting patient encounters. It is more convenient for a provider as compared to handwritten notes or electronic data entry. There are many advantages of transcription in comparison to point and click charting. There are a few disadvantages as well.
Advantages * Corresponds intuitively to the physician's usual method of working. Dictation remains the most intuitive and least time-consuming means of data entry.
* Physicians can dictate anytime, anywhere using PDA, Dictaphone or telephone at their convenience.
* Providers need not change the way they practice just to accommodate an
EMR.
EMR can interact with transcription service so that transcriptions can be attached directly into the patient's electronic medical record, if such a facility is provided by the
EMR vendor.
* Provides expressive power to describe patient's condition and other health related events
Disadvantages * Details of the exam can easily be forgotten and omitted while dictating, if dictation is not captured immediately at the point of care
* It cannot be queried for generating reports unless transcribed in pre-formatted templates
* Transcribed reports are not immediately accessible. Physicians would normally have to wait for 12 to 24 hours for charts to be delivered, unless few vendors supporting 2-4 hours short turn around time.
* Transcription provides for more efficient use of doctor's time.
* Although average transcribed report costs $2 to $4, it can reduce the doctor's time spent on data entry. Considering the value of doctor's time, transcription is not a costly proposition.
