What is acute-care medical transcription?
Each time a patient is admitted to a hospital, seen in an outpatient department, undergoes a surgical procedure, has an x-ray taken or a laboratory test performed, a physician is required to dictate a narrative report of the visit or test. These narratives (medical transcription voice files) are converted to printed format by a medical language specialist, otherwise known as a medical transcriptionist. Healthcare credentialing organizations require the transcribed narrative to verify the quality of patient care. These reports are considered of such high importance, a hospital unable to maintain timely turnaround of these reports runs a high risk of losing insurance and/or Medicare reimbursements. Insurance companies require transcribed medical reports before paying claims. Surgeons cannot receive reimbursement for services without the transcribed medical report. Patients are not taken to surgery without the transcribed History and Physical Examination on the chart. In some cases, patie
