Medical scribes are allied health paraprofessionals who specialize in recording physician-patient encounters in real time. They also fill out forms needed for patient care. They can earn a competitive salary. Learn more about the job duties and education requirements below. You can also find out about the work environment and salary.
Job duties
A medical scribe’s primary responsibility is to document the doctor’s orders, which can include diagnostic procedures, prescriptions, and consultations with patients and family members. In addition, he or she will record the physician’s interpretation of the data. A medical scribe’s job description may also include discharge instructions for patients.
The skills necessary to work as a medical scribe include using transcription and electronic medical record software. This role requires extensive knowledge of medical terminology, including pharmacology and diagnostic procedures. Medical scribes must also be able to manage and organize information, including information that may be confidential. In addition, they must be able to prioritize multiple tasks and adhere to strict confidentiality laws.
Salary
A medical scribe earns about $8 per hour and can work a flexible schedule. Depending on the location, they may work a couple of shifts per week for eight to twenty-four hours. In addition, they are responsible for assisting physicians when they need to make a phone call. Some medical scribes even alert physicians when lab results are ready.
Salaries for medical scribes typically increase every 16 months. Although this is the national average, some salaries are higher than others, and individual performance and contributions can impact the salary.
Education required
Whether you are interested in working in the healthcare industry or just want to learn more about the medical field, a career as a medical scribe is a great choice. Typically, a medical scribe will need a college degree, as well as certifications in medical transcription and office administration. The salary for a medical scribe can vary, but you can expect to earn a good wage once you have enough experience. Medical scribes who have experience with computer software will often make a higher salary than those with only a high school diploma.
As a medical scribe, you will gain a variety of skills by shadowing physicians and learning from other medical scribes. As a result, a willingness to learn is an important asset. Keep in mind that this job requires a lot of fast-paced and stressful environments. You may be working in emergency rooms or urgent care facilities, where you are constantly surrounded by life-or-death decisions.
Work environment
Working as a medical scribe in a hospital or physician’s office can be an exciting career choice for aspiring medical professionals. These professionals provide advanced support to doctors and other healthcare providers, from documenting patient evaluation results to alerting physicians when labs are complete. Whether you’re a recent college graduate or have years of experience, a career as a medical scribe may be the perfect fit for you.
A medical scribe role requires strong communication skills, and a strong attention to detail. They must be able to type at a speed of forty to sixty words per minute and be able to listen to the patient’s needs. Additionally, they should be tech-savvy and comfortable working with a variety of software systems.
