Transcription supervisors also listen to dictation and correct errors in staff reports.
Medical transcription involves typing, or transcribing, physician and clinician audio into medical reports and information using word processing software. The transcribed medical information then becomes part of a patient's permanent medical record. In larger health care organizations, medical transcriptionists report to a transcription supervisor who oversees the functions of the transcription department.
Industry Changes
With the advent of digital transcription, or software that automatically converts the clinician audio into typed text, transcription is evolving. The role of the transcription supervisor is also changing. In some cases, the supervisor may oversee a staff that types dictated reports. In other cases, the supervisor may not oversee staff, but instead may work to edit and distribute automated reports. In many cases, the transcription supervisor performs a mix of the two.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a medical transcription supervisor vary depending on organization. Generally, the supervisor reviews random transcribed reports to ensure that the information is meeting quality standards for grammar, spelling, formatting and turn-around time. If discrepancies are found in reports, the transcription supervisor may flag the reports for follow-up by the physicians and clinicians, or for correction by the transcriptionist. The supervisor also sits on committees and attends meetings as required by the health care organization.
Work Environments
Transcription supervisors generally work in office settings during regular work hours. The majority of the day requires use of a computer, computer software and audio equipment. Transcription supervisors may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, outpatient facilities, transcription consulting companies and even governmental or legal agencies dealing with health care. A growing trend includes transcriptionists and transcription supervisors who work from home, performing transcription services via the Internet.
Qualifications
A transcription supervisor must possess an above-average knowledge of writing, grammar and spelling. The supervisor must also know anatomy, medical terminology and pharmacology. She should have full understanding of transcription practice guidelines for both transcribed reports and automated reports. A transcription supervisor generally also has experience managing staff as well as excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
Education and Certification
Transcriptionists generally complete a transcription diploma or certificate program through a community college or online program. Most health care organizations require transcriptionists at supervisory levels to complete an associate or bachelor's degree and receive certification. Certification marks a voluntary process for gaining a credential outside of education. Transcription credentials may be obtained through professional organizations such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. The AHDI provides the certified medical transcriptionist (CMT) and registered medical transcriptionists (RMT) credentials after successful completion of examinations.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical transcriptionists earn between $13 and $22, with certified transcriptionists earning the higher rate. Salary.com lists the median annual transcription supervisor salary in the United States as $50,535. Supervisor salaries depend on factors such as number of employees, years of experience, organization and industry.
Tags: transcription supervisor, health care, medical transcriptionists, transcription supervisor, Transcription supervisors, audio into, automated reports
