Top 7 Tips for All Medical Transcriptionists, New and Experienced

1. Find the best resources (word books, best medical transcription practices, drug books, cheat sheets, the list goes on). These resources will make or break you in a job as an MT. Some experts indicate you are only as good as those resources. I also believe that to be true. It is imperative to know where you need to go to get answers to your questions, the quicker the better. One suggestion would be to jot down anything you want to find out later that you don't have time to look up as you're transcribing. You want to investigate these things each day. Don't let a list grow and grow. That would cause frustration everytime you come to that same question. If the answer you need is not found in your resource material then find someone like a co-worker or mentor who will help you with answers to your questions.
2. Use autocorrects or expanders. These are a must. When you transcribe for a living, every keystroke that you save adds to increased productivity which in turn means more money in your paycheck. The wear on your fingers and wrists would also be minimized. The autocorrects you can use are endless. You may think you don't have time to stop and add them, but in the long run it is going to save you just that; time. A medical transcriptionist should only be looking up something once. For instance, if you look up a drug spelling or whether it is capitalized or not, that should be the only time you look it up. Add it right then to your autocorrects for the next time you'll need it. I put in such shortcuts as year-old (1yo, 2yo, etc.) and month-old (1mo, 2mo, etc.) that save me keystrokes each day. The key here is for the autocorrects to make sense to you so you remember them.
3. Use cheat sheets. As an MT, I cannot work without them. The number of cheat sheets you use will increase as the number of specialties you type for increases. Many of your co-workers will share their cheat sheets if you just ask them. Another idea would be to ask those you work with to develop a cheat sheet or two with you since you are all typing for the same specialties. Together you can figure out certain phrases or words that a doctor is using and get them on the sheet for future use. How many times do you see something typed that isn't actually what the doctor dictated? A little research would eliminate that and putting something that is "close" to what they are dictating is really a disservice. Another way to flag something that you have looked up before in a reference book is by tagging it or highlighting it.
4. Obtain monthly information on what is new in the medical transcription field. Find a place that has a monthly newsletter where they provide you with the newest information pertaining to drugs, medical terminology, changes in rules for medical transcription, etc. It is your responsibility to keep up on all of this. It is such a positive that our community wants to help each other. If you are a new MT, you can accept help now and return the favor to others as you gain more experience. You may want to get on an e-mail list of medical transcriptionists where they pass around information that helps each other. These are a few examples of how to stay in touch with what is going on in the world of medical transcription.
5. Get resume help. Find someone, possibly a service, who can help with your resume. The time may come when you want to apply for another MT position so you should keep your resume current. A good resume is critical. Things have changed over the past few years as far as what a potential employer looks for in a resume. There are many do's and don'ts that you need to be aware of to even have your resume considered on the first go-round. There are countless applicants out there for every job you're competing for. One tip that I can share is that you need to have your resume on one page if at all possible.
6. Find the best document samples. These document samples are key to your day-to-day work. Where there are times you can type without one of these samples more often you will want one. Get a sample of what is in a physical examination and a review of systems. Get samples of any procedures or surgeries that you type on an on-going basis. How many times have you wondered if a symptom being dictated goes under musculoskeletal or extremities, cardiovascular or respiratory? I bet this sounds familiar! Search out the information before you require it.
7. Last but not least, ergonomics. You want to be comfortable when sitting at a computer and transcribing for at least 8 hours a day. First off, don't hesitate to get up and move around when you feel that is necessary. This will be doing yourself and your employer a favor. Taking care of your body is paramount. It will keep you working longer and healthier. Be sure to take scheduled breaks and lunches. It is a fact that you actually type faster and more accurately when you take your breaks and lunch on a daily basis. Make sure that you have the right chair and that your posture is correct for typing. It is critical to have the screen at the right level. Be sure to check out all of these items as you first set up the space in your office.
When you follow the above 7 tips for MTs, I know you will be more accurate and productive. Bottom line though is that by following these tips you will actually earn more in your paycheck.