Saturday, July 9, 2011

Top Ten Disadvantages Of Working From Home As A Transcriptionist

I read an article discussing the disadvantages of working from home - as a transcriptionist. Here's the list:

  • Missing Relationships

  • Lethargy

  • Distractions

  • Tend To Over Work

  • Employee Benefits

  • Owning And Maintaining A Workstation

  • Book Keeping

  • Financial Security

  • Backup Action Plans


The list above applies not only to MTs but all industries as well. It's also a case-to-case basis, depending on how you mentally prepare yourself to be in this situation, how you handle things and what works for you while working at home.

I kind of like the idea which is why I'm working at home for the past six (6) months now. However, I'm not without problems. One of the biggest challenge was to find the right employer (yes working at home does not mean you are you're own boss, and most of us really are employees as well, but on a different working environment - well sort of). I moved to three (3) different employers in the span of six (6) months. Perhaps it's me, but I also have some issues with those employers as well. It should be a win-win situation and that both parties respect and understand each others situation.  Over that short period of time, I learned to adapt.

Don't get me wrong, there are also benefits of working at home, that's why a lot people are enticed to doing so. However, when not prepared, and you don't instill discipline, you'll wind up with all these troubles presented above.

Source: mtherald.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Choosing the Right Medical Transcription Training

I read a good article yesterday on choosing the right medical transcription training/program and I ought to share it with you guys:

The medical transcription industry has gone from one offering virtually no formal training options a couple of decades ago, to one that has attracted an increasing number of participants – not all of which are reputable. To be fair, many of these training programs are well meaning. However, some are simply ill-prepared to deliver a training experience that will yield a positive career outcome.



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="477" caption="Medical Transription"]Medical Transription[/caption]



 

This is definitely true in our country. Yes, there are good institutions but some are just fly-by-nights and just take advantage of the current trends and demands. Simply put, they are only after your money, so be wary of these unscrupulous institutions.

Remember – you can spend just as much time and money (and in many cases much, much more) on a second or third rate program as you can on a first rate program. In my experience, I have found that most people who select one of these lesser options do so for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Effectiveness of their marketing messages
2. Perceived low price of the program
3. Lack of available information regarding alternative training options

When evaluating any MT training program, consider what your ultimate goals are. Many people who express an interest in the MT career field have two primary goals:

1. To get a good job upon graduation
2. To work from home as a medical transcriptionist upon graduation

Both of these goals depend on the ability of the training program you choose to deliver a marketable education and to facilitate a number of positive post-graduation employment opportunities.

So when you consider the cost of a program that is fundamentally incapable of delivering on either of your goals, then what initially seemed like a great value can quickly turn out to be one of the most expensive and frustrating options imaginable.

Ultimately you should do your homework and ask the hard questions. Look at the evidence of how existing transcription employers view the training program you are considering. In the end, there are few decisions you will make that will ultimately prove to be more important to the success of your career.

In choosing a training center, you should pick up the points stated above. Strike a balance on the price and the value of money that you will get out of the program in the long term.

Cheers.

 

Source: www.mtworld.com

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Difference Between Medical Billing, Medical Coding and Medical Transcription?

It can be confusing when talking about medical billing, medical coding and medical transcription. People often use them interchangeably when in fact they're all separate functions. They're all areas of medical assisting job expertise and many people have successful careers or own work at home businesses in these fields.

Medical coders and medical billers work in doctor's offices and clinics, in hospitals or for dentists. All three fields require a background or knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and you'll be using special billing or coding or other software.

A medical transcriber transcribes medical records. These are usually the doctor's notes, progress notes, etc. or those of other health professionals such as dentists. You need to be proficient in typing as you'd be doing a lot of it. Many people work from home as medical transcribers too.

I just learned of medical coding and medical billing a month or two ago, but find those fields exciting and challenging. I'm still in the process of developing my skills but already is looking forward to move to the next level.

Source: ezinearticles.com