Lea Sims, CMT, FAAMTKim Buchanan, CMT, FAAMT
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity
Translating from oral to written form the record of a person’s encounter with a healthcare professional
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
• Strong English grammar• Compelling interest in the medical field• Superior research skills• Competent use of the computer• Keen listening skills• Fine attention to detail• Ability to sit (and concentrate) for long periods of time
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Doctor’s offices HospitalsMedical schools Legal officesInsurance companies Veterinary officesRehab facilities Radiology departmentsPathology departments ClinicsLaboratories Medical librariesResearch centers Medical transcription companies
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Quality Assurance Specialist EditorSupervisor TeacherManager Department HeadMentor/Trainer Business Owner
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Find a QUALITY medical transcription training program
•taught by qualified instructors, certified in the MT field
•based on the AHDI Model Curriculum, 3rd edition
•with access to a minimum of 30 hours of authentic physician dictation
•incorporating the Book of Style, 2nd edition
•with an advisory board that includes CMTs
•that offers job placement assistance
•that emphasizes excellence in medical transcription training in their advertising (rather than focusing on working from home)
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP) – collaboration of AHDI and AHIMA
Evaluates transcription programs and offers approval to those that meet a strict list of criteria
Approval good for 3 years
ACCP votes quarterly
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Are supported by industry employers
Have a proven track record of employable graduates
Have students that pass the RMT exam (83% pass rate)
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Approved programs • average 9 to 18 months in length• average approximately $3000 in cost• provide a minimum of 40 hours overall of authentic dictation• adhere to the Model Curriculum • encourage participation in your professional organization (AHDI)
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
To narrow down your options, ask yourself these questions:
Are you disciplined enough to study from home, or do you need to be in the classroom to focus?
Do you need deadlines, or would you rather work at your own pace? (the difference between open enrollment and seasonal enrollment programs)
Do you prefer direct contact with an instructor, or is email communication okay?
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
What is their student:teacher ratio
Are the teachers experienced MTs?
What kind of feedback from your teacher can you expect?
Do they accept financial aid or offer a payment plan?
What is included in the quoted cost of the program?
What equipment do you need if you’re studying online?
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Level 1 exam geared toward recent graduates and transcriptionists with limited experience
Two-part exam: multiple choice and practical
Successful candidates earn the RMT credential – good for 3 years
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Online Prep Assessment Courses
RMT Review Guide published by Stedmans
Book of Style Student Workbook published by Stedmans
Cost of exam: $120 AHDI members, $200 nonmembers
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
National program recognized by the Department of Labor
Eligible: Graduates of approved schools who earn the RMT
Apprentices paired with employers for 2-year commitment
Apprentices paid an hourly wage that increases over the course of the commitment
Apprentices receive on-the-job training in acute care work
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Expect to work full-time until you’ve gained experience
Don’t expect to find the perfect job right out of school (though it does happen sometimes)
Many employers hire graduates of approved schools right away
Many employers hire RMTs right away
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Consider purchasing:Getting Your Foot in the Door: Two Years’ Experience Not RequiredA Career In Medical Transcription
E-books available through AHDI - $35
Full of valuable advice about the industry and finding your first job
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Employees can expect their employer to take taxes out of their paychecks. Some offer benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and even 401-k accounts.
Independent contractors own their own businesses. They are responsible for paying their own taxes. If they take time off from work, they don’t get paid.
Some companies hire independent contractors to work for them.
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS – www.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm
“medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $14.40 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.17 and $17.06. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.22, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $20.15. .”
ADVANCE MAGAZINE – 2007 Salary Survey – www.advanceforhim.com
“MTs reported an average salary of $27,829, up from 2006's $25,408.. “
“The number of certified medical transcriptionists (CMTs) rose about 1 percent from last year, and the pay for CMTs grew from $31,949 last year to a $37,864 in 2007.”
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Level 2 exam – geared toward transcriptionists with at least 2 years of acute care (hospital) experience
Two-part exam: multiple choice and practical
Successful candidates earn the CMT credential – good for 3 years
CMTs earn a minimum of 30 CECs every 3 years to maintain their credential
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Online Prep Assessment Courses
CMT Review Guide published by Stedmans
Cost of exam: $195 AHDI members, $275 nonmembers
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a need for 5.3 million healthcare workers
Supply not keeping up with demand
MTIA predicts 25,000 current openings
Aging population will put incredible pressure on our unprepared healthcare system
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
FRONT END: Physician dictates into a computer program, a draft copy of the report appears on the screen, physician edits the report and then signs off on it. It goes into the patient’s record.
Pros: Record available as soon as doctor dictates, no transcription costs
Cons: Not cost-effective for physicians to spend their time editing, no “checks and balances,” physicians are resisting
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
BACK END: Physician dictates into a computer program, draft copy of report sent to transcription for editing, transcriptionist edits report and sends back to doctor, doctor signs off, report goes into record.
Pros: Provides “checks and balances,” physicians don’t have to edit, editing can be faster than transcribing
Cons: Some physicians are not good candidates for speech rec (ESL, poor dictators, etc.), can be expensive to implement
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Physicians use laptop computers to enter patient information directly into patient’s medical record using drop-down menus and small text fields.
Pros: Information immediately available and in the record, no transcription costs
Cons: Expensive, physicians act as transcriptionists, no “checks and balances,” relies on technology (which doesn’t always work properly), does not allow for “narrative” which tells the patient’s story, some physicians are resisting
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
- for professionals willing to commit to lifelong learning- for professionals willing to embrace standards and credentialing- for professionals looking for a career and not just a job
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
Lea Sims, CMT, FAAMT – [email protected] of Communications and Publications, AHDI
Kim Buchanan, CMT, FAAMT – [email protected] of Credentialing and Education, AHDI
AHDI – Association for Healthcare Documentation IntegrityWEBSITE: www.ahdionline.org
AHDI ** www.ahdionline.org
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