Medical Transcription Outsourcing
The role of medical transcription in the healthcare process cannot be overlooked, as it plays an important role in the creation of medical records of patients by converting audio files of the patient-healthcare professional encounter into a text format. Combining expertise of the service provider and appropriate technology, creation of medical records is done with maximum accuracy & security, minimum turnaround time and at reasonable prices. Creation of medical records plays an important role in the following areas of the healthcare facility:
Patient care
Referrals/ tests/procedures/ therapies Risk management by providing record of allergies, interaction of drugs
Statutory requirements
Evidence in case of litigation
Coding and billing for reimbursement purposes
Research
Providing preventive care
An easy and cost-effective of ensuring the creation of accurate and timely medical records is to outsource the whole process. However while outsourcing it is important to ensure that the service provider is reliable. What is meant by reliable medical transcription services? The word “reliable” has been defined as an entity that can be relied upon for being consistent, dependable and trustworthy. A reliable service provider would have to meet the same criteria of being consistent, dependable and trustworthy. What is meant by consistent services in this context?
Accuracy: Accuracy of the information captured in the patient records is very important for both the operational as well as the commercial aspects of the healthcare facility. Accuracy needs to be consistently maintained at very high levels, using skilled specialist transcriptionists and multiple level quality checks to ensure consistent quality
Billing methods: The billing methods used by the service provider influences the pricing of services. It is important for the service provider to define the components of pricing and consistently use the same methodology, ensuring everyone is on the same page
What is meant by dependable services in this context?
Turnaround time: To be considered dependable, these services need to meet the turnaround time commitments given by them. Along with accuracy of the data, turnaround time plays a very important role in providing quality healthcare and speeding up the receivables cycle
Technology: Technology is an important component of dependable transcription services. Technology is important both for maintaining turnaround time commitments as well as securing confidential patient data during the process
What is meant by trustworthy services in this context?
HIPAA compliance: While outsourcing medical transcription it is important for the healthcare facility to determine the capability of the service provider in maintaining HIPAA compliance. To determine whether a vendor is trustworthy, the vendor needs to be evaluated on the measures taken to ensure HIPAA compliance with regard to technology, processes, infrastructure and people
While outsourcing it is important to take the time to assess the reliability of the medical transcription service provider.
