It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of a good medical transcription service – a simple spelling mistake or grammar mistake could mean the difference between a patient receiving the right orders or the insurance company claiming it has been cheated. Medical transcription services, however, have become such a valuable tool that it’s hard to imagine a world without it – it’s just a matter of finding the one that gives you valuable service and impeccable quality for a reasonable cost. And that’s where the problem is: how do you choose the right one? After all, the Internet is full of companies which claim to be the best. Looking for the perfect transcription service but not sure how to get it? Here’s your complete guide to making the right choice for a medical transcription service.
Think about the turnaround time
The reason for your dictation is not only because it is more convenient; it’s primarily because it saves you time. It would be a mistake, therefore, to employ a service that does not make quick work of the assignments you give. Think about the turnaround time. Most transcription services offer a 24-hour period, depending on the recording’s length – any service that insists on a longer period without justification may not prioritise your work and leave you hanging.
Offshore communication?
Whilst it’s true that certain offshore services tend to be cheaper than the ones that are located in more familiar parts of the world, a lot has to be said about the quality of work they deliver. Often a simple browse through the website will tell you the whole story – are there grammatical errors or spelling mistakes? You want quality transcription services – it’s very important.
Checking their quality control
Good transcription services will not just be happy with a typed document. There will be checking. In fact, there will be at least two, sometimes even as many as four, layers of proofing. Ask about quality control.
Specialty required?
If your practice is in a specialised field, make sure the company can provide the specialised service you require – they have to understand what you’re talking about, after all.
To make sure you get absolutely exactly what you need, get some valuable tips from those who have been in the business for many years. Firstly, understand your own workflow and your own requirements. List them down, and communicate them clearly. Secondly, make sure your have everything covered in the contract, so any and all obligations are clearly understood. And finally, don’t fall for all the flashy features the potential service might offer – make sure you pay only for what you need. As said, the right company for you is out there, but don’t be fooled. Insist on quality, and insist on openness. There’s simply too much at stake.
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