This
is the first Avontix blog and we hope you’ll find it as hip and happening as
your workplace! Read on for tips and tricks that you can use during your wild
rides through medical transcription assignments. If there is anything else
you’d like us to cover, just let us know!
1. Stuck with a bad dictation? Make
some adjustments.
We
know some physicians could be so bad at dictations that you need to make
special adjustments. In case you are stuck with a bad dictation and are finding
it difficult to understand, try adjusting the tone of the transcriber to remove
bass. In case the transcriber has a bass control, use it to remove bass as much
as possible and voila, the words will appear clearer. This will however increase
static noise. This could be adjusted by varying the playback speed. Sometimes,
it helps if you let others listen to the unclear section and get their suggestions
on it. You could also skip the section, move on and then come back to hear it
again. Oftentimes, re-listening to an unclear section after a while makes it
easier to understand.
2. Telling a bad dictator he’s bad!
You
may find yourself pretty unfortunate when paired up with a dictator who is
chronically bad. In such a case, it is helpful to let the dictator know how he
can improve his dictation technique. You can simply provide some dictation tips
and send these along with a very courteous note saying how he can minimize
ambiguities in his dictation. You could also return the transcription by
leaving blank spaces for all unclear passages or blanks. If a dictator reverts
back saying that you aren’t skilled enough for the work, you could show him
successful transcription assignments previously done (after making sure you exclude
confidential information). This could help in making him understand and take
responsibility for a clear dictation. It would also do a favour for others in
your organization!
3. No guesses, dude!
It
is your responsibility not to guess about what you hear in the dictation. If a
particular dictation is not clear, and especially if it involves drug dosages,
drug names, therapy details, etc., making inaccurate guesses would actually be
life-threatening for the patient if the error goes unnoticed. The most ethical
and safe approach to an unclear dictation is leaving blank spaces wherever
required and bringing it to the notice of the dictating physician so he can
verify and help you complete an error-free transcription.
We’ll
be back with more tips and tricks! Until then, stay healthy, stay happy, and
stay productive!
For Careers in Medical Coding, Medical Transcription
Visit our website www.avontix.com