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Are work-from-home jobs in Medical Transcription real? There are online advertisements every day telling us Sally Jones makes $100 a day working from the luxury of her own home. There are even signs plastered on telephone poles telling us that hundreds of people “just like you” work from home every day. Then your doubt kicks in: are those jobs even real? In most cases, these advertisements are just trying to sell us something rather than provide a viable income. However, as a Medical Transcription/Healthcare Documentation graduate, there are plenty of legitimate and worthwhile career options for those wanting to work from home.
If you’re asking if Medical Transcription/Healthcare Documentation is a viable career, this article is for you. Here are some options below to help you discover what you can do with a career in Medical Transcription/Healthcare Documentation.
MTs (now referred to as Medical Transcription/Healthcare Documentation Specialists or MT/HDS’s) have been employed in many different areas while also working from home. This has not changed. In fact, transcription has been made even easier due to the Internet. As an employee, Sally Jones can type for a Rapid Transcription Company 8 hours per day, even work a split shift, and still receive healthcare benefits and PTO (paid time off).
In the online environment, it has become even easier to find employment working from home because there is no longer the need for MTs to acquire specialized computers with preloaded software. There is no requirement to invest in anything except high-speed Internet, reference materials, and a foot pedal. As an MT/HDS, all you need is an up-to-date computer and the ability to follow standard privacy and confidentiality procedures.
Working from home does not only apply to employees. Some people in the MT/HDS profession prefer being a Business Associate or a subcontractor. These folks are usually known as ICs (independent contractors) and establish their own business contracts with providers.
An MT/HDS can be a subcontractor for a physiotherapy clinic, a doctor’s office, or even a veterinary practice. They carry insurance and usually have to sign contracts and documents ensuring the protection of patient health information. They can arrange to physically pick up work and take it home to transcribe, or they can do it all online. They can also print out hard copies of documents or can simply send the files back electronically to be printed or stored at the facility.
Another option for jobs in Medical Transcription is through an existing medical records department or transcription department. Many hospitals and clinics no longer have in-house transcription space and have chosen instead to send their employees home. It makes more sense to employers as fewer sick days are utilized, more productivity gains, and less turnover rate.
Why? Because most people, especially busy career women with families, would prefer to be at home working rather than commuting to a job and having to spend money on cars, gas, and wardrobes. More importantly, the family-oriented MT/HDS prefers not to entrust their children to daycare and bear the exorbitant expense.
Working from home has its downsides as well. The most prevalent complaint is an interruption or people not understanding that MT/HDS have a “real job.” It is far too easy for family and friends to impose upon someone who works at home unless the MT/HDS is diligent about setting boundaries.
Self-discipline and the ability to plan and prioritize are crucial for anyone working at home but even more so for those looking for jobs in medical transcription. The need for absolute concentration and devotion to the task at hand is imperative to keep up accuracy rates and production. Jobs in Medical Transcription are very rewarding, but balance is key in this field.
So, you’ll have to ask yourself, “Do you want a career that has great earning potential and that you can do from home?” Most students would shout a resounding “Yes!” It is a career that has great advancement potential and where you can earn good money, about $30,000 to $52,000 per year on average. Now, do you have the self-discipline to make it work? Take our Distance Learning Assessment to find out.
Jobs in Medical Transcription are real, and there are plenty of honest and worthwhile options. Did you find our post helpful? Follow CanScribe on our Facebook page, and see what other tips we have!