How to Transcribe a Pathology Report
Medical transcription requires knowledge in medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, as well as a good handle on grammar, prefixes, suffixes and root words. Along with this, proper equipment and keen hearing will better your career as a medical transcriptionist.
Things You Will Need:
- Noise-Canceling Headset
- PC or Laptop
- Word Processing Software
- Foot Pedal
- Audio Playback Software
- Medical Dictionary
- Make sure you have both a word processing and audio playback software installed onto your computer. Many transcriptionists utilize Scribe as their playback software; however, whichever audio playback software you have chosen must allow the use of a foot pedal.
- Test your foot pedal within your playback software to guarantee compatibility.
- Download your assignment from your employer. Once common to use cassette tapes to relay reports between the health care professional and medical transcriptionist, medical professionals now digitally dictate and upload their reports. Transcriptionists download them onto their computers either through a thumb drive or a specific site requiring a log-in and password.
- Open a new document within your word processing software. Note, however, that some companies use specific software that their transcriptionists must transcribe therein.
- Select and play the audio you need to transcribe into a report, stopping when necessary.
- Type your report as you listen. In general, pathology reports begin with the report number, patient name, admitting physician, pre- and postoperative diagnoses, specimen type submitted, and received and reported dates.
- Proofread your report thoroughly, flagging your report with any uncertainties or discrepancies. Utilize your medical dictionary, looking up any unfamiliar terms.
- Format your report. Of note, formats vary by company; therefore, refer to your company’s guidelines.
- Listen to the audio again, reading along with your edited report. Make any necessary changes.
- Submit your report via secured email or encrypted website.