Should a medical transcriptionist modify a speaker's sentence so that it makes sense?

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Each speaker who dictates information for a report that is to be typed has his own way of speaking. Many times a transcriptionist may get what others may consider half a sentence, or simple phrases. It is important to remember when interviewing for this position that the interviewer has likely done transcription or is, at the very least, very familiar with what you have to do. Using your knowledge of medical transcription, how reports are dictated, and your experience as a transcriptionist to answer this question.

"Modifying a report for proper grammar is acceptable. However, changing the order of a report, or any information is not. If there is ever any question, it is always best to contact the speaker for clarification and then type the report according to their response."

"I think the answer to this question can vary, depending upon how the information was dictated for the report. Some doctors use the same order of information and expect transcriptionists to add the appropriate information. For example, I once worked with a doctor who would state the patient's name, date of birth, and vital signs, always in the temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration order. He would not actually say 'temperature' or 'pulse'. I had to learn his method of dictating information so that I could type the report accurately in a way that others could read it and understand it. In these instances, it was necessary to modify the speaker's sentence to make the report accurate. However, I do not advise any transcriptionist to add information that was not part of the speaker's findings to embellish the language of the report."

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How to Answer: Should a medical transcriptionist modify a speaker's sentence so that it makes sense?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical Transcriptionist job interview.

17. Should a medical transcriptionist modify a speaker's sentence so that it makes sense?

How to Answer

Each speaker who dictates information for a report that is to be typed has his own way of speaking. Many times a transcriptionist may get what others may consider half a sentence, or simple phrases. It is important to remember when interviewing for this position that the interviewer has likely done transcription or is, at the very least, very familiar with what you have to do. Using your knowledge of medical transcription, how reports are dictated, and your experience as a transcriptionist to answer this question.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 22nd, 2019

Entry Level

"Modifying a report for proper grammar is acceptable. However, changing the order of a report, or any information is not. If there is ever any question, it is always best to contact the speaker for clarification and then type the report according to their response."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I think the answer to this question can vary, depending upon how the information was dictated for the report. Some doctors use the same order of information and expect transcriptionists to add the appropriate information. For example, I once worked with a doctor who would state the patient's name, date of birth, and vital signs, always in the temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration order. He would not actually say 'temperature' or 'pulse'. I had to learn his method of dictating information so that I could type the report accurately in a way that others could read it and understand it. In these instances, it was necessary to modify the speaker's sentence to make the report accurate. However, I do not advise any transcriptionist to add information that was not part of the speaker's findings to embellish the language of the report."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 22nd, 2019

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