facebook image

How to Be a Virtual Medical Scribe: Tips for Success and Challenges

The rise of telemedicine has introduced many new roles in the healthcare industry, including the Virtual Medical Scribe. These professionals are essential in ensuring doctors and healthcare providers can focus more on patient care and less on documentation.

According to a report by the American Medical Association, more physicians have been using tele-visits/virtual visits, growing from 14% in 2016 to 80% in 2022. More doctors are also using remote monitoring devices.

This rapid growth in technology adoption led to the demand for additional virtual support roles, including virtual scribes. These professionals can manage the increased documentation associated with telehealth services.

This article explores the benefits of being a virtual medical scribe, the specific requirements and required skills, and how to excel in this dynamic role.

Having a virtual medical scribe has transformed my workflow efficiency!

What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?

A virtual medical scribe is a healthcare professional who assists physicians remotely by documenting patient encounters in real time. Operating from a remote location, they listen to consultations, take detailed notes, and update the patient information within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

By managing medical documentation themselves, virtual scribes reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers, enabling them to spend more time engaging with patients and improving care delivery. This remote model has become increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

Benefits of Being a Virtual Scribe

how to be a virtual medical scribe benefits

Working as a virtual medical scribe comes with several advantages:

1. Flexibility

Virtual scribes can work from anywhere, making it an ideal job for individuals seeking remote opportunities.

For example, if you need a career that balances work with caring for your toddler, you can apply for a spot at a scribe service company. Once hired, you can work from home during your child’s nap times. With a flexible schedule, you can also contribute to your household income without needing daycare.

Virtual scribes can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and the required equipment. This makes them suitable for stay-at-home parents, digital nomads, or individuals living in areas with limited in-person job opportunities.

Companies like DocVA and Robin Healthcare offer both full-time and part-time remote roles, allowing employees to customize their work hours.

2. Exposure to Healthcare

This role offers firsthand insights into medical practice, making it a great stepping stone for those considering a career in healthcare.

Say, if you want first-hand professional experience, even as a pre-med student, you can work as a virtual scribe for a cardiologist. Through this role, you can learn about complex heart conditions and treatments.

The hands-on exposure will help you stand out during medical school applications, as you could discuss real-world cases and EHR experience in interviews.

3. Demand

With the continued growth of telemedicine, the demand for skilled scribes is on the rise.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of telemedicine surged by over 38% globally. As physicians adjusted to digital consultations, the demand for remote scribes skyrocketed.

For instance, companies like ProScribe reported a 25% increase in job openings to support remote practices.

The growth of telemedicine has cemented virtual scribing as a critical support role. Hospitals, private clinics, and telehealth platforms actively seek skilled scribes to streamline operations, leading to consistent job opportunities.

This trend is expected to grow, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a steady increase in healthcare support roles over the next decade.

4. Skill Development

Virtual scribes develop strong documentation, communication, and medical terminology skills, which can enhance their career prospects.

Even if you don’t have a prior medical background, a scribe agency can still hire you.

Who knows? Over six months, you could already master d medical terminology, learn to navigate EHR systems, and improve your typing speed to 80 words per minute.

These skills could eventually lead to a promotion to a team lead role overseeing a group of scribes.

5. Work-Life Balance

Many roles offer part-time or flexible schedules, accommodating students or individuals with other commitments.

If you’re a full-time Nursing student, for example, you can take on a part-time scribe position to fund your studies. With a schedule that allows you to work evenings, you can attend classes during the day while gaining relevant healthcare experience.

Many companies allow scribes to pick shifts that suit their lifestyles, creating a balance between work, studies, or personal obligations.

Skills and Qualifications Required

To thrive as a virtual medical scribe, you need a mix of technical skills, medical knowledge, and personal attributes:

  1. Strong Typing and Listening Skills: Virtual scribes must transcribe clinical notes in real time with speed and accuracy.

  2. Familiarity with Medical Terminology: Understanding terms used in healthcare ensures accurate documentation.

  3. EHR Proficiency: Experience with electronic health records is crucial for updating patient charts efficiently.

  4. Attention to Detail: Precision in recording information is essential to avoid errors in medical records.

  5. Communication Skills: Clear communication with physicians and team members ensures smooth workflow.

  6. Adaptability: Managing different cases and adapting to varied medical specialties is key.

Doctor's Time Distribution: Patient Care vs. Paperwork

No Data Found

This pie chart illustrates the time distribution of doctors between patient care and paperwork. For every hour spent with patients, doctors spend two hours on documentation, highlighting a significant administrative burden. This imbalance contributes to burnout, emphasizing the need for AI-powered solutions like Abridge to streamline medical documentation and improve efficiency.

Becoming a Virtual Medical Scribe

Step 1: Understand the Role

Research the responsibilities of a virtual scribe. This process includes familiarising yourself with the job’s demands and understanding what physicians expect.

Step 2: Meet Basic Requirements

Most employers require:

  • A high school diploma (though higher education in health sciences is a plus).

  • Strong English proficiency for international roles.

  • Experience or coursework in medical terminology or healthcare fields.

Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience

VMS Guide

Prior experience in healthcare, such as a medical assistant or transcriptionist, can be advantageous. Volunteering or shadowing in medical environments can also provide valuable exposure.

Step 4: Apply to Virtual Scribe Positions

Start with entry-level positions or scribe-focused agencies, which often provide on-the-job training.

Virtual Medical Scribe Training and Education

While many positions offer training, having a foundational knowledge of medical practices can set you apart. Training typically covers:

  • EHR Navigation: Familiarity with platforms like Epic or Cerner.

  • Medical Terminology: Understanding terms and abbreviations used in different specialties.

  • Charting Guidelines: Learning how to format patient notes and adhere to legal documentation standards.

  • HIPAA Compliance: Ensuring all documentation aligns with privacy regulations.

Online courses or certifications in medical scribing can be an excellent investment for aspiring scribes.

Effortless Virtual Medical Scribe Solutions with DocVA

DocVA provides seamless, real-time virtual medical scribe support, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care while we handle accurate documentation. Our HIPAA-compliant, AI-powered solution enhances workflow efficiency, reduces administrative burden, and ensures precise medical records—empowering providers with more time for what matters most: their patients.

How to become vms

Job Opportunities and Career Advancement

Virtual scribing roles are available across various platforms, agencies, and healthcare providers. Some notable companies include:

  • DocVA

  • ScribeAmerica

  • ProScribe

  • Robin Healthcare

  • Augmedix

With experience, virtual scribes can advance into roles like team leads, trainers, or EHR specialists. Some even transition into other healthcare professions, such as nursing, medical coding, or healthcare administration.

Compensation and Benefits

The earning potential for virtual medical scribes varies depending on experience, location, and the employer. Typically, scribes earn:

  • Entry-Level Salaries: $10–$15/hour

  • Experienced Roles: $18–$25/hour

Many companies also offer benefits such as health insurance, flexible schedules, and opportunities for career growth.

Overcoming Challenges as a Virtual Medical Scribe

overcoming challenges

While rewarding, the role comes with its challenges:

  1. Fast-Paced Work: Physicians often move quickly, requiring scribes to document efficiently.

  2. Technical Issues: Stable internet and functional equipment are crucial for a remote virtual scribe job.

  3. Emotional Pressure: Documenting sensitive medical cases can be emotionally taxing.

  4. Isolation: Working remotely may lack the camaraderie of an in-person work environment.

Tips to Overcome Challenges:

  • Use Note Templates: Pre-prepared templates can speed up documentation.

  • Invest in Reliable Equipment: A good headset, a fast computer, and stable internet are essential in virtual medical scribe services.

  • Practice Self-Care: Take breaks and debrief with peers if needed to manage emotional strain.

Best Practices for Virtual Medical Scribes

To excel in this role:

  • Be Prepared: Familiarize yourself with the physician’s preferences and specialization.

  • Maintain Confidentiality: Follow HIPAA guidelines rigorously.

  • Enhance Skills Continuously: Keep learning about medical practices and EHR updates.

  • Communicate Effectively: Build rapport with physicians and clarify uncertainties promptly.

The Role of Virtual Medical Scribes in Healthcare

Virtual medical scribes are integral to modern healthcare systems. They take over the administrative workload, enabling providers to focus on delivering quality patient care. Their work directly impacts efficiency, patient satisfaction, and physician well-being.

Additionally, virtual medical scribes will be more critical as healthcare embraces digital transformation.

About Nathan Barz, CEO, DocVA

Nathan Barz is dedicated to integrating virtual assistants into healthcare practices across the United States, Canada, and beyond. With firsthand experience in healthcare, he has successfully implemented virtual medical assistant services in numerous practices, improving profitability and service quality and reducing staff burnout. Nathan firmly believes virtual assistants are the solution to addressing staffing shortages and economic challenges in the healthcare industry.

View all posts by Nathan Barz, CEO, DocVA