Applying for a virtual medical scribe job? There’s more to know than just the requirements.
Being a virtual medical scribe in 2024 can be lucrative, but you also need to prepare for this role. This job doesn’t just transcribe patient and doctor conversations.
A virtual medical scribe plays a significant role in the healthcare industry, impacting physicians’ productivity, the healthcare team’s efficiency, and the quality of patient care.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled all the information you need to know below.
Empowering Thousands of Practices Nationwide
What’s a virtual medical scribe?
Virtual medical scribes are trained experts who assist doctors in documenting their patient interactions.
To help with their administrative workload, medical scribes swoop in and handle tasks that don’t necessarily need the doctors’ main expertise. Scribes manage patient charts, answer patients’ inquiries, and verify insurance details with providers.
In larger facilities, a medical scribe (usually a seasoned, highly skilled one) handles more than one doctor.
Responsibilities of a remote medical scribe
Remote medical scribes are often preoccupied with these tasks:
1. Real-time documentation
Scribes will capture detailed notes during patient visits, including their medical histories, exam findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans. These notes are then directly entered into the Electronic Health Record (EH) systems.
2. Chart preparation
They prepare patient charts before visits and check past medical records, summarizing the most relevant details.
3. Order entry
Scribes also enter orders for lab tests, imaging, and prescriptions as directed by the physician they’re assisting.
4. Communication
They facilitate communication between the physician they’re helping and other urgent care professionals. Virtual scribes ensure that messages, orders, and documentation are relayed accurately.
5. Compliance and confidentiality
Virtual scribes strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect the patient’s privacy. Physicians expect them to be trained in applying these rules in the clinical workplace.
How do you become a virtual medical scribe?
Just like other jobs, nothing comes easy, especially if you’re not willing to take the necessary steps to get hired as a scribe by providers. We highly recommend you follow these steps to increase your chances of being hired, especially if you have zero experience in the medical field:
1. Do your due diligence
Research about the role. Understand its scope and hear from people who have been there and done that. For example, you can connect with medical scribes and healthcare providers on LinkedIn. You can also search TikToks about scribes who are sharing their experience.
2. Learn medical terminology
If you have zero background in healthcare jobs, we strongly suggest you study before applying for this role. Consider enrolling in a healthcare-related training program or an online virtual scribe course. It must cover the basics of medical scribing, anatomy, pediatrics, and clinical terminology.
3. Hone your core skills
As a virtual scribe, doctors expect you to easily navigate your way through EHR systems and remote working software. You also need to sharpen your typing skills, attention to detail, and communication skills. These are all critical attributes that ensure you document patient data accurately and completely.
4. Take time and gain practical experience
If you’re still studying, make sure to complete your on-the-job training. Employers will likely ask about this, especially if you’re applying with zero experience. On the other hand, if you’re already working, you can volunteer at a clinical facility.
5. Update and polish your CV
Aspiring but lazy virtual scribes won’t go far in this industry, as even the smallest details matter the most in applications. That’s why don’t slack around when updating and polishing your CV. You can learn a thing or two from mentors or influencers who work in the medical industry. For example, you can follow Med School Insiders, The Scribe Coach, and Jennifer Prince.
Advantages of working as a virtual medical scribe
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Flexibility. You have the ability to work anytime, anywhere since you won’t be working at a physical office. All you need is a reliable internet speed and a comfortable working environment at home.
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After-hours option. You could work after hours, which is beneficial if you’re still studying during the day.
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Competitive pay. Since physicians can save on overhead costs, they might be willing to pay more for a full time role, especially if you’re experienced.
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Career advancement. Your experience as a full time medical scribe can help you advance to roles such as a clinical research facilitator, senior medical scribe, or even medical technologist.
