Medical Transcription Line Counting Quick Tip

Most medical transcriptionists are paid by the line. It is fairly standard now on your word processing program to have built in line and word counters, with or without spaces. I use Microsoft Word and it has this feature.

The normal line is usually considered to be 65 characters long. Every letter, symbol, and space between each word is included in the character count. If you are counting your lines, group together your shorter line to make one line. If you have half lines do not charge the doctor for a whole line.

Marilyn Roberts

Medical Transcription Record Keeping

A medical transcriptionist has to keep track of the number of lines, words, pages, etc., that they type on a daily basis. Sometimes they are required to keep records of patient names, tape numbers, etc.

You need good record keeping in case of missing dictations in a patient's file. Hospitals and clinics are very busy all of the time and sometimes you will have to send them a copy of a dictation that you did in the past. I have to do this fairly often. Sometimes it will be for a transcription I did weeks or months ago. It is your job as an MT to keep track of all transcriptions that you do.

You can use a data base on your computer to store this information. A spiral notebook can be used for keeping track of your line and word count if you are not provided with forms to use by the healthcare provider.

Keeping good records is a part of the job, so set up the system you will be using as you are setting up your office.

Marilyn Roberts