If you’re searching for quality medical transcription (MT) equipment and supplies, make sure that you find forums that discuss these. You may also choose to go to a website such as MT Products and find reviews for noted MT equipment. NexTag , the noted equipment website, also contains reviews and prices for MT equipment. Before you impulsively buy that transcription device, you can do the research for the right prices and which one actually suits your needs. You may not need to buy a recorder for $1,000 if you can find an equally competent one for $245. This may be a bit of an exaggeration yet as you look for the equipment, you will find that there are some supplies that do have similar price ranges.
Remember that supply quality is important, as it will have a great effect on your performance, which ultimately impacts your medical transcriptionist salary and certification status.
Below, you will find a mini-dictionary of MT equipment and supplies and a short description of their uses and/or usefulness. I have not included any brand names as you will have to choose according to your needs.
Desktop Microphone Dictation – Dictations can be digitally recorded directly on your personal computer. Management software is sometimes included. Combines the talents of both the author and transcriptionist so they can convert speech to text. These are also called SpeechMikes.
Digital Voice Recorders – To download files to your personal computer, using DVRs may be indispensable. Like cameras and other such digital equipment, you may use memory sticks or USB cables to link your voice recorder to your personal computer
Dictation Software – This software can be great for MT professionals who need a dictation application without tying up a dedicated telephone line or having to carry around a portable device.
DVD Transcribers – Relatively new devices that act as a stand-alone system, which means you do not need to use a PC or any other system to hook up. Since it is dedicated, there is no fear of Internet hackers snooping around or messing up your databases or sensitive information. *NOTE: Very expensive equipment.
Encryption Software – If you are worried about hackers and don’t utilize a stand-alone system, this software will protect your sensitive information by encrypting and moving around your files safely.
Foot Pedals & Software Systems – Foot pedals are very useful for hands-free devices. There are so many types depending on your dictation machines and the software you require.
Headsets – They range in price from about $12 to $50, depending on how much noise reduction and amplification you need, for example, and if you need a Dictaphone plug.
Line Counters – You want to get paid, don’t you? Well, many MTs use line counters because some companies charge by the transcribed line. Many of these counters include very complex algorithms that will figure out invoices for you and of course, count everything from spaces to italic characters.
Memory Sticks – Digital storage media that can handle up to 256 megabytes of information. Also handy for making backups to your data.
Micro cassette Voice Recorders – Don’t like digital transcribing? These micro cassettes will not hold much but they’re useful and compact.
Microphones – From wireless to USB to digital to stereo. Again, your needs will dictate (no pun intended) your need for the specific type of microphone you need.
Phone-In Systems – These systems link everything digitally and are PC-compatible and ready. You may transcribe reports in any order and while at the transcriptionist’s personal computer, may be proofed with the voice if necessary, and can be sent back to the dictator’s PC, which can be proofed and edited, as well.
Spell Checkers – There are medical-specific spell checkers for the MT; they usually contain thousands of words that can check your report for accuracy.
Medical Dictionaries – These make sure that you know the definition of the words AND the correct pronunciations of each, all by clicking on the words or icons associated with medical terminology.
Voice Recorder Applications & Systems – These are different types of voice recognition software. Again, do your research when buying voice recorders. Obviously, you must spend more to get more options and ease of use.
Top Medical Transcription Schools
US Career Institute – Work at home transcribing medical reports dictated by doctors. Since every procedure requires a report, there’s great demand for qualified medical transcriptionists.
DeVry University – DeVry’s Health Information Technology program prepares graduates to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases.
University of Phoenix – The Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration with a focus on Medical Record covers important medical transcription topics, including medical terminology related to disease diagnosis and treatment, patient information management and medical claims processing.
Medical Transcription Equipment and Supplies
If you’re searching for quality medical transcription (MT) equipment and supplies, make sure that you find forums that discuss these. You may also choose to go to a website such as MT Products and find reviews for noted MT equipment. NexTag , the noted equipment website, also contains reviews and prices for MT equipment. Before you impulsively buy that transcription device, you can do the research for the right prices and which one actually suits your needs. You may not need to buy a recorder for $1,000 if you can find an equally competent one for $245. This may be a bit of an exaggeration yet as you look for the equipment, you will find that there are some supplies that do have similar price ranges.
Remember that supply quality is important, as it will have a great effect on your performance, which ultimately impacts your medical transcriptionist salary and certification status.
Below, you will find a mini-dictionary of MT equipment and supplies and a short description of their uses and/or usefulness. I have not included any brand names as you will have to choose according to your needs.
Top Medical Transcription Schools
DeVry University – DeVry’s Health Information Technology program prepares graduates to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases.
University of Phoenix – The Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration with a focus on Medical Record covers important medical transcription topics, including medical terminology related to disease diagnosis and treatment, patient information management and medical claims processing.