Medical professionals often have to use tape recorders to record various reports. For that information to make it into a patient's file, it must first be transcribed. A medical transcriptionist will use software and other tools to turn the audio recording into a readable report to which you can later refer. To help you understand this process, learn a few medical transcription software key terms.
Computer-Based Patient Record (CPR)
In the medical transcription software field, CPR stands for computer-based patient record. This is the full medical history of a patient that is stored in a computer database.
I recommend: The
California Healthcare Foundation provides information on implementing computer-based patient records.
Worktype (WT)
The worktype, or WT, is the type of report being transcribed. Examples of worktypes include post-operative reports, physicals and health histories.
I recommend: Visit the glossary of medical transcription industry terms at
MAG Mutual Healthcare Solutions to learn more about different worktype categories frequently used in transcription.
Spell check
Most medical transcription software has a specialized spell check program that applies to the various medical terms used in the field.
I recommend: At
Sylvan Software, you can find out more about their version of medical transcription spell check software.
Speech recognition software
Speech recognition software interprets audio recordings and automatically creates text documents out of them. Medical transcriptionists often use speech recognition software.
I recommend: wiseGEEK provides articles that describe the pros and cons of speech recognition software.
Abbreviation expander
Abbreviation expander software is used to make the transcription of medical shorthand and abbreviations quicker and more accurate. The abbreviation expander will automatically expand shorthand or abbreviations into the proper long name.
I recommend: You can check out one of the many abbreviation expander software packages at
FlashPeak.
Electronic signature
An electronic signature is a computer-based signature used by medical professionals to sign off on a transcription once it has been approved and deemed accurate.
I recommend: EScription provides more information about electronic signature software and how it relates to transcription.