When you’re choosing a medical transcription service, pricing structure should be a primary concern. Some companies operate with less-than-transparent pricing models, putting clients at risk for abuse. Pay attention to how much each line or visible black character will cost. If the rate is based on visible black characters, be sure to make it clear in your agreement. Then, make sure to choose a company that bills by the visible character count, not per minute.
Pricing structure
There are several factors to consider before choosing a pricing structure for your medical transcription services. The best way to determine the price of your medical transcription is to know how many lines of text you’ll be transcribing. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDIC) has standardized the length of a line at 65 characters, including spaces. For example, “Treatment Process:” only has 18 characters. If you’re pricing your transcription services per line, make sure you understand what these characters consist of.
Turnaround time is also a consideration when determining medical transcription service pricing. While most services offer standard turnaround times, some offer expedited services at a higher rate. Another factor is the amount of work required. For large projects, a transcription service may offer a bargain price if you sign an exclusive agreement or a volume contract. A quick turnaround can make your project affordable, but expect to pay more than you expected.
Another important factor to consider when calculating the cost of your medical transcription service is the type of project you’re looking to outsource. Many medical transcription services charge per text line, a term that refers to 65-character lines inclusive of spaces. This type of pricing structure is common with document typing projects. Hourly-rate pricing, on the other hand, is a more flexible option that guarantees a minimum price no matter the quality of audio. Writer’s Market, for example, calculates the average hourly rate of medical transcription services at $50 USD. However, there are some instances where the rates are much higher.
Turnaround time
If you’re looking for a high-quality medical transcription service, you’re going to have to pay attention to TAT. It will determine the speed at which your work will be delivered. Many medical reports require an accelerated TAT, such as emergency reports. Other types of work, such as cardiology and neurology reports, can take longer. But no matter what your needs are, you should find a MTSO that can meet them.
Choose a company that offers 24/7 service. This way, your transcripts will be completed in a shorter time. Otherwise, it could take several days or weeks for a medical transcription service to complete an audio file. Additionally, you can choose a medical transcription service that offers discounts for extended turnaround times. To make sure that your medical transcription service is up to par, ask about certification requirements and training. Make sure they are AHIMA and HIPAA-compliant, as well.
Choose a company with good experience in your specialty. Many companies will provide references, but they may only be from satisfied clients. Find out how long they have been in business for and ask for references. Ask for a full list of their clientele. If you’re unsure, you can also ask for a list of their certified transcriptionists. These professionals will provide you with accurate transcriptions and make sure your documents remain protected and confidential

Achieving quality assurance for medical transcription services requires the use of sound and measurable metrics. Unlike in the past, when dictation is only performed in a medical setting, modern transcription services involve multiple contributors to the same electronic medical record. To assure the quality of their work, a medical transcription department must demonstrate accuracy of dictation. To do this, they must use a standardized process to measure quality, and ensure that the dictation is accurately translated into text.
Another factor to consider when assessing the quality of medical transcription services is the security of your personal information. You can ensure your information is secure by asking if the service encrypts email inboxes and portals. Additionally, you should ask whether or not your information is stored and how it is protected. If the answer is no, you should consider looking for a different service. Make sure you do your research to ensure you get the best service possible.
To ensure accuracy, you should also ask about the quality of the company’s work. A quality-conscious transcription company will always strive for accuracy, but it will also take measures to prevent errors. A quality-conscious company will provide quality assurance through a policy that emphasizes continuous evaluation and strategic changes. Choosing a medical transcription service with a quality policy is a good way to ensure consistent and repeatable quality. If the company claims to have a 98-99% accuracy rate, you can ask them how they measure that number.
Non-standard terminology
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about non-standard terminology in medical transcription services rates is the complexity of the work. Not only is medical terminology complex, but doctors and hospitals may use different dialects when talking about the same symptoms. This can make it difficult for MTs to accurately represent the information that they need to record. But that’s not the only problem. Many medical transcription services also charge wildly different rates for their work.
In addition to language, the pricing of the service is also important. Companies with medical transcription experience hire workers that understand the terminology. These workers understand abbreviations and jargon that most people don’t. They’re also more accurate when it comes to trancribing spoken words. This means that medical transcription companies charge a slightly higher rate for their services. Most companies bill by the page or line, and this will increase the overall cost of your work.
The pricing model used by most companies in the medical transcription industry is the 65-visual-black-character line. This is the most transparent way to determine rates, but some companies use other methods, which can result in higher costs. The industry-standard method is to charge by visible black characters, or VBCs, which are defined as all black characters except spaces. A standard line should contain 65 VBCs, so if a company is billing per-keystroke, make sure to specify how many visible black characters are included.
Flexible options
Finding a good transcription service is not difficult, but there are a few important things to look for before you select one. Read through client testimonials carefully. While companies may have their own websites that showcase a handful of positive testimonials, they often hide other reviews. A good service should provide detailed feedback about their work so that you can see if they deliver on their promises. Ensure that the company you choose has a solid reputation and is compatible with your EHR before you decide on a specific package.
When looking for a medical transcription service, look for one that offers several flexible options. Some companies offer mobile transcription services, while others offer HL7 or manual integrations. Athreon has been in the business of providing medical transcription services for more than 30 years. They offer a free trial period and a range of pricing options. While choosing the right medical transcription service provider is an important decision, it is crucial to be able to find one that works with your existing workflow and preferences.
Many services charge by the character or per word, while others base their charges on the number of visible black characters. Some charge extra for complex medical terms, while others don’t. Check with your preferred medical transcription service about their turnaround times. You can also ask other medical professionals for referrals, as this can be a good way to compare services. In addition, consult with industry experts. They will be able to provide helpful tips for choosing a service.
HIPAA compliance
A key aspect of HIPAA compliance for medical transcription services is the company’s employees. These employees must adhere to strict regulations governing patient data and should receive regular training on HIPAA compliance. If the company is not HIPAA compliant, the patient’s medical information could be compromised. HIPAA compliance is essential for any medical transcription service, whether it is small or large. Listed below are the requirements for medical transcription companies.
The privacy of protected health information (PHI) is the primary concern of medical transcription services. HIPAA regulations require that business associates handle PHI appropriately. The requirements for this are different for each company, but the general rule applies to all medical transcription companies. In addition to meeting the requirements of HIPAA compliance, business associates must also adhere to certain security measures. This includes encryptions and password protection. HIPAA requires that all business associates follow security measures that adhere to the HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
The severity of HIPAA violations varies depending on the nature of the violation and the degree of culpability of the entity. Even the smallest violations can lead to hefty financial penalties. The worst cases involve willful neglect and no effort to correct a violation. Generally, the minimum fine for a single violation is $50,000. However, the fine can reach up to $1.5 million for repeated violations.