Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Scribe Careers

In order to become a medical scribe, applicants must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, a basic understanding of medical terminology, and the ability to keep up with fast-paced medical environments. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check.

1. Accompany physicians on patient visits and accurately document the patient encounter in the electronic health record (EHR) 2. Record patient history, physical exam, physician’s assessment and plan of care 3. Ensure the accuracy of patient data entered into the EHR 4. Assist physicians with order entry, including medications, labs, diagnostic tests and referrals 5. Collect data for additional studies and research 6. Handle patient phone calls and other administrative tasks as needed 7. Perform other duties as assigned

Medical scribes typically work in a clinical environment, such as a doctor's office, hospital, or other healthcare facility. They typically work alongside clinicians and healthcare personnel to assist with documentation, record keeping, and other administrative duties.

1. Networking: Reach out to your contacts in the medical field to see if they have any job openings or know of any potential employers. 2. Online Job Boards: Search online job boards to find medical scribe positions. 3. Hospitals and Medical Centers: Contact local hospitals and medical centers to inquire about job openings for medical scribes. 4. Professional Organizations: Join professional organizations such as the National Association of Medical Scribes to stay up to date on job postings. 5. Recruiting Agencies: Reach out to recruiting agencies that specialize in medical scribe placements.

It is recommended to have prior experience in a medical office or hospital setting, such as a volunteer or job, as well as a basic understanding of medical terminology and common medical conditions. You should also have experience using computers and electronic medical records (EMR) systems, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.

The average salary for a medical scribe is between $12 and $17 an hour. The amount you earn as a medical scribe will depend on your experience, the location you work in, and the type of medical institution you work for.