The medical transcription profession is a specialized profession, and a difficult one at that. Its expectations often deter people from joining it. Certain mistakes can affect your career adversely. Let’s look at some of those mistakes.

• Presence of critical errors in medical records: While the overall quality goal is 98 percent accuracy, the profession has zero tolerance when it comes to critical errors. A critical error is defined as the one that can impact the safety of a patient’s health. Thus, it is important that you are extremely cautious when creating healthcare documents.
• Intentional or unintentional sharing of medical information: Irrespective of where you work, in an office or at home, you cannot let anyone access any work information, even by accident. Make sure your cabinets are locked, unnecessary papers shredded, and your computer inaccessible. Don’t let your work computer be used for personal purposes by anyone, including you.
• Missing deadlines: Missing a deadline will not only add unnecessary pressure on you, but also make you unpopular with your client or employer. The medical transcription deadlines are sacred, and you have to make sure you meet them, every time.
• Inappropriate flagging: At times, you may be faced with recordings that have some parts absolutely incomprehensible. Don’t assume things in such cases. Make sure you flag such instances. At the same time, don’t flag something because of your lack of interest to research. Missing to flag certain instances or flagging incorrectly is not acceptable.
• Panic during a crisis: The medical transcriptionist is required to work independently. However, when you are faced with incomprehensible recordings, difficult reviewers, and other such things, you would want guidance. The key here is not to panic. You should consult seniors, your medical transcription company, and your peers for help.