The emerging profession of the emergency medical scribe

The emergency medical scribe has a promising career. This is the result of ever-increasing workload of emergency department doctors along with their requirements for the following:Administrative supportDocumentation of Electronic Medical RecordsDocumentation of health reform law or Affordable Care Act (OBAMACARE)Data entry assignments In fact, stakeholders in the healthcare industry are convinced medical scribes will be playing a vital role in healthcare sooner or later. Functions of Emergency Medical ScribesIn the ER, an emergency medical scribe serves as executive assistant to the physician gathering and recording all pertinent information and procedures. Here are the qualifications and requirements for someone to become a medical scribe:High school diploma although college degree or units in a college program is more preferredKnowledge of medical terminologies and background in this fieldUse of computer, basic software and transcription machine for voice processingWillingness to work in a medical environment The emergency medical scribe usually undergoes an orientation program for one or two weeks. This is meant to become familiar with emergency room operations and policies as well as facilitate a good working relationship with emergency room medical personnel. There is a so-called supervisory period wherein experienced medical scribes evaluate the work of new hires. Continuing assessment is conducted to enhance efficiency and ensure that scribes are able to keep up with the rigorous requirements in this setting. The truth is experience as an emergency medical scribe is emerging as one of the standards for pre-medical qualification. Competition remains intense while the demand for such service is increasing in the country’s healthcare sector. Challenges in Medical ScribingThe challenges are quite difficult because the emergency medical scribe must have the capacity to stand and walk around for long hours. At the same time, all scribes work in a nerve-racking and fast-paced working environment lifting, pushing or holding heavy medical apparatus. In many instances, the medical scribe has to work on a PC or laptop; read notes; speak to doctors, nurses or patients; and, perform other errands. Scribes are expected to perform excellently under pressure. The bar of excellence is raised from time to time and more duties are given to the emergency medical scribe. Standards for electronic documentation have become higher which calls for additional competence. Likewise, this service provider is at risk of contracting illnesses because of prolonged exposure to sick persons. The employment outlook for a proficient emergency medical scribe is very positive due to the increase in number of patients and scarcity of hospital staff like doctor and nurses. As hospital administrators try to reorganize their respective processes, there will be greater demand for highly efficient scribes. The best candidates for scribing duties are pre-nursing, pre-med or pre-physician assistant students. Of course, this profession is not limited to medical students alone since young people from non-medical fields are welcome to become scribes. All these individuals need to prove are their efficiency, commitment, patience, and hardworking attitude.