Hiring a Medical Transcription Services Company
Hiring the right medical transcription services company is an important decision for any physician practice. They can help you streamline your workflow, reduce operating costs and improve patient care. While there are many things to consider when choosing a medical transcription service, this article will take a look one important concern when choosing a medical transcription services company: Rate Calculation. Whether you are a solo practitioner, small medical practice or large multispecialty practice, this information will be beneficial to you.
No two patients are alike, no two medical practices are alike, and medical transcription companies are equally as diverse. And a major differentiator between companies includes how they charge for a line a transcription. A quality medical transcription services company will take the time to fully explain how they charge for transcription so that you can compare ‘apples to apples’ when comparing medical transcription services. Most physician practices are surprised to learn there are many ways medical transcription service charges per line. This article will discuss the different ways a transcription service can charge per line and tips to help you make your decision the right one for your medical practice.
Medical Transcription Services Company: Rate Calculation
Medical transcription services can be billed many different ways. Medical transcription providers have been known to calculate rates based on the page, report, minute, word, gross line, character, keystroke and other metrics. All of these methods are highly variable and can dramatically affect the per line rate. It is important that you understand exactly how you will be charged.
Some of the most popular methods of billing include:
- ASCII Line
- ASCII Line 65-Character
- 65-Character Line
- Gross Line
- Gross Page
- Per Minute
- Visible Black Character
- …and many others
Over the years, medical transcription providers have used a variety of methods to calculate lines of transcription and some have become very creative. Unfortunately that leaves you to determine if you’re actually getting the best price for your transcription services. Medical transcription providers usually charge per line of text. Some may define lines with fewer characters or count each hard line break as a new line, so be sure to get the details from your medical transcription provider.
In addition, some medical transcription providers will tack on extra costs for services like start-up fees, template creation, integration fees, training, customer service and/or sales tax. The important thing to remember is that you compare ‘apples to apples’ when it comes to line rate calculation. Ask all medical transcription companies that you are comparing to provide you with a clear definition of their line counting methods and include fees for additional services and support.
Lastly, many medical transcription companies now offer free trials of their services – take advantage of this. It will be worthwhile to send a recording or two to each of the companies you are investigating. For each of these trials, also pay attention to the details of how the provider works and results such as:
- How long does it take them to respond?
- Are their customer service reps helpful and friendly?
- Is their cost comparison fair and accurate?
- Can they provide you with documentation proving compliance with security and privacy requirement?
Whether you are an individual or group practice, community health center or a multi-site clinic, looking at how medical transcription providers define a line of transcription before you select a medical transcription service can ensure that your experience will be increase professional productivity improve provider satisfaction and most importantly reduce overall costs.
Craig Mercure is VP of Sales & Marketing at MxSecure, the fastest growing provider of medical transcription services to physicians, medical practices, multi-specialty clinics and community health centers. Learn more about medical transcription services – visit http://www.MxSecure.com.
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