Telemedicine has quickly rose as a premier option for attaining care, with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 37% of adults age 18 and older utilizing this service at least once in the past twelve months. With the resurgence of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens, telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge gaps in accessibility and enhance patient care. The integration of medical scribes into the telemedicine framework has proven to be a strategic move in optimizing the efficiency of virtual healthcare encounters. This article explores the close partnership between telemedicine and medical scribes, supported by compelling statistics that highlight their impact on improving patient care.

1. The Increasing Climate of Telemedicine:

The adoption of telemedicine has been rising exponentially, especially due to global health outbreak events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, Telehealth utilization in the United States surged from 11% in 2019 to 46% in 2020. This dramatic increase reflects the growing acceptance of remote healthcare services among both patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, the usage of Telemedicine has also paved the way for on-demand care leading for better patient outcomes and satisfaction. As healthcare organizations strive to implement telemedicine opportunities, global health sectors are also finding benefit in limiting the overall exposure of various illnesses and decreasing the overall modes for transportation of these viruses. 

2. Addressing Documentation Challenges:

While telemedicine offers unprecedented convenience, healthcare providers face unique challenges in virtual documentation. Medical scribes gallantly arrive at the forefront offering their services as highly trained professionals equipped to maneuver around electronic health records (EHRs) in any environment while ensuring accurate and real-time documentation. As providers become more accustomed to treating their patients over video instead of an in-person encounter, medical scribes provide a degree of assurance that documentation needs are still withholding a high standard. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research indicates that the use of medical scribes in telemedicine settings resulted in a 30% reduction in documentation time, allowing providers to focus more on patient interaction.

3. Augmenting Provider-Patient Engagement:

Telemedicine, when coupled with medical scribes, has demonstrated the potential to enhance and augment the provider-patient engagement. According to a survey conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA), 87% of physicians using medical scribes reported improved patient communication during virtual visits. This study highlights the pivotal role scribes play with facilitating meaningful interactions, even in unprecedented settings.

4. Enhancing Accuracy and Quality of Care Standards: 

Accurate, concise, and comprehensive documentation is imperative for managing high standards of care. A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) found that telemedicine encounters supported by medical scribes yielded a 25% improvement in documentation accuracy. This not only ensures the continuity of care but also contributes to better-informed decision-making by healthcare providers. 

Conclusion:

With the synergy of telemedicine and medical scribes, healthcare executives need to find a powerful solution to enhance patient-centric care. The statistics presented highlight the palpable benefits of combining two key innovations; virtual care and medical scribes. The improved documentation accuracy, better patient outcomes, and reduced burnout to enhance provider-patient engagement, implementing medical scribes into the Telehealth workforce yields tremendous results for healthcare operations. As we venture forward, healthcare executives must recognize the potential of telemedicine and medical scribes as integral components of a modern, technology-driven healthcare ecosystem, committed to delivering optimal care to patients, regardless of physical boundaries and patient setting.

The evolution of healthcare never ceases, continually bringing forth transformative innovations. At the forefront of this process stands the dynamic role of medical scribing, where medical scribes guide public health practices into their modern form. Initially seen solely as documentation support, medical scribes have now taken on a number of strategic roles, helping to shape the future of healthcare. From etches of stone on large tablets to digitalized records on smartphones, medical scribing has adapted its style and forms for thousands of years and continues to evolve alongside today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

The image of a medical scribe as nothing more than a glorified note-taker is changing fast. Today, medical scribes are seen as versatile workers who cross all functions of care. From patient engagement to quality improvement programs alike, medical scribes orchestrate the numerous moving pieces that float around the healthcare space while providers are given the luxury to focus on the patient at hand. According to Dr. Peter Moskowitz, Chief Medical Officer of Clipboard Health: "Medical scribes are no longer just documenting things; they're managing the work of physicians. This evolution is extremely important in the modern era, where healthcare providers are under a growing burden to deliver high-quality care more efficiently as well.”

More: Medical Scribes and Artificial Intelligence: Why Medical Scribes are Still a Necessity in Every Healthcare Organization

A report by the American Medical Association (AMA) notes that the scope of responsibilities for medical scribes has broadened markedly. In addition to their traditional documentation work, scribes now participate extensively in activities such as entering orders and reconciling medications for patients; they also help with team communication. The progress of medical scribes is closely connected to technological advances. Electronic health record systems (EHRs) are now being put right into a scribe's workflow, allowing real-time documentation and data access on-the-go. This kind of technological integration helps improve accuracy and efficiency. According to Dr. William W. Pinsky, CEO and President of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG): "The advance now witnessed in medical scribe-ism reflects a shift in health care, towards more team-based and cooperative support. Scribes are joining the care team and acting as full members of it -- they're cutting down on wasted time and providing better customer service to everyone's advantages.”

As healthcare moves increasingly towards a patient-centered delivery model, medical scribes' role in helping foster genuinely meaningful doctor-patient interactions is paramount. A survey conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that 90% of emergency physicians employing scribes reported higher patient satisfaction rates.

The global trend in healthcare to go "virtual" has likewise affected the development of medical scribes. Virtual scribing, where scribes assist healthcare providers during remote encounters, is becoming increasingly common. This adaptability underscores the varied roles which scribes can play in meeting or anticipating changing patterns of care delivery.

As healthcare evolves, so too will the role of medical scribes. The growth in dependence on scribing shows that it has long since passed beyond its original modest beginnings to become an integral part of today's health care teams. The figures and insights by recognized experts in the field cited above demonstrate just how great an impact such a change has on physician productivity and patient satisfaction. For healthcare executives, acknowledging the expanding role of medical scribes in healthcare is more than just a fad; it is a strategic necessity if they are to create an even more efficient, patient-oriented, and technologically advanced future.

In the realm of healthcare, maintaining precise and consistent medical records is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. However, the process of documenting patient interactions, treatments, and outcomes can be fraught with errors and inefficiencies. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) steps in, offering innovative solutions to enhance the precision of AI medical documentation and ensure high-quality records. One of the latest advancements in this field is Scrivas AI, or SAI, which aims to revolutionize how medical professionals manage their AI medical documentation processes.

The Challenge of Medical Documentation

Medical documentation is a critical component of patient care, serving as a detailed record of each patient's medical history, treatment plans, and progress. However, the task of maintaining accurate and comprehensive records is challenging. Physicians are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data they need to process, leading to potential errors and inconsistencies. Common issues include:

• Data Entry Mistakes: Manual entry is prone to typographical errors, missed information, and incorrect coding.

• Inconsistent Documentation: Variations in how different clinicians document similar information can lead to discrepancies and confusion.

• Time Constraints: The time required for thorough documentation can detract from direct patient care, impacting both efficiency and patient satisfaction.

The Role of AI in Medical Documentation

AI has emerged as a transformative force in addressing these challenges. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, AI can significantly enhance the accuracy and consistency of medical records. Here’s how AI contributes to improving documentation practices:

1. Error Reduction: AI systems can automatically transcribe and organize patient information with high precision, minimizing the risk of human errors. Advanced algorithms ensure that data is accurately captured and recorded, reducing the likelihood of missed or incorrect information.

2. Consistency Across Records: AI can standardize documentation practices, ensuring that information is recorded uniformly across different patients and providers. This consistency is crucial for maintaining clear and reliable medical records, which are essential for continuity of care and effective communication among healthcare teams.

3. Efficiency Gains: By automating routine documentation tasks, AI frees up valuable time for clinicians. This efficiency not only accelerates the documentation process but also allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.

Introducing SAI: Scrivas AI’s Cutting-Edge Solution

Scrivas, with over a decade of experience in providing high-quality medical scribe services, has introduced SAI, their latest AI-powered scribe solution. SAI represents a significant leap forward in medical documentation technology, offering a range of benefits tailored to meet the needs of modern healthcare providers.

1. Streamlined Documentation: SAI is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing clinical workflows, handling documentation tasks with remarkable efficiency. By working alongside physicians as they see patients, SAI ensures that documentation is both accurate and timely, without disrupting the flow of care.

2. Enhanced Human Touch: Unlike some purely automated solutions, SAI maintains a human element by offering support from virtual or on-site medical scribes. This blend of AI technology and human oversight ensures that documentation not only meets high standards of accuracy but also aligns with the compassionate, patient-centered care that healthcare professionals strive to deliver.

3. Personalized Adaptation: SAI’s technology is adaptable to the specific needs of different practices and specialties. Whether used as a standalone AI solution or in conjunction with human scribes, SAI offers tailored support that fits seamlessly into varied clinical environments.

4. Increased Time for Patient Interaction: By handling the bulk of documentation work, SAI gives clinicians back precious time that can be redirected towards patient interactions. This improvement in efficiency leads to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction levels, as physicians can devote more attention to each patient.

The Future of Medical Documentation

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of AI in medical documentation will likely become even more prominent. Solutions like SAI represent a significant advancement, addressing longstanding issues related to accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. By incorporating AI into their documentation practices, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of medical records, reduce errors, and ultimately provide better care for their patients.

In summary, the integration of AI tools like SAI into medical documentation processes holds the promise of a more accurate, consistent, and efficient approach to record-keeping. As these technologies continue to advance, they will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare documentation, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of clinical practice.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, time is one of the most valuable resources a physician can have. Physicians often find themselves overwhelmed by the administrative burden of documentation, which can detract from the quality time they spend with patients. Enter AI scribe solutions like SAI – a revolutionary technology that will transform how clinical documentation is done and ultimately enhance patient care.

The Documentation Dilemma

Physicians spend a significant portion of their workday on documentation tasks. Studies show that clinicians dedicate approximately 35% to 37% of their time on documentation alone1. This translates to about 16 minutes of every patient visit spent on electronic medical record (EMR) duties1. The result? Less time for direct patient care and increased clinician burnout.

How AI Scribes Work

AI scribes like SAI use advanced technologies such as speech recognition, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning to automate the documentation process. These intelligent systems transcribe clinician-patient interactions in real-time, accurately capturing medical jargon and medication details2. By doing so, they create structured medical records that are ready for review and approval by the physician seconds after the conclusion of the patient encounter.

Benefits of Using SAI or Other AI Scribes

1. Time Savings: AI scribes can save physicians up to two hours daily by automating documentation tasks3. This time can be redirected towards patient care, improving the overall quality of healthcare services.

2. Improved Accuracy: With high accuracy rates in transcribing medical speech, AI scribes reduce the risk of errors in medical records4. This ensures that patient information is accurately documented and easily accessible.

3. Enhanced Patient Care: By freeing up physicians from the administrative burden, AI scribes allow them to focus more on their patients. This leads to better patient-provider interactions and improved patient satisfaction5.

4. Reduced Burnout: The reduction in documentation time helps alleviate the stress and burnout experienced by many healthcare providers. This can lead to a better work-life balance and increased job satisfaction.

Real-World Examples

Scrivas, a premier live scribe company from South Florida has recently launched SAI, an AI scribe service with great success. Physicians have reported similar documentation time savings to live scribe services. Their quick adoption of SAI and positive feedback of its abilities only serve to highlight the potential of AI scribes to revolutionize medical documentation.

Conclusion

AI scribe solutions like SAI represent a significant advancement in healthcare technology. By reducing the time physicians spend on documentation, these systems allow for more focused patient care, improved accuracy, and reduced clinician burnout. As AI scribe services continue to evolve, they stand to transform the healthcare landscape for the better.

1AI Scribes: Reducing Documentation Time and Uncovering New Ethical Challenges in Health Care 2AI scribe saves doctors an hour at the keyboard every day 3AI Scribes Can Improve Your Patient Care 4The Future Is Here: How AI Scribes Are Redefining Medical Documentation 5Comprehensive Guide to AI Scribes & Documentation Automation for Healthcare

One in four people in the world will be affected by a mental health episode or disorder at some point in their lives. An estimated 450 million people suffer from such conditions, well above the figure for some of the major diseases around the world. As the awareness surrounding mental health continues to gain traction and patients are becoming more open and aware to having mental health visits, healthcare organizations are looking to medical scribes to assist as part of a solution by providing a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. Mental health has never been more top of mind, and healthcare executives are exploring new ways to improve the quality and efficiency of mental healthcare delivery. Across an array of potential strategies, the fact remains that medical scribes have become a necessary integration with mental health settings. Written with supporting stats and quotes from industry experts, this feature looks deep into the life-changing effects of medical scribes in mental healthcare.

Medical scribes have numerous benefits, which align with the needs in mental health settings. Traditionally, scribes free up time for mental health professionals to directly engage with patients by picking up on administrative tasks, allow for more detailed documentation between conversations, and reduce the amount of “breaks” between the provider and patient discussion, which ultimately raises the bar for quality patient care and care management. “Effective communication and documentation are critical in mental health settings with no exception” states American Psychiatric Association (APA) President, Jessica Henderson Daniel, MD. The use of medical scribes frees up mental health professionals to better focus on building therapeutic relationships, optimizing the patient experience.

Adding additional insight is Dr. Thomas Insel, Former Director of NIMH, who mentions “over a trillion dollars is lost to the world economy every year because of depression and anxiety, two diseases common too many, and the demand for services has never been greater.” With help from medical scribes in documentation, clinicians can spend more time on patient care leading to better mental health treatment and bridging the large gap between a growing need in healthcare and the ability to document and provide exceptional care. 

In the mental health field, a detailed level of documentation is required with a patient's history and to track progress during treatment is an absolute necessity for their continued treatment. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research revealed that the work of medical scribes in mental health settings improved the accuracy of documentation by 20%. Additionally, it is imperative to note that strategic and strong communication between mental health professionals and their patients is essential for treatment to be successful. Results of an American Psychiatric Association survey revealed that when working with medical scribes, mental health providers reported a 30% uptick in time with patients.

Professionals in the mental health field are notoriously prone to burnout. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports there has been a significant increase in burnout among mental health professionals due to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mental health leaders need to avoid burnout by prioritizing patients, and to be able to do that, medical scribes have to take care of a significant part of the administrative burden.

With the rise in importance of mental health as a healthcare focus, the integration of medical scribes in mental health settings is a strategic partnership between healthcare executives who are navigating through the increase in mental health cases in their organizations and providers who are aiming to treat patients in dire need of quality care. Data and perspectives from our experts reveal how medical scribes can change the face of mental healthcare. Better communication along with documentation would improve accuracy and help prevent burnout, aligning with the vision of mental health services growing to provide a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach in this important healthcare space.

The profession of medical scribing has undergone extensive and significant transformations in recent years, as healthcare continues to mold itself into an advancing technological world. As we begin seeing various industries and professions shaken up by transformative and often disruptive advancements, it is essential to speculate on how the role of medical scribes, especially in the context of AI medical scribe, may evolve. When looking deeper into these disruptive technological advancements, the improvements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation appear to be the most convincingly altering developments impacting the role of medical scribes.

With a booming field and now coined as “the latest craze in healthcare” by various health journals, AI continues to advance, and companies are increasingly eager to learn how AI can not only save corporations money but also develop a more efficient workforce. Speculations on whether AI will essentially dissolve numerous jobs are still far-fetched, almost seeming to come straight from the latest Hollywood movie. However, utilizing AI as an augmentation to the current workforce is currently happening in real time. We can expect to see a more profound integration of these technologies into the daily workflow of medical scribes. AI tools could be designed to assist scribes in real-time, automating routine tasks such as documentation, data entry, and even preliminary analysis of medical records. Automation is poised to take over routine and time-consuming tasks, allowing medical scribes to focus on more complex aspects of their role. Basic data entry, appointment scheduling, and follow-up documentation may be automated, freeing up valuable time for scribes to engage in more meaningful interactions with healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, with the rapid development of Telehealth, medical scribes may find themselves adapting to new modes of documentation. The position of remote or virtual scribing could become more prevalent. Scribes might need to master the art of virtual collaboration and efficiently navigate electronic health records during remote encounters.

As AI  evolves, there may be a trend toward developing specialized scribing solutions for different medical specialties. Tailored AI algorithms could be designed to understand the unique terminology, workflows, and documentation requirements of various medical fields, providing more accurate and specialized support for healthcare providers. Additionally, a rise in ethical concerns with the use of AI will become a growing need for medical scribes to adapt, understand, and adhere to the ethical guidelines surrounding the use of this technology. Education programs for medical scribes may include modules on AI ethics, ensuring responsible and patient-centric use of automated tools. Along with the professional endeavors of learning AI ethics, medical scribes will necessitate ongoing professional development with the latest technological advancements, participate in training programs focused on AI integration, and adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare documentation.

The future of medical scribing and many other roles holds immense promise, driven by the continuous progression of AI and automation. Medical scribes throughout time have continued to face various changes forced by the latest technological advancements. Whether the change is from transcribing information with an ink and quill to integrating conversation-tracking software, these technologies will become increasingly sophisticated, and medical scribes will play a vital role in ensuring their seamless integration into the healthcare ecosystem. While automation may streamline routine tasks, the human touch provided by medical scribes will remain indispensable, fostering better patient-provider relationships and contributing to the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. The key lies in embracing these advancements while upholding the values of accuracy, ethics, and patient-centered care that define the field of medical scribing.

John Dewey states, “education is not preparation for life, but rather, education is life itself.” Scrivas holds these values in true form by providing a robust three-day didactic training program to ensure all incoming scribes, regardless of prior educational background, are fully prepared to enter the healthcare workforce. The didactic program is one that Scrivas takes pride in, and understands that it is the true force behind what makes Scrivas one of the premier medical scribing companies in South Florida.  In the dynamic and complex landscape of healthcare, the role of medical scribes has become increasingly integral. These highly trained individuals assist healthcare providers in documenting patient encounters, assisting with clerical tasks in a variety of healthcare settings, and ensuring accurate and comprehensive medical records are developed in an efficient and timely manner. A didactic program for medical scribes is incredibly valuable, as most medical scribes are poised to use this role as an entrance point to the healthcare world; a world that requires sharp skills and an overwhelming amount of knowledge. This article explores the importance of structured education and training for individuals entering the healthcare field, specifically focusing on medical scribe training.

Medical Scribe Training: A Look into the Scrivas Didactic Training Program

Before we plunge into the didactic program, let us first understand the role of medical scribes. Medical scribes play a vital role in the healthcare system by mitigating physician burnout by reducing the burdens and added labor of documentation, which allows providers to focus on patient care and less on documentation and other clerical tasks. Additionally, medical scribes serve as an augmentation to the clinical process by providing general insight regarding the patient care status. Scribes are responsible for recording patient medical and social histories, physical examinations, orders, procedures, diagnoses, and other relevant information in real-time, all while simultaneously being able to siphon out the typical fillers of cordial conversation. The accuracy and efficiency of their work directly impact the quality and outcomes of patient care, the satisfaction and well-being of the providers, and the overall functioning of a healthcare facility. While on-the-job learning is valuable and often the area where most practical knowledge is developed, the importance of having a didactic training program cannot be overstated for medical scribe training. Think of a didactic training program as the on-the-job learning process before the actual on-the-job learning. A successful didactic program accurately captures the real-life scenarios that medical scribes will encounter. The complex and multi-faceted nature of healthcare documentation requires a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and basic chemistry and other general fields of science. Didactic training, which involves structured classroom instruction, often led by a medical professional as well as tenured medical scribes and billing personnel, is essential for medical scribes to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles. One final note to highlight prior to the initialization of the didactic program is that medical scribes are also initially vetted through multiple interview and skill assessment processes to ensure they are prepared for a role in healthcare. Once prospective scribes are interviewed and prepped for the didactic course, the medical scribes are provided with in-depth training with the following courses: 

• Medical Terminology and Anatomy:

• Didactic training programs provide comprehensive education on medical terminology, enabling scribes to accurately interpret and transcribe physician dictations.

  • Understanding human anatomy is crucial for contextualizing medical information and ensuring precise documentation.

• HIPAA Compliance and Ethical Considerations:

  • Scribes must adhere to strict patient confidentiality standards outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Didactic training programs familiarize scribes with these regulations.

  • Ethical considerations, such as maintaining professionalism and respecting patient privacy, are emphasized during training.

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Proficiency:

  • Scribes work extensively with electronic health records (EHRs), necessitating proficiency in EHR systems. Didactic training equips them with the skills to navigate and utilize these systems efficiently.

  • Understanding the functionalities of EHRs contributes to accurate and streamlined documentation processes.

• Medical Coding and Billing:

  • A solid foundation in medical coding and billing practices is crucial for medical scribes. Didactic training ensures that scribes understand the coding systems and billing procedures associated with medical documentation.

  • Accurate coding facilitates proper reimbursement and ensures financial viability for healthcare institutions.

• Communication Skills:

  • Effective communication between scribes and healthcare providers is paramount. Didactic training programs include communication skills development to enhance collaboration and understanding between team members.

  • Clear communication contributes to accurate documentation and a cohesive healthcare team.

In conclusion, the implementation of didactic training programs for medical scribes is essential for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of healthcare documentation. Additionally, these preparatory programs also allow medical scribes to be successfully acclimated to the various scenarios and situations one will face in their respective areas of the healthcare workforce. These programs provide a structured educational building block that expands further than the coveted on-the-job training. Didactic programs aim to equip medical scribes with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles and allow medical scribes to attain a level of mastery prior to joining the workforce.

Let’s be honest, we've all been there; speaking up loudly and demanding to speak to a representative only to be followed with “Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.” Or having to profusely press “0” on the keypad until you’re transferred to the next representative (even more horrific enough, sometimes transferred to another automated system), or the classic Alexa and Siri obediently following a command making life as seamless as possible, only that you didn’t even utter a single word and are now desperately trying to fix a mess that didn’t need to be created by trying to turn the volume down on your sound system late into the evening.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology have been made to make the lives of everyone easier and more seamless as it becomes more integrated into our daily routine. AI has also become increasingly popular in the healthcare field as a means to augment the patient experience while also reducing the burden of the provider with a host of tasks. However, technology and automation with AI sometimes slow down our goals and it can be quite frustrating having to pick the pieces back up from something that should have made things easier, not more complicated.

When looking into seamless options for documentation support, roughly two options stand out over the rest: Medical scribe services or utilizing AI tools. When looking deeper into the benefits of utilizing medical scribes over artificial intelligence or automated services we can find the following:

The Human Touch

Medical scribes provide additional human interaction with the patients allowing for a more detailed and compassionate level of care. This measure can also be comforting to patients while also allowing for an added layer of communication between the patient and provider. With a more comforting and humanistic approach, healthcare organizations and providers can expect to see an increase in provider and patient satisfaction levels.

Adaptability

Medical scribes can adapt to a multitude of variances found in the healthcare setting. Medical scribes can quickly pivot from standard documentation services and provide added support from the clerical and operational perspective. These unexpected events would typically provide difficulties even for the most advanced AI systems.

EHR Support and Training

Medical scribes can provide real-time assistance and support with documentation training and EHR navigation, which could be difficult for some providers. AI and technology tend to be limited in the help options that are provided as they are already developed into the system, and cannot answer questions on the fly like a human can.

Outside of these reasons, the public’s perception of AI in healthcare also plays a prominent role in deciding whether to utilize medical scribe services or jump into the constantly changing world of AI. Most Americans are unconvinced that Al will improve health outcomes and decrease the level of work of providers in a significant way, based on a recent survey from the Pew Research Center. In fact, 60% of respondents said they would feel uneasy if their doctor relied on AI to diagnose ailments or recommend treatments, while 57% said they would worry that it would slowly erode the relationship between patients and healthcare providers.

Healthcare privacy is another mark of concern, with nearly 40% of respondents saying they worried more technology would put the security of their health records at risk.

There are numerous reasons to consider integrating documentation services in the healthcare field, but truly one real solution stands out above them all. Medical scribes provide a refreshing humanistic approach to the healthcare field that as of late, seems to be more focused on automated approaches to only further distance the provider from the patient.

The path to a healthcare-related career often requires a precursor, or some sort of experience to better prepare oneself for the exciting challenges to be faced. A career as a medical scribe provides a wealth of knowledge and intangible experiences worthy of anyone interested in stepping foot inside a hospital setting. Here are some amazing things that some former medical scribes who are now active in the healthcare field have to say about their time as a medical scribe:

Quote:

“Being a medical scribe was a very valuable experience for me during my path through medical school and residency into becoming a hospital medicine physician. Learning various medical terminology, how to obtain information from patients, and how to document both quickly and effectively on an EMR lessened the learning curve immensely. The high-intensity nature of the emergency department also made me comfortable in high-acuity settings as a physician.

I truly felt that I was as prepared as anyone could be during medical school rotations and then residency. Additionally, I found moments in my training where I didn’t go back to what I learned from my countless hours of studying textbooks, but rather the experiences that I had following an established physician in the ED. I can confidently attest that being a medical scribe early into my training provided me with a head start during my time as a medical student, resident, and now physician.”

- Dr. Jason Ghasemloian

Being a medical scribe also introduces you to opportunities that are not traditionally a clinic or patient-facing career. Manuel Marine, a medical scribe who initially pursued a path in medicine speaks about how scribing helped him in his role as a financial analyst for a major South Florida health system:

Quote:

“In my three transformative years at Scrivas, I embarked on a journey that would forever shape my career in healthcare. As a dedicated medical scribe, I immersed myself in the fast-paced world of medicine, learning to capture the essence of patient encounters with precision and detail. This invaluable experience not only honed my understanding of medical practices but also ignited my passion for the healthcare industry.

Little did I know that my time at Scrivas would serve as the catalyst for a remarkable pivot in my career path. Inspired by my exposure to healthcare operations, I ventured into the realm of healthcare finance. Armed with firsthand knowledge of clinical workflows and a deep appreciation for the critical role finance plays in delivering quality care, I found my calling.

Today, as a seasoned professional in healthcare finance, I owe my success to the solid foundation built during those formative years at Scrivas. The meticulousness, the dedication, and the unwavering commitment to the well-being of patients continue to guide me as I navigate the intricate financial landscape of healthcare. Scrivas was not just a stepping stone; it was the launch pad for my fulfilling and impactful career in healthcare finance."

• Manuel Marine, MBA

Scribing can prepare you for even the most challenging aspects of healthcare. More recently, we spoke with a medical scribe who became a travel nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the valuable medical knowledge attained, Ahmed Salim also speaks about the intrinsic benefits being a medical scribe provides, by developing into a youth mentor for his local community as well.

Quote:

“Working as a medical scribe with Scrivas was my first job right after high school. Needless to say, I was incredibly young and unprepared for what the emergency department had in store for me. Being a medical scribe quickly got me acclimated to understanding medical terminology, seeing patient-to-provider interactions firsthand, and of course, what it takes to be a provider. This experience also accustomed me to the stark realities individuals face when being brought into the ER, and although challenging at first, being surrounded by tenured physicians and nurses truly allowed me to develop as a person as well. I quickly became comfortable with being uncomfortable, which provided me with the desire to step in at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate care as a travel nurse. In addition to the value that Scrivas provided me with my medical career, working alongside mentors allowed me to also engage in becoming a mentor myself. There are numerous benefits that becoming a medical scribe provides, whether it’s from the general knowledge behind EMRs, medical sciences, or from the developmental side that builds on as a person. I could easily say that becoming a medical scribe was one of the best decisions I could make for myself from a career and personal level.”

Ahmed Salim, RN, BSN

Medical scribing can be a valuable opportunity for those interested in a career in healthcare. The role offers firsthand exposure to the healthcare setting, allows one to work closely with physicians and other providers, assists with a better understanding of medical terminology and documentation, and arguably above all, develops character that fits the criteria of being a top medical professional. Being a medical scribe is a wonderful stepping stone to other healthcare professions.