What is a Medical Scribe and Do I Need Certification?

You may have heard the term “medical scribe” or “clinical scribe” being thrown around and are wondering what exactly this job entails. A medical scribe is a person who works alongside a physician in order to documentation of patient visits, procedures, etc. Most often, the scribe will be inputting information into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR). This position has become increasingly popular in recent years as physicians are being pushed to see more patients and have less time for documentation.

The Job Description

A medical scribe’s responsibilities will vary depending on the state they work in and the specific facility’s policies. That being said, there are some general duties that remain constant. These include but are not limited to:

-Entering patient history into the EHR

-Recording physician-patient interactions

-Updating medications in the EHR

-Assisting with minor procedures

-Ordering diagnostic tests

Schedule management may also be a responsibility of the scribe. This includes coordinating follow up appointments and referrals to specialists. In some cases, the scribe may also act as a liaison between the patient and physician outside of scheduled appointments if questions or concerns arise.

Qualifications

There is no one size fits all when it comes to becoming a medical scribe. However, there are some recommended qualifications that will make you a more attractive candidate. Obviously, strong written and verbal communication skills are key since you will be interacting with patients, physicians, and other staff members on a daily basis. Keeping a professional appearance is also important since you will be representing the facility you work for. Finally, computer literacy is extremely important since you will be spending most of your day inputting data into an EHR. With that being said, many facilities will provide training on their specific EHR system before expected you to be an expert.

Is Certification Required?

In short, no certification is required to become a medical scribe. That being said, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a certified training program. The American College of Healthcare Documentation Specialists (ACHDS) offers such a program that culminates in taking an exam to earn the Registered Clinical Scribe Specialist (RCSCS) credential. While not required, this credential may help you stand out when applying for jobs or seeking advancement opportunities.

Conclusion

Medical scribes play an important role in today’s healthcare landscape by assisting physicians with documentation and other tasks so that they can see more patients. If you are considering becoming a medical scribe, there is no certification required but completing a certified training program and earning the Registered Clinical Scribe Specialist (RCSCS) credential could give you an edge when applying for jobs.

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The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Scribe

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How to Become a Hospital Scribe The Ultimate Guide