Is anyone using transcription service instead of dragon? I have a pulmonary office that would like to keep their current transcriptionist and I am not sure what needs to be done to get their notes into GE. Do they have to be able to send a file in HL7 format? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
I've seen three scenarios with transcriptionists:
- Transcribe directly into the EMR note
- Use the Noteslink Word macro
- Use another HL7 interface process
The first option is the easiest, and you can keep your current transcriptionist. You have to be willing to let the transcriptionist into your EMR, and he/she must be willing to work directly in the software. You might also have to provide remote access if that person is off-site. I know of a few practices who have done this and it's relatively smooth.
The second option works really well once you get the process down. If it's a dictation meant to be a note by itself (it won't be inserted into an existing office note), this is pretty clean and simple once you are able to get the file to your network securely. We used to do this with an independent cardiologist who did reads for our echo tests. They saved the files to a network share accessed through a VPN tunnel. If it will be inserted into an existing note via a placeholder, the dictation will have to include the placeholder ID, and you may have to adjust your workflow a little to account for the timing of the transcription and final signature. We did not use placeholders so I couldn't speak to the complexity of this process.
The third option is the most automated, but it's also the most expensive because you'd have to find a transcriptionist who can do this.
Thanks for the information! I really appreciate it.
Cindy