Medical transcription outsourcing can be a major challenge for health care providers. The more stringent requirements of these transcription tasks require the highest level of skill and accuracy on the part of transcriptionists. As a result, it’s essential to outsource to a professional, reliable medical transcription company and to avoid companies that may produce substandard results that could significantly affect patient health and well-being. Here are a few red flags to avoid when outsourcing records work to a medical transcription firm.

1. Freelance medical transcription. Professional medical transcription firms depend upon their reputations in order to ensure their continued operations and profitability. Freelance transcriptionists, by contrast, typically rely on low prices to attract new clientele. Because they have a lower degree of investment in the field, they may not apply the same level of expertise to the transcriptions and may allow errors to pass unchecked and uncorrected. By choosing a professional, fully-staffed firm for medical transcription outsourcing needs, health care organizations can ensure the highest quality results and better serve their patients.
2. Lack of flexibility. In order to ensure the best possible relationship between health care providers and transcription companies throughout the medical transcription outsourcing process, health care organizations should communicate their requirements clearly and look for a company that is willing to adjust to those requirements. Inflexibility and unwillingness to accommodate rush projects or to change schedules when required can cause major problems, especially during times of larger-than-average transcription needs.
3. Failure to proofread. One of the most obvious hallmarks of a substandard medical transcription service is lack of proper proofreading. Glaring spelling errors and misused medical terminology are clear signs that the transcription company is performing slipshod work. By spot-checking results for at least the first few months of the medical transcription outsourcing arrangement, health care institutions can ensure that the transcriptions they receive are up to the standards needed for superior patient care and record keeping.
4. Slow turnaround time. Most common among freelance transcription companies are unusually long delays in receiving completed work, which may indicate staffing problems or issues with scheduling. While larger work loads may sometimes require additional time, consistent delays can have significant effects on administrative work flow and patient care and should be monitored carefully.

By exercising caution and checking over the results during the initial stages of medical transcription outsourcing, health care organizations can ensure the quality of their record-keeping and the safety and well-being of their patients throughout the process.