Difference between medical writing, medical coding,transcription

Medical coding involves transforming descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into universal medical code numbers. These code numbers are used for variety of purposes like statistical analysis of diseases and therapeutic actions, reimbursements and direct surveillance of epidemic or pandemic outbreaks. Most of the outsourced work involves coding for insurance reimbursements. The diagnoses and procedures are usually taken from a variety of sources within the medical record, such as the transcription of the doctor's notes, laboratory results, radiologic results, and other sources.

This allied health profession is very different form medical writing. Medical writing is more of a creative work involving research, analysis and communication of the obtained information in varied forms as per the audience. 

A medical coder requires knowledge of medical terminologies and general understanding of diseases. However, a medical writer needs to have wide variety of skills to write on various topics and for different target group. Medical coding is considered more of a mechanical work when compared to the creativity involved in medical writing 

Medical writing involves communicating clinical and scientific data and information to a range of audiences in a wide variety of formats. It is method of written communication of scientific knowledge, customized to the target audience.

Medical writing is more of a creative work involving research, analysis and communication of the obtained information in varied forms as per the audience.


Medical transcription is the process of converting voice-recorded reports as dictated by physicians and other healthcare professionals, into text format.

A medical transcriptionist performs document typing and formatting functions according to an established criteria or format, transcribing the spoken word of the patient's care information into a written and easily readable form. He is involved in the mechanical task of generating transcribed reports.


Medical coding involves transforming descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into universal medical code numbers. These code numbers are used for variety of purposes like statistical analysis of diseases and therapeutic actions, reimbursements and direct surveillance of epidemic or pandemic outbreaks.

A medical coder requires knowledge of medical terminologies and general understanding of diseases. Medical coding is considered more of a mechanical work when compared to the creativity involved in medical writing.





Opportunities:

• Professional medical communications and medical education:
• Promotional medical education (marketing)
• Certified medical education, also called Continuing Medical Education or CME
• Consumer-level health education
• Clinical research
• Freelance/contract medical writing
• Market research and survey writing:
• Medical blogging

Difference between medical writing and transcription

Medical Transcription

What is Medical Transcription? Medical transcription is the process of converting voice-recorded reports as dictated by physicians and other healthcare professionals, into text format. A medical transcriptionist performs document typing and formatting functions according to an established criteria or format, transcribing the spoken word of the patient's care information into a written and easily readable form.

Who hires Medical Transcription? Clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

What It requires? A medical transcriptionist needs to be well-versed with correct spelling of all terms and words and have understanding of correcting medical terminology.

Job role A medical transcriptionist is involved in the mechanical task of generating transcribed reports.

Graduates and postgraduates from any discipline preferably from science.

                                                                                                                                     

Medical Writing

What is Medical writing? Medical writing involves communicating clinical and scientific data and information to a range of audiences in a wide variety of formats. It is method of written communication of scientific knowledge, customized to the target audience.

Who hires Medical writers? Academic medical centers, associations, foundations, pharmaceutical companies, medical devices , publishers, medical websites, contract research organizations (CROs), hospitals/health care systems and medical advertising/communication agencies , Healthcare BPO’s / KPO’s , Software firms , Healthcare Consulting firms…

What It requires? Medical writing is a creative profession, the medical writer needs to have attention to detail, ability to write and work across teams and also independently. They should be good communicators and should have aptitude for understanding medicine and to learn more. A medical writer needs to have wide variety of skills to write on various topics and for different target group.  A medical writer needs to have attention to detail, ability to write and work across teams and also independently. They should be good communicators and should have aptitude for understanding medicine and to learn more.

Job role The work of a medical writer includes creation and development of advertising copy for pharmaceuticals and other products, CD-ROMs, Internet content, journal abstracts and articles, medical education materials, monographs, multimedia projects, regulatory documents, physician speeches and presentations, sales training manuals, slide kits, white papers, medical scripts, newsletters, patient education materials, posters, case reports and many more.

Writing…! Taking the Right Advantage Needs a Perfect Choice

In today’s world communication is a must factor for advancing in every field. Science is no exception, rather exclusive. Medical communication is a critical skill because words do matter in research and medicine, for it is no politics. Its importance is coming into light after Medical Writing industry has taken off. As the world of medical communication is metamorphosing, new courses are mushrooming broadening the options, and existing courses are modified and developed to meet the current industrial needs. Medical writing is a promising career undoubtedly, but is not true with mere intent to get that dream job rather with passion and patience to explore and write. Becoming a medical writer is easy but to maintain that competency is challenging. 

Is medical writing career the right choice for you? Well! Question yourself and the answer is right there in your senses. Here is the guide for making the perfect choice to enhance your skill for a better recognition in your profession. 

Introspect Yourself… A Pre-Choice Thought

• How good are you in written English? -The basic medium of communication in the medical world.
• Check how well you write? – The basic skill one needs to have is flair of writing.
• How well you understand science and medicine? -The core communication is based on   scientific and medical information. 
• Are you inquisitive for exploring the subject constantly?-One needs to stay updated with latest information in science and medicine. 
• Do you have enough patience?- Medical Information is vast and scattered. One needs an eye for detail and patience to pick out the right information. 
• How passionate are you?- It demands working beyond hard work. Passion for writing is what makes you the perfect medical writer you dream of. 
• Is self study your way of learning? - Self-study is a great way to improve your knowledge and skills.
• How often can you practice? – Practice makes a man perfect! Medical writing needs meticulous practice to excel the way medical industry demands.
• Are you ready to innovate? - Medical writing is an art. It needs constant innovation to explore interesting ways to communicate.

Medical writing is definitely diverse with growing opportunities of employment. To click the right key, one must have a “yes” for every question. If yes, you will never regret for making medical writing your career choice.