A medical scribe is an old concept with a new vision, which consists of a non-clinical member of the team who is trained in documenting the physician-patient encounters. The medical scribe's function is an auxiliary information pathway to provide the physician with real-time access to complete documentation without interfering with a department's communication or efficiency. The role is exclusively clerical. This role is well suited for individuals who are already seeking opportunities in the healthcare profession.
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), with their inherent complexity, have decreased the amount of patients that a physician can assess in a shift due to the extra time that is needed to perform clerical duties. With the addition of a medical scribe in your clinical setting, physicians are allotted less time in clerical work and more time with patients. This translates to increased physician satisfaction, increased patient satisfaction, and accurate charting for more complete billing.
