Medical Scribe Job Descriptions for Hiring Managers and HR

What Does a Medical Scribe Do?

Medical scribes record patient information in real-time during patient encounters. Documenting the patient’s medical history, physical examination findings, diagnostic tests ordered, treatment plans, and other relevant information is the scribe’s primary responsibility.

A medical scribe typically assists physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. During patient encounters, they document the encounter using a computer or other electronic device. A provider can then focus on patient care rather than on documentation.

A medical scribe needs excellent communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of medical terminology and procedures. Their work contributes to improved patient care by ensuring accurate and complete medical records.

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National Average Salary

Medical scribe salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

Medical Scribe salary data

The average national salary for a Medical Scribe is:

$38,565

Medical Scribe Job Descriptions

The first step when hiring a great medical scribe is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.

Example 1

[Your Company Name] is seeking a detail-oriented medical scribe to work at our facility. You will be working very closely with our physicians when they meet with patients and transcribing patient notes into their digital medical records. The scribe provides real-time charting by shadowing the physician throughout their schedule and performs a variety of tasks including recording the patient’s history and chief complaints, transcribing the physical exam, ordering X-rays, recording diagnostic test results, and coordinating with departmental resources regarding tests, orders, radiology, and results. Our ideal candidate has experience working in the medical field and comes to work with a friendly attitude every day.

Typical duties and responsibilities

Observe patient-physician interactions and document each patient’s electronic health records
Enter orders or referrals on behalf of the physician
Gather information from the patient’s visit that’s important to document
Partner with the physician to deliver efficient patient care under the direction of a nurse or other medical professional
Assist the physician when asked
Document procedures, lab results, dictated radiographic impressions made by the physician, and more
Adhere to HIPPA laws

Education and experience

High School Diploma
College Degree or Certification (CMSA or CMSP) a plus
At least 1 yr experience with electronic health records
Experience in urgent care preferred
Recent medical scribing experience preferred

Required skills and qualifications

Must be familiar with medical terminology in the field you’re working in
Capable of precisely transcribing patient care and appointment details
Up to date computer skills
Ability to keep patient details confidential and private
Excellent navigation of multitasking, organization, and time management skills
Must respond well to high-pressure situations in an efficient manner
Possess advanced communication skills (both written and verbal)
Good people skills
Capabile of keeping up in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work in a team with colleagues
Ability to type at least 60 words per minute

Preferred qualifications

Experience with transcption
Familiarity with most medical terminology across medical fields
Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Knowledge of medical EMR software

Example 2

The Medical Scribe performs a variety of clerical but is not limited to, assisting a medical provider with fundamental patient care. Compliance with care management requirements and HEDIS measures in an outpatient examining room setting under the direction of a registered nurse and/or physician.

Responsibilities

Escort a physician in order to document the events in the history and physical exam, and document accurately the physical examination
List all symptoms and diagnoses including laboratory tests, medication orders, treatment, etc.
Document all procedures performed by the physician
Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, confirming purpose of visit
Performing post-treatment physical tests: taking blood pressure and body temperature, and recording patient history summary
Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records
Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations
Serves and protects the practice by adhering to professional standards, policies, and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements

Qualifications

Medical Assistant Certification
Medical terminology
Recognition of the physical exam process and ability to record exam details
Computer proficiency and ability to quickly learn new applications
Organizational skills with a focus on tracking patient care and improving patient flow
A High School Diploma or equivalent is required and at least two (2) years of experience as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, or in additional areas of patient health care in a clinical setting

Example 3

You’ll be on the “front line” of the medical field, seeing the world through the eyes of a provider and interacting with people from all walks of life. As an integral member of the care team, you’ll act as a physician’s personal efficiency partner. Most importantly, you’ll make a difference in people’s lives and be a part of the future of healthcare.

Whether it’s helping you gain entrance into medical/nursing school, giving you priceless advice and insight, or just leading by example as a consummate professional, your partnering physician will profoundly affect your future as a healthcare professional. Your scribe experience—the people you meet, the relationships you develop, and the encounters you witness— will change your life!

Why ABC Company is the best:

Work one-on-one with physicians and other healthcare providers
Gain exposure to over 80+ different specialties
Observe a wide variety of cases. from trauma to pediatrics
Build your professional network and find mentorship in your partnering physicians
Paid training to all hired employees that provides a crash course in medicine including terminology, disease processes, procedures, medications, medical decision-making, and more
Great alternative career for those with CNA, MA, EMT, or Paramedic backgrounds
Flexible scheduling options, with in-person and remote opportunities
Unique travel options and a great team culture

As a scribe you will:

Accompany the healthcare provider into patient examination rooms in order to transcribe the patient’s history, physical exam findings, consultations, labs, X-rays, and other evaluations, as stated by the provider, directly into the medical record
Prepare plans for follow-up care, as directed by the provider
Process admitted and discharge paperwork
Provide advanced support to providers, including documenting phone calls, alerting the physician with labs/radiology reports are complete, grabbing faxes, etc.

Qualifications and requirements:

Outpatient and Hospitalist schedules will require weekday availability. (ie: M-F 8-5)
The minimum availability required for our medical scribe position is 2 shifts per week; shifts range from 8 to 12 hours long
It is the Company’s hope that this will be a long-term position. This is not intended to be a seasonal position
Candidates must be available to work in the local area for at least a year. No summer-only positions.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
Must have a passion for medicine and a desire to grow
Must be adaptable and be willing to take constructive criticism
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to work in a stressful and fast-paced environment
Ability to operate a computer and/or laptop through proficient typing, clicking, and viewing a monitor for extended periods
Ability to type at least 60 words per minute preferred
Ability to move about and follow a healthcare provider for extended periods of time
Ability to read, write, comprehend through listening, and speak fluent English
Must have a computer or access to a computer for virtual/online training
Background in pre-health sciences, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, kinesiology, or other similar field preferred. No previous clinical experience required

Example 4

About the role

We are seeking Medical Scribe with a strong interest in medicine. The Medical Scribe works 1:1 with a variety of medical professionals and documents the patient visit in an EHR. As part of our team, you will have the ability to gain experience in different medical specialties while collaborating with a team of young, talented professionals working to revolutionize healthcare.

The Medical Scribe will create medical notes for providers remotely into the EHR from their own homes located in the US. The Medical Scribe is responsible for documenting the history of present illness, past medical and family history, review of systems, physical exam, diagnostic studies, and plan for the providers. ABC Company’s Medical Scribe is also responsible for preparing charts and cards for the provider at the beginning of each day. The Medical Scribe will be required to learn the preferences of a variety of different providers and must pass assessments and quality checks on a regular basis in order to remain assigned to a provider.