I took this article off HealthImaging.com and all I can say is .. ‘ouch’
Twenty-three full- and part-time employees at Burlington, Vt.-based academic medical center Fletcher Allen HealthCare will lose their medical transcription positions, effective June 25, as a result of efficiencies gained by new technologies.
New speech-recognition software, which transcribes lines of dictation that only require editing, was introduced in the fall of 2009. The software can produce more lines of dictation in less time using fewer people, according to Fletcher Allen. In addition, the provider stated it implemented an EHR system in June 2009, which allows physicians to enter information directly into the system without dictation; decreasing the overall volume of transcription work by 27 percent to date.
Three additional positions were vacated through attrition and four per-diem positions were eliminated, for a total of 30 positions cut, the medical center stated. Fletcher Allen is providing severance packages to affected employees and has reached out to three transcription companies to try to secure employment for qualified candidates.
Fifty-three people will continue to provide editing services and a small amount of traditional transcription services for the organization, which currently produces approximately 19 million lines of transcription per year, Fletcher Allen stated.
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