Medical transcription is the process in which people accurately and rapidly transcribe medical reports and records that are dictated by doctors and other medical practitioners. These include medical and physical reports and records, operation reports, clinic notes, office notes and so on. Medical transcriptions are done by converting telephonic conversations into electronic text form. Medical transcription is an information technology enabled service. This type of transcription requires people who have specialized skills and can use information technology for converting voice recordings of the doctors. This information in converted into written documents that mention the patient's medical history and all the medical advice given to them.

Individuals who transcribe this information are called medical transcriptionists, who are well versed with all the medical terms and are specialists in translating medical data in any language. The transcription covers all the important information that the doctor gives the patient. Generally this information is recorded on a tape, and then transferred hand written or typed for future reference. Transcribers use several types of word-processing systems that help in interpreting information.

Medical transcribers require good listening and language skills. They should be able to concentrate and grasp all that is said in the conversation to make an effective document. Apart from these characteristics, they also need to have knowledge about computers and most importantly medical knowledge.

Many doctors and physicians prefer to hire medical transcribers as this simplifies their workload. This not only helps in locating patients' files easily, but also helps local doctors to view medical documents that can be sent across to other doctors.

With the Internet revolution and help from medical transcribers, doctors can send the patient?s files for a second opinion to other doctors around the world. These reports include operation reports, discharge summary, cosmetic surgery records, and even dental reports.