What does a virtual medical scribe do? One visit, step by step
A scribe's work is easiest to understand by following one visit. Here is what a virtual medical scribe does before the patient arrives, during the visit, at check-out and afterwards.
Before the visit
Depending on the provider, the scribe preps charts ahead of the visit. That makes the next day easier, because the work is already in the chart when the provider needs it.
During the visit
The scribe charts in real time, as the visit happens, so your provider can look at the patient instead of the screen. That is how I chart myself. They draft the HPI, make note of the physical exam and write the SOAP note in your EHR, in the provider’s format.
They also prepare orders, imaging and referrals for the provider’s sign-off. The scribe prepares; the provider reviews and decides.
Our scribes speak both English and Spanish. Many patients speak Spanish, and a scribe who understands them can chart the visit as it happens, in your EHR.
At check-out
The scribe places reminders for when the patient checks out, such as scheduling the next appointment. When a patient needs prompt attention, they let the provider’s medical assistant know: to check the patient out, to get images or labs, or to give a shot or a nebulizer treatment.
After the visit
The scribe leaves the chart as ready as it can be for the provider’s sign-off. They review clinical notes from specialists, and they make sure quality measures are being addressed in the encounter.
What a scribe does not do
A scribe does not complete the provider’s inbox, and does not sign the note. Your provider reviews and signs.
What makes a good one
Look for competent English, experience in US healthcare, and a willingness to learn. A good scribe knows the current guidelines for the specialty they will chart for, and is aware of the brand names of medications.
An Experienced scribe keeps up in a fast-paced clinic, tells the different English accents in the US apart, documents accurately and keeps what is relevant, and has your charts ready for sign-off sooner. An Entry scribe is clinically trained but new to US healthcare and to your EHR, and needs your workflow, the insurance context and your quality measures taught, so charts take longer to be ready. For scribes we recommend Experienced.
If you want to know what we ask you for before a scribe starts, read the scribe role page.
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Read what the role handles and what we ask you for, then tell us the work. Your quote comes back within one business day.