Nathan Barz's Podcast

What Is a Medical Scribe? Roles, Duties & Benefits

• Nathan Barz • Season 1 • Episode 83

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Ever wondered what is a medical scribe and why they’re becoming essential in modern healthcare? In this episode, we break down the role of medical scribes, exploring how they support physicians, improve documentation, and help providers focus on patient care instead of paperwork. You’ll learn the day-to-day duties of a medical scribe, from updating electronic health records (EHRs) to accurately transcribing medical terminology and clinical notes in real time.

We also dive into the benefits of hiring medical scribes, including increased efficiency, better patient-provider interactions, and reduced after-hours charting. Whether you’re a student considering a career in healthcare or a provider looking for ways to boost productivity, this episode answers the key question: what is a medical scribe and how do they transform medical practice.

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Hey everyone, uh, it’s great to have you here—especially if you’re in healthcare, you know that feeling when you're juggling charts, EHRs, and care?

So frustrating, right? Well, what if I told you there’s someone whose job is literally to shadow the provider—like a notetaking ninja—for documentation.

They handle the notes so the provider can just focus on the patient. Today, I’m diving into what is a medical scribe, and why it’s a total game-changer.

Okay, so, uh, what is a medical scribe? Basically, a medical scribe is a trained professional who helps providers by documenting info in real time.

They’re not there to treat patients, but they’re there to make sure every detail—diagnosis, treatment plan, labs—gets typed in, accurately and quickly.

Picture this: you're seeing a patient with chest pain. While you’re asking questions, the scribe is entering the history, vitals, labs, and exam findings.

You’re nodding, you’re focusing on the patient, the scribe’s handling the documentation—boom, efficiency, zero documentation lag.

And, uh, duties? They go beyond just typing. A scribe may transcribe records, record medical terminology, update EHRs, and support provider workflow.

They’re literally inputting clinical notes, lab results, physical exam findings—during or right after the consultation—so nothing gets missed.

And here’s why they’re super valuable: they let the provider zero in on the patient. That means better interaction, fewer distractions, real focus.

Get this—a 2022 review of over half a million encounters found scribes improved productivity by 56% in RVUs per hour and 30% in patients per hour.

That’s huge. Now, you might wonder, what does it take to be a scribe? Usually, you need at least a high school diploma, but pre-med helps a lot.

Many places prefer candidates with anatomy exposure or a degree. You need EHR skills, medical terminology, detail focus, and HIPAA awareness.

The work environment? It’s fast-paced—you’re shadowing doctors, keeping up with clinic workflow, and constantly adapting as things shift.

They’re not just clerical help—they’re essential workflow partners. Imagine you’re the provider again, with three follow-ups and two new consults.

Half your notes still to finish after the day ends. With a scribe, that after-hours charting? Almost gone. You’re literally free for patient care.

Alright, so bottom line: what is a medical scribe? It’s that trained assistant who documents visits, supports providers, and boosts efficiency.

They give you the freedom to actually be with your patient. Imagine that! If you haven’t worked with one yet, it’s time to think about it.

Thanks for tuning in—if this made you go, “Huh, a scribe… interesting,” share this with a colleague. Stay energized, stay human, see you next time.