Home medical transcription for clinics

Private clinics, specialists, allied health practices (such as physiotherapists and psychologists) and medical-legal or assessment practices.

Usually a rate per audio minute, per line or per page, or an hourly rate for editing. Regular monthly arrangements with a few clinics give steadier income.

• Fast, accurate typing
• Strong grammar and proofreading
• Medical terminology
• Careful handling of confidential information

• Health privacy laws differ by province (for example PHIPA in Ontario), so check what applies to you as a service provider
• Some clients or provinces may restrict storing health data outside Canada, so check where your tools store files
• Clients will likely ask for a confidentiality agreement and proof of secure systems
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) and commercial general liability insurance
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Speech recognition tools are changing the work, so plan to offer editing and review as well as typing

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the equipment and software you choose, the security tools you need and any insurance you take out. Treat this as an estimate and compare it with your own quotes.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clinics you serve, your typing speed and how much editing or review work you take on. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check which health privacy laws apply in your province (for example PHIPA in Ontario), whether clients restrict storing health data outside Canada, confidentiality agreement expectations, insurance needs, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence.