Home-Based Medical Transcriptionist

Small medical, dental, chiropractic and therapy practices, solo physicians, and larger transcription companies that subcontract work.

Usually paid per line, per audio minute or per hour of work. Direct clients pay more than subcontract work but take longer to find.

• Fast, accurate typing
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Strong grammar and proofreading
• Careful with confidential information

• HIPAA rules: check what you need to do to handle patient information, and expect clients to ask for a business associate agreement
• Cybersecurity: use encrypted storage and secure connections, and check what your clients require
• Speech recognition has reduced demand for typing from scratch, so check current rates and consider offering editing and proofreading
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and whether you can run a business from home under your lease or HOA
• Ask an insurance provider about professional liability (errors and omissions) and cyber coverage

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your computer, software, security tools and insurance. These are estimates, so check what your clients expect before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your clients, speed and rates. Estimates start at about 15 hours a week. Speech recognition has reduced demand for typing from scratch, so check current rates and consider editing and proofreading.

Check HIPAA requirements for handling patient information, and expect clients to ask for a business associate agreement. Also check cybersecurity needs such as encrypted storage, your city or county business license, home business rules under your lease or HOA, and professional liability and cyber insurance.