At ScribeAmerica, we’re deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in everything we do. This commitment isn’t just an internal focus—it also shapes how we think about the future of healthcare and the scribe industry. With tools like telehealth and telescribing, we have opportunities to make healthcare more accessible and equitable, especially for underserved communities. These services allow us to assist providers in bridging healthcare delivery gaps, and they align with our mission to improve the quality of healthcare for everyone.
Telehealth: Increasing Access for All
The post-COVID boom in telehealth not only allowed health care professionals to continue providing care to patients remotely, it also had the unintended effect of closing care disparities. Traditional in-person appointments pose many barriers, especially for people living in rural areas or those who require special care. In many regions, access to specialists or even primary care providers can be limited because of distance, transportation challenges, trouble finding child care, or even taking time off work.
For individuals in underserved communities, telehealth not only offers convenience but can potentially reduce some of the financial burdens associated with seeking medical care. Many patients who face economic challenges might hesitate to take time off work or pay for transportation fees which can lead to delayed treatment and worse health outcomes. Telehealth offers a more accessible and affordable solution that allows patients to receive care in a timely manner without having to add strain to their financial situation.
Telehealth has been shown to improve access to specialized care12. Patients who would normally have to wait weeks or months for an appointment with a specialist are able to see physicians sooner through virtual visits. In underserved communities where chronic conditions are more common, faster diagnosis and treatment can mean significant improvements in well-being3.
Telescribing: Improve Healthcare Quality
What is a telescribe? As the name suggests, a telescribe is a remote medical scribe who assists providers by taking care of all the documentation during a patient encounter. Whether it’s for in-person appointments or telehealth consultations, telescribing helps doctors stay focused on what matters most: the patient. Small gestures, like maintaining eye contact with the patient, can go a long way in building trust and making the patient feel heard.
Accurate documentation is crucial for the delivery of high-quality care. Miscommunication or incomplete information can lead to gaps in care, especially for patients with complex medical histories. By offering telescribing services, ScribeAmerica helps clinicians capture every detail of the patient visit, which consequently contributes to higher quality healthcare delivery. This is extremely valuable in underserved communities, where patients may have limited opportunities to see a physician and need to make the most of every interaction.
Telescribing also opens up opportunities for a diverse workforce. Remote scribe positions allow individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including those from underserved communities themselves, to contribute to the scribe and healthcare industry. The remote work model creates a more inclusive environment, where employees can work from different locations while supporting a common goal of improving patient care.
Telehealth and DEI: Fostering a More Inclusive Environment
Marginalized populations–such as racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers, are often disproportionately affected by healthcare barriers. Telehealth can help reduce these disparities by providing culturally competent, accessible care. It’s about meeting people where they are and providing services that fit their unique needs.
At ScribeAmerica, we recognize the importance of creating a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities we serve. We are dedicated to hiring individuals from all backgrounds who are passionate about advancing health equity and improving healthcare access. By focusing on DEI both within our organization and in the services we provide, we’re helping to create a more equitable healthcare system.
Whether you’re an aspiring healthcare professional or someone looking to make a difference in your community, ScribeAmerica offers you the chance to be a part of a mission-driven organization that is adapting to the fast-paced healthcare industry.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11009553/ 2 https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090519-093711 3 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30001-3/fulltext
