What is a gynecology medical scribe? It’s a healthcare administration professional who is present during patient visits and records them, inputs the crucial information into electronic health records, and maintains patient data, ensuring their integrity. Naturally, such scribes work only with gynecologists. Do you want to learn more? Keep reading!
What Is a Women’s Health & Gynecology Scribe?
A women’s health & gynecology medical scribe works closely with gynecologists, helping them with administrative work. Their tasks include:
- Shadowing the gynecologist (usually works with one per shift).
- Documenting gynecologist’s work:
- communication with the patients,
- test results,
- medication and treatment prescriptions.
- Inputting information into EHR.
- Reviewing patient charts.
Gynecology scribes contribute to the accessibility of women’s health care by taking over the administrative duties of the specialists. Therefore, they play a crucial role not only in the clinic but also in society as a whole.
The Skills and Requirements for Gynecology Scribes
How to become a medical scribe in gynecology and women’s health? This requires the following skills:
- knowledge of medical terms, with a specific master of gynecology-related terminology,
- fast typing speeds (over 40 words per minute),
- excellent manners and communication skills,
- ability to navigate the electronic health records (EHR),
- in-depth understanding of the HIPAA regulations and local healthcare-related laws.
Additionally, a gynecology medical scribe has to undergo a training, which includes:
- learning how to navigate the medical health records,
- understanding hospital flow,
- doing training shifts.
Is a Gynecology Scribe a Healthcare Provider?
No, gynecology scribes are not healthcare providers. They do not interact with patients directly or conduct examinations or tests. Their role is purely administrative.
As such, you cannot get promoted from an OB/GYN scribe to a gynecologist. However, working as such a scribe can still prove to be a valuable experience, both for your application to med school and for learning how healthcare organizations operate in practice.
Why Should You Become a Women’s Health & Gynecology Scribe?
There are several benefits to working as a gynecology scribe. Let’s look at them now.
- It increases your chances of getting accepted into medical school—working as a scribe is a valued experience.
- It lets you acquire hands-on knowledge of the EHR systems, which will prove useful later during your residency.
- It’s a great way to start up your career in healthcare administration.
- It’s the perfect way to expand your knowledge and network—especially if you plan to complete a gynecology specialty.
- You can progress with your career as a gynecology scribe—the career path includes advancement to chief scribe, trainee, scribe ambassador, or even transfer to the corporate team.
The Takeaway
Health & gynecology medical scribes are a crucial part of the healthcare system, enabling more women to visit their doctors and have everything checked up. They contribute to a better-quality healthcare system, healthier gynecologists (who are less stressed due to the help of scribes!), and the efficiency of medical care in general.
You might also read: Is Being a Medical Scribe Hard? 5 Things You Need to Know
