5 Medical Jobs That Allow You to Telecommute

The traditional 9-5 work schedule has become increasingly uncommon due to globalization and the demands of our 24-hour society. Many people choose to work on their own schedule, often from home, because they find the rigid routine of a 9-5 job depressing and seek more variety in their careers. Others find that the eight-hour time block interferes with other aspects of their lives, such as school, family obligations or additional part-time jobs. However, while some people simply find traditional work hours counterproductive, others don’t have much of a choice because their profession demands high flexibility.

Many industries these days offer flexible careers that allow you to telecommute. Accountants, consultants, writers, editors, graphic designers, computer programmers, and web designers are common examples of occupations that increasingly involve telecommuting. However, did you know that the healthcare industry offers several careers that allow you to telecommute? This is good news for those who like to work independently, but also want to work in a highly lucrative field. By 2020, the healthcare sector will grow by about 26 percent – ​​much faster than other industries.

So, if you’re looking for a job in healthcare that doesn’t have a 9-5 schedule and allows for more flexibility, consider the following medical careers:

Medical billing and coding specialist

Medical billing and coding specialists or medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data in both paper and electronic systems, ensuring quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patient medical and treatment histories. Medical billers and coders record patients’ health information, including medical history, symptoms, test and test results, treatments, and other information about health care provider services. To become a medical billing and coding specialist, it is recommended that aspiring medical coders complete a professional education training program and the required exams to become certified, Carrington.edu. They mostly work in hospitals or doctors’ offices. Some work for nursing care facilities, home health care facilities, or the government. However, experienced and knowledgeable medical billing and coding specialists can start their own business and work from home as well. Small practices in particular have trouble attracting and keeping good medical billing specialists, which is a great opportunity for medical billing coders willing to telecommute.

Medical transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and convert them into written reports (medical transcripts). Sometimes, they can review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. In addition, medical transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations to prepare patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents. Employers and clients generally prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed post-secondary training in medical transcription, which is offered by many vocational schools, community colleges and distance-learning programs. Prospective medical transcriptionists must have an understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, grammar, and word-processing software. Most medical transcriptionists are employed by hospitals or physicians’ offices, while some also work for third-party transcription service companies that are contracted by healthcare institutions. Still, a growing number work from home as self-employed and independent contractors.

Medical translator

Medical translators translate technical, regulatory, clinical or marketing documentation, software or training courses for the pharmaceutical, medical device or healthcare fields. For example, if there are medical devices or pharmaceuticals that are sold in different countries, the medical translator is responsible for translating and labeling the corresponding literature. Furthermore, documents required for the conduct of clinical trials sometimes need to be translated, so that healthcare professionals, patients and regulatory representatives are able to read them. Similarly, regulatory approval submissions usually need to be translated. Medical translators are expected to have expertise in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as well as linguistic skills related to spelling and grammar. Thus, many employers or clients often demand professionals who have completed post-secondary training in medical translation or have extensive experience in the medical field. Although medical translators often work for hospitals, physicians’ offices, or third-party translation service companies, many are self-employed and work as independent contractors for healthcare organizations around the world.

Medical writer

Medical writers typically work for clients in the media, government, or healthcare. They are often hired by drug companies, medical-device manufacturers and clinical-research organizations to prepare regulatory documents used for US Food and Drug Administration approval of drugs and devices. Additionally, medical writers help doctors write research articles, monographs and reviews on medical topics. Continuing medical education companies hire medical writers to compile educational materials used by doctors and nurses to prepare for license renewal. Additionally, they create sales training materials and press releases or fact sheets for healthcare organizations and web content for government agencies. Medical writers also write about research findings for medical journals, websites, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, blogs, and any other medium that covers health and medical topics. Medical writers typically have worked in the medical field and often hold a post-secondary medical degree. While some are employed full-time, a large majority work independently on a freelance basis.

Medical Editor

Medical editors plan, coordinate and edit medical content for publication. Additionally, they are also responsible for reviewing proposals and drafts submitted by medical authors prior to publication. Other responsibilities of the medical editor include determining layout, indexing content, and revising final drafts to prepare for publication. Additionally, a medical editor contacts authors regarding additional questions, edits, or corrections. A medical editor job requires expertise in various software programs that are used in editing and/or publishing. A post-secondary degree with a specialty in English literature or grammar is required by most employers, while another degree, certificate or specialization in a medical field is also strongly desired. Generally, medical editors have previously worked as medical writers. Typically works for either medical publications or healthcare organizations, or as an independent contractor hired by clients in the medical field.

Monica Gomez is a career, health, and healthcare industry writer. He has written numerous articles on career advancement and health career opportunities.