How Much Does a Virtual Medical Scribe Make? Salary Expectations

female doctor thinking how much does a virtual medical scribe make

The demand for virtual medical scribes has continued to increase over the years. These virtual professionals offer real-time documentation services, help physicians manage electronic health records systems, and perform other administrative tasks when their time permits. With the growing interest in this profession, many wonder, how much does a virtual medical scribe make? The role has become invaluable and sought after in the healthcare industry, which has encouraged many to take it on.

Those who are considering how much a virtual medical scribe makes can expect generous pay, especially after building up skills, experience, and certifications that make you more qualified for the role. The hourly wage for virtual medical scribes varies based on experience, with entry-level positions earning less than mid-career and experienced scribes. It’s a demanding job, but it is also very fulfilling professionally and financially. How much does a virtual medical scribe make to find financial security in this role as long as they put in the years and effort to make themselves a better fit for the role?

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What is a Medical Scribe?

Medical scribe documenting patient information.

A medical scribe is a healthcare professional responsible for meticulously documenting patient information during medical appointments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of medical records, which allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Medical scribes work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private doctor’s offices. They may be employed directly by healthcare providers or through medical scribe employment agencies. The work of medical scribes is indispensable in maintaining efficient and accurate medical documentation, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

Factors that Influence a Typical Medical Scribe’s Salary

There are several factors that influence a scribe’s typical salary. The following are some of the few but more important factors that affect a scribe’s earning potential.

Experience and Skill Level

The level of experience in how much a virtual medical scribe makes has impacted their salary directly. In fact, it can be argued that this is the biggest factor that influences salary. Entry-level scribes with minimal experience are expected to earn less than veteran scribes who have years of experience under their belt.

As scribes work more years in this role, they become more efficient, accurate, and fast in documenting patient appointments. This justifies their higher compensation, as they are seen as more valuable to a healthcare clinic thanks to their advanced skills. Job training is crucial in gaining this experience and can significantly increase a scribe’s salary.

Location of Employment

Even though medical scribes work remotely, location can still affect salary. More particularly, the location of the physician or agency can determine the pay a scribe receives. Medical scribes who work for employers in regions with a higher cost of living often receive higher pay than those who work for employers based in states or countries with lower average wages. Salaries in these regions can fall below, meet, or exceed the national average, providing a clearer understanding of compensation expectations.

Type of Employer

The type of healthcare institution a scribe works for also affects their salary range. Large hospitals and private healthcare organizations typically pay more than smaller clinics and independent physicians. Another example is when a scribe works for specialized healthcare providers such as cardiologists or surgeons. Scribes who work for these healthcare professionals earn a higher salary due to the complexity of how much a virtual medical scribe makes documentation they must regularly perform. Additionally, the job title can vary across different employers, which can affect both responsibilities and salary.

Work Arrangement

Virtual medical scribes are granted to work full-time, part-time, or as freelancers. Whatever the work arrangement the medical scribe is under, that affects their expected salary as well. Full-time scribes receive more benefits and bonuses compared to part-time scribes, but part-time scribes have the flexibility to work with various employees at once, which can significantly boost their average salary. Freelancers, on the other hand, may receive hourly rates. This gives them the freedom to set their own rates. However, this also lacks the job security or benefits that full-time employees are rewarded. Hiring virtual medical scribes can alleviate the documentation burden on physicians and enhance patient comfort, especially in telehealth settings.

Work Arrangement

Virtual medical scribes who have acquired relevant certifications can command higher salaries than those who haven’t. Certifications let employers know that the scribe is committed to the profession. It gives them a higher level of competence and qualification thus employers reward them better with higher pay and better benefits. The most dedicated virtual scribes take the time to get certified so they can increase their average salary.

Specializations

Specializations in certain medical fields, typically those that require more thorough medical knowledge, such as oncology or pediatrics, offer higher pay than others. Employers can offer a higher range of pay to scribes who can handle these specializations, as they often demand a higher level of expertise.

Virtual Medical Scribe Job Requirements

Medical student holding a diploma.

Virtual medical scribes work remotely, often from home or other remote locations, and require a unique set of skills to perform their duties effectively. They must possess strong communication and documentation skills to accurately and efficiently document patient information during virtual patient encounters. Typically, virtual medical scribes need:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Experience in the healthcare industry, along with relevant education and certification.

  • Strong computer skills and familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs).

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

  • The ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

These requirements ensure that virtual medical scribes can handle the demands of the job while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in medical documentation.

Typical Salary Ranges for Virtual Medical Scribes

Medical Scribe holding her salary.

While the salary range varies geographically and in terms of specialization, we can project the typical range scribes may earn based on their skill level and experience. These ranges can be less or more, depending on the aforementioned factors.

Entry-Level

Entry-level scribes typically earn between $10 to $15 per hour. This translates to an annual salary range of $20,000 to $30,000. Entry-level refers to scribes who are just starting out in the field, with little to no experience to speak of. While the salary for entry-level scribes is lower, they also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills. For as long as the scribe can maintain a level of dedication to the role, their salary rate will increase in no time.

Attention to detail and proper training are crucial in medical scribing, as mistakes can have significant consequences for patient care.

Mid-Level

Mid-level scribes are those who have around 2 to 5 years of experience in the profession. These medical scribes can expect to earn around $15 to $20 per hour or $30,000 to $45,000 per year. Medical scribes at this stage are expected to be more proficient in how much a virtual medical scribe makes in terminology, EHR management, and overall documentation.

Mid-level medical scribes may also have the opportunity to take on more specialized roles, which would allow them to increase their average salary range further.

Senior-Level

Senior-level virtual medical scribes are those that have 5 years of experience or beyond. These are the scribes that the industry values most. Senior-level medical scribes can expect to earn around $25 to $35 per hour or around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, if not more. These scribes have advanced skills and often work or have worked with the best healthcare providers in the industry.

Senior-level scribes may also oversee a team of junior scribes. They earn more benefits and bonuses due to having greater responsibilities.

Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary

Outside of their salary, the following are the benefits and perks virtual medical scribes can expect to receive.

Healthcare and Insurance Packages

Full-time virtual medical scribes can be eligible for healthcare and insurance packages, which cost a lot in itself. These benefits can include medical and dental insurance, and perhaps more depending on some employers. This benefit alone adds a significant value to the overall compensation package a virtual medical scribe receives. Additionally, they may also receive sick days as part of their employment benefits.

Work Flexibility

One of the most attractive aspects of working as a virtual medical scribe is the flexibility remote work offers. Most scribes experience a better work-life balance thanks to the lack of commute times and other factors an in-office medical scribe has to deal with. This factor is an enormous benefit, particularly for those who require more adaptable work hours.

Professional Development

Several medical practices offer opportunities for continued professional development to their medical scribes. This includes certification programs, training courses, and more. These opportunities improve the skills of a virtual medical scribe, which in turn boosts their earning potential over time.

Potential Incentives

In addition to the salary and benefits a virtual medical scribe receives, they may also receive performance bonuses, referral bonuses, and, in some cases, profit-sharing opportunities. These incentives provide rewards based on the quality of work and the contribution a virtual medical scribe provides to the medical practice.

Virtual Medical Scribe Training and Certifications

virtual medical scribe training.

Virtual medical scribes typically undergo specialized training and certification programs to prepare them for their role. These programs often include:

  • Classroom training in medical terminology, anatomy, and medical procedures to build a strong foundational knowledge.

  • Clinical training in a virtual setting, where they practice documenting patient information during virtual patient encounters.

  • Certification programs, such as the Certified Medical Scribe (CMS) or the Certified Virtual Medical Scribe (CVMS), validate their skills and knowledge.

  • Ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date with changing medical practices and technologies.

This comprehensive training ensures that virtual medical scribes are well-equipped to handle the complexities of medical documentation, ultimately contributing to more efficient and accurate patient care.

Maximizing Your Earning Potential as a Virtual Medical Scribe

If the salary range you’re reading isn’t sufficient enough for you, there are several ways you can maximize your earning potential as a virtual medical scribe. One of the best ways medical scribes can maximize their average salary is to earn certifications.

As we’ve established, certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise, as well as a higher level of dedication to the role. Higher-paying employers pay attention better to certified scribes than to scribes who have not taken the time and effort to pursue certifications. Additionally, certifications in specific specialties can also make you more attractive to that job market.

Speaking of the job market, scribes can also increase their earnings by understanding different regions and medical fields. Physicians who operate in some areas and in high-demand specialties pay better than others, but they also demand more experienced and skilled scribes. Senior-level scribes can leverage their knowledge and experience in these areas to earn more pay. In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, being aware of cyber threats is crucial, as the rise in virtual consultations has led to a significant increase in security incidents.

Become Financially Secure as a Virtual Medical Scribe

The role of a virtual medical scribe can provide the ultimate financial security to those who are willing to dedicate time and effort to the role. Gain experience, earn certifications, and know the ins and outs of the industry and you can secure a rewarding career as a virtual medical scribe.

If you’re keen on earning more and furthering your career in the healthcare industry today, speak to us immediately and have the chance to provide and essential service to healthcare providers and have a clear path to financial stability.

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