A medical scribe job description outlines a support role in clinical settings, where real-time documentation is essential. Medical scribes work alongside physicians, capturing patient encounters, updating electronic health records (EHR), and ensuring timely, accurate medical documentation. 

This role differs significantly from general administrative or transcription tasks by involving live clinical support during consultations. The medical scribe description focuses on reducing physicians’ clerical workload, allowing them to focus on diagnosis and care delivery. For HR teams hiring in hospitals, clinics, or telehealth services, a clear scribe job description ensures candidates understand the critical, patient-facing nature of this position.

Medical Scribe Roles and Responsibilities

This section outlines the key medical scribe duties and responsibilities expected from candidates. It is intended to help HRs define daily work expectations in live or virtual clinical environments where accuracy, speed, and confidentiality are critical.

• Document patient encounters during clinical visits in real time
• Update electronic health records (EHR) with medical histories, symptoms, and diagnoses
• Record physician observations, test results, and treatment plans
• Prepare discharge summaries and follow-up instructions accurately
• Maintain proper documentation flow during telehealth or in-person sessions
• Clarify physician dictation to ensure clarity and completeness
• Track diagnostic orders and log test outcomes
• Assist in coding and charting for insurance or billing purposes
• Ensure data accuracy, HIPAA compliance, and patient confidentiality
• Coordinate with administrative teams for case follow-up or record reviews

Objective of the Medical Scribe Role

This medical scribe description helps HRs define the role's broader impact within the healthcare workflow. The objective is to support clinical efficiency, reduce physician documentation burden, and ensure accurate, timely patient records.

• Enable physicians to focus more on patient care than clerical work
• Improve quality and accuracy of real-time medical documentation
• Ensure consistent, compliant updates to electronic health records
• Support faster, more efficient clinical workflows and decision-making

Qualification and Skill Requirements

These qualifications help HR teams identify candidates capable of handling real-time documentation in clinical settings. The ideal medical scribe combines medical terminology understanding with accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion in sensitive environments.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, nursing, or related field preferred
• Experience: 0–2 years in medical documentation or scribe support roles
• Typing Speed: Minimum 50 WPM with high accuracy
• Medical Terminology: Familiarity with basic anatomy and clinical vocabulary
• EHR Systems: Working knowledge of tools like Epic, Cerner, or Athenahealth
• Listening Skills: Strong ability to transcribe spoken instructions in real time
• Confidentiality: Understanding of HIPAA and data privacy protocols
• Adaptability: Comfortable in both telehealth and fast-paced clinical environments
• Communication: Clarity in written notes and internal team coordination
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple patient records under time pressure

Perks and Benefits of the Medical Scribe Role

A well-structured medical scribe job description should highlight meaningful benefits that support long-term retention and role satisfaction. These perks reflect industry standards while appealing to candidates entering clinical support careers.

• Competitive fixed salary with performance-linked evaluations
• Exposure to clinical workflows and medical decision-making
• Opportunity to work closely with physicians and healthcare professionals
• Training on EHR systems and clinical documentation protocols
• Flexible scheduling for part-time or full-time shifts
• Options for remote scribing in telehealth settings
• Clear career progression into healthcare, medical coding, or physician assistant roles
• Access to compliance and HIPAA certification programs
• Wellness support and employee assistance initiatives

Tips for Employers to Craft an Effective Medical Scribe Job Description

An effective medical scribe job description should reflect the pace, environment, and documentation standards of your healthcare setting. These tips will help you define expectations clearly and attract candidates with the right mindset and technical readiness.

• Clarify if the role is in-person or telehealth-based to set working expectations early
• Indicate the type of department or specialty (e.g., emergency, cardiology, outpatient)
• Mention the EHR software used to screen for system familiarity
• Define required documentation speed or accuracy benchmarks if applicable
• Specify shift timing and rotation to help filter candidates for 24/7 setups
• Include HIPAA awareness or certification requirements where legally required
• Differentiate the role from medical transcription or admin roles to reduce confusion
• Note any live scribing or physician shadowing expectations