Are medical transcriptionists still in demand?

Demand has dropped in many settings due to EMRs, templates, and now AI-powered tools. But transcriptionists are still needed in: Specialty practices without EMRs, Backlogs of audio dictation, Settings with detailed legal/clinical documentation needs. That said, the role is evolving fast — many are upskilling into CDI, QA, or medical editing roles as automation rises.

What software do medical transcriptionists use?

Medical transcriptionists typically use a mix of tools to streamline their work, including: Audio players with foot pedal support (like Express Scribe), Word processing software with macros (Word, TextExpander), Speech recognition tools (like Dragon Medical), EMR-integrated platforms for direct chart entry. Some also use secure platforms for managing files, QA, and workflow tracking.

Which transcription software is best?

It depends on the setup, but popular picks include: Express Scribe – Lightweight, reliable, and widely used, Dragon Medical One – Speech recognition with some automation, ChartNet or M*Modal – Common in hospital systems. For clinicians looking to skip transcription entirely, AI dictation tools like Freed offer a next-gen alternative—notes, not just words.

Best Medical Transcription Software

Freed's AI scribe listens, transcribes, and writes SOAP notes in seconds — no credit card required.

Try for Free

Get your progress notes done — fast

Stop spending more time on clinical documentation than patient care.

Take AI transcription software to the next level.

Freed helps healthcare professionals capture clear, accurate clinical notes — so you can get your life back.

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Instant, accurate SOAP notes — no training required
Assessments, patient instructions, and summaries, so you can submit and sign off
Captures multiple voices in patient encounters
Flexible documentation that works in the clinical, hospital, or home

Get your progress notes done — fast

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We'll do your SOAP notes. You do you.

Time back in your day

Our software cuts documentation time in half, giving clinicians more time for patient care — and for themselves.

Integrate directly with your EHR system or copy/paste notes in seconds.

Be in the moment

Freed captures every detail during patient visits so you can stay engaged — no screen-staring required.

Accurate, reliable progress notes

Freed’s AI scribe tool adapts to your style and understands clinical language for precise SOAP notes every time.

Leading compliance and security

Freed protects patient data with best-in-class HIPAA-compliant security — no audio recordings stored, no shortcuts taken.

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Built for clinicians, by clinicians

"Freed was built for (and with the help of) my wife after watching her chart at night for too many years. The only purpose of Freed is to make clinicians happier."— Erez Druk, Dr. Meckler’s husband & Freed CEO

Our CEO saw firsthand the challenges of clinical documentation.

Freed’s software takes the pressure off, helping you spend less time documenting and more time doing what you love.

Freed is trusted by over 20,000 clinicians, physicians, and healthcare providers across every specialty.

Whether you're documenting SOAP notes, patient instructions, or detailed dictations, Freed’s software helps you get it done — fast, accurately, and with less stress.

I was impressed not only with the accuracy, but that only relevant information made its way into the note. I absolutely LOVE Freed!!

Heather Kaufman

It’s allowed me to focus fully on the patient, instead of sitting with my back turned typing into the EHR

Heather Kaufman

The transcribed notes maintains the full richness of the sessions, and the site is INCREDBILY user friendly and intuitive. Thank you!

Abraham Weiss, LMFT

After my first day trialing Freed, I literally cried at how much time it saved me – without compromising quality or thoroughness of my notes.

Freed has saved me a lot of time. I used to spend anywhere from 2 to 3 hours after shift writing notes, now I don't spend more than 45 minutes finishing them up.

Liz F

It's documenting while [my patient and I] are speaking and generating accurate, detailed notes as if I had written them myself.

Vera

This is so incredible. Everyone should have this—it will make your life so much easier. It transcribed everything perfectly.

Dr. A

It generates nearly flawless notes with fewer errors than dictation software.

Elizabeth Hayes

This program has changed my life. A note that would normally take me 20 minutes to write is just done.

Stephanie Phillips

It’s allowed me to focus fully on the patient, instead of sitting with my back turned typing into the EHR

Heather Kaufman

The transcribed notes maintains the full richness of the sessions, and the site is INCREDBILY user friendly and intuitive. Thank you!

Abraham Weiss, LMFT

After my first day trialing Freed, I literally cried at how much time it saved me – without compromising quality or thoroughness of my notes.

Freed has saved me a lot of time. I used to spend anywhere from 2 to 3 hours after shift writing notes, now I don't spend more than 45 minutes finishing them up.

Liz F

It's documenting while [my patient and I] are speaking and generating accurate, detailed notes as if I had written them myself.

Vera

This is so incredible. Everyone should have this—it will make your life so much easier. It transcribed everything perfectly.

Dr. A

It generates nearly flawless notes with fewer errors than dictation software.

Elizabeth Hayes

This program has changed my life. A note that would normally take me 20 minutes to write is just done.

Stephanie Phillips

FAQs

Frequently asked questions from clinicians and medical practitioners.

Ready to trial Freed’s AI-powered medical scribe services for free?

Try Freed Today

Ready to trial Freed’s AI-powered medical scribe services for free?

Try Freed Today

Best Medical Transcription Software

Freed's AI scribe listens, transcribes, and writes SOAP notes in seconds — no credit card required.

Get your progress notes done — fast

Get your progress notes done — fast