When Trudi Griffith decided to pursue a home-based business in the mid-90’s, she never realized her new venture would turn into an industry icon.

Beginning the Dream

As a single mother of two, Trudi hated the thought of her children coming home to an empty house every day while she was still on the job. Working as a medical transcriptionist since 1973, Trudi also had experience performing medical coding and billing for a private physician while attending nursing school. When two physicians offered Trudi a job transcribing medical records, she took the opportunity to start a home-based business. To supplement her income, she began teaching courses for the Trident Technical College Continuing Education program. In 1997, the dean asked Trudi to create a medical transcription continuing education course to train students in the field. However, when she saw many of the students unable to find employment without hands-on experience, Trudi began taking on more assignments from local physicians and then subcontracting work out to the students. Consequently, her home-based business began to grow and expand rapidly.

Accuscribe Transcription Solutions was established as an umbrella organization encompassing three companies: Accuscribe Transcription Services that provides electronic health records; a total electronic training platform for long distance training; and consultation services for internal operations and workflow processes. Customers include major teaching hospitals across the country, clinics and private practice physician offices. The company also provides services to state and federal agencies involved with patient care as well as consulting and training services to other medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs).

Now open for 11 years, Accuscribe is located in Moncks Corner and operated by a tight-knit group of family and key executives. An extensive network of more than 300 telecommuter employees works with Accuscribe. The company was established on the principles of commitment, discovery and achievement, and when Trudi saw a dwindling of skilled transcriptionists in the nation, she knew she should help.

Deciphering the Problem

As a member of the American Association for Medical Transcription Educator’s Alliance Committee and Business Issues Group, Trudi was aware of the media hype initiated by speech recognition technology (SRT) companies that the industry was dying out because of new technology. Because of this, colleges were beginning to drop transcription courses from their rosters and training needs were heaped on the shoulders of MTSOs. As an industry leader, Trudi and Accuscribe wanted to alert the nation that the industry was very much alive and in need of trained and capable transcriptionists to work from home. When Trudi learned about the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC) through mutual friends at the U.S. Small Business Administration and Greater Charleston Chamber of Commerce, she decided to enlist its help in her efforts.

Putting It Into Practice

SCWBC counseled Trudi on the rudiments of setting up a corporation along with choosing the appropriate service providers to run the business smoothly. Through marketing and networking efforts, business counselors furthered Trudi’s intention of spreading the word across the nation of the dire needs for trained and skilled individuals to fulfill industry positions. SCWBC directed Trudi in a deeper understanding of federal contracts as well as introduced her to several federal web site aids, such as Biz Opps, where Trudi was able to network with others on contracts. Trudi combined her MBA training with direction from SCWBC to further Accuscribe and its industry position.

For Trudi, her mission to reach out to the skilled industry workers can be summed up in her signature quote:

"Imagine how it feels to be held in someone's gaze who adores you, who appreciates your efforts, who supports your efforts, and who feels that you are doing a great job. How did this feel? It feels wonderful, doesn't it?

Now imagine someone holding you in their gaze who expects you to fail, who makes you feel inadequate, who does not support you. How did this feel? It feels terrible, doesn't it?

Now ask yourself, which of these two persons would you rather work for?"

Achieving Record Impact

The results seen by Accuscribe are undeniable.

Revenue & Growth

Annual business growth remained steady at 100% to 150% per year, and within the next five years, Accuscribe has a goal to reach the $20 million revenue mark. During this same time period, Accuscribe plans to take the business global. Because of Trudi’s increased knowledge of government contracts, she has been able to renew contracts for multiple-year terms. Also within the next two years, Trudi states that Accuscribe will add 20 new positions along with an additional 200 transcriptionist jobs. Plans to finish the building location will move ahead with the expansion of the technology, HR and training departments and the addition of a sales force.

Training

Accuscribe will continue to grow and develop the online training and apprenticeship program to retain market share and position as an industry leader. New recruits using the online programs have reduced training processes from six weeks to one week or less by moving new recruits to the totally automated process. The effectiveness of online training has drastically reduced overhead costs of training by 80%, while the efficiency of training has risen by 60%.

Quality & Culture

One of the greatest impacts on Accuscribe was the change to the company culture. The turnover rate has dropped from nearly 40% two years ago to 2% today. Likewise, 80% of staff that leaves will return and bring new recruits from other companies. Quality in workmanship is stressed, and the workforce maintains a 98% accuracy rate.

National Presence

Accuscribe has increased its national presence – a key goal in spreading the word about industry direction and needs. The amount of Google searches on Accuscribe and its officers have increased 1000%. Monthly recruiting figures increased by 75%, while annual advertising costs fell 75% from previous years.

“SCWBC has been a tremendous source of support for Accuscribe,” said Trudi. “Its direction and inspiration has helped us continue our tradition of positive growth.”

(843) 797-1337

Trudi A. Griffith, CMT, FAAMT
AHDI 2007 Nominee for Board of Directors
CEO/President
AccuScribe Transcription Services, LLC