To (leave it) blank or not to blank, that is the question. Well, it's a no-brainer, if all else fails, leave it blank, let the editor handle it ... NOT! As someone who has been in this business for quite sometime, the transcriptionist should be responsible with the report they're doing. I mean it doesn't hurt if you do some research on the topic, report, disease, etc. Well, I understand if the dictation is really unacceptable (poor audio, ESL dictators, etc.) but transcriptionists should always be ready with these kinds of files. We're lucky if we can return the audio file because of such reasons, but you know how it is, work is work, no work, no pay equals sad face. But the thing is, one should give their best with whatever comes their way, effort is a virtue. In my experience, I have encountered instances such as dictators who talk like their whispering to the device (maybe a top secret patient, hehe), odd environments(restaurants, parks, car, etc.) and dictators who have poor command of the English language.
Given that we cannot predict the type of work we get, except in medical transcription wherein we get to be acquainted to the doctor's style of dictating things, we should always give our 100% effort.
Never get tired of doing research. It's a fulfillment not to have a blank in a report knowing that you did your best to avoid doing so. It is also helpful to have someone who could also listen to your blank, but please don't let the person listen to the whole dictation, let alone fill in all your blanks.
Another thing is to review your work. Maybe blank #1 is the same with blank #4, always take time to review your entries. With this in mind, less blanks results to well-written reports.
Bottom line is, do your best, research, ask for help and review your work. The transcription world is filled with all sorts of reports, never expect reports to be the same day in and day out, be always prepared.
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