When comparing AI-generated medical transcription to conventional (human) transcription, several key differences emerge that affect quality, reliability, and cost. AI transcription offers unmatched speed—often delivering results in real-time or within minutes—whereas human transcription typically takes 12 to 24 hours. However, this speed comes at a cost to accuracy. AI tends to be moderately accurate (around 85–95%), but its performance often drops with strong accents, fast speech, or multiple speakers. In contrast, human transcriptionists deliver over 98.5% accuracy, thanks to manual proofreading and a deep understanding of medical terminology and context.

AI systems often struggle with complex medical dictations and background noise, while experienced human professionals are trained to handle these challenges efficiently. Customization is another area where conventional transcription excels, offering highly flexible services tailored to specific client needs—something AI platforms generally lack. Regarding security and compliance, human transcription services typically adhere strictly to HIPAA standards, while AI compliance can vary depending on the provider. Although AI transcription may be more cost-effective upfront, conventional transcription offers greater reliability and value in sensitive medical setting