What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll be able to transcribe your pre-registration phone calls in real time using Otter.ai. Instead of trying to type and listen at the same time, you'll focus entirely on the patient conversation — then review the transcript afterward to confirm you captured everything before entering it in the EHR.
What you'll need
- A smartphone (iPhone or Android) or computer with a microphone
- A free Otter.ai account (otter.ai — free plan includes 300 minutes/month)
- Your hospital's call center phone or a phone you use for pre-registration calls
- Time needed: 15–20 minutes to set up; 0 extra time per call once running
- Cost: Free (300 minutes/month) or $10/month for unlimited
How-To Guide: Transcribe Pre-Registration Calls With Otter.ai
Step 1: Create Your Otter.ai Account
Go to otter.ai in a web browser or download the Otter.ai app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Click "Sign Up" and create an account using your email address
- Choose the free "Basic" plan
- Complete email verification
What you should see: You're taken to your Otter.ai home screen — a clean interface with a large orange microphone button and a list of any past recordings.
Troubleshooting: If your hospital's IT policy blocks app downloads, use Otter.ai in a web browser on your personal phone instead.