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Desktop or Laptop? Gotta buy a new puter...sm -
Posted By: Tasha
Not sure whether I would like to buy another desktop or a laptop. My hubby has a laptop and the only way I can transcribe on his is if I use an adaptor to connect my ergonomic keyboard. I am wondering if the screen from the laptop would cramp my style. I am leaning more towards another desktop because I can use my hubby's when traveling, but then still question what brand. Anyone willing to give some suggestions as far as brand, specs, capabilities. I would rather hear from fellow MTs versus sales people in the store selling me things I really do not need. Thanks!!
What does FTP site mean? -
Posted By: me
Thanks!
gross line -
Posted By: justcurious
Not to show my ignorance, but what is a "gross line?" 
Anyone heard of Klaar? -
Posted By: Fasttype
Good or bad?
OSI -
Posted By: Pam
My son-in-law left the marines and was classified a deserter and picked up. He is being sent to OSi at Pendleton can anyone tell me what this is and what happens there? Thaank you
I need to convert ST to SH = I am... -
Posted By: so tired of technical questions...
 I have both Smartype for Windows and Shorthand. I have to use the SH on a Meditech account and want to convert ST vcb files so I won't have to add them by hand. I have tried and tried to do this, but can't seem to find the right vcb file. ANY HELP WOULD BE SOOOOOO appreciated.
Note: Go to COMEDY STOP to hear sis's latest adventure...nm -
Posted By: sis
x
Best digital system to buy -
Posted By: MT Out On Her Own
 I want to start my own MT business by getting my own private accounts. Tired of relying on others for work. Anyway my potential clients are in another state. What is the best system to get by which doctors could log dictations to my PC or a server? Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help. I'm sure I can land the accounts -- just need a set-up that works.
Need help from Cleveland residents -
Posted By: dolfan
I'm planning an overnight trip to the Cleveland Zoo with my 6-year-old daughter. We'll go to the zoo on Tuesday because I'm told Monday is way too crowded, but what can we do Monday and where should we stay? Someone from the zoo suggested the Lake Erie Science Center, the Natural history museum, the Science Center (different from the Lake Erie Science Center???), or the Botanical Gardens. A fun hotel would be nice too. Thanks a bunch.
Ok! I'm on a 15-minute break, but just wanted to share-- -
Posted By: MT
Below, I have read several posts about being productive and increasing line counts. This morning, I purposely closed down my e-mail (where usually it is running in the background and when incoming mail arrives, it notifies me and I'm checking it throughout the day), and I purposely did not come to this forum (which as my routine, throughout the day I'm going back and forth reading and posting). I actually started typing at 6:15 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. I have 1090 lines already. I know now where my time has been going, and will from this point on try and discipline myself as to checking e-mails and getting on-line wasting time. Just thought I'd share that bit of info.
How to print out Shorthand list? -
Posted By: MT mom of 3
I am trying to print off the words I have put in to shorthand, but I can't pull it up in Microsoft word. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? It is showing as a SPF file, whatever that is.
I have to share this. Got a call from a doctor today inquiring about my service. See message. -
Posted By: MTSO
He apparently has been working with a service that outsources to India and he is so fed up at the bad quality of the transcription in addition to the fact that he wants to work with someone who actually speaks English! How about that!! They will all learn the hard way, but they will learn. There may be hope for American MTs yet.
Recording files from C-phone to tape??? -
Posted By: Tami
Hi, has anyone ever recorded files from a C-phone onto cassette tapes? I have an account that is accessed via C-phone. I am going to be going out of town for a couple days and wanted to record some work to take with me. Can this be done? I have a Lanier micro-cassette player and a Dictaphone C-phone. Is there an attachment of some sort that could accomplish this? Thanks for any help you can offer.
q. re short-term disability vs state disability -
Posted By: sm
my short-term disability insurance coverage option says it pays when there is no state disability plan. How does one find out if the state she resides in has such a plan?
Insurances seem like such a racket. Seems they should not be allowed to take your $ if they are not required to pay-out in the event of a disability.
Thanks for any help.
Quit Transolutions? -
Posted By: frustrated
Has anyone quit Transolutions recently? I keep trying to hang in there but it is one thing after the other. I don't really want to go into details......just wondering if there is anyone else frustrated besides myself.
Anybody else have friends/family that act like you don't have a REAL job? sm -
Posted By: makesmemad
Just have to vent a little...
I have several extended family members and friends who give the impression that "just typing" and getting to work from home translates to "waiting for a REAL job to come along." I have tactfully tried to drop the hint that first of all, a Transcriptionist does way more than "just type," and I'm sure make more per hour than any of them, to no avail.
Anybody else noticed this, too?
What is, on average, a normal weekly IC report production? -
Posted By: Stressed
I need your opinions please….
I am an IC who works for four doctors who each dictate approximately 100 or more reports a week. They send them via over to their personal website and I download and transfer to Express Scribe (awesome program by the way). They tend to call me often and will ask for one or more patient’s report to be faxed over immediately for insurance purposes. Of course, they have no idea how complicating and time consuming this is on me, when I have to search for these specific voice files, one by one, and then transcribe the report, etc. I felt a bit of an attitude the other day when it took longer to perform my task.
I am wondering, am I just too slow? Is completing 400 or more reports (on average half page reports) a week slow, including transcribing these special request reports? I feel so stressed all the time now; their phone calls for insurance purposes are becoming more constant. I am wondering if they realize that I am not an employee, but an IC, and that there is a difference. How may reports do most full time IC’s complete within a week, plus deliver 2-3 times per week?
Thanks for any and all advice.
What's the best way to take an online -
Posted By: transcription test? sm
I have 4 pretty long transcription tests to take from an online site and am tearing my hair out!!! I can't figure out Express Scribe (and I'm told it probably won't work), but using manual controls on these voice files s going to take me all night. Is there a trick to it?
Newbies -
Posted By: Allison
Hi! Where does a newbie get started? I am working at a large local hospital in the Transcription Dept. and have been here a year. I transcribe 2 days and I do tech work. I just finished my internship and I have my MT certificate. :) I do not know where to start to find MT work as a newbie. Anyone have any advice? I am able to get 2 days transcribing at my current job but I want a second job transcribing. Any adivce is greatly appreciated! :) 
How do you get paid? -
Posted By: Amy
I have been checking into a company as a potential employer. They pay based on your lph averaged out over the pay period, not on a per shift basis. They also have certain lph milestones where you get a bit more per line, but you basically have to constantly maintain that lph amount (or above) in order to get any increase. It does not matter if you maintain it for a pay period. It has to be ongoing to get any increase.
Knowing that these companies often have endless numbers of dictators and ESLs, it seems unfair to not pay based on each day's work, and especially unfair not to get that little pay increase for the specific line count marker when the average is such for a whole pay period.
For those who work for MTSOs, Is this a common way to pay employees?
Do you think any of these dictators ever LISTEN to themselves dictate. -
Posted By: x
Sometimes they're downright HORRIBLE!!!!  
I just feel the need to say Merry Christmas to everyone here! -
Posted By: Have a great day! Bev. NM
p
Where's best place to obtain credit score? -
Posted By: I'm confused
I know I see Free Credit Report all the time on the internet, but they are not really free, right? Don't you have to sign some sort of protection coverage and pay a monthly fee? Is the best place straight through the Equifax, TransUnion and that other place? (Can't think of the name of it right now). I'm in the market for a new house and want to make sure everything is okay. Any advise? Thanks in Advance.
Private Accts - Logistics? -
Posted By: Need details
I have been an MT for 8 yrs and have been thinking about getting my own accounts locally. It would be much more efficient to avoid trips to dr's offices for pick-up/delivery, so my main question is what is a good alternate way to do this? I have seen email mentioned, but can the work be transferred securely this way...is it emailed as an attachment so that work is done on another platform that has expanders/shortcuts integrated...what platform/program to use?? What equipment do I need...what equipment does the dr need for dictation...do I provide it or does doc? I have so many questions about the logistics of working this out...detailed info would be greatly appreciated.
What to charge? ....I know this is controversial...was thinking .14 cpl (65 character), 12 font, ? margins. Recommend higher or lower rate? (region=major city in AZ)
Marketing: How to introduce service in marketing material...should I include price in the material or just say something like "reasonable" or "competitive"?
I welcome any input you may have, especially on the issue of specifics how to receive/deliver work, platform/equipment needed.
Thanks
Please do not post or email about other MT websites through the MTStars website. -
Posted By: Thank you. Administrator NM
/
Is $1.20 per report plus paid for links good for radiology? nm -
Posted By: JustWondering
/
Trouble with dictation clarity? -
Posted By: This is awesome!
I just had to share this as I had been having trouble and have seen posts here before about somehow improving voice file quality. I just received a device that claims up to 75% improvement in clarity, and it definitely works!!!!! I mean, I cannot attest to 75% improvement, but definitely much, much clearer. I have been recently trying to improve my productivity through various technological means, and the fact that I can now hear the files is going to be the biggest productivity booster for me . . . why, I can almost play it without stopping the file at all now!!!
The device is called an EQ50. It works with your headphones, and thus requires no software for installation. Just connect it to your computer or transcriber in the same way you would plug in your headphones, and then connect the headphones.
Question -
Posted By: TD
I work for one doctor only and he has transferred over to EMR. The system is installed, but not quite ready to go.
I was in the office Saturday and his wife asked me if I wanted to see how EMR was going to work (as far as templates, etc). Of course, I said YES. After explaining briefly, I asked her if they were even still going to need a transcriptionist. She said yes, at least in the beginning? What exactly do you'll think she meant by that? She also mentioned that the doctor decided not to do the point and click option. She said that he is comfortable with dictating.
I am not quite sure how EMR works, but very insecured with job at this time.
Thanks
MT stars board -
Posted By: Curious
is this owned by an MTSO or just who is it owned by?
Flame -
Posted By: Luvs gardening
What does it mean when messages have a yellow flame at the beginning of a message? At first I thought it was because there were so many added posts after the first post, but I posted a message yesterday that I got no answers to, and this morning there is a flame in front of my post. Does anyone know what this means? Thanks.
Need new earphones now ! Help! -
Posted By: Curious MT
Hey all, I just bought a few different pairs of earphones from Wal-Mart. None of them work. The ones I bought yesterday go behind your head made by Koss. Not good, squeeze my head too much. The other ones are buds also made by Koss. The buds irritate my ears. I'd like to purchase some online, but don't know which ones are best. I don't necessarily need the ones that block all noise or anything. Suggestions would be great. Gotta get them ordered today. I am also looking for a good wrist pad. Thanks.
Administrator- the billers/coders -
Posted By: question
link is not working. Has it been discontinued or will it be up later?
Please help on Word board. -
Posted By: Thank you! (nm)
xx
JLG Transcriptions -
Posted By: danajean
Hi! Has anyone heard of this company and have an opinion? I am looking for a position at home (preferrably Radiology but I can do acute care "kinda") and I am nervous about all the national companies. I don't know who to trust. I don't know what equipment I must purchase or even how to set it up! I worked from home for a local hospital for many years and also 3 years for a service who provided all equipment. Any advice would be appreciated!
I paid $1.95 for gas yesterday. What about you? -
Posted By: Georgia gal
Glad it's coming down!!!
Back to the menopause question - -
Posted By: anon
Has anyone ever heard of Happy PMS cream and what is your opinion if you have heard of it or used it?
I CAN'T STAND IT!!!! They give you a VERY FULL list of -
Posted By: grrrr
different worktypes and then the STUPID dictator can't even pick the right one to use EVEN THOUGH she just did the SAME ONE previous to this. YOIUOIUOIU:OIUJOIU:OIUJ:OIU
now back to work 
Hey, I get to sue AOL! -
Posted By: RadGuy
I just got a letter from a federal court stating I am entitled to part of a $25 million lawsuit againt AOL for fraudulent billing practices, overcharging, not closing account when asked, etc...YES! I LOVE it! I have had sooo many problems with that ridiculous crock of a company over the years - ah, sweet revenge! 
Has anyone here ever rented a chocolate fountain? We're thinking of using one for DD's weddin -
Posted By: PeachState
reception and are wondering just how easy or difficult they are to set up and take down, and if there are any problems during use of. Anyone?
Thanks! 
Pooling--how is this figured out? -
Posted By: another mt
Day to day how to companies/managers figure out what pool to put you into?
Venting - Hate my job -
Posted By: mt3D
I hate my job I've been at this company for 3 weeks. I hate this account, hate the ExText system and I'm making half the money I did at my last job. There - feel better, but still hate this. Don't tell me how grateful I should be that I have a job - working in sweatshop conditions is nothing to be grateful for. I've been at this job a loooooooooong time and there is nothing lucky about it.
end of day squish -
Posted By: Patti
Anybody else out there feel squished by the end of the day from where your bra hits and then your waistband of your jeans or pants hits. I know I am 10 to 15 pounds overweight but by the end of the day I feel so squished I feel like the peanut butter or jam oozing out of the sandwich. Oh well onto my last tape and then can get around to feeling unsquished. Hope everyone had a good Tuesday, sunshine out here in Oregon.
Extext - Display Disarray -
Posted By: sm
I'm not sure how to describe this. It has happened a few times to me, and I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it. Here's the problem: Occasionally, my fingers fly and I end up hitting keys that I don't intend to hit. Apparently, I'm hitting some sort of combo that sets of a function that I definitely do not want. At first, it appears as tho Num Lock is on, as when I hit any number keys, I get symbols on my screen. But it happens with more than numbers. It also happens with any punctuation keys, as well. If I try to highlight a portion of the text with my mouse, well... everything just goes kablooey. Click on a bit of text to place the cursor, and an entire paragraph is highlighted. Click again, and more is highlighted. All sorts of stuff happen. I try to Edit - Undo to go back to where I made my mistake, but that doesn't help. Even on my desktop, the strange behavior continues.
I'm not sure what I'm doing when I make this mistake, and I can't seem to fix it. In fact, I can't even shut down the computer to reboot. When I go to Start - Turn off computer - Restart nothing happens at all. I end up having to slam off the computer. Oy! Of course, by the time everything comes up, I've completely lost everything I was working on. This is not a regular occurrence. It happened to me this morning, and it's been months since it happened previously.
Has anyone else had this happen? Do you know what it is and/or how to correct it?
RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY. PLEASE!!! -
Posted By: Getting Older
ARRRGGGGHHH!!!! It has been raining on and off since Friday. Every half hour, a downpour. We got 6 1/2" yesterday alone and it has been raining cats and dogs all night and every hour or so today. We supposedly are supposed to get 2 more days of this.
There are people that are being evacuated from their homes, people being rescued from their cars, homes are getting flooded, roads closed, and river rescues...
We are lucky. The underground springs only washed out our driveway and the small creek turned into a raging river and flooded our storage trailer, but I feel really bad for the volunteer firefighters. They are getting called out left and right.
On top of this, there have been fires and now the electric is going on and off. PLEASE, someone wave their magic wand and stop this. We are waterlogged.
(Just had to get this off my chest). Thanks for listening.
Letters wearing off on keyboard -
Posted By: Rello
I admit, I purchased a very inexpensive keyboard, but the letters have worn off within a month! In looking at other keyboards at different stores, it looks like they all have the same kind of stuck-on letters that would wear off pretty quickly. Can anyone recommend a keyboard that retains its letters for a very long time with a lot of use? Or has anyone tried the stickers they make to cover the keys?
Need advice on contact lenses for astigmatism. I have tried different soft contacts but -
Posted By: IC
I can't seem to find a soft contact lens that works for my astigmatism that I can wear all day without going blurry on me all the time. I have worn gas permeables in the past, but they are not comfortable anymore either. Any contact lens wearers out there with astigmatism that have found something that works? Even Accuvue Advantage for Astigmatism did not work. Help!
Is it J tube or J-tube - NM - TIA -
Posted By: help, please
how would you type this? -
Posted By: Tabatha
How would you type "section 8 housing"? Would it be Section 8 housing, Section -8 housing, Section-8 Housing or Section 8 Housing?
TIA
Tabatha in Charleston, SC
Line counts and Fonts? -
Posted By: Just Curious
I have a clinic account that has asked me to use Bookman Old Style font with a 10-pitch for the text using a 65-character line counter with spaces. Does the pitch size (i.e. 10 versus 12) affect how many characters are on a line? If so, should I be charging more for 10 pitch versus 12 pitch?! I am rather confused by this whole topic. I thought if you were counting spaces and characters, that the pitch does not matter? Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA
What is the going rate -
Posted By: for typing from a hard copy? SM
I have someone who wants me to retype a book for them. Does anyone have any idea how much I should charge for this? by the page? line? TIA!
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