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Pole (North): Have U finished ur Christmas shopping? - Posted By: RadGuy

I'll start: NO!

Anybody ever taken Prometrium for PMS? Just for 2 weeks before period. - Posted By: Any side effects? No Msg

x

VR funnies - 3 of 'em - Posted By: Backwards typist

Cardiolite stress test which was negative for reversible skin.

HIDA scan negative for cystic duct or common bile duct obstruction with normal feeding of the gallbladder.

Ultrasound of the abdomen demonstrated a fatty liver but no evidence of a dietitian.

I have a computer question..sm - Posted By: Bunzy

I want to start working on my laptop, but how do I transfer the program I work on, escription, over to another computer?

Two questions: 1) What hand-held recorder do - Posted By: your doctors use? 2) How do you transfer the

voice files from their recorder to an FTP site or whatever to be transcribed? Does the doctor merely have to set his recorder on a docking station and the files are automatically transferred? I've only had doctors calling in by phone in the past, never using hand-helds.

I've seen hand-helds for $100 and also for $500. Just wanting a recommendation for a good recorder that is very easy for the doctor to use. If it's not easier than calling in, he won't go for it.

Have you ever bargained for a higher CPL rate.. - Posted By: (sm)

when made an offer by a national or is that a big mistake? Want the position, but not for as low as they are offering. Would just like to see if they would be willing to go up based on experience and quality. Has anyone ever done this and actually had a good result from it?

DOCQSCRIBE - Posted By: maam

Does any one use DocQScribe for their home business? Is this an expensive program to purchase?

Someone gag him, please - Posted By: Irene

Tonight, I had an ER doctor, so awful, so mushy mouth but dictates faster than a speeding bullet. In the ROS, I actually thought I heard: No insect bites to her buttocks; then realized it was, No NSAIDs or antibiotics. And this is a no-blank account by the way. It's late, I'm going to bed.

Typing ages - Posted By: Pat

I've seen several different styles on this: Do I type 32-year-old male or 32 year old male. Seems dumb to put all those hypens in the sentence but I've seen it done both ways. How about 11-pound weight loss instead of 11 pound weight loss? I've always typed these without hypens but then did not use BOS, just what the docs wanted. Is there a right or wrong???

anyone know if this is a reliable source for this information? thanks... - Posted By: hopingfor15moreyearsMT

taken from their site (I especially like about the outsourcing and 'robot transcriptionist' :

Allied Health Profession of the Month - March 2005
Medical Transcriptionist contributed by Paul D. Mason, Oxford, NJ

What is Medical Transcription?

Medical transcriptionists (MTs) are the miracle workers of the medical records! They turn doctors� daily dictation tapes - rough, hurried, harried, mumbled, muttered, highly technical, and always absolutely crucial - into clear, concise, polished gems of documentation. They work this amazing transformation every day under tight deadlines using just a simple tape or digital audio player, a computer, and a stack of medical books and online reference sources.

Jobs Outlook � �Boom�ing?

Remember all those �baby boomers�? According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for MT�s will be good - growing faster than the national average for occupations through 2012, with the demand fueled by the increased healthcare demands of a growing and aging population.

It�s not hard to see that lots more senior citizens needing lots more doctor visits means tons of new medical records to be generated! There�s going to be plenty of work out there to go around.

Then there�s the big �O�: Outsourcing�

There has been a steady stream of news lately about various US industries improving their bottom lines by replacing American workers with low-wage overseas labor � skilled jobs like computer programming, telephone help desks - almost any job that can be performed remotely.

In medical transcription, however, issues such as little or no foreign enforcement of US privacy laws, instability of foreign labor, lack of English fluency, expense and uncertainty of adequately training foreign labor, etc. can greatly complicate foreign outsourcing and offset the initially perceived cost savings.

Legal questions have even begun: The California legislature has discussed prohibiting all California industries from using foreign outsourcing involving confidential data, mainly because it is simply not possible to guarantee privacy outside of the country.

The BLS states that foreign outsourcing should not significantly impact the medical transcription profession in the US.

Robot Transcriptionists?

Another MT industry buzz involves new technologies such as speech recognition technologies (SRT�s), computerized �smart� data entry forms (EMR�s, CPR�s), etc. that promise to automate or eliminate traditional transcription work. Several software vendors have been very successfully selling tools of this nature to various industries and have been making noise to promote their use for medical transcription.

It is becoming apparent, however, that the complexity of medical diagnosis and terminology combined with the life-and-death importance of accuracy will prevent large-scale acceptance of these technologies in the medical field for the foreseeable future.

According to the Medical Records Institute (an organization that promotes the adoption of computerized medical records systems), most current research shows that penetration into the medical field by EMR�s is only 5-8%, with SRT�s at less than 1%.

surgery for hallux rigidus - Posted By: Rosey

Has anyone had surgery to correct hallux rigidus? My husband will be having this surgery done on both feet. One foot in a week and then the other foot later. What can you tell me from a personal perspective? Did you feel that it made you better, worse, the same? Were you sedated "put to sleep" or have local anesthetic? thanks for any info.

Arizona fires - Posted By: Getting nervous

You all have probably seen the horrible Arizona fires on TV. I can see the smoke and flames from my house-- and could be in its path if the wind changes. There is a meeting at the high school tonight regarding fire info. Even though I am SO tired of doing transcription, I would much rather be home doing it than attending a fire meeting--

Looking for accurate line counting software.nm - Posted By: Thanks in advance!

How to lose an MTSO - Posted By: ER/OncologyMT2

Just curious here . . . how to you deal with a MTSO who, for all accounts, seems like they are stalking you for hire. I checked out the company, realized I was lied to about a number of issues I specifically asked about up front and disliked the platform tremendously. I gave it a few days � determined it was not for me because I could not be productive and I informed the recruiter that I was no longer interested in working for the company. Since that time, I have been contacted no less than 3 times. I cessated my contact after the verbal communication only to be hounded with E-mails and packages via snail mail. The owner of this company is really starting to scare me. Personally, instead of running a business, in my opinion, should be running to the psych ward � and quickly I might add. I have not communicated since I made my final decision � I�m almost afraid to. What would you all suggest? I really just want this person to leave me alone. This particular MTSO is one that seems like the �no� answer is just not even an option. I have no interest in working for someone with this type of personality and I have no interest in running my business in the red because of a poor platform. Help please. Can you report someone for stalking if they are in a different state? I cannot change my E-mail address as I do have my own business contacts to think of.

MT pay - Posted By: Sunflower

You know MTs are just not paid enough - we have to be so perfect - i have a part time job and it takes me all day - i just cannot do 150 lines an hour - how many of you are at the same point - 8 or 9 cents a line and only doing 100 lines an hour sucks - we work SO hard and have to be SO perfect with our words - why do we not get paid better - WHERE IS THIS profession going for MTs - we are just not paid enough - would like to hear other people comments - thank you.

Poll: What is your favorite Halloween candy? s/m - Posted By: bp

I always get a craving for candy corn this time of year!

I am a bit of a dunce with spread sheets - how can I take an alphabetical list of doctors with their - Posted By: Katydid

nm

Do you ever get that annoying *bubble* - Posted By: ugh

in your ear? I have one in my left ear today and I can't get it to go away. You know, when you talk and you can hear yourself really LOUD! I have tried popping my ears....I tried irrigation....I thought I may have had water in it from my shower this morning, but nope. It's driving me nuts and has made it very difficult to hear on that side today. Does anyone have any tips on getting it to go away?

.zix files???????? - Posted By: MIchelle

How do I open a .zix file? I'm so confused right now

Subcontractor pay - Posted By: sophie

I do some subcontracting for an IC. My checks are usually different from the amount on my invoice by a little. Sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. Shouldn't my check be the total on my invoice?

anyone use Hippo ftp? pls email me. nm - Posted By: kathy

nm

c-phone question - Posted By: need help

I have recently started a c-phone account, but I can't figure out where the timer for each dictation is on the readout. As far as I can tell there is no timer. When I dial in, the job # comes up, and it tells me "total time in this report," but when the actual dictation starts it does not flash up on the digital readout the total length of the report. It's a Dictaphone c-phone. Thanks for any help.

Is SS Really That Bad - Posted By: Job Offer From SS

I am a recent graduate from an MT school who is being recruited by Softscript. I've been reading the posts from the new person at Softscript and there's nothing positive in the replies. My decision is between Softscript and another company. Is it really a horror story? I haven't accepted anything yet.

Help! Have face-to-face interview for at-home hospital job tomorrow and ....SM - Posted By: MT looking

I want to ask the most comprehensive questions I can so as to make the best decision possible. I work for a small national right now, pretty happy but would like better benefits, especially more affordable and better insurance. I already know this hospitals pays .09 cpl and .11 if you do more than 1200 lines per day. It's been so long since I've been interviewed in person. I need you guys to help me make a list of questions to ask so that I can just get it all down on paper and make sure I'm not missing anything. I know they use ChartScript and Lanier and that they provide the computer. What else exactly should I ask?

What would you do in this situation? - Posted By: tricia

I work for a small MTSO, (this is my second job) always have had plenty of work until the last month or so, have been told it was just "slow" - have a friend who works for another small MTSO in the same state - yesterday she told me that the company I work for has hired them to do some of their work, which I guess explains why we are slow all the time. More than likely they did this to meet turn around because they were always asking for extra help and now never do, yet I wonder if they are trying to get rid of the higher paid transcriptionists, any suggestions? Don't know if I should just stay and do what work is there or look for something that has work when I need it, feel betrayed because the company said it was slow and now I know different. Like I said it is my second job so not totally dependent on the work being there.

Companies that don[t use DSL - Posted By: Okie

I have direct line of sight wireless. I am in a rural area and can't get DSL or cable. Does anyone know of any companies that use direct line of sight wireless?

thanks

New Platform...SM - Posted By: Grrrrrrr!

I started on a new platform about two weeks ago and am finding it HORRIBLE!

I normally get between 130-170 lph, depending on dictators. Today I worked four hours and had 200 lines

It is a word-based platform. To put in a QA marker you put in spaces, highlight them change screens, use the mouse (no shortcut keys) click add, save, and then back to your screen. To remove a QA marker, you have to change screens, use mouse click on QA marker number, and then click delete... You also have to do this to look up or edit doctors, patient info...

In all honesty from anyone who has worked on such a platform, WILL I GET FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP MY CHILDREN FROM STARVING?

Thanks in advance

Question inside about Renting from Rent-A Center. sm - Posted By: justme2

What was your expeience? Is it very expensive? I was thinking about renting a laptop computer to use for work on vacation for a couple of weeks and not ready to invest in purchasing a new laptop yet. Can you rent things for about a month or do they require longer?

Thanks for any help you guys might give.');>

Happy Thanksgiving everybody... - Posted By: jason

Job site - Posted By: Lois

Does anyone know the site that is from A-Z with MT jobs posted? I certainly do appreciate your help.

WESTSIDE TRANSCRIPTION - Posted By: Suzy

HI,

Has anyone out there ever worked for Westside Transcription or ever heard of them? Been offered a job, but do not know anything about them...Do they pay on time?

Thanks

Independent Contractor/Taxes Question - Posted By: IC wanna be

If you are IC and you live in California and the company you work for is in New York, which state do you claim your taxes with?? The state you live in or the state of the company that you work for?

Thanks!

Any work for DTS of America - Posted By: krispy

Does anyone work for or know anything about the company called DTS America? Anything good or bad would be wonderful to know. Thanks

Found a great eponym website! sm - Posted By: omt

This has been helpful to me. I thought I'd share for those of you who haven't already discovered this website.

Hope it is helpful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_eponymous_medical_signs

Advice please - Posted By: thinking...

What cpl rate, 65 character, should I go for w/9 years experience typing acute care and Associate Degree in HIM? I'm at 8 cpl now and that is not paying the bills. Thanks

Another perspective on MT - Posted By: Another perspective on MT

My husband is a top-level executive (CFO) with a retail company. He was just informed that he would be required to take a pay cut that will amount to $1200 out of our monthly budget, or approximately $15,000 a year. We are also going to be required to pay an additional $200 a month toward our medical benefits, so we are looking at about $1400 chopped out of our monthly income effective immediately. Although I wish right now I was in a higher-paying field, I am grateful that I am in a job where I can increase my pay through increased effort. I decided early in the week to see if I could increase my production by really keeping my nose to the grindstone and focusing. I typed in 2 days what it usually takes me 3 to do. I will be making a great effort to help make up some of what my husband has lost.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that it's not only MTs who are seeing downward pressure one wages. At least we have the opportunity to increase our pay through our own efforts. My husband doesn't have that option. He will be working longer hours and being paid considerably less.

Meditec question - Posted By: Sadie

Well, I can't seem to find my post so I'll try it again. I was wondering if anyone has done an internship at Meditec? If so, what did you think of it?

Thanks

Looking for a good medical spellchecker that doesn't cost as much? - Posted By: Help

Is everyone just using spellex or stedmans or are there lower cost alternatives?

How did you find them in the first place? Just curious because I don't want a cheaper product to act cheap also.

Any ideas?

TIA

What do you think about those... - Posted By: Eric

ergonomic keyboards? The ones with split keys like Microsoft's Natural 4000. I am considering buying one but have only ever used a standard keyboard all my life. Is it difficult to get used to it, or are they actually easier to use? Thanks.

shorthand file - Posted By: craZmom

I am probably leaving my job and hopefully starting another one soon. I have ShortHand with my system I'm using now and hope to be able to use Shorthand with my new system. I am not very computer literate, and I need to know if I can E-mail myself my Shorthand list off of this computer to my personal E-mail so that I can transfer the list onto my new Shorthand?

Best battery backup with a reasonable amount of time - just lost report when elec blinked Grrrr - Posted By: lamt

nm

Do U guys miss us MQers? - Posted By: RadGuy

Instant Text and abcz - Posted By: Irish

Happy Holidays everyone!

I was wondering if anyone uses the abcz method with Instant Text and if they were pleased with it.

Does anyone know of a place where it can be downloaded? Or any other suggestions?

People have been helpful and my productivity is inceasing but still need more help!

As always, thanks to all for your willingness to help!!

Line Count in Word - Posted By: Trish

I am an IC and will be starting with a new client this week. Can someone tell me how to get an accurate line count in Word? I know that have a word/line count in Tools, but I have found that it is not accurate (it usually gives you more lines than you actually typed). I don't want to cheat anyone, so I am hoping someone can tell me how to get an accurate line count. Thanks in advance for your help. Trish

Voice recognition - Phooey too! - Posted By: MTME

Is anyone else out there making any money doing VR? It takes just as long to fix the mess and maybe longer than it does to type it. And they pay less than half the going rate. How long will this thing last if it keeps on going this way?

Considering selling my transcription service. See message - Posted By: dizzi

I have an established transcription service that I am considering selling. Anyone know who I would contact to pursue this? Thanks in advance.

anyone know how to enter an entry for - Posted By: shorthand question

-year-old where I don't have to backspace the expansion?

cpl WITH versus cpl WITHOUT spaces - Posted By: Didn't quite fail math

I really don't want to open a can of worms about poor pay, but I am really trying to compare these two options. I need to make a decision about which company to go with. Since I have no idea which has the better platform or better dictators I'm pretty much flying blind. The obvious difference is that one pays for spaces and one doesn't (I didn't know there were still companies that DIDN'T pay for spaces). Both are part-time IC.

Company 1 -- 7.6 cpl with spaces, no headers or footers

Company 2 -- 9 cpl with headers and footers, no spaces

Any insight would be very welcomed.

low cost easy digital software - Posted By: Amy

After 10 years of working for somebody else, I am looking into starting up my own transcription business. Does anyone have any information on low-cost, easy start-up digital software? Thanks!

What are SOAP notes? - Posted By: mama4

nm