books versus internet
Posted By: ExMQMT on 2009-05-11
In Reply to: In my opinion, your instructors sm - MT way too long
Well, for me, when the internet goes down, I can't work anyway :=)
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Books ;:Internet........................sm
to each his own.
My instructor and also my supervisors told me to look it first up online and then, if in doubt, verify it through book references.
I said already that I use both, books and internet...
And I also agree that the MTing field needs a total overhaul, but not a regressdive one, it needs a progressive one, namely more AVR, front-end and EMR.
Are you at least using an online dictionary?
This is for sure faster!
And I also do not understand why you say that one learns from books faster and better than from electronic books? Why should this be? I can also memorize terms if I look them up online.
Books vs internet
As I stated in a posting below, I learned in books. However, if used properly, I think the internet is one of the best tools available for MTs. We now have access to drug lists as fast as they are approved. Online access to the dizzying array of medical specialties via their journals provides information about the latest and greatest testing and procedures in their respective fields. The various American Cancer Society, American Epilepsy Foundation, etc., keep up to date information on diagnostic procedures and new treatments for their respective diseases. Vast data bases provide information about study protocols, gene sequence testing, standard laboratory values. Even the Yahoo yellow pages means less guessing at physician names. Yes, books have their place, but as an MT, there is an obligation to embrace technology rather than fight it, much like we went from typewriters to computers, because to do otherwise renders us dinosaurs.
I use both, internet and books, but mostly the internet..nm
nm
MDI versus MedScribe versus SoftScript versus Transsolutions versus TransHealth. SM
I'm getting ready to start applying and these are the companies that I'm looking at. So give me the low-down. Good, bad, India?
Here are my criteria:
9 cpl or better
Does NOT send work to India
Good accounts with at least 50/50 of ESL versus American dictators
Consistent work flow - no downtime or time spent waiting for work
Upper management should be professional, positive, and encouraging.
Pay for lines WITH spaces.
Is there such a job out there or am I just dreaming? If there are other companies other than the ones I listed that would fit the bill, please feel free to let me know. I tested with TransHealth and I felt like I tanked. It was a hard test and I had to use the mouse to stop and start the dictation as it was online test and you couldn't download the voice files. So that made it a lot more difficult. One of the dictators was cutting himself off through the report and I had to leave some blanks. I'm very frustrated with this whole process of looking and testing. Are all the tests like that? Or are there companies that allow you download the test files and transcribe them using your pedal and software? Ugh! I am just so frustrated and discouraged.
Thanks for any helpf.
Reference Books?
How much are you asking and what do you have? I need a cardiology ref book for sure! Also in need of ophthalmology ref book. Please let me know. Thanks!
Reference Books
I am starting with Trans Tech the first part of September. I used to do transcription in a hospital, but have been out of it for a few years. I have never worked at home before. What kind of reference materials do most of you have at your desk? Do you have mostly books, or online references?
Question about books
When you do QA for a company do you all use the same reference books so that everyone agrees? (QA team and trans). I've always wondered about that.
(sorry for going off topic)
I use a combination of online and books
I do radiology and have 4 Stedmans - radiology, medical and surgical equipment, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and ortho. I had a big drug book when I was typing acute care, but found that it was WAY too cumbersome and so used Medline Plus for drugs. I can't do without my Dorlands online, but if you go to dorlands.com, you have to pay for a subscription, so I used mercksource.com, clicked on Medical Dictionary and it takes you to Dorlands, and that page is in my Favorites. Of course, the reason I like radiology is that 99% of the time you're typing the same thing over and over and you rarely have to look anything up! But it's that 1% that'll get ya.
Google vs Reference Books
I admit the Internet is faster and easier, but if you put in the wrong spelling when looking up a word on the Internet, a lot of times you can find it spelled that way. I've had it happen. I agree with this poster. There's too much room for error when you just Google a word and don't know the meaning or how to spell it. I do use it frequently for drugs, especially new ones. I just make sure to find the drug company's website or the official website for the policy. I've seen surgical equipment come up spelled totally wrong, like it sounds, nothing close to the correct spelling.
Another thing, I worked in an office last summer doing editing with a couple newbie MTs. One girl thought she was the computer/Internet whiz. She was working on clinic note tapes. One day the Internet went down. OMG!! You would have thought the end of the world had arrived. She was lost, frustrated, and on the verge of tears. Now there was a complete set of Stedman Word Books, as well as Dorlands and 2008 drug books in the office, but she didn't even know what books to look in. So another good argument for reference books. Get the knowledge, don't just depend on the Internet.
Um, yes employers do expect you to look in books
Employers do want you to own and know how to use reference books. The Internet is not always the best tool. A combination of books and Internet are the ideal reference tools. But to respond to your post would definitely be a waste of my breath, as I can see your mind is made up that you don't need reference books. That's fine. I am neither too old to know about Google or to be computer savvy, as I am a college student working on a Bachelor's Degree. You must be very insecure to have to make such catty personal remarks about a stated opinion. So when the Internet goes down, you just sit and wait for it to come back up, the rest of us will continue working.
Yup, change to create a need to sell more books.
That's what I said the first time I heard examples of the new edition's changes. With the logic this one uses, I expect the next edition will decide that a lot should now be one word, and no one should be spelled as one word as well, because it is now so common for people to spell them that way. Oy.
I've heard of it. Do you Google only or do you have MT reference books? nm
x
Buying reference books a tax write-off, yeah? (nm)
Basic word books, spellchecker, expansion software...$450/500?? nm
s
Wait a minute now..before you sink a bunch of bucks in books..sm
I've been at this for many years and I have about 18 books that I've acquired over the years. Since I started working using internet-based platforms, I rarely have to open those books..just Google gets it most of the time even quicker. Oh, yeah and the 150 bucks I sunk into SmartType..well, it's been sitting on the shelf for 6 years now. The internet-based platforms and most others have their own expanders. A good basic word book from Stedmans or Sloans should be adequate for a newcomer; but some companies provide these as well or offer a discount. So, bascially, between Google and company-provided Expanders and equipment along with reimbursements for phone line/web access, start-up cost should be quite minimal now.
I have tons of reference books, all specialties. Going on ebay if not sold. nm
Part-timers cost as much to have on the books as full timers with only
a fraction of the revenue. It costs the same to run a check, mail things, send equipment, set up with IS, etc with PT as FT.
why not look her co up on the internet? lol
??
Internet - nm
nm
Internet
I have recently moved into an area that does not have DSL or cable available. The only thing that would be available would be through satellite and that would cost $400 to start and then $40 a month. The $40 a month sounds great, although the initial fee of $400 for equipment does not make me happy. My biggest concern is that there are some companies that would not allow the satellite internet. Does anyone know any companies that allow you to use dial-up service or satellite for radiology transcription?
Thanks for your help.
You bet that the internet has taken over,
and this long ago!
What are you going to do if you do not understand a term a doctor is dictating?
How are you going to 'look it up' in one of your books?
But, if you type it into a medical website, you get options offered: 'Did you mean..?'
This helps a LOT.
This is ONLY A SMALL EXAMPLE.
I think the internet alone may be ok after you have a sm
couple years of experience. But I don't think starting out using the internet only is a good idea. There is too much incorrect information on the internet. If you are not familiar or don't research you are going to pick up wrong information.
I know I will probably get slammed for that but I have seen it over and over and over again. Folks just don't know how to or will not take the time to research anymore.
only want internet based too. nm
nm
Do they use an internet platform?
x
DTS internet connection
Do you know if they allow a dial up or satellite internet connection? Do they have employee status or IC?
They do have some internet accounts
and some require C-phone or Lanier. When they hire, obviously they hire for whatever account they need someone to work on.
They have some internet accounts...
That is my main account and there is no work at all this morning. Seems like what I feared all along...overhiring!!
internet accounts
Yes, they have some internet accounts, but not many, and they hire for specific accounts that need help, which may or may not be an internet account at that time.
One of the new ones is definitely internet. I think it starts sm
October 15th or November 1st. The account is going to need 25-35 MTs to run smoothly, so it will be a nice one!
Internet information
I am going to be moving to an area where high speed broadband and DSL are not available - and the company I work for, as well as most other companies that I have seen on the jobseekers forum require one of these types of internet service - does anyone have any idea of how I can either get around this or of any companies that do not require these - and perhaps can use satellite or some other type where a receiver is placed on your roof that picks up a radio transmission. That is the only type service available there. I have heard from one Transcriptionist that said AT&T could perhaps install a pole in my yard for around $400 in order to get their DSL and I am going to check on that - but otherwise - I need help with this - and my options are running out. I have been an MT for 15 years and worked at home for most of those years - I cannot imagine doing anything else - but this move is for my husband's business - so I'm stuck as far as where I can move. Any information would be appreciated - either emailed or on this board. thanks
re wav or internet accts
mine have been lower on work but not running out. I was told by my liasion that if there is no work you are not expected to keep your committment. I would suggest any of these things be directly discussed with your liasion so that there are no misunderstandings. Most any MT work will fluctuate some. I sure wouldn't turn away from MDI based on these concerns.
MQ DOES NOT reimburse internet
that is wrong, wrong WRONG.
But I will agree Medquist is a wonderful company to work for!!
They do reimburse internet
You have to send your bill to them and they reimburse. Only one bill is necessary.
I had my internet go down all yesterday and TT said to me sm
It can't be helped. I asked how long they would give me to make up the time I have lost...all pay period which just started Monday (this an employee position). I apologized, I felt bad and I told them I didn't want to lose this job. They said not to worry, we won't be getting rid of you, RELAX and try to enjoy a forced day off, come back ready to work when your internet comes on. Sigh...I like this.
QA continues to be wonderful and understanding. I was fit to be tied with a new work type today so my supervisor called me and was most kind. I got off the phone feeling better about things all the way around. She told me to RELAX we are like family around here and we are glad to have you.
I had internet problems all last spring and into the summer. I got from the MT manager: Email me and let me know what is going on. You think if I could email I'd be on the PHONE telling you my internet is down? Then my supervising QA whined and whined at me every time I went down, like I had control. Then she dumped work on me because I owed it to those who covered for me to give them a break now that I was back on. They were far from understanding.
ok, the web, the internet, isn't it the same thing? nm
nm
Do a search on the internet for MDI-MD
Type in google: Transcription company Medical Dictation Services, Maryland. You should then get the website with all of the information and how to apply. Hope this helps and all the best to you!
Old school gone internet
I've been at this a long time, 25+ years, started on a typewriter. I was hospital trained, learned out of a Dorland's. After working 5 years in-house, I started working at home. Again I worked with books; this was before AL Gore invented the internet ;) But, back in the good ol' days, the couple of services that I worked for over the ensuing years provided the reference materials, although you were responsible for buying your own drug book each year. So back in 'the day', I didn't have to invest in the books anyway, and that was even when I made better money. Now it would be pretty much impossible to go out and by those same books.
I also question whether you learn anything more from a book than you do the internet, though. My fave book back 20 years ago was the Medical Word Book by I think it was Tesio or something like that. Great book, I found my word almost every time, but I really didn't learn anything about the word I was looking up. However, and maybe this is just the way I confirm I've got the right word, I'm not just plunking HAYGAR DILATOR into google, I'm plunking HAYGAR DILATOR GYNECOLOGY into google, and will turn up Hegar dilator. And at this point, and maybe this is just the way I learn, I've connected Hegar and gynecology in my head, and learned more than if I ran my eyes down a column of H's in a book.
And that isn't something that you can just lay at the feet of the MT schools. I think good searching on Google is almost intuitive for some of us fortunate folks. But we are the exception, apparently. I know at UCLA, one of the classes my daughter was strongly encouraged to take in her first year was how to do proper internet research, how to judge the source of information, etc., and I believe they are starting to teach this at least on a rudimentary level in the elementary and secondary schools, too.
I do, however, agree 100% that grammar and spelling wise, these 'yunggins' are pretty weak. Spelling I blame on the advent of spell-check, and the only thing I can think of as responsible for the grammar is teacher apathy and/or the 'just move along' attitude prevalent in too many schools.
Sorry so long!!
This is the Internet. It should be FREE, and so
*
Need 2 PC, both with internet access
of course that is prob. DSL monthly fees. See there ad
Where are they advertising, Internet or Classifieds? nm
?
Comapnies & satallite internet
Thanks, if there are any others, please let me know!!!
COMPANIES & satellite internet
Sorry about the error there, I hit the button before I caught that!!!
What internet platform do they use do you mind me asking.
:
The account I'm on uses Internet. There are no LD charges. nm
x
Dr. joining an internet company
Anyone out there that can figure this out? I work for a local physician who has decided to go with the Interest because supposedly it's cheaper. They state they will charge 7 cpl 65 character. How can a company charge that little and still pay the MT. Will the MT make 2 or 3 cpl and who would do that?? Any comments?
DVI or high speed internet?
Well, this kind of depends on other factors as well. Our hospital has used SoftMed for a long time. Those living within the phone line area were fine with the DVI system. However, now they are upgrading and it requires a high speed internet. So if you cannot get that where you live, or the direct phone line service, it could be a problem. Hope for the best for you. I am not so lucky. I cannot get DSL where I live. :(
Internet question for people on the go
I was wondering if anyone can give me a website or tell me of a company (if they even exist) for internet for people on the go. Not for medical transcription exactly, just typical internet usage. I'm not talking about WiFi hotspots at like a Starbucks or a hotel-- I'm just talking about something like a satellite internet for laptops. I hope this doesn't sound stupid.
Thanks a bunch for any comments/suggestions. 
You can get a satellite system to get internet
though I am not sure that this is what you are looking for. It is a huge dish, about twice the size of the TV only dish, plus 2 modems. Supposedly the satellite cannot be mobile, but we received certification in setting it up so we were legit. There are companies that sell the same dish/equipment with their equipment that automatically raises the satellite and locks on the signal, though this needs to be mounted in a permanent place, like on top of an RV. This system costs about $5,000. You can get certified and just set the thing up as you need to, after you get the hang of it, it doesn't take long to do. Google DirecWay and Starband. Also google Motosat or Datastorm for the expensive one.
Another option is an air card. There are various brands out there and cost about $300.00 for the card and not sure about monthly service. Google air card and you'll get more info. Service is limited at this time.
There is a new service called ClearWire that operates off of a cell phone tower. You have to have a modem that plugs into an outlet and then you plug your computer into the modem. Again, service is limited at this time.
As far as I know, other than WiFi these are the options available for a wireless mobile service.
Internet based companies?
I'm probably grasping at straws here, but can anyone suggest any really good companies that are hiring for internet based work? IC or employee, it doesn't matter! I'm currently working with DVI and not really happy with it. I would much rather stick with the internet based companies. 
I use DVI and am internet-based. Look on the job boards to
see what equipment requirements are. Post your resume on the job board.
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