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Find Physician Link - Posted By: Dinosaur

Hi All--Wanted to share

HIPAA and storage of files - Posted By: Tonya

I have a client that has requested I store all their audio files and documents on my FTP indefinitely. They send a lot of work and after only a month, my FTP is starting to act up. It was never intended to be used as permanent storage. Also, I was under the impression that as an IC transcriptionist, I cannot legally store these files for any longer than about a month or two. I routinely clean out my computer whenever I receive payment.

Am I right about this? I had a HIPAA compliance book which I cannot find for the life of me right now. I would also like to offer them some suggestions for secure online storage if anybody has any.

Thanks as always guys. :)

Any MTs out there who wear hearing aids sm - Posted By: Vicki

I posted awhile back in January about needing hearing aids. I was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss back then and was sent for an MRI, which was clean. I was told the next step would be hearing aids.

I had been having a lot of blanks through work and let the company I am an IC with know what was going on. I received an e-mail today telling me not to turn in more work until they have a copy of my hearing test. I am not sure what that means.

Honestly, with the amount of blanks I have had, they could have let me go for not hitting whatever percentage of accuracy required.

Anyway, I am just looking to see if anyone else out there has had to get hearing aids and what type they use that works best with being an MT.

Thanks for your help!

What is the going line rate for a doc out of your home? - Posted By: Deb - Indiana

.

Do you just ever want to scream - Posted By: ermt

Do you ever just want to scream - Normally line count is around 1200 or so (depending on which system I'm using), but they put you on an account where the dictators are so bad that you end up with a 400 line count for the day. And the dictators whose primary language is not english and they have very strong accents seem to just speed talk and the whole report sounds like just a few words when it is actually an 8 or 9 minute dictation.

Does anyone else have these days or am I just in the wrong career field. Been doing this for 8 years and this is bad. Yesterday at the end of the day I had such a headache and my line count was just over 400. I quit working for the day and figured I'll get a good nights sleep and start fresh in the morning and sure enough I'm getting the same as yesterday.

Just curious if other MTs go through this too.

Advice Needed - Posted By: Frustrated MT

I am an IC MT. My MTSO continually loses files that I have already sent her. I am paid only for what I type per line, not doing secretarial work. Just today she said that she needed me to resend EVERYTHING I have done for her since October 15. That's going in, in separate emails so I don't crash her computer, and sending separate emails with each day's work. I just spent over an hour doing this.

Saying anything will get her irate, because she doesn't understand the concept of IC versus employee paid by the hour. But does anyone have a good sample email for how I would basically say, "I spent an hour on this. I bill out at $25 an hour, so further resending of previously sent work will be billed at this rate."

That will probably get me fired. Any better way to put it?

Where are all the job listings? - Posted By: mtalwaysinterested

I used to always love to see what is going on out there, and look at the job seeker's board and job board. Seems like there are far and few between in the openings department lately. Is it a slow season? I just miss seeing what is out there. I usually look every day and I have not found much going on. What do you all think? Are the jobs posting elsewhere?

X-rays - Posted By: texan

Does anyone do x-ray transcription? I haven't done it in quite a while, but have been offered a position. I know absolutely nothing about Rad-net! How do you think your line count compares to acute care lines? Thanks a lot!

Instructions for physician dictation - Posted By: smile

1. At the beginning of the dictation, take the deepest breath you possibly can and then try to dictate the entire report before you have to inhale again.

2. When dictating a particularly difficult word or phrase, please turn your head and speak directly into your armpit.

3. If you have to sneeze or cough suddenly, please remove your head from your armpit and sneeze or cough directly into the microphone.

4. If you must eat while you dictate, please stay away from foods such as marshmallows, bananas, and pudding; apples, pretzels, and celery are much better choices.

5. Please do not stop dictating when you yawn; it throws off our rhythm.

6. Do not stop dictating in the event of a minor background noise such as an office party, the janitor�s vacuum cleaner, a screaming infant, etc.; again, it throws off our rhythm.

7. Talk as fast as you possibly can. Fair is fair, after all, and we type as fast as we can!

8. Dates of admission and discharge are not important for old H&Ps or discharge summaries.

9. Abbreviate whenever possible. Everyone loves a mystery and we are trying to learn new skills, such as mind-reading.

10. Finally, be sure to wait until the end to tell us what kind of report you are dictating, or to "scratch" this dictation since it was already dictated.

Two jobs - Posted By: tran82

Do a lot of you guys have two or more med tran jobs? I was just wondering because it feels like for me only one job isn't cutting it money-wise. I wanted to see if I wasn't alone on that.

Does Editscript V8 now with USB foot pedal? - Posted By: MTmom

I ended up getting a laptop for my version 8 upgrade since I use another program for another account and can't do both on my desktop. My 9-pin worked fine with a
USB adapter on my desktop and the old version ES, but now won't work with V8 and the laptop. It is set correctly and can fast forward and rewind and stop dictation when I tap the center but won't play when I press the center key. I am stuck having to use Alt A to play audio and tap the pedal to pause, which has slowed me down considerably. I've tried to change the brand of the adapter to one of them suggested and it does the same thing as the one I was using. I wonder if it would be worth while to just get a new Infinity USB pedal. I notice when setting the port on Editscript options that it now has a USB option. Has anybody used this type of foot pedal with the V8 successfully? I'm getting very frustrated with this upgrade, especially with the expense at Christmas time and the hours waisted trying to get it to work, that I don't get paid for.

Has anyone ever purchased Jon Knowles' list. ... - Posted By: tired fingers

of abbreviations for medical transcription that can be downloaded into ShortHand or IT, and if so, is it worth the $45? I have been considering it and think it would be worthwhile but would like opinions. TIA.

Being upfront and honest with MTs - Posted By: sm

I started with a company a few months ago and loved it. Then, I began getting more and more ESLs, which is fine because I know it's part of the job. NOW, that is all I'm getting. When I ask about this, I'm told "We have no control of how the hospital sends over the files."

Today they said they assigned Dr. X to various transcriptionists because the main MT for Dr. X is out sick. ??? How can this be done if they have no control of who gets what file? I knew they were not being honest with me from the beginning because I worked at a hospital and know how files are sent over, assigning files, etc.

Just when I thought I found a place I could stay with - and they wonder why morale is down! - Can't wait to get out of this business! SAT (sick and tired)

I need a mentor! - Posted By: Lisa

I need a mentor! I am an IC and have never worked outside the home doing transcription. At first, I only worked for one doctor but now I am expanding and I have sooooooo many questions about the business side of it. Is anyone able or willing to communicate with me through email and help me out with all the questions that I have?? I would be so grateful.

What is the average CPL for - Posted By: for an expeienced MT?

I hear lows and highs, but am wondering what the average or most common rate is for an experienced MT, say with 7+ years of experience and proficient in the basic 4.

certification question - Posted By: jane doe

Ok, I have seen all the bad info about them in the Archives... and I can't seem to type the name of this company; I get a message that I've used a "bad word!" (Initials are TA -- sounds like a car name) LOL

I wish I had known about this site before my dealings with them. Anyway, I finished trning w/them and have been a paid IC for them for some time now. But I'm working way too hard for too little money. I do MT, QC, and file managing for them, and I'm chained to my computer for very little return. The good thing: I AM working, and I now have experience with rheumatology, cardiology, vascular, chronic pain mgmt, pulmonology, psych, etc. The experience has been great.

My question: the only certification I have for MT is their course completion. Anyone out there have experience with looking for another job with *only* a certificate like that?

Just wondering... I'll sit back now and wait for you all to tell me I'm foolish.

QA typical per line pay - Posted By: anon

I am thinking about changing over to QA but am wondering what the pay per line normally starts out at. Can anyone give me some help.

Anyone else have holes in their pockets? It seems like I can't make enough - Posted By: workinMT

money anymore to keep bills paid up. Am I the only one in this shape, sometimes it feels like it.

With regard to Jester's Touch. Ms. Jester contacted me via email - Posted By: Administrator sm

this morning to announce that she has "been told to cease any other communications" with MTStars. As well, she has told a tissue of lies regarding the labor board denying Ms. Latta's case. I have learned this morning that the case has NOT been denied and is still being processed.

Big Brother - Posted By: Curious

does anyone subscribe to the live feed who could tell me who won HOH?

MQ Monrovia - Has anyone heard about - Posted By: ssc

Has anyone heard anything about the new pay plan? Nothing has ever been said to me about tier pay or what "level" I am. Has anyone else from Monrovia been given any information on this?

question - medical students - Posted By: Sandy

Is an MS 4 considered an MD? TIA

Does anyone work a part time job that is NOT transcribing or related to the transcription field? - Posted By: forever parttiming

If so, what??

Proper or pretentious to use *AA* (assoc/arts) after one's name professionally? (nomsg) - Posted By: jess wanda rin

xx

Waiting on new Dell computer, anyone else? - Posted By: SallySue

What in the world is going on with Dell, does anyone know? I have had a brand new computer ordered since about a month or so ago and today has been the 4th time they have prolonged the delivery, stating needing to get parts. I have ordered several from them before and never this problem. Has anyone else had a problem with them?

Rates - law enforcement transcription - Posted By: (sm)

Does anyone have any info. on transcription for police and sherriff departments? Including:

- Going rates to transcribe tapes, digital (recorder and call-in) and SR (if it's done), and

- Common billing charge method - per page, report, line, audio hour, audio min.

Have you ever done this type of transcription? Is it worth it? Think I remember seeing something in the Archives...

C-phone - Posted By: cindy

Does anyone know where to get the instructions manual for a dictaphone c-phone? I have looked everywhere. I am selling mine but I cannot find the instructions for it.

Thanks much. Have a good day.

Surgical margin - Posted By: Tam

"if-nas-co" surgical margin negative for tumor. Pleural fibrovascular adhesion was mentioned just before that. Any thoughts as to what "if-nas-co" actually is?

DOE - Posted By: KATHY

What does DOE mean in regards to getting paid. I have seen a couple of ads who say they pay DOE. Never heard of this term.

? just thought of it YOG.....(EOM) - Posted By: RettaB

..

Instant Text FRUSTRATION! - Posted By: michelle

am i using this software incorrectly? because it seems like my autocorrect is better than this. any suggestions? any tips for making glossaries? I'm confused , and when i type for phrases, no matching phrases come up! i'm getting really frustrated.

Anyone know if there is a stomach virus going around right now. - Posted By: PAMT

:

How to I insert text from a document into shorthand? I know I have to - Posted By: Boo2

highlight what I want to insert, but I cannot remember the keys for insertion. TIA!

24 was awesome tonight except - Posted By: b

I can't believe Tony is dead. What a bummer. First Michelle, then Edgar and now Tony. I wonder who will be next!!!!

Line count today? - Posted By: Curious

Hey All! What is your line count up today? Maybe we can inspire each other!

I've really just about had it. - sm - Posted By: Frazzled Ranter

For the past 2 years I've been busting my derriere to produce a 99-100% correct, top-notch transcription product for my employer. Occasionally I have a question, but often the QA's either can't tell what it is, either, or else they can't be bothered and tell me so. So, I just let most of the holes go through as-is these days. It really bothers me, but there seems to be no other way.

Meanwhile, the dictating physicians/nurses/PA's/residents/janitors/garbage men/gardeners, and whoever else is dictating these messed-up reports, don't have the sense or the common courtesy not to assume we MT's have ESP, and know exactly who they're talking about when the say, "Send a copy to Dr. Smith in Miami". Often, if I'm willing to put in the time, and do the detective work, I can find out which Dr. Smith in Miami they're talking about. They often have Dr. Smith's address right there in front of them, on a letterhead or another report, but they're too important to pick it up and read it into the report.

But you know what? I don't get paid enough to do straight no-brainer typing, let alone clean up their never-ending sloppiness. We're expected to do minor grammar clean-up for the ESL's, the sloppy, and the just plain intellectually-impaired, but when it comes down to having to do major damage-control 100% of the time, I'm not paid enough to do that, either. Especially when I just had to spend an hour today on the phone with that jacked-up mistake of an "insurance company" we have, which has denied every medical and dental procedure I've had this year. I'm close to living on food-stamps because my paycheck doesn't include enough for groceries, and yet I'm sending good money down the toilet every 2 weeks to pay for this so-called 'insurance'. If they won't pay for standard preventative dental care and a simple doctor's office visit, then heaven help me if I ever actually get SICK someday.

So meanwhile, I've gotta make a living somehow! Less-than-mediocre pay and benefits is going to result in a normally picky, careful, accurate MT just throwing in the towel and turning out fast, less-than-mediocre work in order to make those lines. I just no longer give a flying U-no-what. Then maybe I can afford to pay for that last dentist & doctor visit that my so-called HMO chose to deny coverage for. MT isn't a 'career', it's just job, and not a very good one, at that.

Okay. Rant over. Back to my wonderful 12-hour day of typing.

anyone bought NC headphones off auction - Posted By: inquiring minds

sites and felt they got authentic products, in good working condition? I'd really like good noise cancelling headphones without paying the top dollar. thanks.

I'm trying to purchase a new recliner for my mother. She has multiple medical problems and is ab - Posted By: Spice

5 ft. tall, so her little legs always kind of "hang." I've seen on TV different recliners, motorized, with this and that feature, I keep thinking Craftmatic, but I've looked through there and only see beds. Anyone has any ideas or suggestions? I know my sweet little Mom would really appreciate it.

Has anyone worked for state prison? - Posted By: Working for state

Am aware of a state prison hiring MTs. Wondering what type of pre employment testing is required.

Thanks!

ASR set up - continued - Posted By: mc5

Here's the deal- Right now, on an ASR account - the AST work is the easier MDs. The rest of the work is the difficult dictators who take forever to get though on any system and our production for these is always down when we type these reports. So, anturally it appears as if our production on the ASR work is up and our production for MT work is lower when comparing the two. Evil geniuses at work! Remember these are the same guys being sued for illegal billing issues!

Okay, how many of you can truly say you still love being an MT?... - Posted By: curious MT

I am really close to leaving MT work, but so far the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I just need to hear that someone out there still loves being an MT, works for a good company, and is making enough money to not only pay their bills, but are doing okay. Is anyone out there?

JVC fold up headphones - Posted By: Listens Well

Hello,

I was at my local Big Lots (love that store) and found headphones. I purchased the Maxell behind the head headphones, and the sound quality is not that good. They also had the JVC collapsible headphones that sat on the head with a volume control box. They were a few dollars more. Before shelling out more bucks, I wanted to see if anyone had used these and if they were good. Are they comfortable and how is the sound? I've switched back and forth between the ear buds and behind the head styles. The ear buds irritate after a long time. In the past I've had headaches from having too-tight on-head headphones. Any input on the JVC collapsible on-head headphones in the bright colors (magenta, green, silver) would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

To Working Your Schedule - Posted By: diddles

I'm not trying to flame you but just ask a question. How is it you know for sure this "greedy" MT is "him"? What I mean is, how do you know specifically who THE person is? Does your system allow you to see who is on at the same time you do? If not, has that information been given to you by someone in the company?

Again, I'm not flaming. I'm just wondering how you know to place blame on a particular person and have knowledge that someone is getting your lines rather than it just being a lull in the work flow.

A MESSAGE TO MTSO WHO DO NOT PAY TIMELY - Posted By: LISTEN UP

You know who you are. As for the MTSO who I work for and owes me a grand. If this is not remedied by November 1, this is not a threat by the way, just a fact, I will be forwarding a very detailed yet professional letter to your client making them aware of your continued unethical and unprofessional behavior.

If you are an MT who works for an employer who does not pay you in a timely manner, I encourage you to do the same.

Transcriptionists will not allow you to continue to treat us this way. You will not be able to continue to put up the front to your client pretending to love your MTs. This is totally unacceptable. I'm sure that you are not skipping any paydays. I'm sure that all of your utilities are paid. I'm sure that your bratty kids are wanting for nothing.

I have had it with this crap. We've all had it.

Foot pedals - Posted By: Siren

I have a question about foot pedals. Up until now, I have always transcribed from tapes, and I loved the foot pedals on the transcribers because they were easy to use. I am now transcribing with a 9-pin foot pedal, and I find it very dificult to use because it appears to be tight. I feel as if I have to stomp on it to make it play, rewind, etc. Any suggestions on foot pedals?

Are there really any jobs that don't have 85% OR BETTER ESL? - Posted By: hillbillymt

Really hard to make a living this way.

Spell checker - Posted By: mtathome

I have used Stedman's spell checker on two different jobs and love it, but not the price, especially since it is just for one user. Can I really only put it on one computer? I am an IC and have two computers, and now need to buy a medical spell checker. What do all of you guys recommend? I like the fact that the spell checker automatically corrects a lot of the words, and does not simply flag them. I also do not want to go through a manual spell check after I finish a document. Is there another spell checker out there that works as well for less money?

DocQscribe question...sm - Posted By: Thank you

Can you use ShortHand word Expander with DocQscribe? Also, can you see all your line counts on DocQscribe? Hoping for a great experience. Any info appreciated. TIA

medical transcription test - Posted By: Vicsteria

If I am taking a transcription test from an employer and the dictator dictates physician names in the report, do I phonetically spell the name out or put a line for a blank?

Help! Snakes! - Posted By: scared to sleep

Snake in the heat/air vent. His head was right at the vent exploring to see if he could fit through but he's too big I think. Anybody know what to do? He's disappeared now so worried where he went to and if there are more. Thanks.