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TAX question..deductions??sm - Posted By: unided

I am starting or trying to start my own business at home
but in order to do that I had to buy my own pc and use
it to take an online course at home in my spare time.
I work parttime for a national MT co. I want to deduct
the cost of the pc and the course from last year's income
which I earned as an SE (several W2s). Both the course
and the pc were bought in Dec. 05 using a small-business
credit card. I don't expect to finish the course for a few
months and only then will be able to "market" my new skill.
My question I guess is..when you purchase something by credit,
is it "totally deductible" in the year of purchase or do you
only deduct the payments in the year they occur? Thanks.

Is this right? MUST HAVE: 2 years' experience - Posted By: hmmm

bn

voices...sm - Posted By: hypnotic

some docs voices are hypnotic, does anyone agree? Some of the voices I could listen to all day, they seem almost hypnotic. Does anyone else experience this, or am I just crazy?


 



Lasted Advance MT article - Posted By: Boogie MT

I was wondering if any of you have read the latest article in Advance about MTs? It's called The MT Critic.  Color me stupid but I did not know MTs had to go to medical school to do their jobs?  How many of you know the average size of the left atrium of the heart? How many of you would contradict the doctor's vital signs because the patient had a fractured ankle and you just knew that because of his pain, those vitals could not possibly be correct?  It is no wonder we are not attracting qualified people to our profession.  What are your thoughts?

MS Word - Posted By: Imamt

I am wondering if an employer requires you have MS Word, does this mean the documents you type get saved into this program on your computer or exactly how is it used in terms of typing reports and sending them back?  Makes sense? 

Verison wireless card - Posted By: medtype

Anyone using one of these wireless cards.... I currently only have dial-up internet and will NEVER, NEVER be able to get DSL or cable... I am able to get Verizon cell phone service finally at my house and was wondering about using one of these new cards...  can anyone tell me are there any compainies that allow wireless internet access??   


I don't want to invest $$$$ in satellite since so many companies say NO to that too... thought I might try the Verizon wireless but it is a 2 year agreement... and I hate to have to carry that and my dialup service too???    Any names of companies that would allow wireless or satellite would be appreciated...thanks...


 What's a country gal to do???



VR - Posted By: transcriptionist

I have a question for people who do VR.  I have been using VR for a few years now and I am lucky if it has doubled my speed let alone tripled it.  More than half of the jobs I can type faster without VR. Anyway, the program I use does not get rid of "air."  In other words, when they think between words or sentences you just have to listen to blank air.  Not sure I can keep doing this at such a low rate if there is no way to get ahead.  Does anyone work on VR that cuts out the blank times.  I use EXT.


Thanks



Want to Buy Lanier TXC Card. Please see post on Equip. Board - Posted By: Doctalk

I am in need of a TXC card and peripherals in excellent working condition. I only need one, and it is for my own use, not for resale.

Hope someone with an extra will see my post. Thanks



Any rose gardeners out there? Good roses that are disease proof and smell good? - Posted By: Knockout Rose

I heard good things about Knockout Rose but they don't smell too much like traditional rose.  Supposedly blooms all season. 

Jana Richmond of St. Louis, MO has won the Blissful Spa Gift Basket - Posted By: Administrator (see message inside)

Ms. Richmond, please send an email to admin@mtstars.com with your full address and we will ship your gift basket to you.  Congratulations and Merry Christmas in July! 



Pedal question - Posted By: Pedal for word

With the Word window active, will the pedal control the sound file program, i.e., ExpressScribe?  If I'm listening to a file in ExpressScribe and typing in Word, will the pedal control the sound file without switching windows? 



download - Posted By: Rebecca

Hi everybody,


Does anyone know where to go to download the sony digital voice Editor 2? This is supposed to be a free download. I need it to start a new job, and I can't find it. Help anyone?


 



I have a question for those of you who are - Posted By: experiencing the famine part..sm

the famine part of your job.  Are you just riding out the famine or do you have part-time jobs?  Personally, I can't afford to just wait, so I have decided to take on other work.  The problem with that is work will come in from original job at any given time while I am working the supplemental job.  It's a mess.  Just wondering how other MTs handle this situation.  I have tried explaining I have another job.  I don't say because I can't wait for work to show up.   It just seems everyone wants you all at the same time.  Then they don't have work all at the same time. 


thanks for input.


 



Heads up warning! A company called DictaCall posted a classified ad - Posted By: (SM)

Heads up warning! A company called DictaCall posted a classified ad
here yesterday claiming great cost savings. After researching the company, I have found that the company is overseas in India and is offering the identical rate structure as another US voice service.  There is absolutely no cost savings whatsoever and anyone using their voice system would be calling into a toll free number where the voice file would end up on a server in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. 


What does this mean to you, the transcription service?
1. HIPAA compliance is compromised.
2. Your client information is at risk. Offshore entities can come in try to undercut you and take your business.
3. In case of outage, you're stuck if you can't get in touch with technical support.


I could go on, but I think you can probably see the same big problems that I see.



Do any MTs just go buy their own insurance, is so which companies do you - Posted By: use nm

nm

healthy eating - Posted By: fruits and veggies

What are the healthiest fruits and veggies to eat?  I know raw veggies are supposed to be better for you too and that frozen is better than canned.  Any other advice?  Thanks.


 



What is the best music download site. Need to - Posted By: techie challenged

be able to burn CDs too.    We don't have iPods. 


Tried iTunes - liked it, but since we don't have Apple products not sure it will work for us.


Tried Wal-Mart - liked it, but songs are only good for 30 days unless you burn.  I like to burn, but usually have that CD in the car and like to play off the computer too.


Various others that have a monthly fee charge additional $$ if you burn to CD and then if you discontinue the service supposedly all MP3 files are rendered inactive.


We range from 11 to 48 and like a variety of music, also like something user friendly. 


I need a chart where they list all the services and the pros and cons of each. 


 


 


 



Neuro exam: no pes pointing?? nm THX! - Posted By: Ashlee

nm

food for thought - Posted By: jd

Just out of curiousity.....with all the wage wars in this business, has anyone ever thought about a union for MTs.  For what is expected from us, don't you think we should have a standarized pay scale that we will not go under.  It seems over the past 5-6 years instead of making more money the companies are taking away from us.  For example, many companies are now hiring IC versus employees so they do not have to offer benefits.  They make whatever benefits they do offer horrible and we pay all the cost instead of the way it used to be that they pay for our benefits for what we make for them.  Many companies no longer offer short term or long term disability.  In this business that benefit is much needed.  Just a thought... any responses on forming a union.  My thought... if all of us that know what we are doing decided to stick together.... what choice would a company have but to offer what is necessary to have a good employee.

Can someone get TOO MUCH QA - Posted By: Charlie

feedback?  Is it possible that, in the interest of giving adequate QA feedback a person can be overwhelmed?  Or is the general concensus that it is helpful and should be welcomed if delivered in a non-judgmental and friendly fashion?  Would be interested to hear comments on this issue. 

for GU exam on a female, if doc dictates Normal BUS what does this stand for? - Posted By: busy bee



How many of you transcribe while - Posted By: Wondering

using your telephone line as in you're 'on the phone' the whole time you work?  How does that work out for you both with your phone usage but also with unlimited LD.  Could you recommend any unlimited LD plans that are good?  Our local one isn't that great as far as a high price, so I'm looking around.  Thanks for any help!

Ortho reference website - Posted By: Ortho reference website?

Does anyone know of a good Orthopedic reference website?  TIA!

Koss DC-10 Headset - Posted By: Working 925

Do any of you use the Koss DC-10 headset?  How is it?  I need to replace my headset and I want to invest in a good new one.  Can you tell me . . . are the ear inserts foam or a plastic-type material?  It is difficult to tell by the picture on the web-site I have looked at.   I perfer the plastic insert to foam.  :-) I think they last much longer and seem to block out the outside noise.  Your opinions please! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Cymbalta anyone? - Posted By: If you have tried it...

Please share your experience. Thanks in advance!

Not again~Unlimited LD - Posted By: Please Help

I need unlimited LD to do my work.  We switched to MCI because AT&T wouldn't allow it. BEFORE we switched to MCI, we had a detailed discussion w/them outlining in great detail exactly WHAT I do and HOW I do it, and that I use a lot of LD minutes.  THis was about 8 or so months ago.  Today I get a letter in the mail saying they've realized we're using it for nonresidential purposes and will cut off our LD.  DH is on the phone arguing up a storm with them since THEY okayed this!  Are there ANY other plans out there aside from a phone card?  Does cable telephone work with MDI-MD phone lines?  I'm so discouraged and frankly, quite worried.  The phone cards can get expensive fast and I HAVE to work.  Money is super tight for us right now and I can't afford to lose so much as a day of work.  Thanks for any help. 



The perfect desk! No more chasing the keyboard tray or breaking it... - Posted By: paintyper

After years of going through desks at an unbelievable rate due to flimsy keyboard trays, I have found the perfect desk with adding a slight modification. I purchased a glass and aluminum desk (RTA Home and Office Products CT-009 from Willey Goat). The keyboard tray is actually a glass shelf. However, it did not come out far enough, and I contacted a local glass company to cut a longer piece of glass and RTA for extra parts to support an extended the shelf. Now I have a keyboard tray nice and big that I do not have to chase all day that will not break. I am in love! This desk was so easy to put together, unlike others that come in a million pieces. For anybody tired of those flimsy, ugly desks and extra support to rest your wrists/arms on, this is great!

Format question - Posted By: Elizabeth

I am currently transcribing a Consultation and never can remember these simple little rules... Under the recommendations section of the report the dictator says that "surgery is indicated for these 5 reasons" and then continues dictating and 1., 2., and so on. Would it be appropriate to add a colon after "these 5 reasons" and skip to new line to start numbering or finish sentence with a period? Or should it be a colon and the numbers starting on the same line? Thanks for anyone's help!

I Hate Allergies! - Posted By: Just need to whine a little

I really hate this time of year because of my allergies.  It is really hard to transcribe when your eyes feel like they are on fire and are itching like crazy!  I look like I'm crying all the time...lol.  The constant sinus headache is just loads of fun too.  I've taken enough allergy meds for two people and used eyedrops galore.  Oh well, it happens every year.  I just needed to complain a little.  Now I feel better...lol.


Hope everyone is having a great day!  And Happy MT Week to all!



Increasing line count - help! - Posted By: SAHcatmom

Ok, guys I need your expertise.  I started with a new company and now have 11 accounts, each with different formatting/rules and of course MANY doctors.  I tried putting some of the common phrases in my expander, but it is not often I get the same doctors again.  Needless to say, my line count is low.  I'm trying to find a solution other than crying and collapsing every day after my shift.  Knowing this situation -- new doctors, a range of different reports/formatting, how do I increase my line count?  Has anyone ever gone through this?  Please help!



How many minutes of dictation do you type a day? - Posted By: Sue

.

RE: Word Help - Posted By: Typer

Has anyone heard of a trial called Merstamie phonetically spelled for prostatitis, and also a drug called Sinacalsa or Cinacalsa? Thank you



Are Smartype and Intellicomplete - Posted By: the same thing?

If Smartype had a free trial I would try it out.  Since it doesn't I am trying Intellicomplete.  It has medical words that comes with it and a free trial.  It also has a little box with with suggestions in it that pops up by your cursor.  Isn't this what Smartype does too?   



Does anyone about durable power of attorney in the State of Florida? - Posted By: Wondering

I have my elderly mother in the hospital now and the question has come up about being a legal medical power of attorney. Do I need to go to an attorney for this or is there a place where I can download a free form and then have it signed by her and notarized. When my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, we basically had a family conference with the physicians involved and social services and the decision was made conjointly for hospice and comfort measures only. He had not left any advanced directives, living will, or medical power of attorney, so I wonder about all of this. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

TRILEPTAL AND SEIZURES - Posted By: Need info

My 20 year old daughter was just diagnosed with partial seizures.  We could not wake her up on Sunday morning and had to call the paramedics.  My question is does anyone take Trileptal and is there side effects or are you having success with it.  Are you able to drive?   My daughter says her lip goes numb when she first takes it.  I have done research but I would like to know if anyone had first hand experience with it.  THANKS IN ADVANCE.



Numbers question! VIP! Grade 3/VI systolic murmur. - Posted By: MTEd

Incorrect, right? Am getting immense heat that this is "just fine" per old school transcription, cause I'm under 30 and "don't know".  Grade 3/VI??  Comments please! I'll be glad to admit if I'm wrong, but I just cannot see how this could be correct.


 



What is the going hourly rate (range) for QA these days. (sm) - Posted By: tia

nm

Has anyone taken the AHIMA on-line coding course? nm - Posted By: Feel free to e-mail me.

nm

Thinking about CMT certification... - Posted By: worth the time and money?

I have been a Transcriptionist for six years and am considering getting CMT certification.  I was just wondering what would be the benefit of having CMT certification, other than looking good on a resume? 


 


I guess what I am trying to say is would it be worth the time and effort to joint AAMT and pay to test when I already have a great MT position.


 


 



More at-home transcription questions - Posted By: Scott Schneider

Hi everybody. . . I have some more questions about at-home transcription.  Can anybody tell me the definitions to some terms or a glossary where I can find them. What is an IC? What is acute care? What are Basic 4 or Big 4 Reports? Also, when a company advertising for an employee says they will provide the software, does this generally mean just the transcription software? Does this tend to include text Expander and spellchecker as well? Thanks!



I need to talk with someone who has experience with MT while long-haul trucking. - Posted By: Elle

Hubby wants to change jobs and do a partnership and long-haul truck.  Don't know if this is a mid-life crisis thing or what.  If you have done MT work while on the road for extended periods please contact me - good or bad.  I would want to still do MT.  I know people have RV'd and done MT at the same time.  Thanks.

Vitamins that make us mentally alert? - Posted By: MTs need these!!!!

Which vitamin supplements can we take to make us more mentally alert as an MT?  Thanks

Transcend - Posted By: MT

Transcend is by far the worst company I have ever worked for so I totally agree with the post above.  They treat their employees absolutely horrible and I would never tell anyone to apply for a job there.  A lot of promises that are never kept....

Gant Transcription - Posted By: trudy

Anyone heard of this company?  I'm not getting a good vibe about it and wanted to know if anyone else had worked for them.  They are out of Texas.  Heard that you work for at least a month before you get a paycheck - actually not receiving your first paycheck for 2 months after the first month that you work.  Any information would help me to make an informed decision

scam or possibly truth? sm - Posted By: jus me

My sister is on disability and has decided to return to college.  She received a phone call from somebody who told her that since she is on SSD and going back to school that she is eligible for a grant of $5000.  All she has to do is allow them to debit her checking account for $300 and she will receive the grant.  Sister was desperate financially, so decided to do it.  She borrowed the money from our mom and only after the fact told me about it.  I'm sure she has been scammed for $300.  Has anyone else had this happen and/or could I be right in this matter?  I'm curious to hear from anyone on this.  Thanks.

What is the difference between the 1st and 2nd editions of the AAMT Book of Style? (sm) - Posted By: SP

I presently have the first edition which I bought years and years ago and am considering investing in the 2nd edition; however, I hate to spend that much money on basically the same book.  Is it worth the new investment to upgrade?  What kinds of changes are in the new version and are there many of them?  TIA



Need Help ASAP on word board, please!! - Posted By: Hypospadias!

The timer is ticking...

I am probably starting my own MTSO - Posted By: Need to know

I was told that I need to get a DBA for a business name unless I run under my own name.  My question is, can I use my last name and not register for the DBA.  Also, do I need a license to run a business?  Thanks in advance.



Help plus someone - Posted By: SBC global DSL problems

Do you use the ethernet cable (yellow) one when using SBC DSL? Having a hard time getting tech (ESL's) to help with a problem. Just got new computer and SBC DSL?


Thanks for any explanations you can give me as to where the problem may lie.



I need suggestions for activities for kindergartners....sm - Posted By: Southern belle

to do for their "holiday" party at the public school next week.  Any ideas of different activities to do to keep them from driving the poor teachers nuts? (smile).