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Any suggestions where I can obtain free invoicing software, or reasonably priced. nm - Posted By: dt

/

Does anyone else still have-sm - Posted By: Super Frustrated

an extremely low workload? I thought it would have picked up by now from the 4th, but I've got nothing! I'm going crazy here.

Comfortable Chairs? - Posted By: MT4eight

Anyone have any ideas for comfortable chairs, affordable comfortable chairs? I've been looking for a good chair and can't seem to find one.

Costs for small MTSO equipment - Posted By: MoodyJen

This question is directed to our wonderful small MTSOs who participate in the site postings:

I have a question about what extent of expenses you incurred for equipment and related components for the physicians to dictate, i.e., FTP services, server, physician call-in phone services, physician digital dictation uploading/downloading services, and all that related equipment to send and receive dictations (voice files) and send/receive reports, all pertaining to internet and latest advances.

Considering a small MTSO venture of just three small doctor's office accounts, enough for 1-1/2 MTs, with a total physician dictator capacity of 5 physicians, not necessarily at the same time.

I would be also interested in not only cost figures (ballpark) but the types of equipment and software you elected to use (platform if any).

This information would be beneficial to me, and perhaps to other entrepreneurial MTs as well. Thank you in advance for your helpful information.

Question for Shorthands users....sm - Posted By: Inquiring one...

1. Can you import AutoText entries into this program?

2. What's their website?

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.

Opinions PLEASE! - Posted By: Michigan MT

I am SO sorry for reposting this. If I knew how to remove my other post from the pressure valve, I would... I do not want to get in trouble for multiple postings, so PLEASE forgive that mistake. I just don't think that the PV gets as much traffic as this board, and I really need some help right now!

Can I get an opinion from someone who is experienced in this business? I am a relatively new MT... I have only been doing this job since March 2005, so less than a year.

I work as an independent contractor at .08 per line. My employer is a really nice person, but she will frequently need help over the weekend. I have always said sure because I want to make myself valuable to her. However, I have always done as much as I can do comfortably and still have time with my family over the weekend.

I did an extra 1000 lines this weekend, which takes me about 6 hours because I am still new and research everything if I am not totally familiar with the terms. I got an email this morning saying that, basically, I had not done enough to help her and she ended up doing "most of it" herself.

My feeling is that she is the owner of this business. If she overextends herself as far as taking on work and she has to work all weekend to get it done, that's what she has to do as the owner of this business. If she wants to pay a weekend differential to me, then sure... I will make plans with my husband to take the kids on his own and I will work all weekend now and then. But if I am working for the same rate, I am not willing to work all week and then work all weekend too and miss out on my husband and children. Isn't it customary and expected to offer a differential for working weekends and holidays?

I am a bit miffed because I gave up most of my Saturday and an hour or so on Sunday to help her out, and now I am criticized for not doing more for the same pay. Any input from you experienced MTs?

I am sitting on my email reply, but it does have this in it:

"I am happy to help as much as I can over a weekend without a differential, but I will need to do so around my family's schedule."

I need to reply to her email, but am not sure what to say. Thank you in advance for your help.

TALLY OF MALE/FEMALE MTS - Posted By: LITTLE MT

Good Evening People, we have a tally of the Male MTs and Female MTs as of November 19, 2005. Have a nice day

Male: SEVEN (7)

Female: FORTY (40)

Check in at: MALE MTs or FEMALE MTs

Pls read the rules

Need Laser printer recommendations - Posted By: At Home MT

I may need to purchase a laser printer as the SOAP sheets that the office I work for sends to me are jamming in my HP ink jet printer. It has to be due to the writing that is being done on these SOAP sheet pages at the top where they fill in pertinent patient info, i.e., name of pt, vitals signs, birth control, etc., as well as how much the paper is being handled, shuffled, corners getting bent, etc.

I have a new ink jet printer and have always had a problem with these sheets in every ink jet printer I have owned but my newest (and nicest printer thus far) it is happening more than ever before. It is very frustrating and time consuming to deal with this.

I was told that laser printers do not cause this problem as they utilize a different mechanism in printing. So, I may need to purchase a laser printer but would like some recommendations. I cannot afford a lot. I am hoping if I have to do this I can find a good one for around $400. I would appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks so much.

C-Phone Problem - Posted By: Carol

I am trying to set up a c-phone which seems easy enough but -- I hook everything up and I get no dial tone and no display on the phone. The company sent me a new power supply but still nothing. I have checked and rechecked all connections and still nothing. I can only think at this point that it is the c-phone itself but I am not a technical wizard so if anyone has had this issue or has any ideas - please help. I really want to get started working and this is so frustrating. I have read the manual and done all that was suggested but I am open to suggestions. Thanks.

medication - Posted By: cj

Anyone ever heard of the intramuscular mega C Penicillin. this is a pt with HIV

DTS AMERICA - Posted By: Sammie

IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE WORKING FOR DTS, BRENTWOOD BRANCH?

Sitting - Posted By: Tami

I have a bad back, if I go to school for medical transcription, is there any way to cope with prolonged sitting? WHat kind of chair do you use? What do you do?

Someone pinch me..... - Posted By: Dream Job!

I have just landed a really great job and had to share!! I have been doing just some overflow stuff and have been searching for something to fit me for months now! I have just landed a job that lets ME pick my schedule and they have no problem with the hours I want to work and the days that I want off during the week to accomodate being with my kids over the summer!! I cant believe it....so someone better pinch me so I know its real!! I am just soooooo happy I had to share! Have a Happy and safe 4th everyone!

What is it with OM anyway? - Posted By: Carmi

MT Light" color=navy size=4>So the OM calls me from doc's office last night. Every time she opens the Olympus program so she can dock the recorder and transfer files, she gets an error message. The error message is from Microsoft so there must be some kind of conflict. She did a reboot twice and it didn�t get rid of the error message and when she sent the error message, it didn�t give her any feedback on it, like it sometimes will give you a link where you can update your drivers or something. So I suggested she call the toll-free help number in the back of the Olympus booklet so they could try to help her figure out if it is Microsoft problem or Olympus problem but since I just installed it on a new computer and it was up and running for the past week and we transferred files just fine, I don�t see how it could be an Olympus problem. The other computers either don�t have a working USB hub or Internet access. When I went in to do the install I found this computer has an outdated Norton Anti-virus that they haven�t fixed yet! I suggested she try doing a system restore to an earlier date, closer to when I did the install for them.And I asked when was the last time a complete system scan was done. She was all frustrated and said, �I�m not the IT person for this office.� And I told her, �well, I�m sure not either. I came in and installed the Olympus and FTP transfer program as a favor, on my own time, but I can�t be coming over fixing your office computers for you. If you have an office that has computers in it, somebody has to manage them. You can�t just expect them to run without any problems.� I told her I could find somebody that might come in and do some cleaning up on their system but she didn�t ask for their number. The doc likes to think he is a computer wizard but I�ve been through some glitches with him before and it wasn�t what he thought it was, it was what I thought it was. ... this OM is a big baby. If you have her do anything with the computers, like talk her through some settings over the phone, she gets all frustrated right away and sits there making noises, like �uh! I can�t do this!� For Pete�s sake, just do it step by step. She can�t even figure out how to use the Help function. How does she think the rest of us learned? Same way. Get on the Help button, use the toll free numbers, go online and look up the problem at the manufacturer�s site, get an IT person for assistance. Sheesh. Just had to vent.

What is the correct way? - Posted By: Tabatha

Being a nurse I have always charted/documented carcinoma in situ as CIN-I, CIN-II, CIN-III, etc. Is this the same way when transcribing reports? I know it was this way at one time but now with the change in the numbers rule per AAMT would we now transcribe this as CIN-1, CIN-2, CIN-3, etc.?

Thanks in advance,

Tabatha

If you are complaining of low pay, why?? - Posted By: Pattie

do you stay in this business?? I have just read loads of posts below and I lady talking about just paying the bills and housing and to me that is sad because sounds like basically just surviving. Tell me, if so many are fed up with the low pay (and I would like to make more myself) but what are the reasons you continue to work at MTing? I would probably be truthful in saying most of your fast food places and maybe some of your box stores now pay what a Transcriptionist makes. Why complain if you continue to work for these wages- I really would like to know.

Travelling and working...sm - Posted By: AJS

My husband works for a company where he travels a lot. This summer he will be going to the UK for 8 weeks and wants me to join him. I am in IC for a company and would love to go there but obviously I would need to work there. Is this possible to just bring my laptop and work like I do here?

Moderator...what happened to the Cheney posts? - Posted By: can't find them anywhere...nm

Do you charge for pickup/delivery? sm - Posted By: nn

Can I charge? If I do pickup/delivery, do you give them a 48-hour turnaround time or longer? Wanted to pick up 2 days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. Any suggestions would be helpful. Also need suggestions on what type of carrying case to put tapes to be HIPAA compliant. Any answers would be appreciated.

I need some perspective here. - Posted By: OT - chicken without her head

I don't know if this is just PMS or winter blahs or Christmas blues. I just really feel resentful lately. It's like I'm spinning my wheels and accomplishing nothing lately. I'm not happy about anything in my life because I feel like I can't catch up. The house isn't clean enough, I don't get enough lines in, there's always extra stuff needing to be done. Every day is the same old, same old. I'm running from the moment I get up in the morning. I have to drive my kids to and from three different schools every morning and afternoon. That takes up about two hours a day between driving and sitting in the parking lots. We were told our house was on the school bus route before we bought it, but then the school district changed the bus routes from 1 mile to 1.5 miles, 2 miles to 3 miles, etc.

I work parttime while the kids are at school, which means I'm at the bottom of the totem pole for work. Sometimes I have to sit and wait for work to come in. It also means I don't get a formal lunch hour, just a quick snack at my desk. I can't make enough money, not even with the side job I do on the weekends. I'm really tired of the strict schedule because some days I can't even get a shower in until right before I go pick up the kids. After I pick them up, then I have to run errands, clean house, get dinner ready, help with homework, and go to bed just to do it all over again the next day. My husband and kids help out, that's not the problem. I just don't ever have time to sit and drink a whole cup of hot coffee at one time, let alone watch a movie or read a book. I feel like I sold myself out to be chained down to this stupid job, but my peanut paychecks make me wonder what I'm doing it for.

Then I look around at people who are juggling fulltime jobs, hobbies, kids' activities, and everything else, and I wonder why they can handle it all but I can't seem to. Do I expect too much of myself?

Any info on TransHealth - Posted By: ks

I am considering a position with this company and would appreciate any info you might have. Thanks.

anyone having problems accessing - Posted By: yahoo mail? nm

nm

Oregon salaries - Posted By: Patti

I am tired of being called a liar that I embelish my income, etc. So I just called 10 MT's out here in Oregon that I have known for quite a while and they all hit between 45 and 60K this year. Of course we do all the accounts that you a lot of you don't like to do which involve pick-up, delivery, printing, the smaller one to two doctor offices, being friendly and interactive with the staff. And we keep our line charge lower that a lot of you like and some of you have told me that I am bringing the MT world down by working for this amount -- we all charge between 10.5 to 12.5 cpl using Sylcount. Through all of this, and none of us work more than 45 hours per week -- me I am the highest, most work 30 to 35 hours, we have made the money and so I guess we are doing something right. To those that say we are padding our incomes --I think you are all jealous and just don't have the umph to go out and do it. And yes, we have ESL's and some work hospital overflow, surgical center, Wound Clinic, clinics, psych reports. There are other niches out there --ya gotta have the drive and the umph to go and get them.

any previous nurses MTing now? - Posted By: MT

Hi there, I have been an MT for 4 1/2 years now, and I enjoy it for the most part, but I've really been thinking of finishing my BSN degree. I had started college as a nursing major back in 1988, but dropped out after two years of completion of the prerequisite classes. I have always had an interest in the medical field so MT'ing has been interesting, but I've really been wanting to finish up my nursing degree though, I have always regretted not finishing it. Especially when I do the operative eports I really would like to be in the operating room working. So, anyway, I have put my application in for the BSN program again and waiting to see if I get readmitted. Are there are any former nurses out there who are MT'ing on this board, or perhaps any nurses doing MT'ing too who have any opinions? Or are there any other fellow MT's going to nursing school on here and have any input about it? If you are a previous nurse who is now a MT how come, and vice versa, if there are any MT's who are presently in nursing school please let me know how it is going for you.

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.

Newbie needin help - Posted By: Suzanne Sydnor

Hey y'all, I am brand new, don't even have a job yet, but I wanted to thank you all for the help. I have been reading the main board through-out my course (just finished) and you all helped me pass!! I am sure I will have a ton of questions in the future, but for now will take any advise I can get as to jobs, software, reference books etc. I will be working from home.

When last name is first, where does the... - Posted By: I should know this!

Mr. or Mrs. go? Last name, first name Mr.

headers, footers, word count - Posted By: Lisa

I am an newbie IC and just started a new Dr. when I realized that MS word does not count headers and footers with word count. Any way you can include headers/footers in the word count or do you have to count it all separately and then add them together?

Anyone going to Allied? - Posted By: Jennifer

I am a student at Allied, and I wanted to know if anyone else is going throug the same school for their MT course?

Please help on Word board - Posted By: Thank you! (nm)

xx

Professionalism in America... - Posted By: tia

What happened to professionalism in America? Have I been at home in my pajamas too long? Everywhere I go, every business, etc. I have come across people who are just so unprofessional looking. Dropping my child off at school the other day, a delivery man got out of his truck looking sloppily dressed. Uniform shirt was dirty, untucked with belly hanging out. This is not seen only in men in delivery positions or blue collar workers. It is seen everywhere. Offices have gone to casual wear. What happened to the crisp clean uniforms and nice dressed women in offices? When I worked outside the house, even when we did have a "casual day" it still was somewhat professional looking (no athletic shoes). Don't you think this contributes to laziness on the job? Wouldn't you rather be served by someone clean looking and bright than not? Do supervisers of these positions accept this look?

Arthroscopic portal or porthole? - Posted By: USMT

I have always typed portal but a co-worker is using porthole. Which is correct?

KVM switch help - sm please - Posted By: Curious

I know I can switch back and forth from my laptop to my main tower via a KVM switch as I heard about it a few years back on this board. Could anyone write below or e-mail me as to how I can set it up and how it works for you? Where did you get yours and how simple it is to use. I would like to stay in the middle of my report and research a subject without leaving the screen I am working on, i.e., one screen, one keyboard, two computers. Thanks for any info,, I really appreciate it.

Lanier LX-219-1 - Posted By: Carol

Can someone tell me what the VVI board underneath the Lanier machine is used for?? Does the Lanier machine with the phone attachment work the same way even though it does not have that VVI board???

Adjustable keyboard tray? - Posted By: emmaMT

I'm a short person and need to get an adjustable keyboard tray that I can move up or down to accommodate my height better (one that slides under my computer desk as well of course). Can anyone recommend a particular brand and model? There are so many out there and I need a good one. Thanks!

What would you do? - Posted By: jenny

I recently started a new job, about a month ago, is going okay but nothing to brag about. This weekend I went to Vegas and somehow managed to come home with over 500,000 from blackjack and a progressive slot machine win - I want to quit because I want to take some time off to spend with my daughter, but am actually feeling guilty since I just started this job, what would you do if this happened to you?

I have a question on macros in MS Word 2003. Thanx! - Posted By: jade

I have turned off my macro function somehow in MSWord. I can't record or play macros. I get an error message ' compiled error - invalid outside procedure'. I have tried many things, I have changed my security to low, but still cannot run macros. I have gone online and have tried suggestions on 'visual basic editor', but still nothing. I need help, I do not use a word expander, I create and use macros and insta-text for myself. If anyone has any suggestions, please share!

Thanks so much!

-Jade

Any good ideas for rose bushes? sm - Posted By: mlstoo

I'm thinking of planting rose bushes along our new fence and just can't decide from all the varieties. I do want some that bloom all summer long and are winter hardy. Illinois can be brutal sometimes.

Just wanting to know if any IT users - Posted By: ICMT

would care to share tips on getting started with Instant Text, especially the best way to go about customizing the glossaries . . . just received my IT and I'm anxious to get going, but it does seem that there is a learning curve and takes some getting used to.

Thanks to all!

Diff between IC & subcontractor - Posted By: Wanda

What is the diff between these two? And do most of you have set hours that work as a subcontractor or do you pretty much have flexible hours? Thanks!

to Administrator - see message - Posted By: mt

The post on word board that is titled "I need some help" :( should be on the main board. She posted on the word board by mistake. I think she would get more responses if you moved her post. Thanks.

How to bill client for call-in system.... - Posted By: MTing

Do you charge slightly more per line if the client is using your call-in system (versus other less expensive methods like digital recorder) or do you just bill them the amount of the phone bill?

Thanks for any suggestions!

My sucky timeline. - Posted By: may be ex-MT

Sept 1999-- Hired by MQ at 8 CPL. Happy with job. Decent accounts. Plenty of work.

Sept 2000- Still happy with job. Keeping myself busy.

Sept 2001- Still happy with job. Keeping myself busy. Still at 8 CPL.

Sept 2002- Around this time I start wondering if I can have a raise. Ask my supervisor who says, "My dear, you're already at the top of the pay scale."

Sept 2003- Wondering if should get another job, since no raise in quite some time, but...the work is OK. I like the account I've always been on, so I just keep keeping along.

Sept 2004- I get a call one morning that my account is moving to another office. Do I want to move with it? A bit scared, but after thinking about it, decide I'll move with my account.

May 2005- Get a call that they would "love" for me to move to a new hospital account. Very leary, as I love my old account and it's a new step. Ask if it means I might finally a get a raise and told "that could happen." Ask if I can still work on old account since I'm so much faster on it. Said that would be fine, work on both!

June 2005- New account is going on the "new platform"! Train a couple of days for new platform. Ask if I can still work on my old account as a back up. Told that would be perfectly acceptable. Still no news on raise.

July 2005- Get email early one day that my office has closed! Now who am I suppose to call? Given names of two other offices that "might" be the ones I'm to answer to.

August 2005- Figure out what office I am now working out of BUT, guess what, your account is moving to New York now! Whole new set of people that seem sort of strict. Work load seems okay. Ask about a raise but told it will take six months of near-perfect QA first.

October 1, 2005- Receive scary Harmonization packet that tells me I can no longer be an SE. Strangely, my account is out of work!! The secondary account is junk. No one will tell me who I can talk to to ask about the secondary account. Secondary account also runs out of work. Try to log onto my "old faithful" account only to discover that they've changed my password! Try to call someone, anyone, to help me but finally am told that I can no longer work on my old account. Argue, because that account always has plenty of work! But to no avail. I think no one is listening.

October 14, 2005: Ask supervisor why my account has no work. Told it's because they want to keep turn-around, even if that means there is less work for the MT's.

October 19, 2005: Go on MTStars and type out a timeline. Decide I simply can't take this anymore. All of the good qualities of Medquist have been taken from me. I don't have much to look forward to come the first of the year. Hang my head in sadness and update resume.

REASON I'M TELLING them I'm buying house tomorrow - Posted By: Here we GO ladies

To answer post below, BF would love me to rent from him and stay here, but the idea is to get away from him,

I do not love him, he has a violent nature has wrecked things and has a history of wrecking things, is VERY short-tempered,

does not like my 16 y/o-has called her a bi**h-has said she needs to get off her fat a** and do something even though she babysits HIS kids so HE can do stuff, MAKES his supper when I'm working plus goes to school and does her homework.... He has said I should use the brain in my head and realize she needs to exercise and make her exercise more. Oh, and has called me a B**ch too, can't forget that part. Obviously is ALWAYS negative toward her, NEVER anything positive.

He whines and complains constantly. He complains and whines when dinner is not made. He complains over household chores not being done but of course he is unwilling to help because he is busy with work and this and that..and is TIRED! but whines when laundry isn't done etc, including his of course. He whines because he is so tired from work and so sore (he does construction). Doesn't matter that I went to bed a 3am and was up at 9 to take care of kids, etc, etc, have 3 PT jobs, etc etc.

He has a "do as I say but not what I do" motto with everything. He thinks he is the best looking, the best at EVERYTHING, the best in bed....OH Ya, that too. His ego is huge obviously. And of course, he says I could do worse. Oh Ya?

And obviously doesn't respect me. Sits on the couch with dirty clothes, walks on clean floors with dirty shoes, says bottoms aren't dirty, says back of his clothes aren't dirty...constantly does that...even had dirt clumps fall off his shoes and baby would pick them up wanting to eat them...that didn't even stop him. Doesn't pick up after himself, leaves garbage in kitchen with the basket 1 foot away and leaves wrappers...CANT stand that. I have 3 kids to pick up after, I don't need another that is 39 years old.

Okay, nuf' said about why I don't want to rent from BF? And I don't want to hear that it is a man thing and ALL men are like that cause I am sick of that excuse and ALL men AREN'T like that. I was not put on this earth to be a maid to someone who is supposed to love and care for me. Can't and won't do it.

Plus, got an email from supervisor at hospital today, she was wanting to know what hours I can work for fulltime. Looks like it may happen before the 1st of the year. Yeah!

Shorthand word expander - - Posted By: anon

Tech board is down. Need to know how to stop word from expanding. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Back end speech recognition. - Posted By: scared of any changes

Can anyone tell me if this is a difficult job? Would this be much different than proofreading my own reports while listening to the sound file? What is the going line rate for something like that? Is it better pay than regular transcribing?

Thank to all who can soothe my nerves!!!!

We have it easier than we think - Posted By: Busy MT'ing

My youngest sister came by this late night after getting off work. She works 2nd shift at a local factory. It has provided an okay and steady living for her and her family but it has taken its toll on her.

Her beautiful young face is worn and tired. Her clothes are nasty from the oil and sweat and metal shavings. Her poor little hands are literally worn out, muscular, rough with callus. Her back hurts all the time from all the standing. Some of the attitudes she works with keep her humble little soul in discomfort.

She gets in trouble by management and by every line worker if she has to miss. She has no opportunity to move anywhere really within that plant.

We don't always have the work we want in this business and sometimes we have to really take a stand to get where we need to be. All said and done, though, we have it easy.

I don't have to wear my self out physically. I can get up and stretch and take a break. I can be somewhat flexible with my time. I don't have to put up with people who try to control or intimidate me. I have a marketable skill, though that market is changing rapidly ... it is still a skill that I can adapt and use. There are so many ads on this very board that I can explore if I need a change or additional employment ... all those opportunities and I don't have to move anywhere, I don't have to uproot my life .. just go to work for someone else.

We have it easier than we think.

Other Transcription - Posted By: NJC

Does anyone know if there is any other transcription out there such as legal transcription that can be done from home. I am trying to help a friend find some work that she can do at home. She has no medical experience, but is looking for something she can do to earn a little extra money a month, such as data entry, legal transcription. There are so many ads out there and she is looking for a reputable company. Anyone out there had any experience or know of any legit companies for data entry/legal transcription, etc. that can be done at home? Thanks for any input.

Does anyone have any experience with church sermon transcription? - Posted By: memt

I've done a Google search and can't seem to find many ways to connect with companies or individuals seeking church sermon transcriptionists? If you have any information about this at all, please send me an email or respond on this board.

Thank you so much.