Although I understand the basic premise of your post ...
Posted By: sm on 2008-01-02
In Reply to: Grain of salt - Tired&CrankyMT
I can't totally agree with your viewpoint. Yes, we should all appreciate any constructive feedback that we receive from QA. It helps us to improve our work process and refine our ear. A true professional is always looking for ways to better him/herself professionally.
But I have to continue to contend that the NASTINESS that some QA people think it's their privilege to throw out is neither necessary nor professional. They're not editing our work out of the goodness of their hearts. They get PAID to do it, and we shouldn't have to bear the brunt of the frustration that they have for doing a job that they're getting paid to do.
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you fail to understand basic economics
the market will pay whatever the market will bear. You say "if all IC's set their pay scale like they should have in the beginning, the MTSO's would have to pay it in order to get their work done and would have to charge their clients enough to cover the costs." What you don't understand is that MTSO's don't set their pay scale either. The physicians decide what they are willing to pay and if you can't bid into that range, you don't get the work. When India came in to the picture, the entire pay scale dropped. Therefore, MTSO's must charge less if they want the work. Therefore IC's must accept less if THEY want the work... and so on down the food chain. 
I don't understand what your post has to do with original post of TIMED tests. NM
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A basic recommendation for a basic expander use plan SM
If you use your Expander mainly to store text for specific doctors and their specific reports you will 1) Find it extremely difficult and expensive to change jobs (critically so, to the point of eventually feeling you can't or even leaving the field when your employer lets you go) and 2) as someone said, find yourself spending a whole lot of time editing your expansions to the current report.
I strongly recommend instead contacting Linda for her system, then day by day developing your expander vocabulary of INDIVIDUAL words and phrases, untied to any specific report. I can take my abbreviation for "denies any fevers, chills, or sweats" (dyfcos) to any of dozens of companies and use it for dictations of thousands of doctors. No having to change it, because I also have one for "denies fever, chills, or sweats," one for "denies having fevers, chills, or sweats," and so on and so on. As Linda says, with a system the individual abbreviations don't have to be memorized. As you can see, these terms are merely the first letters of the words in the phrase(with Y standing in for "any" instead of A because that's my abbreviation for the word "any" itself).
BTW, regarding that last, editing gets very fast when all you have to type to drop in the word "the" here and there as you cruise through is a T, "his" a G, a "that" a V, et cetera. No special reason for those letters for those words, I was just looking for a one-letter abbreviation I could cut them down to to speed up.
Hope this makes sense. Linda will understand what I mean about the extreme importance of developing an independent dictionary of expansions that will work with any dictator.
Your premise is not backed up...
...by the reality of human history on this planet nor by any statistics. Your God sounds capricious and like a being that plays favorite. You petition your lord with prayer so you gain rewards? Show me where he has bestowed favors on those who mouth his name most frequently? I see bad things happening to all people at times and good things happening to all people at times. To think you will be cosmically favored because you worship the "right" God is not backed up by anything that has occurred in this world.
I think the most Christians can gain from prayer and worship is a happier, more fulfilling life. Why is that not enough in itself?
I think the premise is good... sm
...i.e., how lotto winners handle their money and lives, but the show just hasn't clicked with me yet. I *want* it to click, LOL, so there's no prejudice there. I'm not sure why it hasn't clicked yet, but it just hasn't. However, I'm still going to watch it for now and give it a chance. ;)
That is the general premise though it seems more and more "require"
what they are trying to do is obviously have a good idea of what your daily committment/lines will be so they can keep the work covered and done in TAT. It makes sense for them to do this though I do not like having a set schedule as that is hard for me personally...maybe 2 out of 5 weekdays I could actually work a schedule. As for "requiring" you to work a holiday, if it is in your contract, yes, if not but it is your normal scheduled work day and they say nothing about you having it off, they I would think they "expect" you to work it. Work though at the holiday's does slack off some, the doctors don't want to work either. I am an IC but don't have to work a schedule luckily, and I get off the days the hospital I do work for does (all major holidays) though I may have work at home to do in my box, I choose when to do it, as long as it is in for my deadline they don't care. Seems to me those types of jobs are getting harder to find though.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you would post
a bitter response to a heartfelt inquiry. I was just seeking options for my son.
I am thankful though, that despite my sons "troubles" of late that I have not raised him to be bitter, angry and hateful.
And I do thank you for posting your message. It made me realize that, because of my guidance and patience, my son will turn out to be an adult that knows that his words can either teach or heal others and not spit ugliness as some choose to do.
Clearly, you did not understand my post. (sm)
If you are working for an MTSO in Northern California and know they are getting at least 16 cents per line, then paying you 8 and do not pay for benefits or equipment, do you think this is fair? Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
You all are wearing panties 2 sizes too small today.
Sorry, but I do not understand your post
What are you hinting at?
I don't understand this post. I have over 10 yrs experience
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3 things about your post. First, Ann is from Alaska. 2. I am in GA and we understand each other sm
perfectly fine. 3. I guess I am a bad American because I HATE CNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I don't understand why you are not reading this post correctly, it says
being as it was elective on my part, all lawyers I contacted said no case. What else can I say?? Simple, elective, you did it to your own self, not like you had to have.....
I totally understand your post, and the fact that
the fact that you (and the rest of us) are paid so little for high expected volumes of production, that absolutely ANYTHING that happens to slow us down, even a tiny little bit, is often a financial disaster for those of us living paycheck-to-paycheck and just barely getting by. If we were FAIRLY COMPENSATED for the work we do, instead of being continually CHEATED, UNDERVALUED AND UNDERPAID, then minor glitches like new software, new accounts, ESLs, would be just a bump in the road, not potential food stamps and/or homelessness.
I, too have plenty of work. And I, too am appalled at the fact that no matter how many hours I work, how much faster I try to type (without compromising quality), it seems like it's always SOMETHING. Right when you're clicking along and the income is starting to go up a little bit, they will:
A. Hit you with harder accounts, ESLs, or scratchy, fuzzy-sounding files that even a bat couldn't hear clearly.
B. Have a huge push to get absolutely everything in TAT, right before a holiday or long weekend when you KNOW it's going to fall off, and half of us will be scrounging for work.
C. 'Upgrade' the working platform, (which translates to: )
D. Put all these obstacles and hoops you have to jump through in your way, which are big time-wasters: Meetings, 'training', and various PC and program tweaks.
E. Decide to take their server down for maintenance, and it's always during YOUR shift.
F. While you're midway through a l-o-n-g, 1 hr, 45-min. dictation, which has a mushmouthed/ESL dictator, is very technical and requires a lot of research on drugs, procedures and equipment that is too new to be in the references yet, and during the entire dictation, a loud going-away party for one of the nurses is going on just a few feet away from the dictator, who is eating and while dictating, and occasionally turning away from the microphone to watch the tipsy party attendees, all the while continuing to dictate. The report was of course STAT, and was 30 min. away from TAT when you downloaded it. Then your supe calls you in the middle of all this and asks you what you're doing, and where the report is.
Basic 4
 Can anyone tell me what Basic 4 MTs is?
THanks
basic 4
Where I have worked, op reports have always been a part of the basic 4...DS/OPS/H&P/CONS. Letters were just a part of the overall package. ER was in a class all its own and not considered as difficult at the basic 4 (on par with clinic work).
I know it's very basic, but have you...
tried Yahoo Geocities? I have an 'information only' site I made myself, and I think it's about $10 per month.
The basic 4s are so much different
than your clinic work. When starting in MTing I thought it would be a breeze. It took me a full year to get up to the expected number of lines per day. The lines they are asking for in order for you to go home, in fact, is probably less than most require in this field. I always transcribed over 2000 lines per day and now with voice recognition and straight it is over 3000. That is the world of transcription. I think their count is lenient myself. Transcription work is not easy as you are learning.
What is the basic
equipment and software that one should have before working as an IC? I currently work full time (supposedly) for a hospital and would like to supplement my income but am afraid of not having the right equipment to start. Also, can anyone suggest a good company? Thanks!!!
Basic 4
The 'Basic 4' work 'types' we speak of are: History and Physical Examinations, Consultations, Operative Reports (including Procedure Notes) and Discharge Summaries (including Psychiatric reports).
Basic 4
What is meant by Basic 4 - NM
Basic four?
Well, imagine the dive my confience took as a new MT looking for work, when I started hearing the term "basic four" and had no clue what that meant. *sigh*
Enlighten me, please?
The basic 4s were around in the 70s
Heard it then, has nothing to do with the MTSOs because I never knew of companies existing before the early 2000s as I was only working inhouse at hospitals. If a person does not know what they are, then how do you suppose a person might be able to do, just wing it? This is a newbie asking the question, not a dumb question but just one that maybe she should know because if not, might hinder her in the ability to do a job.
Basic 4 question
I am a bit confused... I thought that the basic 4 included (Op, DS, H&P, and ER) But I've read that it entails (Op, DS, H&P and Consults). Is this correct? If so, how do I go about finding ER work as an IC? Thanks!
I used to make .10 cpl but have been bumped down to 9 cpl and with new platform just implemented, I have totalled it to be a 40% reduction in pay. I'm bummed...
Any advice? 
Basic equipment
I know I am of the "old school" but I think that you do need to have some basic equipment on hand when you are advertising to do transcription. You don't have to have everything but a basic microcassette is not that much money. Any account that I have gotten -- though it was years ago -- asked me what equipment I had and if I did not have what they needed --they searched elsewhere. That is why I invested in my transcribers starting with the micro, then standard and then mini. All accounts had me start within a week of talking with them. Last year when I was thinking of expanding and had a couple of inquiries when they found out that I was not immediately set up to do digital -- though I told them I would buy the equipment and get set up -- did not hear back from them. So I think you need the basics so that you are ready to go when they ask. Since she has been working for a national already, she has her foot pedal and can do digital, just get a transcriber for the tapes --most of the smaller offices still go with the tapes. But again, I am of the old school and have not looked for new clients for a while. But I sure would not advertise or attempt to get accounts without the equipment and being ready to go at a minute's notice since they might use me for overflow and I could get my foot in the door. A client does not like to hear, I will be set up in a week for you or ten days. Though they can say it, when they want your service and you are solicting for the business you had better be ready to do it. Just me.
I would just keep it basic, without details. - sm
When I left my ex-employer, I had all kinds of grievances. But the bottom line is, they already knew each and every one of them, because I had already told management about them (in addition to the other MTs telling them the same things!) As an inhouse job, they also dud exit interviews. I skipped that, too. If there was something they didn't know about why I or anyone else that worked there was leaving, they could just figure it out for themselves.
Basic 4 report
Where could I see an example of a basic 4 report? I've only typed SOAP notes.
While ER isn't one of the basic 4, I'd gladly
take ER reports any day over acute care. They're very repetitive & good lines.
acute care basic 4
Could someone please explain the major differences between acute care basic 4 and multispecialty clinic transcription?  It seems that the job ads usually specify which one and how much experience is needed with each of these categories, but I am curious to know the differences and why someone with several years of multispecialty clinic experience may not do well with acute care hospital transcription.
TIA for any info provided! 
Of course, that's basic living *grin* ...... nm
xx
Have you ever known anyone in mgmt. with ANY basic intelligence? (nm)
?
Are there companies that mentor you on Basic 4? sm
I worked in a hospital, but it has been 8 years. I need to get up to speed and want to work part-time for someone doing the basic 4s where I could be mentored until I'm up to speed. Are there any companies out there like this?
acute care basic 4
what exactly does acute care basic 4 mean? I mostly do ortho and PT and am looking for more work, willing to branch out but Ive only done it for 1 1/2 yrs and not exactly sure what that is. thanks
clinic work vs basic 4.
Both are very different. One thing that I have found extremely helpful is a good word Expander program. When I used to train MTs when I worked outside my home, one rule of thumb was it the doctor says it twice, it goes into your word expander. I use Instant Text which is a little pricy, but it pays for itself in the long run. If I have to look up and medication or a specific work, it does into my word expander; I never have to type it again. Whatever expander you choose or buy, it is money well spent. Acute care is higher difficulty, but it can be done and a Word Expander can help you.
it is basic English grammar, without that, you can't do the job.
x
Just the basic preferred edition could never
x
basic PC/phone line
Windstream (Houston area) charges about $16 a month for just a basic, no-frills line. That's why I hoped to hear if anyone else had any luck with MagicJack. I got one, but something just isn't working right. May be an OE (operator error), tho!
Basic 4 isn't one report, it's 4 different types. sm
H&P's, discharge summaries, op reports, and ....i'm blanking on the 4th, sorry.
I think it should be changed to the basic 5, and include ERs (sm)
A lot of hospitals have their med rec dept MTs (or MTSO) do ERs, as well. Those reports are usually sort of a combination H&P, OP (minor procedures) and/or DS--more detailed than clinic SOAPs.
Acute care basic 4
Please refresh me on what the acute care basic four are. Thanks to anyone who can jog my memory.
The basic 4 are discharges, op notes, H&Ps and consults. Sometimes
referred to as acute care.
Sorry, an "MT" should never make such basic mistakes,
FLAME AWAY.
You can start very slow and not even do all of the basic video
start off every other day doing the video and on opposite days, walk one mile. I also changed my diet to high protein and low fat with lots of fruits and vegies. I lost 50 lbs starting like this and after only 2 months, I was doing the full more difficult video plus doing 5 mile hikes 2 days a week and an 8 mile hike a third day a week. It only took 4 months total to get to where I wanted. At age 36 I was looking better in a 2 piece swim suit than most 20 year olds! You CAN do it! Make your goal getting into shape, not losing weight. You'll be more successful thinking about it like that!
Did you look at the margins and formatting and see how your basic template is set up? Never had this
s
The basic Stedman's package is great and they you
s
The accounts we are hiring for right now are for basic 4, oncology and sm
multispecialty clinic. We do not have any radiology openings as of today but if a contract is signed today that is expected, that will change.
Do you do basic 4 for a hospital or clinic work?
``
Basic 4 = op notes, consults, H&Ps, Disch. Summaries.
Most services want at least 2 years of experience and a high score on a screening test. Consider your options carefully and read the archives regarding pros and cons of working for services. A few are great; most are not.
You would think, coming on an MT site, she would not have made a mistake as basic as that.
:p
I am looking for some good basic orthopedic sites -- Any ideas?
nm
I have a friend who consistently does over 3000 lines in 8 hours on the basic four, so yes it is pos
z
Will the Stedman's work with that version of Word? You buy the basic program and then
s
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