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For tips on MS Word, expanders, and a whole slew of other programs go to

Posted By: sm on 2006-11-02
In Reply to: Last question, what is the best way to learn Word? - new job

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Those aren't expanders, but tips on how to use

your Expander to help increase production and/or lists of expansions they have made. 


If you are new to the business/boards you'll see stuff that makes no sense.  If you've been around a while and have seen one board evolve into a another than things will make more sense.


If you don't understand something ask.  When they first started doing appreviations in posts I would see "tia" at the end of a post and I thought they were saying that had a brain fart, but what it meant was thanks in advance.   There are lots of people who still don't know what sm means and some wrongly think it means small message, so there are lots of people who don't know exactly what is being talked about. 


 


 


Word Expander Programs - Are there any expander programs that are easy to use and learn
that are similar to the MS Word expander?  I prefer something very simple.  I like MS Word expander; however I have gone over my limits and cannot add any more shortcuts so I need a program that will hold a larger amount of shortcuts.   Many thanks.
Different Word programs
I've never really used Word, was in Word Perfect for years and then other proprietary platforms. I have Word 2007, which says it's home and student. Now I see some job ads which specifically say, no home or student versions. Why? What is the difference between versions, besides bigger price tags? Could I get a job using the version I've got? Also, would I need some tutorials in Word before launching into it? I always loved WP, myself.
What word expanders work best with MS word? Or..

.. is there another way?   Do many use the "autocorrect" to make your own word Expander without having to purchase anything?  Does that workout well or is it best to buy expander software? 


I'm setting things up to start again after a couple years out of hte business.  My Spellex spellchecker expired and I had to purchase a new spellchecker.  Also wanting to get my expander going.  GAH!  It's a bit spendy to get things going again... not fun.


Word Expansion Programs
I am trying to get a general idea of the best/worst Word Expansion programs available.  What do you use and how does it compare to others?  I know of Shorthand, PRD+, MedBrain, and good ol' Auto Correct.  Please give me your opinions.  Thank you very much ~
Word expander programs.

Is it worth it to purchase one of these?  I was looking at Instant Text.  Anyway, I have always just used the Expander (ESP) that came with Dictaphone Extext, plus ctrl-R (normals).  I came from a hospital that would not allow us to add software to their PC, just what was already built in so I am not familiar to what is out there.  I work for a national now and use my own computer.  I was wondering if it is worth it to purchase Instant Text just stick with what I got.  TIA. 


SmartType will run in Word client programs sm
I know this because I have used it in MedRite XL, Extext, MTWorld and Winscribe. There are a couple of others out that it will run with. Sometimes you have to futz a bit (Extext), but it will run.

SmartType is wonderful and I am VERY productive with it, BUT it will limit your career and flexibility somewhat if that is all you can or will use. It has to have Word or an actual Word client, you can't link it to IM, email or a funny platform like you can IT for instance. (SH will also do this.)

Unless you tend to stay at a job for years at a time, AND it is a Word client like Extext, it is best you have IT or SH because they are portable from one system to another. Much as I love ST and have used it for over 10 years, I can't unreservedly recommend it to anyone.
Have a slew of questions for you (sm)

I don't want to sound alarming, but between the lethargy, disinterest in foods she likes, and lack of appetite, something's going on.  Is she still making urine and stooling?  Have you introduced any new pets into your home recently?  How old is she?  Is she strictly an indoor kitty, or does she go outside sometimes?  If she's still drinking water, that's good, but she needs nutrition...trying to force feed a cat is pretty darned impossible, but you could try (if you haven't already) buying canned cat food cuz the stronger smell will be more attractive to her...you can't force her to eat it, though.  Is there any way you can get her in as an emergency before her visit in a couple days??  I can't diagnose, but honestly this concerns me.  She's gonna end up dehydrated and really needs nutrition.  If it were me, I'd contact my vet ASAP & see if they can get her in sooner.  Again, I don't want to sound alarming, but she really needs to see the vet. 


Please keep me posted, k?


Word expanders
Does anyone have recommendations on a good word expander.  Our office is transitioning to an web-based system which uses MS word.  We currently use Word Perfect and have extensive templates stored in "quick words" which is great.  Using macros in word would be a pain in the butt!  Have never used a word Expander so any suggestions would be appreciated.  Is there a limit to how much info can be stored - i.e. will it just expand to a sentence or can it be a whole page of type, and what is involved in using a Word Expander (is it just by Keystrokes or do you have to point and click).  Thanks for your help. 
Word Expanders
I have used Smartype by Dorland and Abbreviate and Shorthand. I like the Smartype best in word program as I have a bit of a problem remembering all of the abbreviations. Do a Google search for the Smartype word expansion program or Ask Jeeves. Many transcriptionists love the ShortHand program also.
Word expanders
I use Instant Text from Textware.com.  This has been the best that I have found.  You can customize it to each physician you transcribed for with a separate file.  I have used it for years and think it is well worth the money.  Do to their website and take a look. 
Word Expanders

Can anyone tell me the advantage of using word Expanders versus autocorrect/autotext in word?  I use autocorrect a LOT but am wondering if there is an advantage to switching over? 


Thanks so much for your help/advice!  - Karen


Word expanders, word expanders, word expanders
x
Word expanders
What are the best word expanders?
word expanders
Agree, Instant Text is the best I have ever used.  Been an MT a long time and used a lot of others, but this is the best.  I called the company when I got it and as far as I know, it would practically me impossible to max out its memory capacity.
word expanders
I use ShortHand for Radiology and I also use Smartype and I find that like you, my memory is really bad, worse as the day goes on, but I write down the entries, memorize them (not too many, mind you), then in a couple of weeks add a couple of more, and this method works for me.  I still type out many words as I forget them, but at least I have some entries in there to help my production.  Just my thoughts, but I know what you are going through, and thought I was the only one with this problem lol. 
word expanders

Has anyone used SmartType as a word expander? How do you find it?


Do you use word expanders?
If so, which ones are your most-used?  The only ones I use right now are 'tp' for 'the patient' and 'ttp' for 'The patient'. 
word expanders

I do not even know how many short cuts I have, but I know that I would never continue to do this job if someone told me I could not use them!  How would you ever make any money?  Some of my suggestions are for the word endings; for example, dem = demonstrate; dems=demonstrates; demd=demonstrated; and demj=demonstration; all I change is the last letter and I am consistent about how I make my shortcuts so I never have to really think about what I need to type.


Word expanders
Hello, I need help choosing a word Expander working with Meditech. I was told of one called shortcut for word and and I am going to do some research on that, does anyone else work on Meditech and use a word expander? Thanks for info.
Expanders from WP to Word

You might want to check out ShortCut.  I believe it is manufactured by Sylvan Software and it will convert all of your PRD entries with no problems.


Hope this helps


Word Expanders
Hi there,

First I would like to say thank you very much to all of you that helped me the last time I posted a message.

My questions today is, does anybody know of a free word Expander that's user friendly?
Word expanders??
I am wondering how you build your word Expanders and remember everything you put in it?  I have downloaded the ShortHand word expander, but I can't figure out how to even use it.  I've never used one before, but I really need to incorporate it in to my transcribing so I can make a decent living.
Thanks,
Wanda
Word Expanders
Can anyone give me information on word Expander programs and which one would be the best to use.  Does it really make a difference in transcription productivity?
Word Expanders

I am looking for a word Expander to purchase and I was wondering if any of you have Instant Text Pro and how exactly does it work.  Are there entries already in there?  Also, what is the difference between Instant Text Pro and Shorthand.  Thanks so much.  Do you think Instant Text Pro is worth the money?


Carla


Does anyone use PRD or Shortcuts word expanders? .....nm
xx
and I bet you can't use word expanders while editing can you?
If we aren't MTs as editors, then they probably won't let us be set up as one.  But want to ask you for sure since you know there.  Thanks.
Word Expanders Question
I use my WORD Auto Text and Macros as I don't have a word Expander type of software program just yet.  It seems to work great for now but should I get a Word Expander type of program and if so, which one because there are quite a few?  amj
Need help with Word-based expanders ....sm

I am starting with All-Type soon, and the handbook says that their platform works with any Word-based expander.  That's all fine and good, but I have never used one.  I'm a PRD+ girl from the old WP51 days, and currently work in Bayscribe, and the Expander in it is a lot like PRD.  Are any of the Word-based Expanders like that?  I tried Instant Text once and hated it.  I don't want popup windows and such.  I like it to be simple, like PRD ... enter copdd and get chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.  Are any like that?


Thanks for your help!  


Forum for word expanders
If you visit www.productivitytalk.com - they can answer TONS of questions. I recently had to switch Expanders from Smartype to SH - and that website/moderators were my saving grace!!! Check it out.
Meditech word expanders

I know that ShortHand and Abbreviate both work with Meditech. There may be others as well. Hope this helps.


Jeff Smith


Word Expanders....need opinions on which is the best.....

.....and that doesn't cost $200.00.  I have seen many downloadable expanders, and wondered if anyone has downloaded one from the Internet?  I've been considering Fastfox by NCH or Swifttext by Bytescribe ($49.00).  Anyone use these with good results?


Thanks so much.


 


I use my own word expanders. Depends on
the platform as to whether or not an Expander program is built-in or if you need to provide your own. One company I work for uses DQS & has it built-in, another uses MS Word & I use my own ShortHand program.
WORD EXPANDERS WITH EDITSCRIPT
Can you guys help me out on what is a good word Expander to use with Editscript - I have never used anything other than the expander in Word and would like to find something that has more potential.  Thanks!
Importing to word expanders

Okay.  I just got laid off.  I've been using Meditech server macros for years.  I doubt that they will let us copy the macros off their server, so I have three questions.


How long did it take you to get up to speed loading your Expander from scratch,


and


if you could take your macros with you, is there some way to import them into any expander brand available, and


is/are there brand/s that are more universal than others?


I know from experience that autocorrect is less than easy to export, at least in my personal experience.


Thanks for your help.


Instatext/word expanders
I am looking into word expanders.  I researched SpeedType or SmartType and it says you can make up a shortcut to expand to up to the size of a 9-page document, which is great.  Now, I have used InstaText in the past at another job, but we were never able to make an entry that was more than about a paragraph long.  Is this the limit to IT or is it capable of expanding to more?  If I cannot create a whole document, then I will shy away from IT.  Any input is appreciated.
Her new edition added tips for XP and 2003. If you upgrade your word
xx
Click on your Start icon, Programs, and the big blue W w/a box around it for Word will show up IF
s
Instant Text claims compatibility with all word-based programs
I have used it with Word, PowerScribe, ExText, and a program based on MS Office online, the name of which escapes me. Works great.
I could have typed it faster and better using my word expanders.
This is the echo heard all over about ASR and companies have the nerve to want to cut salaries by 20% because ASR is supposed to increase production?!?!?
Word/text expanders for Meditech
I would apprecaiate knowing word/text Expanders work in Meditech?  Thank you.
Word expanders vs Auto text

What is the difference between Word Expanders and Auto text?  Are they the same thing? 


Thanks!


Word expanders vs Auto text
Thank you!
expanders vs MS Word Auto Correct

Hello everyone ....  I've been using MS Word's auto correct feature as my expander.  Is it 'just as good' as using an Expander ?   Of course my line count is lousy per hour - but I don't do the same account regularly, and I don't get many ops (standard formats).  


Please tell me if / why I should change to an expander - and which one works best.  Remember PRD for DOS - I loved it.  Is there a Windows version?


Thanks, Susie


 


Read the tips from the poster at the top of the board about Word. Good suff! nm
s
MS Word 2007 -- I have to switch over to this. Any hints, tips & tricks would be great. Thanks!
I've heard some people are not very happy with it.  Any suggestions on how to get started, and any good tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help and expertise!
Need help on setting up Word expanders and spell check

Hi All,


I will be starting a new job soon, and it looks like I will be typing in my own computer's Word program.  I managed to download my old Expander entries from my old job into Notepad, so I now have a list of my expansions.  I am wondering if anyone has any good tips on doing something  with the Notepad entries to get them into AutoCorrect in Word, or do I have to just go through the whole list manually and make new entries into Word AutoCorrect to use for my new expander?


I am also open to any and all suggestions to the Word spellchecker since it does not know LOTS of medical terms and drugs.  Just start entering them manually or buy a medical spellchecker that interphases with Word? I saw some listed when I Googled it, but they seem awful expensive.  100$ and more.  Any suggestions?


THanks!


MT programs
The top 3 MT programs are Andrews, M-Tec and Career Step. Have not read any complaints about Andrews or M-TEC. Graduates from those two schools have a much better chance of getting hired at home without 2 years of experience.
MT programs

I found a new company online called MT2B.  It appears that if you successfully complete their school they will offer you a job at their company. Some of the MT courses out there are hard to follow and do not teach you all that you need to know when you first begin job hunting. I know this from tutoring and mentoring new MTs for the past 9 years. This school seems to teach in a more hands on manner from what I understand.  Might want to give them a try. I found them at www.MT2b.com.


This jobs does have a lot of ups and downs. I have been in this business for 12 years and I wouldnt trade it for anything. It has allowed me to take care of my son who has health problems and be at home. I have made good money and not so much money. I see it as...it has its problems just like any other job at home or not at home.  Just have to hang in there and find the place of employment that fits you best as an individual. There are still some good companies out there.  Just have to find them.


 


Good luck to you


FAX PROGRAMS
I use the Winfax program.  Works great.  You fax reports right from your computerr rather than printing and then faxing.  Saves time, paper, and ink.  Receive faxes directly to your computer as well which can be sent to your printer.
the programs
Are set up in such a way, that they know who their star players are, who their B players are, and who are the problem children.  Sounds like he just wanted to buy a new boat and didn't want to have to get a loan first.