I can tell you how to do it using Autotext, which is easier.
Posted By: KyMT on 2006-09-12
In Reply to: When recording a macro in MS Word - macro help-sm
I'm using Word 2003 with Instant Text as my Expander software. I have been trying to figure out how to insert *stop codes* literally for months using Instant Text. I finally gave up and here's what I do. There may be easier ways around it, but I just learned today. lol
I transcribed the report,, which is a pain center report. I get the same doc everyday who has a style that he sticks with pretty much. After I was finished, I copied the report and went into a new document to tweak it up. I left in basically all of his repetitive phrases along with the exam, and all of the headings. Anywhere I wanted a stop code or field as MS Word calls it, I pressed the combination of ctrl+ F9. When I was finished I highlighted the document and clicked on Autotext. If you've never used autotext, when you want to retrieve an entry you've created, you start typing the name you've assigned to it, and either press F3 or enter and BAMM there it is. The stop/field codes look like this { }, but you can shade them gray. To access each field you simply press F11 and it takes you right to the next stop. I hope I didn't confuse you.
I just bought a book that is truly a MUST HAVE for MTs working with Word. It's called Tips N Techniques to boost the productivity of the medical transcriptionist. It was put together by an MT. I think you can find it under www.cherylflanders.com.
Good luck!
Rin
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I find it much easier to use my autotext....sm
and where I want the "??" I do a ctrl F9 (which puts in fields). I save the report in autotext (with the ctrl F9 fields) and then to get to each field you simply use the F11 key. It's much easier this way, I think. I have always hated templates. Just make sure you keep a backup. Hope this helps.
autotext
can someone tell me where I can download autotext software. I understand it is free word expander. I searched the internet and found rapid text and phrase something (cant remember). Which is the better one or are they both the same.
autotext
I believe you can use autotext through Word and the function key is F3 -- I think. I haven't used it for a while.
autotext
Go to insert, then autotext then check the box that says to suggest autotext entries. Hope it helps.
Autotext
Hi me - does this work only if you use Autotext?
Autotext
Highlight what you want to save as an autotext entry, then click autotext, and name it. I use it all the time. 
AutoText
Thanks -- that was exactly what I needed. The only problem I had was that the font size was smaller when I inserted it in my document. Is there anyway to fix that?
autotext---
autotext was not made or intended to be used as a word Expander the way we use one. It has limited input. Once that input is reached, the file becomes corrupt and deleted. This happened to me once too, and I bought a Word Expander program instead of relying on autotext. It will never happen to me again. I lost soooooo much info that way. Most people are not aware of the limited input parameters and continue to keep adding words, etc. So sorry for your loss. I do understand.
AutoText works for me. sm
I make tempaltes in AutoText. When I need a certain template or canned text I only need to type the name of the template or the first few letters of it and Word bubble pops up and asks if I want to insert it; hit and it drops in.
I agree...autotext is the way to go there!
x
Word XP/autotext help
Is there a way of using autotext so that it will come up in the font that you are typing in? Some doctors use arial and some use times new roman and if I use my autotext it automatically comes up in whatever I created it in, not necessarily what I am currently typing in. Is there a way to change that? Thanks for helping.:)
Autotext via keyboard.
I'm a firm believer that if your hands are off your keyboard your not being productive. It's just funny to me because I hardly ever use my mouse. It seems tedious to see it in writing but here's how I get there.
Shift and cursors to highlight the word/comment (or use mouse), Alt I, A, X. This will take you to autotext to add auto entries. Shift and Tab to get to the top tabs and cursor to left x 2. Alt R will take you down to add.
My autotext entries are gone!!!!
I use a program called iType. When I add an autotext entry it is there until I shut down and open program again. I know that I have to add autotext entries outside of the actual iType program - I open word and add them there but they are being deleted somehow. Any help would be appreciated. Oh, I use Word 2003.
Thank you.
Word AutoText
I cannot get this to let me add a shortcut for cm2. I have tried different things and just can't get it to work. Any suggestions?
autotext identifiers
you want to make them short and easy to remember - try doctors initials plus exam - HBCTHwwo, HBCTHwo, HBCTCwwo, HBCTCwo, DVCTHwwo, DVCTHwo, DVCTCwwo, DVCTCwo, etc
Autotext gone Bold?
Why are my autotext entries turning bold when I go to use them? I am starting to get annoyed here...I constantly have to change the autotext entry back to regular. I know I did not enter it in as bold. What is going on here?
You should know if it's autotext because you have do something to expand it.
Redo the entry and make sure you don't pick up anything after the text when you copy it because it will automatically format if you do.
You can use autotext in Word. nm
Coffee/AutoText
Hello to all my MTs out there! I would like to know, how could I use my auto text to the best of my ability? What I am saying is that, whenever I try to look at what is important to add to increase my production, I don't seem to know what to add. Everything from words to phrases, that I add, is still not enough, and I don't see an increase in my production at all. I need tips and advice from pros and vets who has been there and done that. I appreciate any help really. The platform that I am using is EMDAT. Also, what is the best tasting coffee that I could buy or one that taste the best? I love chocolate. I am open for all suggestions. Thanks.
Autotext Question
After you enter something in Autotext, is it possible to edit it? Also, how do you add -year-old? Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!
There is a way to copy Autotext and - sm
your normals, not sure about autocomplete though. You can copy your "normal.dot" file in your templates and transfer that quite easily, I don't know if that covers everything or not. Do a search under your help file on your tool bar in word.
I use Autocorrect and autotext
mple, right upper extremity, I use RUE and if the doctor says right upper extremity first exam, use RUE1 and I have the whole exam in there. I use for other exams as well.
Someone please tell me how my autotext entries
could just VANISH overnight? This has not been a good day.
More Autotext woes.
So I started (or so I thought) building my Autotext back up because I LIKE using F3 and only having to remember 1 abbreviation to get 5 different expansions. My line count went down 500 lines going from having it to not having it.
BUT when I went to save it and copy it to my new file, it was the same size as when I started, and I checked the normal.dot several time while I was working and it was always the same exact size as when I started. What do y'all think is going on?
If you're just starting out and can, use autotext for now.
You may want to change later
Autotext vs. third-party software
I have tested InstantText, SmartType and several other abbreviation Expanders out there. InstantText and SmartType are more expensive and I found I can have the added features they provide with PCShorthand which is about $100. The added benefits include things like adding other functions such as backspace to your abbreviations so the abbrevation "yo" will do backspace hyphen and then type "year-old" things like that. Also with PC shorthand you can have a suggestion window displayed and resize and position that anywhere on your screen so you have a suggestion window like InstantText and SmartType. Then if you build your list properly, you can quickly see which abbreviation to use if you need to and you don't have to remember exactly what abbreviation you used, which are the primary selling points of InstantText and SmartType, both of which are great programs. You can also transfer your autotext entries to any of the third-party programs. They do have a 30-day free trial demo (www.pcshorthand.com) and no, I do not work for OfficeSoft, just like their software and think it is reasonably priced.
Where is AutoCorrect and AutoText stored....sm
and how do you back up these files? Thank you!
Copying Word Autotext? Can anyone help?
Can anyone tell me how to copy my autocorrect entries? Word help says to make it into a template but don't know how to do that. I'd appreciate any help very much!
Lost autotext entries
Look in your recyle bin. That happened to me once and I found them in my recyle bin. I was not real good about keeping mine backed up either and I sure was glad to find them in the recyle bin!
That's the way you do it. I can't get anything in either autocorrect or autotext to stay put.
Therein lies the problem.
I love my AutoCorrect and AutoText sm
I type in Word so I use both the AutoCorrect and the AutoText. If the doctor says it a second time - it goes in there. I tend to do the first letter of the key words or parts of words if I put in a phrase like acghj = acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint, aci = acute changes of ischemia. I do Radiology so I also put in all the commonly associated views for x-rays together like pl = PA and lateral, etc. I also have the doctor's signitures under their number like 12345 = John Smith, M.D. on another job I would put in drsmith for John Smith, M.D. I have all the techniques for CT, MRIs, etc. in there. Everything is in there and every day I add more. I am confused on why one would put tp for patient. That would confuse me! Right now my tp = trauma, pain. Oh...I also change them if I'm typing a particular doctor and they use a particular phrase a lot - I will override something I already have in there to what that doctor is saying and next time I get the other doctor who uses the other phrasing, I'll override it back. Like sometimes they say bones, joints, and soft tissues and another doctor likes to say it differently in the sentence and says bone, joint, or soft tissues - so I just change my bjs to whatever that doctor is saying that day.
Autotext not working properly
Does anyone know whay might be wrong with my autotext? I have several set up in WORD. I have it setup so when you start entering the text, it will show a balloon popup and you can hit enter or F3 and the entire autotext will populate. However, this will only work if at the beginning of a new paragraph. I can't seem to get it to work in the middle of a paragraph after a sentence.???? Any thoughts? Would appreciate emensely!
Autotext not working properly
Does anyone know whay might be wrong with my autotext? I have several set up in WORD. I have it setup so when you start entering the text, it will show a balloon popup and you can hit enter or F3 and the entire autotext will populate. However, this will only work if at the beginning of a new paragraph. I can't seem to get it to work in the middle of a paragraph after a sentence.???? Any thoughts? Would appreciate emensely!
I use AutoCorrect and AutoText on Word sm
It isn't as limited as you might think. If you have over 225 characters in your selection or have blank lines, etc. you need to check "formatted text." You can also put it in AutoText and once you start typing the first few letters a box will come up with the rest of the text and if you want to insert it, you just press enter. I have many, many entries in both AutoCorrect and AutoText. I like it much better than the ShortHand program I bought, though I do need that to transfer text to the Word program that work uses between emails, etc. That may be because I've used Word for years and am used to it.
Are you talking about the AutoText feature?
To create a new AutoText entry, it's ALT F3.
I don't know if there is one to open the AutoCorrect options window by default but you could always assign a hotkey/combo.
Look up AutoCorrect and AutoText in the help file.
They are two very different features. If you get confused, post back with your questions.
Since you're starting from scratch, you are far better off purchasing a true text Expander that works in all of your programs instead of the features that only work in Word. Instant Text will import entries from most any program and you can take it with you from platform to platform or any other program.
Converting Shorthand to AutoText
Well I have used my trial versions of Shorthand. Speedtype has not responded to my trial version request. So is there a way to convert my ShortHand dictionary so that I can use it in AutoText? Not Autocorrect but AutoText. Thanks
Autotext - font size
Hmm, I don't know. Let me play around with it, and I will get back with you. I have never had that problem. When you highlight your text, is it in the font you are wanting, or is it changing from that to a smaller font? Strange. 
AutoText is saved to the normal.dot. sm
Your platform might block changes to the normal.dot or you don't have access to that file. Have you checked with the tech support for your platform?
AutoCorrect and AutoText are two different features. Which one... sm
is causing the problem? Both features save to different files unless you are formatting an AutoCorrect with italics, bold, or more than one line, which is also saved to the normal.dot (normal.dotm in 2007). Plain text AutoCorrects are in the acl file.
Where did you find the lists for Autotext?
I did not see any lists for autotext for free or ones that could be ordered. Where did you find them? Can you give me a link? Thanks
It's a lot easier to get rid of a BF than a DH
I wouldn't put up with it, but that's just me.
I think it's easier but.....
I also think MTSOs add them so we don't get paid for them, after all if they add them we do not actually type them. Just my opinion.
It will get better, and easier. My one sm
inhouse experience was awful. Not only was I transcribing for $15 an hour, I had to make copies and go down 2 flights and stuff their mailboxes with copies.
I so much prefer working at home of a national, where all I do is transcribe, and they take care of the distribution of the records. I just push send. Plus I find the dictators a lot more doable than at that hospital. They were a mess. They didn't even have a standard format. It was just, whatever.
We have it easier than we think
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.
Again, easier said than done.
I have found that many transcriptions who say they want to work for me have one of three issues:
1. They embellish on their experience/quality.
2. Time off--they want more time off than I get and they usually wait until they're walking out the door to say they're not available. Deadlines are seen a "negotiable".
3. They are asking for more per line than I am able to pay (usually they want .12-.14/line--I only charge .12/line on my accounts because that's all the market will bear)
Many of these are newcomers to the field who have somewhere gotten the idea that they can get away with all of these behaviors. (I would bet more than one of them are some of the criers on these boards as well.)
I would LOVE to find someone who is dependable and experienced, who knows how to work and is not looking to take my accounts on a permanent basis; someone who would do as good a job for me as they would want someone else to do for them if they needed some time off. Apparently, they're all working for other companies and are happy, which is great for them.
An easier way...
If you are typing in Word, there is an easier way. Where you have the ?? in your document (I am guessing it is a template), erase the ?? and hit CTRL+F9 This will insert {} Use this throughout the document where you need to insert things. When you load your template, you can hit F11 and it will automatically take you to the next field.
is it easier to use
the CD for the computer...easier to use than the 2007?
This will get much easier sm
I was nervous about first podiatrist as she talked fast, used some not so good English, etc., but after the first few days, I realized she used almost all the same terms repeatedly. I bought a book - don't have it with me now - but one of the "word books" which helped me tremendously, it covered podiatry as well as other such entities. Just look up on the book search, believe it was a Stedman's. After that first week, I knew exactly what she was going to say next. I made more progress on this account than others. Just hang in there and it will be a breeze. I almost refused to do this account and was very surprised at my progress and earnings. Go with it! It only hurts for a little while. It's only the lower extremities usually and the rest is "history" which you should be able to figure out. It is important in podiatry that they mention diabetes and other such history which would bring on podiatry problems. They only know their own specialty usually and will admit they don't go outside the box much. They are insecure out of their box so you are helping them trememdously. Be patient.
easier yes, but a job
is still a job, and that part is not so pleasurable. but i do think after 30+ years that i would enjoy it much more if i were working only 3-4 hours a day. I still get great satisfaction from doing a job not everyone can, and doing it very well.
Are you using Autotext, too? Macros? Why not get a program like Shorthand for your
s
|
