I don't think you'll get a good answer from the info...
Posted By: mt on 2008-11-06
In Reply to: pay for inhouse position?? - Amanda
you provided. It varies too much from location to location.
I've seen some MTs on here that say inhouse in their area make less than $10 an hour. Our local starts newbies (providing they pass the tests) at $16.79 an hour.
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I'll try to answer
Her brother lives over 3000 miles a way and doesn't have enough room in his home, plus his wife would forbid it. All her parents have is around $1450/month in Medicare of which about one half goes to medical expenses not covered by Medicare (i.e. Walgreens incontinence supplies), her father's cigarettes (he refuses to even cut back to under 8 cartons a month), and outstanding medical bills that are being paid off slowly (she handles that). She tried to find transportion but all that's available is out-of-pocket at $25 one way, she she has to do it and it's costing her money. They don't qualify for nursing care.
She's just at a point that she's ready to have herself admitted to a psych unit permanently, just to get away from them both. She hasn't loved either one of them for years, and is now slowly growing to hate them both for doing this to her ("Would you make us live in the street?").
My heart goes out to her. We talk on the phone ever day.
I'll try to answer
I have absolutely no idea. On the surface of it, it seems like companies have ways to reduce our line count and therefore what we are paid. I can't think of another reason.
I know from using Sylcount that it will count out just slightly higher than Word. I have use MTWorld and it is the same way. Slight being 10 to 50 characters and I have not found a reason for that discrepancy either.
I am not aware if Word counts punctuation as part of the characters or characters with spaces count. I have a feeling that they don't, but I have not seen anything about it, frankly, just a sense of it.
I am about to launch into a job where we are using ExText and the idea that it is not accurate worries me since the pay is on 37 characters strict, no spaces and I have my trepidations about this to start with because the pay is 6 cents for that and up to 6.5 for a differential. I can't really figure out whether that is good or bad.
I don't think you'll ever get an accurate answer
There are so many individual factors that can be good or bad for one person and not another. You'll see good and bad on every single company out there, because you just can't please everyone! But, what I do to try to keep it in perspective is just try to avoid the companies which you see the most "bad" comments about.
That may not be really accurate though, now that I think about it, because I worked for Spheris for many years and I was very happy with them. And, you know, I'm sure, that Spheris gets slammed big-time on this board. So, to each his own, I suppose!
No problem--I'll answer it!
Because where we live, it is a very cold climate and I'm not crazy about having to take a doggie outside to go to the bathroom. I've had other dogs in my life who never went outside either, and they just used their little potty pads to do their business. It may sound 'gross' to some, but if they are small dogs like my min-dach is, they don't "go" very much, so as soon as they do, you just throw away the potty pad and put out another and you're done and you never had to leave your house. I realize it sounds a bit "lazy" on my part.
Another reason would be that I have had inside dogs before who did go out into the yard and then brought FLEAS back into my house. That was a nightmare not to mention expensive. I realize there is medicine you can give your dog to keep them from getting fleas, but it is expensive and I'm not crazy about the chemical part of the medicine.
Then, another reason why I don't really want my dog to go outside.....Dachsunds are known to love to dig outdoors in the dirt/grass. Yuck.
I just want him to stay in the house with me and never go outside! :)
Since the poster below didn't really answer your questions, I'll try...
While I agree that things are being done to try to do away with transcription eventually, I think that hope is a long way off. Here goes:
1. A lot of work is being outsourced to places like India because they can do the work much, much cheaper than a US MT. Some hospitals won't all their work to be outsources, but the thought on this board generally seems to be that most don't care or don't know.
2. In order to work at home directly after school, it is highly recommended that you only attend one of the top schools. Two of them are Andrews and M-TEC.
3. Most companies, if you are an employee (not independent contractor) will provide you with all the equipment you need. You will have to have an internet connection and pay for that yourself most likely.
4. I believe the average you can expect to start is in the 6 to 8 cents a line range. How much you make depends on many other things, though. If you studied very hard and have a knack for MT you will do much better.
Hope that helps a little. But just remember...yes, working at home is a nice benefit for some, but there is a con for every pro to doing this.
Wow. Thanks for the info. I'll keep
.
domain info -- discreet. . . I'll say
Domain ID:D153932342-LROR
Domain Name:ATAUS.ORG
Created On:26-Aug-2008 02:33:08 UTC
Last Updated On:24-Mar-2009 02:20:53 UTC
Expiration Date:26-Aug-2011 02:33:08 UTC
Sponsoring Registrar:Register.com Inc. (R71-LROR)
Status:CLIENT TRANSFER PROHIBITED
Registrant ID:971863347b268009
Registrant Name:Domain Discreet
Registrant Organization:ATTN: ataus.org
Registrant Street1:Avenida do Infante 50
Registrant Street2:
Registrant Street3:
Registrant City:Funchal
Registrant State/Province:Madeira
Registrant Postal Code:9004-521
Registrant Country:PT
Registrant Phone:+361.19027495331
Registrant Phone Ext.:
Registrant FAX:
Registrant FAX Ext.:
Registrant Email:3647af6c0a14115001f94b334efe482d@domaindiscreet.com
Admin ID:336888147af6f503
Admin Name:Domain Discreet
Admin Organization:ATTN: ataus.org
Admin Street1:Avenida do Infante 50
Admin Street2:
Admin Street3:
Admin City:Funchal
Admin State/Province:Madeira
Admin Postal Code:9004-521
Admin Country:PT
Admin Phone:+361.19027495331
Admin Phone Ext.:
Admin FAX:
Admin FAX Ext.:
Admin Email:3647af6c0a14115001b08ca1b8e67cd2@domaindiscreet.com
Tech ID:063824547b4d9299
Tech Name:Domain Discreet
Tech Organization:ATTN: ataus.org
Tech Street1:Avenida do Infante 50
Tech Street2:
Tech Street3:
Tech City:Funchal
Tech State/Province:Madeira
Tech Postal Code:9004-521
Tech Country:PT
Tech Phone:+361.19027495331
Tech Phone Ext.:
Tech FAX:
Tech FAX Ext.:
Tech Email:3647af6c0a141150007226a0aede3b8e@domaindiscreet.com
Name Server:NS1.SAFESECUREWEB.COM
Name Server:NS2.SAFESECUREWEB.COM
Name Server:NS3.SAFESECUREWEB.COM
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
The previous information has been obtained either directly from the registrant or a registrar of the domain name other than Network Solutions. Network Solutions, therefore, does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Show underlying registry data for this record
IP Address: 76.12.193.144 (ARIN & RIPE IP search)
IP Location: US(UNITED STATES)
DMOZ no listings
Y! Directory: see listings
Meta Description: Helping U.S.-based transcription companies and independent transcriptionists build a better, stronger industry.
Data as of: 23-Apr-2008
Thanks for the info. I'll have to crank up the exercise machine...
A short-cut would have been nice though. 
Thanks again.
If you so a search on this board you'll find lots of info.
Basically, you've got it right. However, voice files can be large and email may reject large file attachments. Also, there's the security aspect that you didn't mention. Basically, the voice file and finished document need to be encrypted to be secure.
You said you don't have the time/didn't take the time to do the research. Lots of people have and have shared their findings time and again on this board. I, for one, am not willing to reinvent the wheel every time someone is looking for this information but doesn't want to take the time to do the legwork. No offense meant but please do take the time to educate yourself. If you really don't have the time or don't want to take that time, then be prepared to pay for that information in the form of a consultant.
Do an archive search on this board and you'll find lots of info. NM
x
Instant Text. Do a search here for IT and you'll find lots of info.
xx
Very good...very good answer. Right on the money! (nm)
x
There is not one good answer for this sm
I love Smart Type. I used it in DOS and I use it in Word. I have used it for so long I know it like the back of my hand. I work in a Word client, and so ST works there.
Now, if you are on a wonky proprietary platform that is not a Word client, you can't use ST at all. Has to be Word (Extext, MedRite and MTWorld are Word clients).
Much as I love Smart Type, I can't give anyone a full recommendation to go and buy it. I would say that over time it has limited my options since I only apply for jobs that have a Word client platform. I don't have evidence that it has severely hurt me because I have had wonderful luck working for wonderful companies. I am in Extext now and I could not be happier...BUT
If you are using Bayscribe and whatnot, Smart Type is useless to you. It won't work in Emdat, ChartNet...to name a few. Now, InstanText WILL work in these platforms, as will ShortHand. It makes much more sense for someone starting out with an Expander to choose one of these two, not Smart Type. They are much more flexible and the whole point of buying an expander is to carry it with you from job to job.
As for a glossary, you can see the post below this one that gives a link to another site where Mary Morkin's entire glossary/library is written out and see how to put things in. This seems very laborious to me and you are welcome to email me for my expander library. I have copies of it for ShortHand, InstanText and Smart Type. Tell me your format and I'll send it to you. It started out as Mary Morkin's list linked below, and has had about 7000 to 8000 added to it over the last 10 yrs. I can't charge you for it (wouldn't anyway) because it isn't all mine and most of it is on the internet for free. I can just save you time.
Feel free to email me with any questions you might have about expander stuff. I don't know everything by any means, but I know other people who might know what I don't.
So you already knew answer? Good
xxx
good for you; you'll get more from it, with good socialization,
nm
Good Question... answer inside.. sm
My husband's exwife retained a free attorney.. two of them in fact, one after the other.. They agreed to take her case pro bono.. why? I don't really know.. maybe they get a tax break for taking free cases. Apparently she just kept calling attorneys telling her "story", got them to feel sorry for her or something.. she claimed abuse falsely and is the worst case of verbally poisoning her children this county has ever seen.. she ended up kidnapping the children after spending time in a psych facility, she served time but pled to a lesser charge to avoid deportation to Canada, her home country. She is manipulative and nasty.. she no longer has custody of her children and doesn't abide by the court rules to even get her supervised visitation anymore. Such a winner! Why would any attorney defend such a person? Good Question...
Very good answer. I don't sit in the freezer to transcribe
so I don't need a heated keyboard.
Finally a good answer to this person's question--sm
I am always stunned at how insensitive and rude some people can be in their answers and some of those below prove that to be the case. Try to remember that not everyone is like that, although it seems to be otherwise sometimes, on this board. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do!
Okay, Thanks for all the good info
I am so glad I checked the chat line here before I quit for the day. Thanks for all the helpful info. I think the major problem with MQ and the employees and why so many are so upset is that they leave us in the dark so much. Plus, every office seems to operate by a different formula, which gets some people understandably upset. AND, MTing as a career is definitely NOT what it used to be, meaning a respected, good paying career. With nationalization, the pay has decreased, there is offshoring, which MQ participates in, AND, most of all, we all seem to be no more than an employee number now instead of a valued employee! Hey! I'd better get down from my soap box and go join the family before hitting the sack! Thanks again.
Looking for Info, good or bad, regarding
TC Transcription out of Florida. Taking on a second position with them and wondering if anybody has had any experience with them. Good and bad appreciated, if any. I posted on the company board but did not get any response (that could be good or bad).
THANK YOU! You have given me some good info!
I was just looking for information and not just opinions. Your post was very helpful. Thank you again! 
Good info - Thank you! (nm)
x
really? Good info, thanks.....sm
Thanks :) - I do have great skin and told I look 15 years younger than I am...*LOL* - I like hearing that 
good info - thanks !
thanks to all of you for the good info!
I appreciate you taking the time to give me the tips! Now if I can just get used to the fact I will have an empty nest 
boss this to me the other day and really has a lot of good info; sm
cancer classifications
stage and grade
Lowercase stage and grade.
Use roman numerals for cancer stages. For subdivisions of cancer stages, add capital letters on the line and arabic suffixes, without internal spaces or hyphens.
stage 0 (indicates carcinoma in situ)
stage I, stage IA
stage II, stage II3
stage III
stage IV, stage IVB
Use arabic numerals for grades.
grade 1
grade 2
grade 3
grade 4
Aster-Coller
Staging system for colon cancer from the least involvement at stage A and B1 through the most extensive involvement at stage D.
The patient's Aster-Coller B2 lesion extends through the entire thickness of the colon wall, with no involvement of nearby nodes.
Broders index
Classification of aggressiveness of tumor malignancy developed in the 1920s by AC Broders. Reported as grade 1 (most differentiation and best prognosis) through grade 4 (least differentiation and poorest prognosis).
Lowercase grade; use arabic numerals.
Broders grade 3
cervical cytology
Three different systems are currently in use for cervical cytology: the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear), the CIN classification system, and the Bethesda system.
The Papanicolaou test uses roman numerals to classify cervical cytology samples from class I (within normal limits) through class V (carcinoma).
CIN is an acronym for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and is expressed with arabic numerals from grade 1 (least severe) to grade 3 (most severe). Place a hyphen between CIN and the numeral.
CIN-1,CIN-2, CIN-3
or CIN grade 1, CIN grade 2, CIN grade 3
A cervical cytology sample that is within normal limits in the Bethesda system corresponds with a Pap class I or II; Bethesda's atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS) corresponds with Pap class III; Bethesda's low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) corresponds with Pap class III and CIN grade 1; and Bethesda's high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) corresponds with Pap classes III and IV and CIN grades 2 and 3. In the Bethesda system, the next higher level is labeled simply "carcinoma," corresponding with Pap class V and with "carcinoma" in the CIN system.
Clark level
Describes invasion level of primary malignant melanoma of the skin from the epidermis.
Use roman numerals I (least deep) to IV (deepest). Lowercase level.
Clark level I into underlying papillary dermis
Clark level II to junction of papillary and reticular dermis
Clark level III into reticular dermis
Clark level IV into the subcutaneous fat
Dukes classification
Named for British pathologist Cuthbert E. Dukes (1890-1977). Classifies extent of operable adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum.
Do not use an apostrophe before or after the s. Follow Dukes with capital letter.
Dukes A confined to mucosa
Dukes B extending into the muscularis mucosae
Dukes C extending through the bowel wall, with
metastasis to lymph nodes
When the Dukes classification is further defined by numbers, use arabic numerals on the same line with the letter, with no space between.
Dukes C2
FAB classification
French-American-British morphologic classification system for acute nonlymphoid leukemia.
Express with capital M followed by arabic numeral (1 through 6); do not space between the M and the numeral.
M1 myeloblastic, no differentiation
M2 myeloblastic, differentiation
M3 promyelocytic
M4 myelomonocytic
M5 monocytic
M6 erythroleukemia
FAB staging of carcinoma utilizes TNM classification of malignant tumors
See: (TNM staging below).
FAB T1 N1 M0
FIGO staging
Federation Internationale DE Gynécologie et Obstétrique system for staging gynecologic malignancy, particularly carcinomas of the ovary. Expressed as stage I (least severe) to stage IV (most severe), with subdivisions within each stage (a, b, c).
Lowercase stage, and use roman numerals. Use lowercase letters to indicate subdivisions within a stage.
Diagnosis: Ovarian carcinoma, FIGO stage IIc.
Gleason tumor grade
Also known as Gleason score. The system scores or grades the prognosis for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with a scale of 1 through 5 for each dominant and secondary pattern; these are then totaled for the score. The higher the score, the poorer the prognosis.
Lowercase grade or score, and use arabic numerals.
Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma of prostate, Gleason score 8.
Gleason score 3 + 2 = 5.
Gleason 3 + 3 with a total score of 6.
Jewett classification of bladder carcinoma
Use capitals as follows:
O in situ (Note: this is the letter O, not a zero)
A involving submucosa
B involving muscle
C involving surrounding tissue
D involving distant sites
Diagnosis: Bladder carcinoma, Jewett class B.
Karnofsky rating scale, Karnofsky status
Scale for rating performance status of patients with malignant neoplasms.
Use arabic numerals: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100. (Normal is 100, moribund is 10.)
TNM staging system for malignant tumors
System for staging malignant tumors, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer.
T tumor size or involvement
N regional lymph node involvement
M extent of metastasis
Write TNM expressions with arabic numerals on the line and a space after each number.
T2 N1 M1
T4 N3 M1
Letters and symbols following the letters T, N, and M:
X means assessment cannot be done.
0 (zero) indicates no evidence found.
Numbers indicate increasing evidence of the characteristics represented by those letters.
Tis indicates tumor in situ.
Tis N0 M0
The TNM system criteria for defining cancer stages vary according to the type of cancer. Thus a stage II cancer of one type may be defined as T1 N0 M0, while one of another type may be defined as T2 N1 M0.
Staging indicators are used along with TNM criteria to define cancers and assess stages. These are expressed with capital letters and arabic numerals.
grade GX, G1, G2, G3, G4
host performance H0, H1, H2, H3, H4
lymphatic invasion LX, L0, L1, L2
residual tumor RX, R0, R1, R2
scleral invasion SX, S0, S1, S2
venous invasion VX, V0, V1, V2
prefixes
Lowercase prefixes on the line with TNM and other symbols indicate criteria used to describe and stage the tumor, e.g., cTNM, aT2.
letter determining criteria
a autopsy staging
c clinical classification
P pathological classification
r retreatment classification
y, yp classification during or following treatment with multiple
modalities
suffixes
The suffix (m) (in parentheses) indicates the presence of multiple primary tumors in a single site. Other suffixes may be used, such as the following in the nasopharynx:
T2a nasopharyngeal tumor extending to soft
tissues of oropharynx and/or nasal fossa
without parapharyngeal extension
T2b nasopharyngeal tumor extending to soft
tissues of oropharynx and/or nasal fossa
with parapharyngeal extension
Good info here. As for the mail........sm
I just write "refused" on the envelope and put it right back into the mail. It may take a couple of times for them to get the message, but they will take you off their list if you do this.
any info good or bad would be appreciated
on JLG and All Type. Speaking with one, actual offer from the other but not sure about either. Concern for more is flexibility which they both promise, but I heard that one before.
Lots of good info Ace...Thanks. NM
nm
just need a few good pieces of info
from what i understand, name, address, ph#, esp w/SS#, birth date, maiden name .... everyone should definitely educate themselves about this, as its very widespread now.
Good idea! I'll do that now.....nm
xxx
You'll get some good tips here. sm
First rule: Use your expander. You can't use it enough. Put all the medical terms in, general phrases from basic English, words you make typos in, medications that needs to be capitalized, Dr.'s names, anything you can think of. It takes time at first, but saves you hours later.
Also, if you have to find difficult words, keep a list. That way you won't have to look it up twice. You always think you'll remember it, but you probably won't.
The biggest thing is not to let the job overwhelm you. There is so much to learn. I don't know how it is for those of you coming out of a school, but when I started with no training, it took about 3 years to really train. So don't get discouraged. It gets easier. Best of luck.
I would agree with HP being good. I'll only
is better in this profession because most won't accept Vista anyhow. The OP might want to try a secondhand computer store and then just purchase the Office Suite you'd like. I did this and have good luck so far knock on wood with Office 2003.
Good luck, but you'll need your CMT...
The only other way possible I can think of, and someone above already mentioned it, is have another Transcriptionist train you. That's how I got into this field. However, most transcriptionists aren't in the situation to train to nor do they probably want to. If you do choose to do online courses, I would personally recommend CareerStep... just stay away from PCDI! I have two friends going through CareerStep and they both are enjoying the course.
Otherwise, this isn't a job you can just walk up to and start without any knowledge. If you want an easy job like that where you need no training, or training on the job, try a gas station or fast food restaurant. Sorry, I'm not trying to sound harsh, just truthful. You need a lot of training before working as an MT, as another poster said, it really is like a second language! You have to learn terminology, pharmaceuticals, anatomy, etc. However, I wish you the best of luck. If you *really* want to become an MT, then you can do it!
Maybe someday you'll be good enough
to be a QA, since you obviously have no idea at this point what the job entails.
surgical equipment info is good
nm
Some good info! Would you mind another question?
Do you know what causes the discrepancies in character counts between Word and Dictaphone (specifically ExText)? I have been wondering about this for a while. The line count at my company is 65 characters including spaces. TIA 
any bit of info is good to know; ignore the post below
nm
Good cardiology info site?
If your trainer is as good as mine, you'll do just
fine. The auto correct, auto Expander -- very easy to use and easy to access while transcribing so you can add as you go.
Good idea...I'll check into it. Thanks!
z
I'll consider it--that sounds good and low tech, lol--NM
x
Good advice...thanks! I'll save my $$ (NM)
.
Need some good oncology sites. Any info appreciated. nm
x
Good thing you kept all your wage statements. You'll have
a fight but at least you have the proof you'll need.
I've been using it a few years now. It's pretty good. You'll get used to it. -nm
x
Sounds good to me! I'll take it. Unless their lines are skewed.
x
Thanks!...good idea about adding the def to the glossary...I'll try that too
.
Bells palsy and chronic headaches? Does anyone have any good info or help out there? sm
Unfortunately, I have had Bells palsy for the past 8 years. I got it while pregnant and had a pretty severe case. I was extremely sick with that pregnancy and then ended up with the Bells palsy. In fact, my baby quit growing after I got the Bells palsy! Thank God I was about 32 weeks when I got it. Anyway, over time the symptoms have not been as bad. For the most part to look at me you couldnt tell I had the Bells--until I smiled at you. Then, of course, you would know it. I have regained some use of muscles, but not all. I have been able to get my eye to close, but it is not tight, so I still battle with dry eye every night/morning. My forehead has been completely "dead" since this happened. Even electric stim could not move the muscle! Whenever I get a headache it always seems to settle on the dead part of my forehead. My headaches have been increasing lately, and currently I have had a headache for five days! I have tried Advil, Tylenol and Excedrin Migraine with no relief. My neurologist cant see me until January since I havent been to him for years. I can not afford an MRI right now and have no desire to start taking any type of pain med. Does anyone have any experience with Bells or have any ideas. I was wondering if a TENS unit might help. I have been reading about that on the internet. Sorry this is so long. Thank you for any help. As you can imagine, I am having a very hard time working all day at my computer with this!
do a google search-were many hits and should find good info--nm
//
Do an archive search - good info posted a few weeks ago.
nm
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