On our platform, we can at least speed them up
Posted By: CrankyBeach on 2009-06-12
In Reply to: Don't you love it when you get all excited s/m - mtmt
to get through the long pauses faster. I have certain dictators that I have to do that with.
And what's up with all that page-flipping anyway? I thought everything was on the computer these days.......
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You cannot do more than the speed of the platform
Your speed does not matter. I wish that were the case because I would be able to make more. It just does not happen.
increase speed 3, decrease speed 2...sm
increase backspace 9, decrease backspace 8. At least that's what mine does.
MTSO with platform versus no platform (big message)
If a MTSO advertises that the MT works in MS Word and sends dictation by FTP, does this usually mean there will be no demographic/doctor database and the demographics will not be autopopulated?
I got into a mess with a small company (got out real quickly too). I was required to print out daily email copies of the doctors' office patient schedules (which were barely legible) and type in all information. I spent more time hunting for the correct patient through pages and pages of these schedules. Then I had about 25 pages worth of doctor's names that I would have to go through to find the attending, referring, etc. A total waste of time as I didn’t get paid for that.
I wish MTSO would give more information as to what platform they use (if any). Proprietary software is such a generic, totally useless description. Would they buy a new car that listed, "Car has gasoline operated motor?"
And for Pete's sakes, why so secretive about the pay? Give a ballpark figure. Just say, pay is between 7-12 cpl depending on skill, testing, etc. Tell me if you pay for spaces, headers, etc. It would save them time because I wouldn’t even apply for a 7 cpl job.
Before I spend an hour or two testing, I need more information from a company to be sure it is compatible for my needs. If the MTSO would spend a little time on their website detailing their platform, how they send/receive files, pay rates, how line rate is determined (spaces/no spaces) employee/IC/SE status, minimal line count, whether work pools consist of 100s of doctors, or smaller pools with 25-50 doctors etc. Having all this information on their website would save them time and the MTs time. Phoenix Medcom has a really good layout describing pretty much everything an MT would want to know before testing with them. I am just tired of testing with a company and then finding out the job wasn’t exactly suited to my needs. 
Platform versus non-platform (templates)?
I've been working for MTSOs for years now, using their templates which sometimes cause productivity problems (macro issues, etc). I'm wondering if productivity is increased when working on a structured platform, such as one that a national company provides for its transcriptionists? I've never used a platform, but it would seem that all one needs to do is straight type onto the screen and the platform program takes care of margins, page breaks, etc?
Any thoughts (as well as companies who are hiring who use platforms) would be appreciated. Thanks
C-phone speed help! PLEASE! Speed key!
I am in tears - typing speedy gonzalez - a total knee replacement, not a standard, dictated in under 1 minute - FULL REPORT! Can you imagine? I have a C-phone that is just hanging in there, but lost all its programming. Isn't there a # key on the number part of the phone that reduces speed? I need it way slooooooooooow!! I'm afraid to just start hitting numbers, though, cause I've lost reports that way!! Anybody have a # to hit for me???
Speed when it comes to DSL
I would love to cut my bills, with my DSL carrier have to have land phone in order to have internet. I do both VR and straight typing, mostly VR. Has anyone had any issues with similar, using the fastest DSL (which costs more) and then going to the lower rate (which costs less). I might be interested if I can find is there really that much difference in your speed?
Probably will! Maybe we could speed it along - sm
by sending the link to our local TV stations!
speed
your processor is what adds speed or diminishes speed. being as that your computer is 4-5 years old, your processor probably just cannot keep up with the expectations you have of it. With increased files and using an online platform, you probably need an updated processor. Also depends on how much you have *open* at the time of working on the online platform.
Speed
Definitely have to have a split keyboard. My wpm went up considerably with the split keyboard plus your hands don't get as tired because it is in a more natural position. 
Speed
I have found that timing myself with a stopwatch makes me get more done. Otherwise, I take my time and then I do less work. I make a limit for each transcription, and then I try to beat that time.
Abby
Speed
what speed do you all keep your dictations on? normal or chipmunk style?
I did this, what did it say your speed was?
It said mine averaged 180.
speed it up
I am in the same situation. My computer is fine, just slow, and I don't want to buy a new one, especially not with Vista. I bought 1GB of RAM from an ebay seller (new) for $35, watched a YouTube video on how to install it (super quick and easy), and now it is running a lot faster. I also ran a Scan Disk and Defragmenter to clean it up. I had hundreds of thousands temporary internet files that got cleared out.
MT'ing isn't all about speed, although...
of course it helps to type fairly fast. However, there is sooooo much more to it than just typing speed.
That being said, my own speed without using any text expansions isn't nearly as great as some mention here. I tested using expansions recently and hit well over 200 wpm. Thankfully, I am able to use a text Expander while working . . . otherwise I might starve to death. 
how to test for speed ?
is there an online test we can take? I'd love to take one nowadays ... it's been a while since I have !
JoJo
How long does it take to get up to speed at a new job?
Also, which is better, acute or clinic? I can't seem to get my production up to where it used to be. The reports are super short, about a minute or less. The header info is a tedious process of checking this, checking that, verifying everything. I don't know if this is going to work out, but I can't afford to be changing jobs again this close to Christmas. The work itself is super easy.
Had a speed-demon doc whose
nurse, whom I could hear in the background, asked him, "Geez, how can they understand you when you talk so fast?", and he replied, "Oh that's they way they like it!" Wonder where he got that idea? At least he talked to her so she could understand him...LOL.
speed typing
Okay, ladies. I have been working for 8 months now as an MT and my typing accuracy still is lacking quite a bit. I have the typer shark program that I use sometimes. I type about 50 WPM. Not good enough for me. I was hoping that somebody could give me suggestions or hope that it will come with time. I seem to be a little bit better lately, but I keep hearing about MTs who type 300+ lines per hour. It takes me a couple hours or more to do that. Depending on the dictator, of course. One woman said she used to type the news and that seemed to help her. I just need some encouragement that I will get better, or maybe some people don't.
speed typing
I also use IT, as it is through the company I work for. I am still getting to know the program. I tried Mavis. I found her to be cute, but annoying. I think am just being impatient. I really like the typer shark program. It's actually fun. I think I will take the time to work on understanding IT, so I can get it to work for me.
Thanks your input. It did make me feel hopeful!
speed typing
Will do! Thank you for the encouragement.
Speed was an issue for me....
Hi, Sandi - If you've been working with a dial-up at home and haven't had a problem, I'll bet you won't have one with the PC card. My problem is that I am spoiled - in my home office I have the fastest DSL we can get in our area - 7 mbps. So, when I use my laptop remotely, the Verizon service almost seems like dial-up to me. Just to give you an idea, the last time I used it remotely, I downloaded 20 discharge summary dictations, most of them around 5 minutes long, and it took about 45 minutes for all of the audio to download. Of course, I was camping in an area where the cell phone signal wasn't that great, so that might have been a factor.
If I were you, I'd try out your card for a few days before you dump your other service, just to compare.... It's all what you are used to, I guess....
playback speed
Thank you, I will check on this. You all have been so helpful. Thank you very much!
Can you get high speed?
That's VERY expensive for dial up. Most high speed services cost about that.
VR - speed and training
Honestly, how fast will VR type the dictation. I read somewhere about 160? Is that all? I don't understand how a Transcriptionist can train the program when it is the doctor that is dictating. Can someone explain. I am trying to figure out if this is something I want - whether it be to save my wrists for the future/ or if it will type the work faster than I do. I am generally about 200 now, depending on the work, sometimes better, sometimes worse. TIA.
My speed is really high but this job is not what
it was years ago. With being an engineer, it would seem that the money should really be good there. I have done this now for over 30 years and if I had to do now and raise a family, I would have to work more than 1 job, possibly 3-4. It is really not the money maker it was once, not at all. The work is not easy, not just a typist job, in fact after all these years I still am always trying to make sure my QA is not lacking, otherwise your job is lacking as in gone. My speed is around 140 wpm but the speed is not what is really important. I found it extremely difficult starting out and trained for over a year inhouse before I ever earned production. This would not be a job I would recommend now unless you just want to stay at home with a child, do part time, retired, in other words where you want to put in time and really don't need to make a living doing it.
Speed Type
Has a utility available that will convert your present files to ST for a $15 fee .. well worth it from my little chair!! Also, Betsy works with people to make sure they are on the right track with ST and has a toll free number and she is the help desk and not overseas, which should indicate that she does not have heavy volume of technical calls. It is a great program.
I did downgrade from 5.0 speed sm
to 1.5 speed and I notice no difference. I have done both VR and straight typing on Extext and notice really no difference. Saved me a bundle of money. Sprint DSL.
With your experience and speed.....
I don't know why others are telling you to try production-based before going home. With a typing speed of what you say you can do, you would well exceed 18.00 an hour. I don't think my typing speed is much over 100-110, but I average 25.00-28.00 an hour. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Exactly what I was talking about, if not for speed
and I mean my typing, nothing else, I would not be able to make what I want to make. I have to absolutely without any doubt keep all my attention on my work for the straight full 8 hours, no breaks, no lunch, dinner, hardly bathroom breaks until I finish. I could have break and/or food but then would just have to work later on in the evening. If not for the fast speed and having my dictation set as fast as it will go and my keeping up with most times, I could not stay in this business. Like I said, in 80s almost 60thous, in the 90s 40thous and now in the 20thous. Next 10 years I will be paying to work for them, I guess!!!
I speed them up every chance I get!
What is your typing speed? - sm
Though most of being a great MT involves excellent listening skills, to make the most of production, IMHO, you have type like the wind and use macros, including macro sentences rather than words only. Just a thought - when was the last time you took a typing test? I think there is a free Web based typing test...
Doubling Speed
I am pretty new at transcription and only typing approximately 100 lph. Any good tips on ways to help me double this? - I do use word Expanders (constantly making new and revamping as see fit).
I suppose practice, practice, practice is the main way; but I am guessing many of you who are experienced have discovered some helpful things along the way.
Really need to pay my bills, so I am willing to give any ideas a shot!
Thanks,
Kristy
doubling speed
One neat trick a fellow MT said was to push the dictator speed up just as fast as you can to still understand them. It really makes you perk up and pay attention, and keeps it going. Slowing down to understand them clearly seems to d-r-a-g you down. Hope it helps. :^)
I wish you could control the speed with
a keystroke. That would make it much more efficient IMO, instead of having to use the mouse.
Be sure you go into the spell-check settings and allow it to spell check capitals, especially if your account has you put allergies in caps (but even headings benefit from spell-checking).
Unfortunately it will then spell check patient names. Wish they could tell it not to spell-check the demographics.
Other than these quirks I think ExText works pretty well.
Maybe just me, but your speed is slow
at 70 wpm. I have been tested at 130-140 and getting the lines just not an effort- I think it has everything to do with the 70 wpm. You really need to build your Expanders and abbreviation list- that would help you tremendously.
I do VR, have my speed as fast as I can get and
I only average about 357 lph. There is no way I could get 1000 - my speed would not even go that fast.
Typing Speed
Is there an easy way to calculate word-per-minute typing speed using the lines per hour I can do? -Thanks.
In a word? SPEED sm
and you can email and I'll even send you my glossary for ST with 20,000 shortcuts in it.
I have used ST with MedRiteXL and it runs fine. You need to set ST to open when Word launches and not turn it off if you can help it. It doesn't crap up the MedRite, but it just works better. Also, if you use ST, have them turn off the built in Expander or you'll have problems, like the sentence not wrapping to the next line and/or an expansion at the end of a line spewing out garbage as it wraps.
Typing Speed
I type about 70wpm with about a 98% accuracy rate. Per a couple online typing tests I took this week. I'm curious what speed accomplished MTs type? Is 70wpm fast enough? If not, are there any work at home classes or software packages to improve typing speed? Are there any you know work or recommend? Thanks in advance for your help.
Increase speed
Crank up the speed of the dictator as high as you can while still understanding it. Learn all the keyboard shortcuts and don't touch the mouse. If you hover your mouse over the buttons, you'll see the shortcut.
Is it that hard to get up to speed? Oh No!!
I have never ever taken more than 1 to 2 days maximum to master a platform, add my own expanders, often manually 1 word at a time, and be up to max production of 200-250 an hour. I am scared to death now - is there something complicated about MDI-MD? What have I done? Oh no!
Not for me. I was up to speed almost immediately.
Their platform is very basic (mostly in a good way). Stop panicking. If you don't usually have a problem switching companies and getting up to speed you won't here either.
Speed comes with practice
It may take several months to reach 150 lph. I agree with the other poster that an Expander is not necessary. Fooling around with the expander to load in abbreviations takes a lot of time. In spite of what expander-sellers say, you can easily reach 2000 lines a day without an expander if you are efficient. MTs did it for years on typewriters.
When you have done enough dictation to begin recognizing that all doctors say the same things over and over, and when you can recognize those things in spite of individual doctor differences, you'll begin to fly. It's a matter of learning what they ought to be saying so that you can understand them.
It's also a matter of focus. If you are trying to load up an expander, eat, do laundry, do daycare, fool with pets, you will never make progress. If you keep checking IM, email, and answering the phone, you'll never make progress.
Did your speed improve?
Did you get faster with this or is it just more comfortable? How long did it take to get used to it?
Thanks for the info!
Have you built up your speed yet? How did you
deal with the learning curve and still get your line count in? Thanks for posting this link!
DocQScribe for Speed
What companies use this platform?
Normal speed.
Or even slightly slower, if need be, if it's one of those guys (or gals) who is trying to set a new land-speed record.
For me, it's not any particular accent, it's the speed of
the dictator's talking. Accent or no, when they blast through their report like their pants are on fire, what they get in return for their sloppy dictating habits is a 'swiss cheeze' report full of holes.
I just don't get it sometimes - if teh reports are medicolegal documents, and are important enough to dictate and put in the patient's medical record, I think theyre important enough to dictate more carefully.
My other pet peeve is letters. Most of the time, I find it difficult distinguishing between F and S, B and P, C and D, etc. I think they should come up with some kind of a code when they're going to be dictating letters, such as, instead of saying 'CPT', they could say, 'code cat-pig-tiger'. Or something to that effect. It would save an untold amount of time backing up, relistening, and ultimately leaving blanks in what could have easily been a complete, accurate medical report.
can't you speed up the dictation
during the umming and hold music?
It said my speed was at 600 characters. (sm)
Make sure you reset it and then take the speed test.
It thought it was kind of neat how it showed how much it is typing for you and how much time you save.
Totally cool little feature on there!
If you already set the speed as fast it will
look for other places to improve production. With the speed that fast, do you have to stop the audio to make corrections?
If you have to add headings or correct the same phrase or term frequently, do you have shorts set up? Is all of your reformatting, like creating numbered lists from paragraphs or vice versa, automated? Do you use all the Word-based navigation shortcuts to move around the text?
The fewer times you have to stop the audio to make a correction and the fewer keys you have to strike to get the correction made, the better your line count will be.
If you are listening at the fastest speed, seldom stopping the audio, using an expander/AutoText/AutoCorrect, and utilizing all production shortcuts available in the platform and in Word, then you probably have reached your peak production.
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