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Sometimes those giving the tests

Posted By: catsxoxo on 2009-04-15
In Reply to: I tested this morning, left blanks, and I have 17 years' experience. (sm) - steady eddie

deliberately give you a difficult dictator or bad-quality dictation to see what you will do.  When in doubt, leave a blank.  It's not such a big deal, as you will become familiar with the dictator/account & will have samples to go by.  I'm always curious though if I leave a blank and will ask and either say, "oh that's what it was," or "I'd have never gotten than in a million years, what in the world?."  Good luck on your test!




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I can't believe how bad some of the tests are!
Some test where you put commas (for which there are few real-world rules) and other BOS nonsense. Some count off if you didn't transcribe the patient's name and other private information (that you'll send to them via e-mail). Few actually test the skills required to be successful at real-world MT. Many tests only answer one question: "Have you memorized all the personal preferences found in the BOS or not?"
tests are different
I've taken them that take as little as half an hour to as much as 4 hours. I think they are a good idea.
Please no more tests - sm
Any company that doesn't test? There has to be a better way than wasting all this time.
Tests
Just have the employee perform the expected tasks.  If the person cannot do so...then good-bye... It's very simple....
Lab tests
Does anyone know of a good website that lists lab test reference ranges.  The one I have has in depth information about the test, but not reference ranges.  Thanks!
Here's one of the very best for lab tests...

http://www.labcorp.com/dos/index.html


Just click on what the lab test starts with, and it gives you tons of information.


I love this one for finding docs:


http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/home.aspx?sponsor=core


tests
I agree on the tests. Right now I don't have a foot pedal because mine were always furnished before. I won't buy one until I know it is compatible with any given company. Ever try the test with the foot pedal. Takes hours. I just refuse to try it any mroe.
Tests!
Anyone testing/tested with Transolutions? Why is it that the first of four transcription tests are easy breezy? The remaining tests have me backed in a corner. If/when I actually get a job, I hope the transmission is better.
also, most docs won't do certain tests (sm)

without your consent, if they are not considered standard and will probably have to be paid for by the patient out of pocket, unless the patient agrees to pay either up front or if the charge is denied.  At least that's been my experience! Good luck, I hate insurance companies, too!


Isn't she cute? 


these tests are standard for this age and despite what sm
poster below said; they are usually done with routine pap smears and sometimes no mention is ever made from doc about what they are doing. fight ins company.
Tests/testes
I always have to check that one.

this one is good for lab tests...
http://www.labtestsonline.net/
NCLB and tests.
I am in Alabama and my husband works for the school system. Not only is the school rated in many ways by how well the students do on the tests, but the individual teachers are as well. I agree that there should be a way to evaluate teachers/schools, but NCLB has really burdened the system. Also, teachers cannot simply teach. They have an ungodly amount of evaluation material they have to complete and report to the various agencies involved. This is on computer, and last I heard they are not supposed to take it home. I have actually seen some of this "paperwork" and it goes way past ridiculous. I know there are bad teachers out there, but considering what they make and what they have to deal with, there is on way I would be one. Consider also that there are students who simply refuse to be taught, and others who even the best teachers cannot reach. Their scores count just as much as the students who really want to learn. Do the teachers "teach the tests"? Of course they do. If your entire livelihood was based on how well you knew the Book of Style, what would MT schools be teaching?
I took tests with footpedal. If using

Windows Media Player, have to keep hitting the play and rewind buttons with the mouse.  Very time consuming but doable.  Good Luck on your test!! 


Transcription Tests

Has anyone tested for any companies, passed their test and was never contacted after the initial email stating that you had passed their test?  I wonder why we bother to take hours out of our day to take tests and then never get contacted.  I recently took a test, which the company had informed me that I had passed.  However, two emails later I am still waiting to be contacted by them.  They keep telling me shortly.  This was two weeks ago.  Anyone else with this dilemma?


Transcription Tests
Here's the thing--there ARE other companies out there looking for transcriptionists, lots of them. I always try to followup ASAP on people who apply because they've usually applied other places too and if I don't grab them somebody else will. I wouldn't bother following up any more, find another company. There are lots of us who are looking for conscientious transcriptionists.
Lab Tests Online
I remember seeing on here somewhere where someone had put a link to a good website with normal values for lab counts. Does anyone know that link?  Thanks
These tests are absurd.
dd
Blanks in tests

Hi!


I am looking for an opinion please. I have been taking my very first at-home test(hoping to come home and leave the politics behind). I was wondering if it would be counted against you if there was a blank in the one of the trascrption samples. My current employer prefers blanks to guesses but then again they are familiar with their employees' strenghts and weaknesses.


Any advice welcome.


The problem w/ the digital tests is that...

you cannot read them manually, i.e., the faint line after you pop the stick off the reader.  Those lines don't mean the same thing as the standard tests that shows lines for pregnant or not pregnant.  I would take another test first thing in the morning and see what the results say.


Breathalyzer tests for docs

Sometimes don't you wonder if they should take this test before they begin dictating???


I just finished a long total knee arthroplasty and it sounds like this doc had a few cocktails before he began dictating.  Slurring his words and changing his mind several hundred times.  Don't ya just hate that?


Just had to vent cause I have him again.  I am ready for a cocktail or 2 myself now.


psychology terms and tests
anyone know of a good website to get some basic psych. terms, tests, etc?  I am soon to start a new psych account, and have done very few psych reports of any kind....thanks for any input!
Tests, cannot pass typing
part and yet I have been tested (not under pressure) at 140 per minute. I failed another typing (yes, that’s right) test when I had my hands off the home keys and it all came out garbage. I do lots of lines per day in transcription but it is just me and my kitties here.
Here is list of psych tests

This may be helpful if you'd like a list without having to search every time, then you can look up terms for results, etc., based on the test. Scroll down to bottom, there's an alphabetized list. 


http://www.hrplatform.com/Free/FreePortal/FreeHR/Psychometrics/PsychologicalTests.doc


Anyone else to lazy to take tests..LOL. I applied for a job
but I swear when I opened up the testing and it was 6 reports including discharge summaries, right then and there, I just thought to my "NO way." I guess I just don't have the drive or energy to do testing for a job that takes a hour or more.  Part of me realizes that they need this information, but the other part, just thinks it's ridiculous to expect people to spend so much time on a test. Trust me, most of the time, when you see one report, it's quite apparent if the person has any skills or not. Sooooo, I guess I'm lazy because I'm NOT doing this test. Anyone else get these feelings...Maybe I'll regret it and maybe not. Time will test because a lot of other people were sent the same test so I'll wait for their report LOL
lots of weird tests
I liked it but it took me a lot of time to learn all the labs. Good learning experience though.
Anyone REALLY familiar with GFR/kidney tests?

     This is a personal question, not exactly related to work.  I am going in circles with at least 2 doctors now (and several unrelated specialists) who are not concerned about my lab values, but from what I have looked up, it seems they should be doing something, even if it is just explaining what is going on and why.


Since August last year, my GFR has been 55-59, and from what I've read, that means kidney damage.  I am still on indomethacin, which I believe can contribute to kidney damage.  I don't know what else could be contributing or what might make things better, or if like they say, it's "within normal limits" and "nothing to worry about".


Any input?


Male friend age 73 had some tests done and x-ray

and doctor was amazed when he saw a blockage of the intestine.  The friend is very "eccentric" and not knowledgeable about his health, so that is all I know as of today.  When the doctor saw this blockage, he immediately called an ambulance (hospital just across the street), and he refused to go in an ambulance.  Then he drove himself to the ER at the hospital and took all papers and x-rays.  The ER was very busy with broken bones, etc., and he got tired of waiting and left, leaving his papers and everything on the desk.  He told the doctor he would come back Monday, and he said "you may not live until Monday."


Can you help with what you would think could be this problem with his intestine.  He is doing 3-day smear for blood now and to return them.  Thank you for any information you may have.  I am very worried about him.


OOPS, didn't see that he had tests ... (SM)
if the doctor is that concerned that he called an ambulance, you need to convince him to go back! 
question about pre-employment tests

I'm a long-time IC, but new to applying to jobs from a forum like this and am hitting the employment trail! I've applied to jobs that I see on the Job Seekers forum just by submitting my resume on the board. When I visit their own websites, they often have pre-employment tests too. Do I go ahead and take these tests or am I supposed to be "invited" to test for them, like I hear people talking about on these forums? I don't want to take the test if I'm not supposed to yet, but I figure if it's on their main website it must not be private.


Any advice for this new job hunter? Thanks.


Allergy tests reference?
Does anyone know of any good online reference I can use to look up allergy tests? Specifically looking for something where I can look up different types of weed, grass, tree pollens that may be tested with prick test or intradermal tests. 
I don't capitalize orthopedic tests themselves, but if there's

I'm not giving up

Fortunately, even once I return to work outside the home my child will not be going into daycare.  Even if I  did MT at home and he wasn't there, my family-my mom would take care of him.


I'm not giving up,  i'm just not willing to put all my eggs in one basket right now.  I'm sure I will keep my day job, get my MT training and try to find something PT for 3-6 months.  It will probably take me longer to find a PT job at home for a newbie, but this way I can get some experience under my belt and still be able to have a stable income.  Once I have gained the much need experience, I'm willing to do this FT.  I think I will have my mom keep him 4 hours while i'm working and then do 4 or more hours of work while he is asleep or napping.  I think this would work better for me.


 


You will end up giving him away if you don't
You need to train him to accept being in his cage.  If you don't do something about this situation, I can betcha you will soon be looking for a home for him.  Which would be more humane?  Taking the time and energy to retrain him or give him away to strangers?  Also, neutering him may help.  He is at that age where he is beginning to notice girls, and this may be contributing to the problem.  ALso, when you try to find him a new home, it will be easier to give away a neurtered male.
For those giving up MT
what will you do next? Is medical billing the next logical step for MTs, or is that a bad gamble as well?
Many MTs have failed tests with 20+ years of experience. sm
It shocks me how incredibly BAD some "experienced" MTs do on those tests. I cringe to think of what they've been typing for years. So, people will claim that they're "all that," and they may well be, but recruiters won't know it unless you prove it.

Also, a resume is occasionally more fiction than fact, which I've seen proved out more than once. Years of op note experience and they can't spell Vicryl. Ayup! Sure thing.


Here's a good link for chiro tests
http://www.shawchiropractic.com/attorneys/MORE_glossary.htm#Intervertebral%20Disc%20Syndromes:
You're not a failure! Those tests are brutal!

With 17 years of MT I thought I had it made. I was sooooo frustrated with the testing. I just barely made it and when I got an email that said "congratulations, you passed the test," I was in tears. Probably in tears because I didn't have to take the horrid thing again.


You'll do fine. Test somewhere else. Good luck to ya!


Take a few on-line tests. Some companies post

a link in their ads about where to go to test.  You'll get a feel then about how good your education are.  You'll certainly have blanks and you'll probably get a bad dictator or an ESL, which is the norm these days, but it will still give you a sense of things.   I've had nearly 20 years' experience I still have an occasional blank and I have to spend some time researching a new drug, equipment, or procedure at least a couple of times a month, so you never stop learning. 


You'll find when you start out you keep your reference books piled up beside you and Google is your best friend.  You'll probably look something up twice for every report and then you'll only to have look something up twice a day, etc.   The thing to do is make lists when you have a new word/drug so that you have it posted somewhere where it is handy if it should come up again and you don't spend a lot of time looking it up.  


You also need to have a good reference library.  I know some only use google, but at least 1/4 of what is on goggle is incorrect and unreliable, and you need the proper tools for the job.   A community college course, if taken in person and not on-line, can be completed in less time than a course that is all on-line/correspondance generally. 


 


Most of the tests are really easy. Much better than the actual dictation.
x
Anyone suck at tests and do great transcription?
I absolutely SUCK at taking transcription tests yet my work is always 99%+ correct.  I think I just choke on them. 
Downloading tests via the Internet for employment
Hello all. I was wondering if any of you download tests online when attempting to work for someone advertising here on the job boards. I just feel a little squimish. I'm being instructed to go to the Start Menu, right click, and type in the file name, etc. and then it takes me out to it online. Does this see like a safe thing to do? It doesn't mean anything is going on my PC is it when I type in the file name and password and end up at a site through Internet Explorer.  Sorry for my ignorance or if I'm not making sense.. I just use my computer for a lot of confidential info, etc. and don't want a complete stranger onboard. Any help, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
It's a bunch of chapters, but there are free tests there
http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_tebben_medterm_2/

This was used for supplementary material in a class of mine that was a 2-SH course that carried upper-level university credit. This was the supplemental material to the text that was used. HTH!
I have several years experience and do okay passing tests....
Sometimes it just feels like I get passed up for jobs because I have no schooling.
how is giving you that information

She isn't giving you the whole story on pay...
There are many different account levels. Each level pays a certain rate per line for transcription and per hour for training.

If she's at 6.5 cpl, she's on an account so easy you could do it in your sleep, literally.

Account levels go as high as just over 10 cpl as a base rate.

Spheris wants a certain level of knowledge whether you are new or not. Not all accounts have positions open at all times so you may well have 10 or 15 years experience but if the highest level account with an opening pays 7 cpl then that's what you get hired into. You can always bid off on other positions and even other platforms once you've passed 90 days.

I have 3 accounts...one I rarely type on. I switch myself back and forth on my other 2 accounts. One is easy and the other a little more difficult. While the easy account doesn't pay as much, I can do a lot more work on it with no effort so I make better money on it.

And, 127.5 lines per hour is how they base what you should be doing to get your lines in the minimum hours you can work for your status. Even at 127.5 lines for 20 hours a week as PT, you're making $8.28 an hour. That's NOT minimum wage. I agree, it isn't what I want/need to make (and I make much more than that), but you're statement that "...what you're talking about is not even minimum wage..." is completely wrong.

If you're going to give the story - get it right and give it all.
giving notice
Depends - either wait until you have a new job, if that's what you want; or, just tell them you quit and do they want you to finish out the week or? I guess I don't see the problem. If they wanted to fire you, it would be "bye bye now."
Giving Notice
I feel you should treat them the same way they treated you. Did they try to work with you or did you ask them/tell them their reports weren't your "cup of tea"? Myself, I am very professional, but an MT's job is different than an office job. They're like McDonald's; either they won't even replace you or they probably have 50 resumes to pick from and hire the same day. So my answer is no, don't give notice if they were tacky. I wrote an email and asked for a shipping label form a large company. They finally sent the slip after two requests and are open to hiring me again!! So I feel any more, MTs are a "dime a dozen." If you are ethical enough to sit there and type two more weeks while you could be spending your time finding a decent company to work for ASAP, I think it would be stupid to waste your time on them ... depending on your circumstances of which I know nothing about.
RadGuy, you are giving your age. I was only 11 and had no
:)
Giving up? That's their fault then!
Sorry, but where survival is concerned, you don't "give up". There's always a way. I've scooped dog pens, I've delivered phone books, I've cleaned houses. That's a lame excuse and people like that don't get any pity from me.

I eventually went back to school and am out of debt, own my home and both my kids are college educated, with me being the next to graduate from a major university.

I've been kicked in the butt financially, health-wise (lost my job, got fired because I had cancer and chemo made me "throw up too much"), divorce due to domestic violence.

I never gave up. I will never give up.

Life is YOUR responsibility. If you give up, that's up to you but there's no one to blame but yourself.
Sounds like she is giving you
certainly need it.  You might be making $22 an hour, but your are being grossly overpaid if you don't know these things already.  These are all standard and basic things any MT should know.