Home     Contact Us    
Main Board Job Seeker's Board Job Wanted Board Resume Bank Company Board Word Help Medquist New MTs Classifieds Offshore Concerns VR/Speech Recognition Tech Help Coding/Medical Billing
Gab Board Politics Comedy Stop Health Issues
ADVERTISEMENT




Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Switching to Digital

Posted By: LilB on 2008-03-27
In Reply to:

Can anyone tell me anything about switching to digital?  I only have one very small account of my own but the tape quality is awful.  With only 1 account is it even feasible to do so?  Thanks guys. 


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 do tapes and digital. And I was told if I'm not logged into the digital system, they assume I&

BUT she wants me logged into the system by 9:30 a.m.  So I'm confused too.  I've decided that I may come back to her and just say I'm not going to do the tapes anymore.  I hate the tapes anyway.  The voice quality is horrible, it fades in and out.  It takes me twice as long to transcribe their tapes than the digital.


Switching to DSL

I'm moving and the new place has DSL.  I have always used cable high-speed.  For those of you who have experience with both, can you tell me if DSL is a downgrade?  I'm concerned about my production going down because of a slower connection.  I know DSL and cable have comparable connection speeds, but I think DSL is significanly slower in transfer rate.


If I'm wrong, straighten me out.  Tks for all input.


Switching to radiology.......sm

I made the mistake a few years back of switching to a radiology account because it had a better schedule for me.  I had never done radiology, but I had the attitude that a lot of experienced, well rounded MTs do.  With such a vast knowledge of medical transcription.. how hard could it be?  Wow, was I in for a rude awakening!  Radiology is a language unto itself and if you think it's easy, you're wrong. It gave me a whole new perspective of Rad MTs.  So if you’re considering taking on radiology without experience or training, you might want to think twice.


no problem switching here

My office was consolidated into another one about three years ago and I never had a problem.  One day I had a different 800 number to call the office with and new clerks to talk to on the phone, but everything else was the same, i.e., accounts, etc.  Not everyone has a bad experience moving in with a new office.


Help...always worked in WP5.1, now switching >SM
to Word.  Any help appreciated.  Type of reference books for Word.  MT productivity Word books??? Thanks.
My one job uses it still though they are talking of switching - sm
over to regular WordPerfect one of these days...probably be years though as a slew of formats would have to be redone, macros, etc.
switching companies
I need some input!  I've been offered a position with another company but I'm not sure if I should jump ship and take it.  There's not much difference in pay.  There's a bit more flexibility with hours.  Should I ask for time off from my current company and try the new company for a couple of weeks to see if it will be a good fit?  Should I let the new company know that I'm just wanting to "try" them out?  I know this probably all sounds unrealistic, but I don't want to go from something bad to something worse and have regrets and not be able to go back.  I've recently separated from my husband and have 2 small kids.  I'm not happy with my current company, but I want to make sure this new company will be a place I'll be able to succeed at.  I just don't want to make things worse for myself.     
switching fields
Many big nationals have every specialty now. If you work for one, ask them if you could just do rad and path. You might find path interesting but rad could be a tad boring.
switching MT fields
I've been doing acute care for almost 30 years, but I would really like to do radiology and/or pathology. What's the best way(s) to get into these fields?
Switching to radiology - help, pay, etc.

I am thinking of switching to radiology (for a change) after doing all other specialties for over 21 years.  I feel I can make the transition okay after a learning curve, as I have transcribed a lot of ortho, physiatry, physical therapy, etc.,which should help some.  Here is where I need some help.....   My offer was for 10/line gross count and right now I am working for 9/line, 65 ch, but I have no idea how this compares because radiology reports are different and a lot shorter, etc. etc.  I am used to making pretty good money since I have done this for so long and just want to make sure I am not going backwards in pay.  I definitely cannot afford that in this economy.  So for those of you who have experience in radiology can you give my your thoughts and ideas on expectations for this pay rate (obviously after my learning curve).  Thanks so much for any help!!  Also, feel free to e-mail if preferred.


Any advice on switching to med billing from being an MT?

I just can't seem to make any money working at home with the kids talking to me constantly with transcipriton so I am thinking about switching to something I don't have to listen to.  Maybe medical billing.  Any advice anyone? 


Thanks


Unsure about switching jobs.
I've applied to three companies over the past couple of weeks and gotten interviews with all of them.  I just don't know about switching jobs right now.  Obviously, there's a reason I want to leave my present company.  I just don't know if it would be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire if I switched.  There are pros and cons to each situation.  Until I actually do the work and try out their platform, I don't know if I could be more productive than I am now.  I don't want to be stuck on their most difficult account, which is exactly what happened at MQ and S in the past.  I've been on my current account for over a year now, so my expander is pretty full.  However, it's such a waste of time to pull up the templates and look up hardcopy doctor and patient information on every single report.  I do like the flexible schedule without having to work set hours, but I run out of work all the time.  I'm half tempted to cancel the interviews, but I could be throwing away a good thing here.  There's no way I could work two at a time to see if things work out either.  I guess I want the best of both worlds.   Any suggestions?
We're switching this week
I will get to keep the gas guzzler Dodge Ram and DH will drive my Hyundai Sonata.    $2.99 for his truck.  I use the lower grade, $2.79.  Is this ever going to end? 
Switching internet service
Cox just informed me that my monthly bill will be going up by $5 starting in October.  Does anyone use NetZero or can anyone recommend a reliable internet service at a decent rate?  My bill will go up to about $45/month. 
I have thought about switching to coding too, but sm
but someone told me that coding is going the way of MT too, being outsourced and such, so I am not sure it would not be a lateral move.  There seem to be lots of ads in Advance magazine for coders, so perhaps it is still a hot field.   The Andrews school offers an at-home training course, and also offered this web site for more information on coding as a career:  http://www.codernet.com

Hope this helps.  Good luck!




Try switching feet? For the life of me
I can't seem to get the hang of using the footpedal with my left foot .... no coordination there at all!

To the poster with foot problems, you might check with podiastrist ... maybe you have plantar fasciitis or a bone spur?
switching to unfamiliar dictators...
Absolutely...It's sooo hard, isn't it? I've been doing this for 15+ years on major ESL accounts and it kills my production to switch when my accounts run out of work.
how about switching it around and telling the people who run the show that you really can't
expect any more out of people who have not received increases in pay in years, are swamped with ESLs and American mushmouths and they really should stop and think about the pay rate being increased so you aren't faced with this scenario.  how about representing the MTs interests instead of sucking up to the big boys?
Millinium RadNet? My Hosp is switching...any help? SM
We currently transcribe in Word from Lanier VoiceWrite and send via VPN.  I've been informed we're switching to Cerner Millinium RadNet the first of January.  The people inside don't seem too worried and don't know much about this system.  Does anyone have a clue for me?  I need to know what I'm getting into here.  Any and all help will be appreciated ! !
Advice needed - Switching from employee to IC

I have been working with a national company for 5 years and have enjoyed it but a friend called me recently stating she had a doctor who is despirate for a new MT and she recommended me.  I talked to the doc. today and she is very interested.  I have a meeting with the office manager next week to work out the details.  I have a few questions and would appreciate your advice:


1.  Doc. did not know what type of dictation system they use, but it sounded like a C-phone or DVI system.  Currently I do everything on line, is there a way to dial into a C-phone system through my computor's modem?  I know that this is probably wishful thinking, but it can't hurt to ask. 


2.  Do you draw up a contract?


3.  Are there any questions you would recommend I ask (we have already discussed pay and vaccation/sick time as well as turn around on the reports)?


I am a bit nervous about striking out on my own but the company I work for made a lot of changes last January and it just is not working well for me anymore.  


Thanks for your help,


Mariah


My hospital is switching to eScription - what can I expect?

The hospital I work for just told us that they are going to switch to the eScription platform.  Many of my fellow transcriptionists are afraid they will lose their jobs.  They think that because it is editing, the hospital won't need as many transcriptionists.  I have been a Transcriptionist for 20 years, doing mostly acute care, and I'm a little concerned as I have only been at this hospital for three years.  If you could please tell me what we might expect in general, I would sure appreciate it. 


Some other questions I have are these:


For those of you who have been in this position before, how was your pay affected by changing to eScription?


Do you like working on this platform and why or why not?  Does it make your job easier or harder?


If you use it at home and get paid by the line (which is one possibility our supervisor suggested might happen), did your line rate go up or down or stay the same?


I guess I'm wondering if I should start looking for a new job and trying to find out all I can about this platform before making that decision.  Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated.  I have read all the posts here about eScription, but many of them are very old, from 2005 or so.  Please help with current info and thanks so much!  I don't want to worry if there is no need to and I want to be prepared just in case there is cause for concern.


switching peripherals from desktop to laptop

if they have previously been used on that machine, does the machine have to be turned off before attaching them?  don't know what i'd do without you guys on this board, be lost in space i guess...


Cool!! Glad to help! Switching rooms does help a lot. nm
x
Wow, people! Thanks for the info on AT&T. I was thinking of switching over to them sm

I have had problems with my internet service on occasion, but I am not not without service for five days though! Yikes! And good point about complaining that they might charge you for a business line in another posting here. I think I would still switch though and ask companies how long their customers are usually without service, i.e. ask how long before service is restored.


Losing expander by switching companies

If I decided to switch companies but am using an Expander program that is the company's software, I would have to start from square one with  new company. (There is no way around that, correct?) 


Not planning on leaving now but was just thinking that if that should become a consideration, my line count would drop big time until I could build all those expansions again.    Has anyone ever gone through that?  Do you remember how long it took to get back up to speed?


? switching monitors to flat panel sm
I have ordered a flat screen monitor from Dell and will be switching from a 14 inch dinosaur to a 17 inch flat screen on an Acer tower. I just wonder if I am going to have problems or does it "adjust itself" without problems. Need more desk space. TIA
Switching Around Accounts While Getting Paid for Production
Appalled, I understand what you're saying, but there's another side to your point that I think you didn't verbalize quite well enough for MT30+ to understand.

When the employer, who is paying you for production, or even the employer who might be paying you hourly, asks you to switch accounts frequently, the employer is also going to suffer. When you're not typing up to your potential, she's not profiting as much from your typing either.

Let's say the MTSO just got in over her head with backlog and needs more staff. It does take time to find and hire new staff. But if the MTSO doesn't do that AND QUICKLY, then the MTSO is going to be suffering from the learning curve of the MTs she's asking to pick up the slack in the meantime.

Everybody suffers when the MTSO doesn't staff adequately in advance for new accounts, not just the MT.

On the other hand, if the MTSO anticipates a new account and hires in advance, then everybody suffers again because they start seeing the No Jobs Available message from overhiring until the new account kicks in.

It's a very tricky business when you're taking on a new account, hiring new people to staff it, and trying to coordinate it all so that everybody stays happy.
I was just notified my hospital is switching to DQS, any tips or warnings (sm)
Also, what type of expanders can you use, if any.  I've been on DOS for so long and use Smartype.  I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.  Truthfully, any pointers you can give me will be greatly appreciated. 
Switching banks - DD question (Happy B-day to poster below!!)

I have two bank accts.  One is Wells Fargo where I have DD.  The other is with Wash. Mutual which I just opened as I want to quit banking at Wells Fargo.


Has anyone switched banks and requested DD to be placed on another account?  If so, is there a time lapse in between that is of any length?  (i.e., will they mail the check to me in between stopping one DD acct and before setting up the other?).


Guess I should just call HR but I know they are busy as it is payday.  Will wait until Monday.  Thanks if you can be of help. 


We're in the process of switching my FIL to cable from Direct TV.
It's just too complicated for him to figure out what channels he actually has and what are just black channels that he doesn't. The "guide" seems too complicated for us, or it could be that we're just spoiled at the ease of cable use. Either way, he finally is ready for cable and I can't get it switched as fast as I would like. Direct TV is too complicated in my opinion.
Switching your internet browser doesn't automatically
make you immune to ALL viruses. Firefox is a browser just like Internet Explorer. The Windows XP viruses come through your operating system, not your browser. Viruses can also come through your email program. Your ports can be hacked no matter which browser you use, too.
I would say a GI is the correct specialist and keep switching until you find one who helps you. So
//
Incompetent team leaders who keep switching rules and make you
switch accounts all the time.
But maybe mine is the only one that thinks she knows it all. What a witch!!
If you set the default font then you don't have to keep switching for autotext or Instant Text.
Both entries will slip right in with the right font. You should really use templates if you switch a lot so you aren't constantly changing it.
Have used Shorthand for years..am considering switching to Instant Text..need opinions..sm
and advice.  I have tried to research the differences but until you get input from people who have used one or the other, or better yet both, you just never know. Instant Text looks like it might be much more difficult to learn than Shorthand.  I know all my abbreviations so that is not a problem.  I also use large blocks of text at times only changing certain things and am not sure I can do that in Instant Text.  On the other hand, IT looks like it has a lot of potential and I might really like it and pick up more speed. I average about 300-325 lph now.  I have been doing this for nearly 30 years, using ShortHand for about 10, but always looking for ways to improve!  Any input would be very much appreciated!  TIA 
Can you make good money with radiology? I'm thinking of switching
nm
I've no intention of switching over just cuz they're a "money maker"
I'd rather do consults and clinic notes which I enjoy. To some of us, it's not ALL about the money.

I'd rather make a little less and enjoy what I do. *Shrug* Maybe that's just me, though. Someone else can have my seat on the OPs bandwagon, lol!!!
Kaiser switching to EMR and to be offering retrival of your medical records online. sm

 


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008DHVJ2/ref=nosim/104-6407180-5455101?n=551440


 


I totally agree, the company I work for is switching from IT to Shorthand :( yuck!
xxx
Switching from Word 2000 to Word 2003...
Has anyone upgraded from W2000 to W2003? If so, did all your autocorrect entries and normals transfer easily? I would like to upgrade but don't want 2 lose my shortcuts and expanders! TIA

I've never had a problem switching from account to account.
The problem I had was being switched too soon. If I don't get one account spec solidly in my memory with QA feedback on mistakes before starting another, I get confused. The other problem I had with former jobs was inconsistent QA. One person tells you one thing, another person tells you another.

Lately, I don't have a problem with it. Right now, my binder has 8 account specs (some I've never had to use) and I'm picking up a new weekend job for a while. The terminology and report formats stay basically the same. It's just all those little preferences. LOL
After finally switching my schedule to all weekend, every weekend
Seems like that's the only way I could get work with my MTSO. So, I do it. I am to the point where I will pretty much jump if they say hop,so I can feed my family. I would say it's sad, but I am actually glad to even have work and a decent check again. I am giving up a lot working every single weekend and days at the end and beginning of the week, but its daily work!
Digital
I am brain dead also, since I've been away from the "job" due to husband's illness. I do not see any replies on here. Please forward any good info to my E-mail. Appreciate it. Turn your back around here and technology changes, zap!
Going digital

Hi,


I read your post and was wondering if I could get in this thread?  I don't have my own accts yet, I work for a small national and a large national.  However, I am seriously thinking about getting my own accts.  Before I go looking, I thought it would be good idea to have a digital system in mind and ready to set up. 


One idea that I have seen that I found really interesting was in the Transcription Gear Catalog.  There is a 2 page spread about their idigital system.  This is a toll free dictation ASP, very similar to what the nationals have, I would think.  With this system, you pay for the minutes that you will use during the month.  Has anyone else used this type of system?  Any thoughts about it?


digital
I have two different setups for digital.  I have an internet based call in system, which allows me to set up Transcriptionist to receive the work directly to their systems using Express scribe and I also have a doctor who uses a handheld digital recorder that he uploads in the evenings and sends the work to me through Magic Vortex......There are several great companies for you to check out.  RTKING,  JAY VANCE,  START STOP TRANSCRIPTION are a few good places to start with.   There are also other options for sending and receiving work,  such as FTP sites, Hypersend, Magic Vortex and many more.
Going Digital
I switched to my 5 accounts to digital using Jay Vance with Vance Digital in March. I absolutely LOVE it! Wish I would have done this 5 years ago! e-mail me with any questions.
digital sm
How on earth do you print to the docs? Do you both have to have the same WP program and do you supply them with a printer? The offices I worked with were too lazy to even take the tape out of the tape recorder, "not their job" so I gave up on asking them to do "anything at all" as they were so lazy. By the way, thanks for sharing, not too many are willing to do this; would rather play their hand close to their chest. You are a wonder! Thank you!
digital
I'm doing digital for my client and it's wonderful--no more traffic jams. They use Olympus handheld dictation devices. We use hushmail to upload the dictation and transcribed reports so they are encrypted and HIPPA compliant. It's fairly inexpensive -- I believe $30 a year. One nice thing about that you can be anyway to pick up your files as long as you have internet access. I've often taken my laptop with me on vacation to cover emergency work. Not that I want to work on vacation, but it makes the client feel better knowing you can access the work.
If you want to go digital this is what I did
Purchased DocShuttle Admin ($300) and DocShuttle Client for myself ($99), had doctor purchase DocShuttle Dictator ($99) and an Olympus recorder ($129). Rented FTP site (about $45/yr).  Set up DocShuttle so once dictator docks the recorder, it takes file from recorder and erases recorder, imports into DocShuttle, goes to ftp site, posts new dictation, pulls off old.  You may want to go to Bytescribe's site though and see if the program they have for doing it by email would work for you. If you are the only MT and they are the only client, then do it by email. Email me if you need any further clarifications.
digital
i went with transcriptiongear.com and have been very happy. you can email me with questions.

for those new to digital...

FTP stands for file transfer protocol. An FTP program transfers files (uploads and downloads) from a virtual warehouse on the Internet, called an FTP site. FTP sites are rented by size. FTP programs are free or cost a fee. You can post ANYTHING to an FTP site. You can put your's kid's first grade picture there. You can put your resume there. You can put your back up data from your Quicken there. You can put a love letter there. You can put a .wav file there. You can put a MSWord document there. You can create folders there. You can password protect your ftp site and some software allows encryption, different levels of user permissions, etc.  Once it is there, anyone who has the password to your FTP site can then go and pull it off. i.e. TRANSFER the FILE.  So if your doctor dictates on a digital recorder, downloads the voice file into his PC, then uploads the .wav file to the FTP site, you can go to the FTP site, download the .wav file, transcribe it, post a .doc back to the FTP site wherein your doc can then go to the FTP site, pull the .doc off. Voila!