That's one of my biggest fears -- my heart goes out to you. sm
Posted By: LTMT on 2008-01-14
In Reply to: MT with broken wrist-need advice - crispycritterMT
I volunteer for a local food back through United Methodist Open Door. They do not provide money for rent or anything, but they will give you some food and a referral to other agencies that provide assistance. They do ask for proof of income, but if you are experiencing a short-term situation, they will help you. They never turn anyone away hungry. I am sure there are such things in your area as well.
I hope you find some help. I am sure it is very scary right now. I will keep yo in my prayers. Good luck to you. Hope you heal quickly.
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one of my biggest fears...will pray for you sister!
;)
Thanks so much, you eased my fears!
fears about on-line testing
I am so nervous to take some of these on-line tests for MT positions. Can you tell me what they entail? Besides a foot pedal, will I need some type of earphones? What kind of reference books should I have nearby? How picky are they?
Everyone wants Word 2003 or better. Any ideas where I can get that cheaply? I have worked with WP for 18 years. I have also used Word and so am not worried about learning curve on that.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrgh - my worst fears!
You nailed it! ShortHand is compatible as an Expander but the lag time makes it hit-or-miss. I turn off my computer every day, so that's not the answer in this case. You're also right about the dictation part of the equation - it's a separate piece of software from another company.
Aria does pull information across (labs, diagnoses, etc.) but if the dictation is typed prior to the doctor approving this (labs usually) it doesn't show up in the document. I was told that I would have to mark the document incomplete then check the next day to see if the info was approved, then cut and paste it into the document and mark it complete.
I'm supposed to be an automaton of efficiency and professionalism designed to turn out a buttload of work in a timely manner that makes people look like they know what they're doing. I don't have time to babysit a platform that doesn't meet those needs! 
You've given me a lot to think about. Thanks for the info and taking the time to reply! 
She fears because of her own lack of transcription skills, sm
not because the ESL doctors do not give good patient care. If you are not up to the job of transcribing the reports, then you should not try to do it. But do not blame poor patient care on the ESL doctors.
The biggest thing I like is---
They are FLEXIBLE. They don't call you up if you are in the bathroom to see why you aren't working. As long as you do your work, they don't bother you or restrict you to a strict schedule. That was a big turn-off for me when I talked with Spheris.
My biggest issue too. (sm)
Not only that, but I finish the part I wanted bolded, return, return, and use a shortcut for the next heading, and it changes that one to bolded. Grrrrr!
biggest complaint
would anyone else say that the biggest complaint as a Transcriptionist would be leg cramps and back pain? and what suggestions would you give to help?
Does anyone know what the 3 biggest MT companies are? nm
nm
Biggest Com;pany
Spheris may be #1 because they have a huge Indian work force now.
Biggest pitfall of being an IC
is no guarantee you will get paid. See post below about MTSO not paying.
One of my biggest pet peeves, since most of
The biggest pro for me is the TOTAL flexibility...
As long as I get the work done, I can do it when I want to without being chained to my computer.
Plus, I don't know why you think ICs net 50% less than if they work on an employee basis. I've worked as both an IC and employee and, although I don't have benefits, I make much more as an IC.
Thanks. That is encouraging. My biggest concern is
visiting family at holidays and other times. Do you bring some of your own food or just pick and choose from what is offered? Or do you go "off the lifestyle" and then make up for the damage later?
I never understood why NASCAR is the biggest
to watch cars go round and round and round and round for hours, days, weeks, months, years.......I get the gambling side of NASCAR but I don't get that it truly is (and IT TRULY IS!!!) the biggest spectator sport out there.
About $65 a month, but the biggest expense is
You have to purchase the equipment and pay for installation. The dish weighs about 75 lbs so if you don't want that weight on your roof, you can have it put on a pole in your yard and that's extra. Plus they charge to bury the line from the pole to your house ($3.25 a foot - I buried it myself). All total for me, including first month's service over $700. But, hey, when that's your only option, what do you do? There may be a company or something where you live that 'rents' the equipment for a small extra monthly fee - that's how we do our satellite TV so we don't pay for repairs. Satellite internet is not as fast as DSL or cable, but is still much faster than dialup. Plus, if you're an IC, it's all a tax writeoff. Hughes Net customer service stinks big-time and if you don't like them taking the monthly charge directly out of your checking account, they charge an extra $5 a month to mail you a bill. They know you have no other high-speed options and they have you over a barrel - so they stick it to you every way they can. 
But these are hospital reports from one of the biggest
ones here in Atlanta. At 1 time it was no name and change to the patient and now, all 4s, when the dictator dictates their name, you put the name. I know darn good and well they supposedly go along with the HIPPA or whatever the initials are because when it first came out they were given out and we had to read. These are definitely not clinic notes.
Your biggest problem will be with OP Notes.
I would buy the newest editions of Stedman's Surgical Word Book, Stedman's Medical Equipment Word Book, and Tessier's Surgical Word Book. Those three books will be your best friends in hospital transcription.
I would also invest in Stedman's Lab and Pathology Word Book too because you'll run across a lot of lab tests you've never heard of and would probably never hear about in the clinic setting.
How does one distinguish biggest issue
I've been at this a couple of years now and still too slow. Aside from my own issuse of looking things up, getting my Expanders accumulated, etc., I am wondering how to sort out some of the technical issues.
I hear a lot of talk about platforms, but I think the one I am using is ok (what excactly should I be looking for to determine that?). Also, I noticed the computer seems fairly slow in general. I use the Internet for searches, but it seems it takes longer than it should if I put a word into the dictionary search or acronym search, and so on. (I have some books but just as slow with them and need different glasses right now so have trouble reading them.)
I am certain we need more RAM, but it also seems our connection has slowed down as well. Connecting to the server takes longer than it used to and the e-mail opens up more slowly.
On top of all that, the data screen slows me down. There is always something that causes trouble, like, if they don't say a certain thing, then delete something else and check a box ... Or, they will enter a doc's name, but it needs to go in a different field, so we have to move it.
Any thoughts on these things and tips on how to work around it the best I can? Thanks a bunch!! 
My biggest problem is the babysitting requests...
This is my biggest problem.. Every mother within a 20-mile radius thinks I am their emergency backup babysitter. I lost a friend over this. She asked me to babysit, I said no, she showed up at my door anyway and begged me to take her kid, and I refused. She hasn't spoken to me since. Several other mothers have expected the same thing, some that I don't even really know, and I have had to be very firm and stand my ground.
The biggest mistake parents are making...
is the use of Pull-Ups. Ever since they came out with absorbent (and now humungous sized) disposable diapers and Pull-Ups, kids are training later and later. What discomfort do they have to endure wearing these wonderful dry feeling comfortable garments? No more Pull-Ups and no more diapers. Tell him that the law is that they won't sell diapers to people who don't have children under the age of 3. That takes care of the visual of diapers in the store.
Just go cold turkey. Put him in underwear (and not thick absorbent training pants either) and get ready to do a lot of laundry for a while. Take him out for some really cute underwear with the character of his choice on them, and just be positive. If he has an accident just say "uh oh, you forgot to go to the bathroom" and just hand him clean dry clothing to change into. He'll get REAL TIRED of all the changing after about 2 days. There is no way on earth that a child of 3-1/2 has no physical control over their toileting, unless there's something wrong with them physically. So it's just a matter of him taking the initiative. Good luck.
EMR - Just found out today that one of my biggest accounts has gone to EMR. SM
They have started using an EMR system this week and are phasing out of my service. This is a big chunk of my work. Guess this is a sign of what is coming. Wonder if it is just a matter of time before the rest of the accounts follow suit!!!
Too bad!!
Dictating on a speakerphone: One of my biggest pet peeves!!
It simply should not be allowed. It is hard enough to understand a lot of these people, and then they sound like they're speaking from the bottom of a pit with the annoying mechanical, buzzing sound quality as they "push to talk". Not to mention all the extraneous noises on top of that -- drives me nuts!!
WOOOW. You are the biggest idiot i have ever heard...GET A LIFE!
x
Trusting the other side was his biggest mistake. He should have kept himself secure.
x
Great post. The biggest gripe I have heard from available
Wrapping yourself in money will not keep you warm in old age. Just because a middle-aged man is bald or has a bit of a paunch, it is up to a woman to "light that fire". Go to it ladies.
One of the BIGGEST bands of the ྖs! Nothing lately, but HUGE back then. nm
x
My biggest fear of doing my own file or someone else I knew doing it would be to hear
the dreaded words "obese female" and "looks older than stated age!" UGH!!!!
My biggest irritant is the MT that leaves 20+ blanks in a report... SM
with the majority of the blanks being unnecessary and due to just plain laziness. They don't want to pick up a reference book or they don't own any reference books and they are too lazy to Google it.
It's almost as if I've transcribed the entire report myself!
exercise is really important; they stress that on The Biggest Loser.
nm
Biggest Loser - MTSO Edition - next season? (nm)
.
That's because NE has the 2 biggest complainers on this board daily! MQNE and MQMT!
nm
The biggest overrated Idol contestant right now is Kellie Pickler.
c
It's pure luck anymore, Steveo. The biggest bucks
s
Does Dave Navarro have the biggest head in history. So out of proportion. Smart guy though.
His piercings and tattoes are somewhat distracting but........ he's okay. Bruce? Back in the day.
My heart goes out to you...
I know how painful this is...had to do the same with my 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel two years ago, and I still miss his presence so very much! Your little sweetie will always live on in your heart, though, and I truly believe that one day you'll be reunited at the Rainbow Bridge. As 'gh' posted, if you haven't yet, please visit Rainbowbridge.org...it's a wonderful site & has one of the most beautiful poems I have ever read.
Please accept a big ((((HUG)))) & my deepest sympathy.
keep him in your heart
Just wanted to tell you what you probably already know, the pain will get less and less with time. Keep your dad's picture nearby and talk to him when you feel the need. I do it sometimes and my dad died 31 years ago. I believe your voice will be heard and your heart will be comforted.
My heart goes out to you ... sm
I have two 13-year-old lab/collie/chow mixes, Sasha and Keesha. They are sisters, but from different litters. I will be facing the inevitable decision of putting them down before too long. They both have severe arthritis - one in the hind legs, and the other in the shoulder area. I give them medicines for it and lots of TLC, but time is taking a toll on them. They sleep a lot and stay inside in the AC when it is hot outside, and out of the cold weather in the winter as well. They really are my "kids" and I know they have been the greatest children I could ever have. They still greet me with wags and kisses every day. I know I'll miss that when their time comes.
As much as it hurts to have to make this decision, you have loved your dear one with the highest form of love you can give. God bless you and help you through your loss each day. It will get better with time. And, when you are ready, God may bless you with another sweet pet to love. No, it won't be the same, and you'll always think of the ones no longer here, but know that you loved your pet enough to not let her suffer needlessly. That is the truest form of love we can give. You were there for her and did not abandon her. When I think of the decisions ahead of me with my "kids", I know that is what will enable me to love and take care of them one final time. They will always be in our hearts.
God bless you and give you sweet memories.
My heart goes out to you
You and your husband both sound like wonderful people but he has an unfortunate illness that only adds to the real problem I am sure. Some people do not truly understand mental illness that it truly is an illness and the person that has it is not to be blamed as they do not have control over it.
I have had a lot of issues in my life over the years and have learned not to so quickly judge anyone. I always feel what goes around comes around too and I have seen that happen many times in my life.
I don't have much advice (but you seemed to have gotten quite a bit here which I hope you find some helpful) as I have not walked in your shoes. You sound so torn.
I certainly will pray for your and your family. Do you have a pastor or one that you could contact that you both could possibly talk with? Having an impartial third person educated in counseling may be of great benefit.
Wishing you only the very best. Please do keep us posted.
My heart goes out to you
My ADHD son is now 13 and succeeding for the most part in school. I won't give the lengthy history on his struggles, but grade school was horrible for him, I had to fight every year with a new teacher to get his IEP enforced, and for him to get some special education to help him out (granted the schools liked the special education part=more money from the state, but they didn't like the part of having him in a regular classroom for the majority of the day). Once he hit middle school having that break in between classes and being able to move to class to class really helped and he went from a D student to an A student. All I can say is we are out our childs only advocate you have to fight for what they deserve whether the teachers/school like it or not
I heart you.
xx
My heart goes out to you and I'm so sorry
that what I'm assuming is your first MT job is creating such stress for you.
I know it's easier said than done, but you need to relax and think rationally instead of emotionally. Instead of panicking because of contradictions, turn it around and put "yourself" in control of your situation. Document everything from QA!! As FBL stated below,if QA B contradicts QA A, document such and send emails to such; however, my emails would also include a cc to the QA Supervisor and my liaison and/or manager for my account. I would do the same regarding the question about "too" many blanks. I was always taught there was no such thing as "too" many blanks as it was preferred to guessing !! I would present this question to the QA in question, and again my liaison and/or manager,etc. Document - Document!!
To make you feel a little better, I've been in this profession for 40+ years,and I still get contradictions from QA!! Having known I've researched thoroughly all available resources(books,internet),I document such and just forward all info to the above powers of authority. Can't say I don't get pi__ed to this day, but I just don't stress over it !!
Don't underestimate yourself because you're a "newbie". You went to school,you "do" have knowledge that is invaluable that will only be enhanced with experience.
I commend you for pursuing this profession in this day and age with its trials and tribulations.
I wish you nothing but the best!!
You have a very good heart.
forgiving. I do admire your charitable spirit. May this whole incident turn out to be a major blessing for you :)
heart go a flutter
Antonio Banderas, Al Pacino, Robert Deniro..the guy on Cold Case, what is his name, Danny Pino?
Piece of my Heart
When I'm stressed I get to let it all out with that song. lol
Bless your heart
I hope you quickly work your way into a better pay range.
Bummed Out - My heart goes out to you.
I picture myself in this situation daily as job security as a SE is nil & I keep wondering what I think I'm going to do when I'm all of sudden "let go", since our so called "Profession" has sunken to the status comparable to that of a worker at McDonald's.
First of all, our profession since the 1960's has never evolved nor been recognized as a "Profession" - it is a "job" that any "typist" can do - period end!! That being said - around the late 1980s, early 1990's, those savvy in business became aware of the "need" in this job market & saw it as an opportunity for "big bucks" with no knowledge nor regard or concern of the medical knowledge required of those required to produce quality medical records. That's the key - quality has been replaced with quantity.
Only when us "Oldie" transcriptionists leave our beloved field & the physicians eventually become aware of the poor quality of work & the fact that patient care is truly jeopordized & sadly ends up suffering from the consequences of such - will medical transcription ever hope of being recognized as a "Profession."
The sad fact is that as long as us "oldies" stick around & correct the mistakes of the newbies, transcribe the worst of the worst undecipherable dictation & correct the ASR - we are sadly contributing to our own demise. Without us & our medical knowledge - being paid a pittance - the worst of the worst wouldn't be transcribed nor would ASR be edited!! I'd love for the work I now get to be sent overseas & see the end product. Out of thousands of doctors on a teaching hospital roster - I get very few. I get no normals (but did when initially started on this account. I get garbled, faint, cell phone dictation cutting in & out, & the same undecipherable dictators with whom no rhythm can be established - having to listen word by word & typing as such daily. My production keeps decreasing as well as my pay - but I'll bet my "employer" is tickled pink. I'm supposedly at "top pay", therefore, the less I'm capable of doing equals more money in their pocket, i.e. have to pay me less - hire more overseas.
Physicians are our lifeline & need to be made aware of the difference between a "medical transcriptionist" doing their dictation versus a "typist." Albeit most are intrigued by "Voice Recognition" now on the market, I'll bet 95% at hositals are unaware their dictation is being recorded in the background to Automated Speech Recognition - only to try to be deciphered & corrected by a medical transcriptionist. Without our medical knowledge & expertise - whether transcribing or editing - the medical record is worthless & patients are going to suffer. That being said - our expertise is worth more than 7-8 cpl or 2 cpl for editing. Somehow - we need to make physicians aware of the price that is being paid for their savings on their dictation, who is typing their reports & whether HIPAA regulations are being adhered to.
Unskilled workers - that is exactly what we're considered & being paid as such. Unless & until we can collectively convince physicians that quality is more important than the almighty dollar - we're resigned to the designation of "typists" & paid as such -period end !!
I don't know who you've endlessly tested with, nor if you're seeking employee status, full or part-time, or IC or SE status, & will probably get flamed - but have you tried applying at Medquist? Really hesitant to suggest it as I have no clue as to what is happening with their new so-called "Rewards Program" that is supposed to be going into effect - but from the sounds of your past experiences, I wouldn't think it could be any worse -who knows at this point!!
Bless your heart...
you replied with Peace out, & I replied with guns-a-blazin'...what the heck did I do, forget that great thread from yesterday 
my bad...*sigh*
Bless your heart ...
Are you getting enough sleep? That's pretty important!
Also, how long are you up before you start typing? Do you eat breakfast? You need a good mix of protein and carbs before you start typing. Perhaps a little exercise..??
On your expander, slow is fine on adding to it. Limit yourself to 5-10 shortcut entries a day. Write them down and keep them posted on your screen until you can use them without looking at the list. Then take that list down and work on another 5-10 shortcuts. They won't do you any good if you cannot remember to use them. When naming shortcuts, do whatever comes to mind first, whatever is natural.
Don't spend too much time on ESLs if you truly cannot understand what is being said. I don't like blanks either but there is a difference in beating your head against a wall over unintelligible gibberish versus doing a quick (3 minutes is my limit) research of meds, instruments, terms, diseases, etc. Don't be your own worst enemy here!
Working efficiently is not a matter of how fast you are, it is how streamlined you think.
Healing heart
you're welcome. I wish you the best on your journey and keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I would not have been able to offer any insight had I not experienced this in my own life.
oh my heart breaks for these
families -- to be told they are alive and now that they are not -- please pray for these families, as only God can provide them any level of comfort now.
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