ergonomic questions

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I just recently went back to work in the office at a local hospital. We type in both Meditech and Cerner, depending on what you are typing, i.e. Medical Records reports versus Radiology.  We are currently typing blindly in Meditech, meaning we do not have access to our line counts and must depend on management to give us our totals.  In Cerner, we are able to run a line count report and print out a hard copy of our line counts at the end of the day.

We are finding that 800 lines in Cerner equals about 500 lines in Meditech.  We are not paid per line nor do we have an incentive plan, but we have a new HIM Director who would like to institute an incentive plan and the administrator over our department has laid down the law and decreed that all transcriptionists not making minimum in the department will be written up.  Problem is according to Meditech line totals that we have been given, that would be about half the department.

The transcription supervisor has taken our concerns to the new director who told the MT Supervisor to hold off on writing people and has taken home all the line counts from the last month and she is going over them with a fine tooth comb this weekend.

I am not a very trusting soul by nature, so I am doing a little research on my own.  I've been in this business for about 15 years.  I started out in a hospital and have worked for a few services at home and am now back in the hospital setting.  So I know a few things about line count and I consider myself to be pretty well informed on trends and technology in the industry.   I would like to walk into our next department meeting armed with as much knowledge as possible.  So I have come up with some questions that I would like some fellow MTs to answer, give opinions, and maybe even direct me to websites or individuals who could give me a better understanding of Meditech and Cerner.  Here are my questions:

1. Is it possible for an MT to have access to her line count in Meditech or is strictly a management function?  Any MTs that work in Meditech on this board, do you currently have access to your line counts and if so, how do you check them?  Is it an option on the main menu after you log into Meditech?


2. How is a line defined in Meditech?  (i.e. 65 cpl, with spaces, without spaces)


3. How is a line defined in Cerner?


4. What abbreviation Expanders work with both Meditech and Cerner?


5. Examples of incentive plans (if anyone would like to share that with me that would be great, if not I completely understand).


6. Measuring productivity by minutes of dictation versus typed lines.




1. What would be the minimum minutes required for an 8-hour day?


2. How would one structure an incentive program based on minutes?

I was thinking of presenting the idea that we keep track of productivity using minutes instead of lines since there is such a discrepancy in Meditech.  I also worry that if an incentive plan is put into place and we are still typing blind into Meditech, what's to keep management from shaving off a few lines here and there?

Feel free to email me or post here any responses.  Either is fine.  I really appreciate any input, comments, or just plain old supportive posts would be nice too! 

Not only is it impossible to use, the salesperson was  rude and difficult when I called for return instructions.  Also, there was a money back guarantee on the website, but in small print "if refurbished, we cannot refund your money."  And guess what, you don't know its refurbished until it arrives on your doorstep!!  Needless to say, 350 bucks flushed down the toilet. 

I recently ordered the "ergoflex" keyboard, and was wondering if anyone has tried this?  It lets you rest each arm as far away as possible, which is what I need.  I've been typing on two keyboards, one for the left, one for the right, and it just takes up too much space.  I'm hoping this will help.  To the poster below about keyboard testimonials, these could probably be secured to the end of your arm rests, and also on the web site they have separate arm rests that look real comfy you can adjust to your table top. 

http://www.ergonomicresource.com/ergoflex.html

These are 49.99 minus 10.00 rebate at www.compusa

Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, USB

Manufacturer: Microsoft    « Visit their Showcase

Mfg Part #: B2M-00012

Product Number: 333743

Was: $59.99
$49.99
SAVE $10 after:
$10.00 mail-in rebate(s)

.

Probably about 10 or more years ago, started having same problem.  Switched to ergonomic keyboard, and have been using ever since.  I have a Microsoft, I think it is Microsoft Elite, or something like that.  There is also a Microsoft 2000 available.  Just check on the Internet for availability at discount computer stores, or try E-Bay. 

Would definitely recommend!

I have been using a Microsoft keyboard that seems like forever (since 2002).  It has survived spills and scrubbing when I clean it.  The only problem is that I have worn off some of the letters on the keys.  It has its advantages - keeps my son from using my computer because he is not that familiar with the keys.

Best one I ever had.  It has all the programmable shortcut buttons at the top for programs and/or webpages and is extremely comfortable.  I used to have problems with my hands hurting a lot after a full day of working and now it is gone.  It took about a week for me to get used to the feel of the split board, but now I can't stand using a regular one.  I even take this one when I travel to my in-laws.

Hi, try Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I don't know about the wireless ergo keyboard but I do know they are expensive than the wired ones.  You could contact your local Microsoft hardware dealer. 

I am getting numness and tingling in hands, pain in wrists up forearm to elbow...thinking about buying an ergonomic keyboard or changing careers....

ouch

I need to try this but would like opinions first.  I have developed trigger finger of my middle digit on my right hand from all the scrolling I do with the mouse.  I only have 1 more injection before surgery is considered and I would REALLY like to avoid it if possible. 

So, any MTs using this style...please let me know how you like it!  Thanks!

just purchased a store-return new backup keyboard through Amazon for around $25 dollars ..

New, at my local CompUSA they were close to $60 regularly and went down to around $40 on special ... that store closed and I'm not sure where I would buy one now (most places do not carry them) ...the time and angst spent replacing a keyboard in a hurry is REAL and well worth preparing for (also keyboards keep getting  redesigned which is really annoying when you're typing all day and have to switch in a hurry -- so it's great to have an "old model" on standby -- I last had to replace my keyboard when I popped off a key that was sticking and it went flying and I have NEVER found it ... it was an N) 

I've found this particular model to be comfy and durable --- I didn't think I would like it and I really do -- it's quiet and has good key play.

My next purchase is going to be QuickLook Drug book on DISK since it can do wildcard searches of partial lookup -- my old web site for that "changed" and is not helpful and there are SO many bad Google entries.

Anything that makes you more comfortable with less fighting your desk also helps --- a decent chair and glare protection, a foot rest .

and SAMPLES when I start a new account I save almost every report I type, even if they are full of blanks -- which I fill in when I review my QA  -- invaluable for saving time figuring out H&P mumbles and  particularly op note

I use RED NOTEBOOK from Horus development (link below) ... I am not aware of anything comparable ... it's searchable. You can, for instance, upload a hospital medical staff roster  if saved in TXT, edit and print out lists,  just fabulous for new accounts with new terms / medications/ names for things.

Good luck.

No I have not seen it yet but will check it out.

My sentiments go out to you as I too feel that most foot pedals need some rejuvenation of some sort as I have had pain too. Sometimes I switch from one foot to the other throughout my shift and sometimes I even stand for a few hours while transcribing to get my blood circulating.

A lighter touch foot pedal (more sensitive) would take some getting used to but definitely might be a good thing to get used to. Just like the old keyboards you had to pound were bad for the hands and the newer ones have a much lighter touch and are quieter. Just bought a new logitech keyboard at Walmart (wired) and only $11 and was amazed at the nice quality of it and the touch is like butter.

Well, I know you didn't want to know about keyboards but just though I would share in case you were looking for one of those also.

http://www.ergodirect.net/

I use the Microsoft Natural Keyboard. Locally it sells for $49.95, but through this web site it's only $29.95.

They seem to have a lot of nice deals. Check it out!  

If you Google it, you will come up with tons of places to buy it from.  I bought mine at Target for 30 bucks, well worth it and more.

Has anyone used this keyboard?  (It is the weird shaped one).  How comfortable are the hard plastic wrist rests?

IAny advice would be much appreciated.... Thanks So Much