I would highly suggest getting Stedman's Smartype and Spellcheck -sm
Posted By: XXX on 2006-03-26
In Reply to: How much lines per hour? - Paul Anthony
if you are using MS Word or Wordperfect. If using WP 5.1 DOS then find the above programs I mentioned for DOS (hard to find but out there). You should be able to do at least 800 lines in 8 hours if you apply yourself. As for looking drugs names, Smartype is a lifesaver, also with repetition you will learn the drug names. My first year I looked up a lot of drug names, though once I had some experience and then I had my Smartype those days pretty much ground to a halt. I rarely have to look anything up anymore. I am no speed demon myself and only average about 140 lph after 4 years, sometimes more, sometimes less, just depends on who I am doing.
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I highly suggest you get a computer with XP - sm
99% of the companies out there do not use Vista. So either get your hands on an old one or buy a new one with it (I special ordered mine from Dell), or reformat your existing computer and get rid of the Vista. I use an Aircard which works great with every company I have tried it on so far, I would just say yeah, I have high speed....you do, it is just wireless. I had some trouble recently and the tech guys kept telling me my aircard would not work, etc. I told them I had been using it for 6 months just fine.....turns out it was a problem at their end and once they fixed it my aircard worked fine as always. Try www.lts-inc.com they will hire newbies and always have lots of work.
From my experience, M-TEC is highly upfront and truthful
I've been around a long time. I hear things. If it happens, I eventually hear it. What I consistently hear is that M-Tec is a highly-reputable school and is upfront and honest in their dealings. I'm proud to call them "friendly" competitors and colleagues.
Medical Spellcheck
Can someone tell me the best medical spellchecker to buy? I need a new one and I do not like the old one I used
Please tell me you performed spellcheck
on the entire report before you turned it in!! Oh my!!!!!
best software for spellcheck
I am getting ready to start mentoring for Focus. I wanted to know what would be the best spell check for medicines and up to date. Also what is the best text Expander program. I have one from my school, but is there a better one to have?
...Spellcheck before you turn in your test! :) ..nm
s
I would suggest
I would suggest:
AAMT BOS (Book of Style)(www.aamt.org), Stedman's (www.stedmans.com) Quick Look Drug Book (I like the hard copy better than the CD - Also, I have Bilips Drug Index and I don't like it as much as the Quick Look Drug Book), every Stedman's Word Book Series and Stedman's Medical Dictionary. If available on CD get them! If only available in book form, then you are stuck with the book. It's easier/faster to look things up when you have the software (I just find the drug book cumbersome on CD). The CDs are really awesome. You can search on partial words/phrases, etc.
By the way, if you join the AAMT (you would be a student member I assume - the membership is discounted)... you can get 30% off of most of Stedman's products. You might think I am crazy for buying ALL of Stedman's Word Books, but when I was doing the hospital account, I transcribed for EVERY specialty out there and I got my moneys' worth for every last one of them. The Pathology and Lab Medicine Words is a especially needed..these doctors abbreviate all over the place and it really helps.
As far as foot pedals go, I started out with an Infinity USB pedal (www.martelelectronics.com - they seem to have very reasonable prices) but as accounts change, so do the pedals. I now have the USB pedal, a 9-pin foot pedal, and a dictaphone pedal. Whatever training you choose, they will tell you what pedal you need for the course and it will probably come with the training (my opinion is that Andrews seems to be the best ... they say M-Tec and Career Step are wonderful too.. but if I had to do it again, I would go to Andrews). Then when you get a job, if that pedal isn't right, they will provide you with one or tell you what you need to buy.
As far as expanders... when I started out I bought Stedman's Smartype, a good program, but never used it. Word has autocorrect which I was using and I loved it. Just started a new account that doesn't use Word or have its own expander, so I purchased PC Shorthand. It's wonderful and works with everything I've tried so far ... it even works in IM, web searches, Word, Excel, e-mail, etc. My plan is to use PC Shorthand forever now even if I get another account in the future that uses Word. You can download it free for 30 days and buy it later (www.pcshorthand.com). If you get it and start training, I suggest you add everything you learn as you go so that you are ahead of the game when you get a job.
I hope this helps. If I remember anything else, I will send you another post. With all my stuff on CD.. the only thing on my desk is a little pad, the drug book and AAMT BOS..everything else I use consistently is right there on my PC.
Good luck to you!
I would suggest
utilizing a word expander. Especially on drug names. Every time you have to type the name of a medication, put it in your word expander. That way the next time you have to type it you only have to use your abbreviation and you don't have to think about the proper spelling or capitalization. I would also start entering every commonly used phrase and *normal* words in your Expander as well. A Word Expander will help you a lot.
Which is why we always suggest (sm)
the only 2 schools that have graduates who do get jobs right out of school.
Otherwise it's a jungle out there.
I suggest you take an MT course
I believe it would be in your best interest to take an MT course because there is more to being a productive MT than just knowing a few medical terms. If you choose an accredited school, they will have a list of companies that will accept you after you graduate even without 2 years of experience. Have you inquired about trying an internship locally to get an idea of what MT is all about? You could be done or almost done by the time you have your first child, so why not gather information from at least the well-known schools and do it the right way? As an MT your earnings will be based on production, which means the better prepared you are for the job, the more you will make. If you are looking for a job you can do from home, why not try virtual assistant, and then you would not need to worry about medical terminology! Good luck.
I would suggest trying (sm)
Mavis Beacon. When I began MT school, my speed was around 70 wpm. I am now at approximately 120 wpm after years of transcribing daily. Before I began MT school, I would spend approximately 45 minutes daily on Mavis Beacon trying to practice my skills. Actually, I still do typing practice, even now. It's just something I love to do  . As others have said, typing speed is not the most important part of this job. I find that I move fast because of my knowledge (not having to look up words very often), macros, shortkeys, knowing the physicians' names at my facility, etc. Just practice and you should be fine  .
I would suggest contacting the...
director of any school you are interested in and explaining your situation. I was in a position very similar to yours and contacted Susan Francis of M-Tec and Linda Andrews. Both offered me a discounted rate, M-TEC's based on the materials I already owned, and Andrews based on pure sympathy I think. I don't know about a "shortened program," but M-TEC does have more than one option (Basic, Premier, Tier I, Tier II) and I think both programs are self-paced, so the fact that you have experience should help you to fly through the material quickly.
My suggest would be to spend some
the Medquist board on this site and forming your own opinion. Frankly, I don't know anyone who works there who is happy anymore.
Honestly, I would suggest you try to
locally find a job in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. You would be getting your foot in the door and getting some on-the-job training all at the same time. That's how I got started, and I would highly recommend it. There's also a lot to learn in the beginning, and it's so much easier to have others around to ask.
Google it. I would suggest staying away
from TVPS.com
I have used this company and had no problems. http://www.theprogrammers.com/wavp.html
I would suggest the Wav Pedal Infinity
You can try e-bay, transcriptiongear.com, or executive communications. This Infinity reads all files. Also, you can download Express Scribe for free from www.vancedigital.com. I would get the newest Stedman's spell check, I love Stedman's. I have no clue on expanders, sorry, I only use word and autocorrect.
The company usually provides the software if they use an online platform. Some do require you purchase a particular software, i.e., DocShuttle. It all depends on where you apply and what they use.
Welcome to MTing....
I too was going to suggest switching feet.
Also, check yourself to make sure you are not sitting there with your heel down and your toe hovering over the pedal while you catch up with yourself. Even after 37 years on the job, I still catch myself doing that one. Be sure and take your foot completely away every possible chance you get. You could also try rearranging some things under your desk to try out different angles and positions of your legs and feet, and make sure you are not straining in any way to actually reach the pedal. Best of luck!
However, I might suggest you work on your grammar skills!
You are good at "grammer". I suggest reading
your post again. I can't type but about 45 wpm if I'm typing from a piece of paper, but doing transcription I can type about 100 wpm. Some companies request you type so many wpm, but I don't know how they measure that or what difference you make. Many companies do require a minimum lph though. Of course accuracy is more important than speed, but if you are getting paid on production you want to be able to type fast as well as accurate.
What Stedman's to get?
For a newbie which stedman's is going to give me the most bang for my buck, until I get going. I am not sure and I have looked at the spellchecker for pharm and med, as well as just getting the med dictionary. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I currently have Taber's med encyclopedia and Mosby's Med Dictionary. Also buying the BOS.
Thanks
Hi, 'me': You suggest taking a mentoring program
for newbies.
Could you name some companies or schools which offer mentoring programs?
TIA
Stedman's books are much better. nm
Box of Stedman books...sm
For any new MT or student, please see Classified Board...Great deal on Word Books!!!!
Thanks!!
Stedman's equipment - I do mostly Ops. I also
use the abbreviations book a lot.
www.drugs.com or www.rxlist.com for drug references. I have Dorland's but in 22 years I think I've only used it twice.
I would recommend Stedman's Orthopedic
Word Book. It sounds like it isn't the exam that is the problem, but the tests/procedures, which is where a good reference source would help.
Stedman's word books
Hello! I'm a recent grad and having been working for about a month now and am trying to build up my library. I have been using some different Stedman's word books which help me out tremendously! I just noticed that they offer a Medical Terms and Phrase book. Does anyone have this? Does this have as much terms as each individual word book or less? Just trying to figure out if I should continue to build based on the specialities I am working on or just get the one book. Thanks! and hope this wasn't too confusing :-)
Stedman's is the one most companies require and most
MTs use.
Stedman's is the best. You can download from their website or
order the CD.
I like the Stedman's Medical Speller
I also have ortho and cardiology, but you may want to see what specialties you'll be doing the most before purchasing those. Also I like their electronic spell checker. It rocks!
I'd say an absolute must is Stedman's Spellchecker..
I agree with the other poster I wouldn't buy any others until you know what speciality you will be doing. If you are doing clinic work I'd recommend Sloane's Medical Word Book. If you will be doing acute care and doing only one speciality then I would recommend a book related to that speciality. I like Quick Look for a drug reference.
Do you need dictationary or spellchecker? Stedman's
is good either way or Dorlands for a dictionary. You can use the line counting in Word if you are going by 65 lines. I don't know if you can adjust it or not. Sylcount is a good line counting program if you want to buy one.
Stedman's word books are probably the
best ones out there. You can find them on the classified board here, half.com, Amazon.com or at Stedman's website - don't know URL but Google Stedman's Word Books.
And Stedman's Ortho and Rehab words is a Must!! nm
d
Stedman's medical terms and phrases
Just to let everyone out there know, this book is wonderful. It's very similar to the Medical Phrase Index by PMIC. It's by Stedman's so you know it's reputable and catered just for the MT. I wanted to inform those interested in purchasing it, I found it on amazon.com. It retails for $66 but there are several sellers selling the newest version for $8 (includes shipping). New, not used as well. Sellers are best1bookbuyusa (who I purchased mine through) and dabearbooks and sweethomeliquid2. I hope this information benefits someone. Whenver I find a good deal, I have to pass it on.
Here's the review: http://www.stedmans.com/product.cfm/366/224
Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases
Just wanted to thank you for posting about this book. I ordered mine after seeing your post and just received it today. It does look like it will be quite helpful....and I love the size of the print...not so small that I need a magnifying glass! Of course, the cost is unreal. Thanks again for sharing.
Stedman's Medical Terms & Phrases
This book is such a great resource. It very much like the very pricey Medical Phrase Index by PMIC, but it's catered specifically for MT's as opposed to coders. It's completely cross referenced, the print is a very nice size. and it's thumb indexed alphabetically. The newest version retails for around $66, but I found mine on Amazon.com from one of the sellers and got it brand new for $8 shipped! There are a several more sellers who have it for the price as well and I would recommend this book to all MTs (new or seasoned). It would especially be very helpful to new MTs and/or students.
Just a note, but I've recently updated most of my Stedman's books and have gotten incredible deals from Amazon sellers on these. Even on the CD electronic book versions. Whene ver I find a great deal, I just have to pass it on!
Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases for Sale
2005 Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases: A Complete Guide to Medical Language. HUGE. Over 1785 pages. Hardcover. I purchased this just a few months ago, I just didn't use it as much as I thought I would. No writing, no damage. Bought from Stedman's for $69.99 plus tax and shipping; I paid over $75 in total. I will sell it for $60 including shipping parcel post with delivery confirmation.
PayPal (cash only, no CC or debit), checks (hold until cleared), and money orders (preferred). Email me for pictures if you are interested.
Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases -- I have one for sale. See below!
nm
Is it best to get the Stedman's spell checker before testing for companies?
I don't have this yet and am wondering if I should wait until I do before testing.
Newbie Reference -- Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases
Hi Guys ~
I have started another at-home business and am planning to get out of the MT field in the next six months to a year, and so I am getting rid of any of the references I no longer use. The last one I have available is the Stedman's Medical Terms and Phrases. I LOVED this reference when I was still in school and brand new, but after using it just a handful of times I am now familiar with my accounts and no longer need it. Perhaps a newbie could use it. This is how it works:
It is the most current edition, which is the 2004. It is approximately 2000 pages,
hardcover, tabbed for easy looking up. Here is how it works, in case
you are not familiar with it:
The book is excellent for things like when the dingaling of a doctor is eating
Cheetos while dictating and says something that sounds like,
"chron-CRUNCH nonsuppurative CRUNCH CRUNCH -ructive CRUNCH
cholang-CRUNCH". Well, you got the "nonsuppurative" part and then a
bunch of half coherent stuff. So you use the one word you got out of
the bunch. When you look up the one word you got, nonsuppurative, you
look down the list of phrases under that word and you come up with
"chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis". AH-HAH!
That's how it worked for me when I was a student and when I was new and was shuttled around from one account to the next as I was needed. I have been placed on my permanent accounts for so long that I know what my docs are going to say before they say it. Therefore, I spent $70 for this book plus the ridiculous shipping that Stedman's charged me, plus tax, so the book cost me over $80 new thinking I would use it all the time... But I have rarely used it. If you have any marble-mouth doctors or any ESLs or if you are new to MT or if you work on multiple and/or
changing accounts ... This would be an incredible resource to
consider. It is in perfect condition.
Email for pictures. Price is $45.00 plus $5.00 for
media mail with delivery confirmation (this book weighs a ton, so actual shipping cost is over $6.00, but I will do for $5) for a total of $50.00.
Thanks!
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