working from laptop
Posted By: Deb on 2008-06-03
In Reply to: I have been looking into this as well, can you answer some of my questions? - MTmom
You can either tether from your cell phone or get a wireless card that goes into your computer. This is secure. If you use the hotel wireless it might not be. The teathering is about 60 dollars a month and it is monthly. The lap top card is the same price but it requires a 2 year contract, at least that was the last time I checked. Tethering actually works the best for me. You can actually use it riding in a car at 80 miles per hour if you are in range of cell coverage whereas the laptop card drops the signal.
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
Laptop ok to use?
I'm purchasing another computer system so I don't have to share with my kids. I'd like a laptop so I have some flexibility to move around (so I can work in my room when the kids are awake and dh is home, but work downstairs at night if dh is asleep).
How feasible is that? Is it comfortable? What accessories would you recommend to make it easier? Does anyone use a regular keyboard with it for comfort?
Or should I just get a desktop?
Thanks!
Dawn K.
MT on a laptop
I've been transcribing on a laptop for 5 years, and it's no different from doing anything else on a laptop. Going from desktop to laptop for all your tasks requires an adjustment period just because the keyboard is compact. The great thing is, you can take your work with you anywhere there is secure internet access. :)
Laptop
Hi,
I posted a note about laptops and thank you so much for all your help. My ? now is what exactly do you need on a laptop for Mt. What do you look for. I see on Tiger Direct they are several, someone said Lenovo xp was good. I never owned a laptop before thats why all the ?s.
Thanks you,
Barb
You want everything on a laptop that you
would want on a desk top. Most laptops know only have USB ports, no serial ports or game ports, but if you need those you can get adapters. You want a minimum of two high-speed USB connections, preferably 4. You can buy USB hubs rather cheaply if you need more than that. You want a bunch of RAM, not a Celeron processor. If you are just using for work you don't need a huge hard drive and anything you bought off the shelf would have plenty.
You want XP and not Vista.
laptop
I just bought one. It has Vista. The company I work for is compatable with Vista. If you are working for someone now ask them if it will work with Vista.
laptop
You may also want to find out from your employer what specifications are necessary to get the job done correctly. A lot of companies do not want Vista, MS Works or Word. I just bought a new desktop for my new job, and had to take off a lot of the softward that came with the computer becuase it was not compatible with the employer's software package. It may depend on a lot of things. Just ask for a list of specifications needed for a computer, and you may not have to pay as much if you can leave off certain software and packages off the computer.
Dawn, regarding a laptop...
there has been a lot of discussion on the main board about laptops, if you do a search there you will find helpful information I'm sure.
I use a laptop for travel and it works for me. I use a wireless keyboard and mouse as I could never make any $$ using a laptop keyboard.
As for reference books and carrying them to different places in your home, I have all my reference books on CD and have them installed on both my desktop and my laptop. I very rarely use an actual book for reference anymore. Even the BOS II is on CD and, for me, it is much easier and faster to reference than paging through a book.
BUT, if you are an IC, for IRS purposes, you would have to have a designated office. If you are an employee, then it probably wouldn't matter except maybe to your company (some hospitals want to make sure an employee has an ergonomically correct work space and a hospital I once worked for went to the employee's home to check it out).
Good luck to you - where ever you end up working! 
laptop/Escription
I bought an old Toshiba Tecra 8100 from ebay for around $300 and had to purchase Word (got 2000 for $70). My foot pedal($15 Ebay) works fine as this is an old laptop and has the 9 pin serial port. Sometimes you have to buy the old stuff to get things to work. Everything now is Windows Vista and until our software catches up I am saving my money for the better equipment, maybe a year from now.
Transcribing on a laptop
Has anyone transcribed on a lap? Is it better or worse than desktop?
Thanks for your reply!
tt
I take my laptop and work as I travel. nm
nm
What kind of Laptop is good to buy
Looking at a laptop on E-bay. What is the best choice?
Thanks,
Barb
Ideal laptop for transcribing?
Hi everyone,
I'm about to graduate and would like to get a laptop for transcribing. Does anyone know of a particular brand/make that would be good for a transcriptionist?
Thanks!!
I wouldn't buy a laptop for ergonomic reasons...sm
the keyboard is very small and it's almost impossible to get it set up at the correct height. Note their keyboards seem to be set forward into the laptop also and there's no wrist rest. If you are going to be putting in 6 hours a day, you better make darn sure you have all the ergonomics in place, including a really good chair. Otherwise, your body will pay. Also don't forget, you will have to either a C-phone hooked up where-ever you are working or more likely you will be using a .wav player. So are you planning to have the footpedal and headset plugged into your laptop too along with every thing else? That ought to drain your battery in no time. If you have the picture of typing poolside on a sunny day, forget it.
I have worked exclusively on a laptop for nearly 6 years.
I have traveled through 34 states and Mexico and worked the whole time. I have sat by the pool many days while my children swam. I have sat out on my deck on a pretty day. When space allows I use an external keyboard, but it only takes me a few minutes to readjust to the laptop keyboard when needed. I obviously use a wav player for my work. I have a bus card, a foot pedal, my earphones plugged in and sometimes my keyboard and I don't notice a significant difference in the drain on my battery whether I have these attached or not. If your battery is running low that quickly you need a new battery. I do not have an external mouse but use a touch pad. I find that a mouse is necessary if you are using an external keyboard, becauase your computer will be elevated and it will create a strain on your wrist to use the touch pad.
inputs on buying a laptop computer to use for work
I am a newbie and looking into buying a laptop computer to use for work. I would like to know if that is okay. The reason that I wanted a laptop computer for work is because I wanted to be still working wherever I maybe even if I am not at home. Is that possible? If it's okay, what laptop computers do you recommend?
Put the money towards good education, not an unnecessary laptop.
It should tell you something that a school offers a "free" laptop to get students to sign up. List how many good things and how many bad things you have heard about Andrews and M-TEC. Then make the same list for Allied and TRS. There's your answer.
I just bought a laptop Dell E1505. Your biggest obstacle is the foot pedal as it's a 9-pin serial
port and NO newer computers have them anymore, especially laptops. Also, Escription is not compatible with Windows Vista which also most newer computers come with. I needed a laptop with Windows XP so I went onto Dell and they can "customize" one for you with the XP on it or you can do what I did and 400 dollars cheaper and get it from Ebay. The only thing I noticed was that the new one I got on ebay didnt have Word on it and I had to purchase Word 2003 for that as Word 2007 also is not compatible. Over the last 3 years, I have tried multiple adapters to get the foot pedal to work and finally used one that Escription recommends ..the Dynex DB9 model. I also got it on Ebay for $10 or they can be bought at like Best Buy but they are around $35 I think. There are a few obstacles with Escription and laptops etc.but since I like to travel, I finally got it worked out. I also plug in another keyboard as the laptop one is hard to type on and I like my ergonometer one. Good luck
working
I finished my course and now I am trying to work from home, but everyone wants experience. What can I do?
Working for them and....
it seems to be going well. I am a newbie and they are giving me a chance, which is more than others would do. All I can say is give it a try.
But if you are working as an IC, YOU
should purchase the software, pedal, etc. needed to do the job. Otherwise you are trying to be an employee. But at any rate, no I would not pay an 11.95 admin fee to get a job. Why don't you get a job somewhere else for free if you want a job?
If you are already working, why do you (sm)
need to change jobs? You said you have references from the doctors you are working for. So by working for do you mean transcribing for, or other work?
I'm confused.
? working as IC
I have a lot of questions. When you work as an IC do you need to set up as a business and file your taxes in a business name or -- just add the income thru a 1099. We file a joint return.
if not working, i would still take it.
knowledge has no price. if she is not working right now, than gaining the experience is well worth it.
If she is earning a living transcribing, than no don't quit your job to earn $0 and learn.
I, on the other hand, think the offer is generous. It takes me just as long to proof a report than it does to transcribe it myself. Why would I want to pay someone to transcribe it, if I am going to have to proof it. It just does not make sense.
Yes, I am working now but
not for A Scripts
Keep working
I plan to keep working FT at the university where I currently work. I have talked to a few people who did Career Step for their training and were pleased I am trying to weigh the $1600 price tag with what realistic options that I would have upon completion.
Working at home
Just because you work at home does not automatically mean you get to pick your own hours. MT companies all have different needs, and coverage is needed, in many cases, 24 hours a day. Many companies will allow you to pick your own hours, but they will expect you stick to that schedule. Other companies will let you work anytime in a 12-hour window. It all just depends on the needs of the company.
working for peanuts
I am new to this board, but I will be glad to work for peanuts if I can just get my foot in the door!! Please feel free to contact me about any lesser paying jobs that are available. I'm articulate, but I still know I have to pay my dues.
Student and working
Well I can say this, I am a MT student at Career Step now. I am also taking their coding program. I have been subcontracting for a few months now for a couple of different places and I was just hired by another place yesterday so it can be done. 
working at home
I was just wondering what insurance company you worked for at home and what the name of the place was in New England. I would settle for something like this until I could get into a hospital.
Thank you!
Just Started working PT
I just graduated from Career Step and got a PT job within 2 weeks. Mind you it was the only company that was interested in doing the PT thing, plus I have dail-up, so I was really limited on my options. But, so you know, PT jobs are out there. Good luck.
They are probably all busy working! LOL
x
Wow! I could be working for the same company!
I felt the exact same as you do!! After six months I am finally on paid status, but the pay is not much. Good luck! Let me know if you find anything better!
working in a hospital
I work for a hospital and have for 20 years. I am an at-home MT.. I am a full-time employee just like anyone who has to physical go there everday. The pay is much better and benefits too.. There are some still out there.
working from home
I agree with the last post. It's so hard to get hired with a company. I was in the same situation you are....just finished school, had a baby, wanted to stay at home and do transcription. So, during one of my office visits, I got the nerve up and asked my OB doc if I could do their transcription and they said yes!!!! Their office manager was doing it and she hated it. It was great!!! I then got another account on recommendation from that office manager. I think this is more doable for you than working with a baby, meeting quotas, not being able to pass tests, etc. And, you may like "having" to get out of the house to pick up tapes! I know I did! It was a reason to get out every other day or so. Also, you may have some flexibiltiy with having your husband or friend pick up and drop off your work. I did that also. One time, the office manager dropped it off to me because she lived nearby!!!!! Good luck!!
working from home
 That is encouraging because if someone has been a Transcriptionist for twenty years and still has to leave blanks then there is hope for us newbies! 
working from home
Have you tried testing with Medi-Voxx? They gave me a shot right out of school. I'm 53 and my kids are grown but I only wanted to work from home. I'm still with them after a little over a year and they are a great company that took a chance on me as a newbie.
I have been working now for 4 weeks (sm)
I am supposed to be typing 1200 lines a day, but I am now at 800 lines a day and can't seem to reach 1200. It is an acute care account with many dictators. I hope this week to get to 1000. I feel like I will never get to 1200!
Working from home
In case I wasn't more clear earlier, I am interested in hearing from people that have experience in working from home. I'd love to get advice on where to send my resume that doesn't necessarily require prior experience to be able to work from home immediately.
working in a hospital
If you have the opportunity to work alongside another MT in a hospital, TAKE that opportunity. It will be much easier to learn with someone available to help you right when you need it instead of waiting on e-mails with corrections or using IM.
traveling and working
One last question today. Are many people able to travel on the job. For example, my parents are 4 hours away, and I like to visit for extended time. How many people use laptops and transcribe where they are? I just would like to know the freedom you have on being able to leave town and still continue working.
Also, you better hope you like working for them, because (sm)
that's all they're training you for. Most companies have never heard of this training program, and unless you have 2 years' of experience, they won't hire you. This place trains you to work for THEM only. You have no way of knowing how qualified you would be to work elsewhere.
Working for a "national"
I've only worked for a local hospital, but from all the negative comments I've seen about MTSOs, you'd be better off applying for one of those work-at-home jobs stuffing envelopes. The biggest complaint seems to be overhiring, with people waiting around for work to trickle in. It makes for excellent turnaround time, no doubt, but what MTSOs are doing should be against the law. National MTSOs should be outlawed altogether in my view, at least in the hospital setting. Any hospital that can't afford to do its own healthcare documentation isn't fit to serve the public. Another complaint with national MTSOs is way too many accounts, e.g., you rarely get the same doctor more than once and each account has its own profile/format that you have to familiarize yourself with on your own time. Add to that "clocking in" (for which you don't get paid) and unrealistic production requirements (taking everything above into consideration), and what you have is basically a minimum wage job. Good luck if you want to start your own business, but you will be competing with those nationals that can produce desired turnaround times (again, for the reasons stated above) and are offering lower and lower rates to compete with other nationals. I have nothing against local MTSOs, who do a good job for private practices and clinics, but national MTSOs are the root of all evil in this business. Greed does not begin or end on Wall Street.
How do you get around this besides working in an office first?
or maybe I am expecting too much, and it just is not going to work without some office time before me.
I am not sure how anyone expects a new graduate to get a job when everyone wants experience; however nobody is willing to hire us so that we may gain that experience.
working at home
Try this link below, because my frriend did and she eventuaslly found some work. I actually found this link on MtStars. I have 12 years experience and finally did find something by sending out over 350 resumes. You can also go to MTJobs.com and look at the company sites, that's how I found work. Here is the other link.
http://www.tiptopwebsite.com/websites/index2.php?username=mtjobfind&page=7
I've always mentored someone along the way. Have 2 now that I'm working with. Can't take on
,
working with kids at home - sm
That is another thing I forgot to mention that these schools have a tendency to do .... "oh, it's great, you can work at home and pick your own schedule and work when you want." "Oh sure, you can work AND take care of your kids at the same time."
NEWSFLASH: There are very very few companies that will let you pick and choose when you want to work and let you stop work, pick up your kids, type for an hour, go make dinner, type for another hour, play with your kids, type for 2 hours, help with homework, etc. Very few.
Although, currently I am recruiting for a hospital that needs a full time transcriptionist. They will let you work full time at home and around your kids schedules, but you have to live within an hour of the hospital and have to work onsite for six months before going home.
Working at home question
Does anyone know of legit work from home besides MT. Just a question while I'm in school I would like to supplement my income without having to go back to the office after having a baby.
I'm working, why would I need to make myself feel better?
I'm sure if they wanted them to know, they would have told them. I think you know we don't give out names here!!
Facts are facts! Good job cheering them on though!
Are you working for a good company?
I'd like to get with a good company and make the kind of money you mentioned. Can you recommend any good ones. I've been an MT seven years and made it to $40K (that's with OT). Thanks.
After some experience working for another MTSO...
I registered a dba with my city, marketed like crazy, and got my own accounts and my own subs working for me.
Besides a great MT education, the thing that has helped the most is having a Stanford MBA business consultant in my corner. I couldn't have done this so quickly without his advice and coaching. Luckily, he works cheap since he's my SO!
Presently working for them and loving it! nm.
x
|
