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Need tips for converting PRD for DOS to Shortcuts for Windows, please. sm

Posted By: About to change platforms (gulp). on 2005-08-16
In Reply to:

How can I best start "cleaning up" a copy of my beloved PRD for DOS  to make for a less-hassle conversion to Shortcut for Windows?  Many of the headers in my PRD have special DOS characters for bolding, and I don't think they will be useable.   For many of my glossary entries, I use slash marks (i.e., cad/ for coronary artery disease).  Are the slash marks a problem in Shortcut?  If so,  what's a good character to substitute (a "q" maybe??).  Thanks for any suggestions.  I'm trying to make this conversion in a month just a tiny bit sane.




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Editscript tips and shortcuts?
Does anyone have any tips and/or shortcuts for increasing productivity on escription's editscript software?  Any assistance appreciated.  Thank you in advance.
converting
i had it saved on my desktop and the MDI tech took care of converting it into Bayscribe. Let them help you. (i could not tell you how)
Help on converting expansion

can someone tell me how to convert my expansion file from Medquist so I can use it at MDI???  You can E mail if possible. 


 


Thanks


Shorthand/Converting to text file

Anyone out there know how to convert ShortHand .spf files to text files?


  Thanks...


shortcuts
I have been updating my shortcut file since 1994; originally started with PDR. Anyway, I think it is the only thing that keeps me tied to Medquist because it has become very specific for the hospitals I do. Like a good news/bad news situation.
Shortcuts as in ESP? Are you are of that? sm
I am not sure if shortcuts you mean word expanders? I navigate around in my EXText/Speech documents with my arrow keys. My cursor does not follow the words on the page, I disabled that. I basically move around with the arrows and page up/down, etc......

I don't think I answered any of your questions, but if you could be more specific, I would love to help.
convert shortcuts
We are able to convert shortcut files from many programs, including DOS based, for use in other systems/platforms. Tim S. at technocare@adelphia.net
About 21,000 shortcuts at last count and sm
I can do in excess of 360 lines an hour in spurts, but my average is about 280-320 depending my motivation for the day.

For the record, I work on TWELVE different hospitals (only 5 accounts) on any given day. They range from 90% ESL to about 35% ESL. I do not have a great many normals because of the sheer numbers of doctors and residents on the hospital rosters. The only specialties I don't do are pathology and radiology, although I am a qualified radiology MT with experience. (I prefer acute care.)

I don't have the same doctors on a daily or even a weekly basis. I have been on these accounts, all of them, less than a year because I have been at this company since after the first the of year of 2008. I have 12 to 13 years' experience as an MT. I have trained with a formal program. My accuracy is only about 99.6% at last audit. I work full time and only full time. My line rate is not quite 9 cpl either.

I have struggled to get here. I have had some help along the way, but I have WORKED FOR THIS. I promise you, every word above is true, or else I would not say it. Of course, this is the first time I have been here in more than 2 months...I tend to spend my day transcribing and making money, not wasting my time.

Most of you, at this point, are saying she can blow these lies out her posterior...but it is the gospel truth. Some of you are saying they wish they were me and want to know how I do/have done it. Some you are feeling completely deflated. The only thing I have that most of you don't is a willingness to learn new things and be open to everything suggestion put in front of me, without being defensive or argumentative. I have tried to share my way of doing things on this board before and NO ONE wants to take the time to listen and try. I promise you, that is all I have ever done...listened and given it a very good try and I have succeeded.
P.S. ShortCuts is provided at no cost ...sm
to Transcend employees and is provided prior to their account moving over to editing. 
windows
Does anyone know what is better Vista windows or XP windows. I need to know because I am getting a computer.
They also have windows to work in.
They also offer 12-hour windows for an 8-hour shift or 10-hour windows for a 7-hour shift.  That's pretty flexible in my book! 
I use ShortCut for Windows also...

I found it simpler to use than ShortHand (I also had downloaded the free trial and decided not to buy).  BUT with ShortCut I have problems having it expand words.  I called tech support and he said to turn off AutoCorrect in any programs I have running (I had to re-do my Expanders from AutoCorrect to ShortCut but I'm sure if I had wanted to spend the time I could have copied them from AC to SC).  Tech also said to open ShortCut BEFORE any other programs.


Anyways, sometimes ShortCut will not expand a word.  I then have to use backspace up to the last letter of the previous word, then space, then type the short form.  It will expand if I do this.  That is extra Keystrokes that should be unnecessary. 


Bottom line, for me is.....I use ShortCut because it is simple to use and I did not have time to learn a new Expander program.


Maybe ANON has fixed this on his/her program.  Would like to know.


They do have 12-hour windows, but
it all depends on the account you work on.  the only shift they have open right now is 2nd.
They also recommend ShortCut for Windows. nm
xxxxxx
Windows XP - do you have to do the Microscoft upgrade? (sm)

I've heard it's flawed and am afraid to do the time change upgrade.  Will it show that all the reports I do are an hour ahead?  I work on Ex-Text.


Short Cut for Windows and Webmedx
Does anyone know if Short Cut for Windows is compatible with Webmedx's Enterprise program?  Hoping to take it with me when I leave the Q............
new computer -Windows Vista sm
Will I have trouble finding a company that can use this??  TIA
Definately shorthand for windows---sm
This is hands down the best Expander I have ever used. If it works with the platform I work on (dinosaur) it will work on anything, or with anything. here is a direct link to website to download:

http://www65.pair.com/lim/shorthand/sh10dnload.html

you can have a 30 day free trial. If you wish to purchase after 30 days, you have several options for payment. I chose 29.99 a year with free upgrades. I don't know of any other expander software out there that could beat that in performance or price, and I have tried quite a few...InstanText, Smarttype, etc. I am extremely happy with ShortHand and cannot say enough about it. It works just like autotext and is so easy. give it a shot!
Is your MTSO ready for Windows 7 when it comes
nm
Ever been fired from Keystrokes because of Windows Vista?
I just spent $1000 on all new equipment including a new computer with Windows Vista which is what they recommended as their program is compatible with Vista. When the computer tech had to spend hours on my computer getting it to work with Vista, a certain administrator let me go because it wouldn't work for their account.  I am in tears.  I've never been fired from a job, especially for something that I was asked to do to work for them.
Requires Windows Live Messenger
NM
Does anyone know if ChartScript is compatible with Windows Vista?
I just ordered a new HP laptop with Windows Vista, and I was wondering if anyone knows if the ChartScript.net platform will run on Vista without any problems. I want to be able to take my laptop with me when I travel so that I can work on the road.
They flew out the MTSOs' and the hospitals' windows
BTW - Ever hear of that old,
'He who casts the first stone' saying?
Tips
It doesn't matter if you never get the same dictator again - utilize your word Expander by entering words, phrases, and text in chunks. You don't have to use it just for normals.

You should hardly type out any word or phrase fully - use that expander.

YES, it makes that kind of difference!

If you are a perfectionist, you need to decide on where your balance will be. What does your company call for in quality standards? Meet that standard, by all means, but make sure you are not going for overkill on the quality while you are only getting 3 reports a day typed. Proofread as you type, following 3 to 5 words behind.

Some are just faster at typing, period. Some are more knowledgeable so they have to research less.

It sounds like, from your post, that really increasing your Word Expander usage and maybe not being so obsessed over perfect reports will help you raise your production.

You can do it.
Thank you for the tips -sm-
I am sure the knowledge will come in handy for me sometime.
Now do you see why your tips

there are no more posts defending your tips for a resume.  You should be ashamed of yourself exposing applicants in such a way on this board.  This company you represent is definitely off my list.  What a scam.  You couldn't even post the link correctly, yet you are on here giving tips for resumes. 


These MTSOs are a dime a dozen...  I did read on your website that you always hire the best MTs, but I guess you fall short on recruiters, huh? 


Thank you for those tips, they will help.

Ex-Spheris MT, HITS is a windows-based application...

you will type in.  It is very, very user friendly.  Frankly, it is the only aspect I miss about working for Healthscribe/Spheris.  Good luck!!


Question for Escriptionist. I need a new computer. All the new ones have Windows Vista. Is this
compatible with the EditScript platform. Seems I have read that some platforms are not compatible with the new Windows Vista, yet that is all I am finding when computer shopping.
I had that happen and had to play them in Windows media player-nm
xx
What company is QT??? Q-Tips?

Speed tips on VR
MG - WOW!  can you tell me how you achieve such a great line count with VR?  That is incredible.  I have worked on eScription before and am now on Dolbey which is similar.  I am starting to get used to using the function keys and not the mouse but I wonder if you could share some speed building tips?  Thanks!
speed tips
I speed up the audio enough to still hear it but to be able to get through it faster. If i run into something I am not sure of, i just slow it down. I use ALL of the shortcut keys I can as well and run the spellcheck! :)
Yes, that is the platform but tips
not really, just very good, almost no errors at all on the reports and I had all VR all day today, love it. Use the mouse, just used to it.
I think they are taking tips from the Q then.

Either that or my QA person is moonlighting and working at #2 on the side.


Unbelievable.


Okay.. I've tried Windows Media and Real Player.. nothing.. still saying I need codecs.
I've never had this problem playing a test before. I am not sure what the deal is. I hate to give up .. but...
Which shortcut program works best with Windows-based Meditech?nm
xx
work at home tips

I found that I had to be mean.  No, I cannot babysit, take you places, loan you money etc..... I am working....... I found family to be the worst.  The husbands and significant others think they are exempt from this.  Call a million times a day.  Honey do you want to go..... with me and it is always during working hours.  They have odd working schedule and do not understand we have to work set hours.  I got a lot more done when I started being firm with people.


We use dial up so of course the phone is always busy but they are not afraid to use the cell phone.  Be firm and stick to your guns.  I found the best thing was having set hours because otherwise the DH wanted me to go everywhere with him on his days off.  I wonder how they would feel if the situation was reversed. 


Good luck to you


Lisa


Tips on the application process
Good morning! Never give any information not asked for. If they don't ask if you have books, don't tell them. There are so many ways of researching on-line until you get the books that you would have been fine. Never, never say what you won't do until you actually talk to the recruiter after testing and they see you are going to be a quality employee. Then when you're specifically asked about scheduling during your job offer, say you'd prefer not to work Sundays. During the application process, when they ask if you are willing to work weekends, I always put yes, but for me this means Saturday. During my job interview/offer, that's when I let them know I prefer Sundays off. Maybe this will help for next time, along with prayer. (Oh please Father, I want this job, please, please, please). lol

I've worked for 3 different companies in the last 12 years and have always received replies to a job opening. The next time you apply, send a followup email the next day on the status of your application. I did this the very next day with all three companies. That is not being pushy...it's just letting them know you seriously want this job and are excited to know your status. Good luck, Dreamer! :)
MTSO has some resume tips

(Not sure if this is best board for my message but here goes.)


Am just a small business MTSO owner who posted a couple IC work opportunities on the job board the other day.  No problems there.  Had absolutely tons of responses and appreciate every person that sent a resume.  We're evaluating some very good candidates as a result of the ads and appreciate the MTStars boards for this venue.


However, after seeing the quality of resumes we received I just feel the need to give out a bit of advice to those MTs who are pasting resumes into their email response in hopes of getting a call back from an employer with a job opening.


A lot of resumes we received were clearly written and easy to read at first glance (those are the ones we kept).  However, most were not.


Because of this I’d like to offer a few resume tips to new and seasoned MTs when sending an email resume through the email pasting process.


Again, the purpose for my post is just my opinion and to alert some MTs that their resumes were so horrible to read, so completely convoluted and jumbled up that it would take days to decipher/separate the MT/transcription skills from the past employment, unrelated past jobs, and skills useless to transcription work, etc. 


Also, with the resumes we received over the past few days it was really hard to get through most of them to find out which sender had the best match with the skills we were looking for.  I've utimately had to just delete a lot of them because of not clearly seeing that from the paragraphs that went on and on, naming everything kind of work experience they ever had that is totally, completely, and useless when applying for this kind of work.


There are really good reference materials out there for doing a resume, but I have to say most of those setups are for job resumes that get printed and do need to have some relevant paragraphs relating to the job they're applying for.  These transcription positions are a completely different situation.


Therefore, I'd like to humbly offer my MTSO two-cents worth of advice to folks pasting resumes:


1) Resumes should never use the word I in any part of the resume.  It's not a letter, you should not refer to yourself in the first person.  Your resume is almost supposed to read like a 3rd party presentation.
2) Get rid of absolutely anything on that resume that is irrelevant to the type of transcription work for which you are applying. 
3) Get rid of old job listings.  No MTSO can possibly care that 10 years ago you worked at Burger King!
4)  Make LISTS of skills -- bullet, dash, arrow, anything to highlight your skills so the reader can quickly skim through that list.
5)  DO NOT write paragraphs as a mixture of employers, experience, and skills.  It's just too hard to read through those.
6) Please dont list E-V-E-R-Y course you ever took in your MT training program.  We don't care!  If you completed a training it's hoped you had those courses.  And, these course names don't take the place of experience.  Just don't do this. 

6) You don't have to list E-V-E-R-Y piece of computer equipment and reference marterial you own.  MTSOs assume you have the needed gear when you apply.  You might list a few to validate you have what the MTSO requires, but again make it a short list not a paragraph.  
7)  Applicants should send a resume that first of all is a match for what experience the job post says it's looking for.  Ortho is ortho, ENT is ENT, psychology is psychology (not psychiatry), and so on. 

8)  Past employers are extremely important; however, when applying for work via email I wouldn't list any of them at all at first.  If the employer is interested they will let you know that they would like your references. 
9) Best test for your resume:  Paste your resume into an email and send it to yourself.  You will see how you come across


CONCLUSION:  Most MTSOs just want the facts, Ma'am. 


In my opinion, a short and sweet resume is the best way to help an MTSO manager make a decision in determining if an applicant has the skills needed for the type of work they need help with, then to encourage that call back to the MT for the next step--work/test, whatever the MTSO hiring process is. 


I would like to encourage MTs to think about fixing up their resumes.  To that end, I’ve gone ahead and humbly posted a link to a sample bare-bones resume format that works very well when pasting into emails. 


Hope this is of some help to anyone who wants to improve their resume appearance and ensure a better response to their online email job applications.  Hope this is of some help out there.  It’s not all the answers and solutions, but again just my thoughts. 


Here’s the link to the document, it is just from my website.  Just click on the link below -- or paste into a browser address bar and press ENTER -- the file should automatically open in Word.


http://j.b5z.net/i/u/2032565/i/SAMPLE_RESUME_SETUP.dmt.2008.doc


I’d be happy to answer any emails regarding this.  Marcia - Data-Med Transcription, Inc.  (http://www.data-mt.com)


EditScript 8-speed tips?

I recently started VR editing in Editscript 8.  Im using the alt-k and alt-shift-k options...slowly.  LOL  What seems to slow me up is adding in commas and such, which those options don't seem to help with.  Anyhow, after three days I am at a blinding speed of something like 220 lines an hour.


Anybody have any tips to increase ease and speed, or does it just take time, or does it never happen! 


It's very slow. If you have any tips on speed,
nm
You must be psychic. I just ended up going on Ebay today and bought a Dell with Windows XP on it.
I originally went through Dell directly but they charged $400 more for the same computer because they were customizing it with Windows XP as now all the computer came standard with Vista. Apparently not so customized..haha.. better deals on Ebay.. I LOVE EBAY..
Any tips on handling recruiters who may not be honest?
I am just getting a weird feeling from a recruiter.  The recruiter told me three different starting rates of pay and asked me to tell her what she quoted two days ago.  I asked what percentage of MTs stay with them for a year.  She avoided the question.  The recruiter also could not explain the pay scale. Are recruiters required to be honest?  I find it hard to believe that she was being dishonest.  Maybe I am paranoid.  Do they generally care about the company they work for, or their job is done once they hire the MT?
Just want to say thank you to those helpful MTs with tips for remember certain things!!! nm

X


Resume Tips & Tricks for Seasoned MTs!!!
We should all add these qualities to our resumes.  It's what they expect anymore anyway:

 

- An outstanding ability to take muddy, garbled jibber-jabber and severely fractured English in 155,000 dilects and turn it into unbelievably beautiful transcription, with no blanks!

 

- Oh, and don't worry, Mexican, Cuban, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Indian, or even rabid auctioneer doctors who speak so fast they could not understand them self on a play back . . .  no problemo!  It doesn't matter, because I am so good if it sounds remotely close with even one syllable barely audible or intelligible I will struggle until I get it.  I do this eagerly because I know you are selling me pride in my work, not a decent wage and because I dread your miserable QA autopsy of my work.

 

- Will work as hard as a slave for $3 an hour average with a college degree on the most gut-wrenching work you have, and all this without an occasional can of salve for the whip marks on my back.

 

- Will also fill in hundreds of entries for free on patient information, courtesy copies and researching things like how to spell Waccamaw even if I don't live in South Carolina.  Things  doctors could spell, or dictate clearly but won't because they are too lazy. 

 

- I will also run those dates of service through my magic crystal ball formula to know when the doctor says The patient was seen today, I should look back on the ADT screen and see when he dictated it to know what he means by when it was dictated.  I will do it because you will bonk me on the head and tell me, It's your job to do this for free!

 

While I am at it, I will run a medical quality assessment through my head to see if it sounds logical and reasonable for all medical sciences and diagnoses.  I will happily verify those medication dosages are correctly dictated because even if the doctor has been to medical school and I haven't . . . I should identify that 325 mg of Coreg will kill someone and correct it!  Again because, It's my job, to run around behind doctors and wipe their butt for free!!!  I'm happy to do that, even if I haven't had the benefit of medical school because . . . . yes, I'm that good baby!!

 

- And at the end of two or three years of struggling to make a wage above the poverty level learning all this garbage, if you find some foreigner will do my job cheaper to make you more money, don't sweat it!  Just fire me . . . in a conference call with 101 of my coworkers in mass humiliation.  No problem!

Thanks for the tips! Think I'll avoid them like the plague! :) nm
nm
Applicant has Some Ad Posting Tips for Data-Med
Hey, I applied for a job with your company. Here are some tips for you:

1. My first reaction was disgust at having to cut and paste my resume into the MT Stars form. Why couldn't you let the applicants send an email to your address so all the wonderful bullets and neat formatting that you requested (that actually most of your applicants probably had in their resumes) would stay clean and easily readable? It always seems very lame to me when companies won't even supply an email address--and suspicious. I've been scammed into free work on this board before. No email address means to me a red flag. And I despise posting my resume into that form.

2. The link to your web site on the MT stars template is broken. I don't know if you're aware of that or not. But, again, it was another red flag for me. Either you didn't have much attention to detail or you were a scammer.

Just some helpful information.
great tips!! I'm going to check out CoolTimer... nm
x
Any tips/hints/advice, fellow MTs???

I am posting to ask my fellow MTs for some tips/hints/advice/suggestions.


I'm starting a new position tomorrow which uses the Meditech platform.


Yes, I know MediTech is rather antiquated, clunky, and a general pain.  It's the version where one cannot type into Word and paste into MediTech; everything has to be typed directly into MediTech.


It's been EONS since I've used MediTech and I'm going to be very rusty.  Does anyone have any quick tips, hints, or refreshers they can throw my way to make my transition back into time a bit less stressful? 


I appreciate anything you guys can offer


 


Cheryl Flanders' Tips '.N Techniques

Does anyone know if this is compatible with Word 2007?


Thank you (as always).