How much do expanders help you

My experience with expanders and clinic sm [2008-08-20]
work has been that they usually want things verbatim and nothing expanded so my Expander actually sometimes is more trouble than it's worth on this particular work type. Of course, it depends on your account specifics. It's probably good for physical exams and consistent phrases for particular dictators?

She says it's straight typing, expanders only, [2008-06-20]
x

You can transfer from some expanders. SH [2008-06-11]
has a tutorial in their software showing how to do it. I transferred from PRD.

Chartscript and expanders [2008-06-04]
I have downloaded Instantext given to me by the company I work with. It isn't showing up on Chartscript. It is like it doesn't recognize it or something. Is there a way you link this to Chartscript or something I am not doing? I am lost without an expander.

Expanders [2008-05-21]
You definitely want to use some kind of word/text expander, whether it's Word's Auto-Correct or Auto-Text utilities or some other retail product. They're especially useful for alphanumeric terms and phrases that are dictated frequently but not so consistently that using a macro is possible every time that situation arises. Once you get the hang of it and figure out how your brain best remembers expansion clues, you can create your shortcuts quickly and they won't be difficult to remember as you're typing. If you're like me, I hate having to type out -year-old after every age, so although it took a little time, I created an entry for every age from 1 to 99 that I key in as the age followed by yo, e.g., 43yo, which then expands to 43-year-old. For phrases or multiple-word terms, some MTs like to create a shortcut using just the first letter of each word. That works for a lot of things but not everything because of accepted abbreviations. I create shortcuts based on what my brain knows it will remember and how it feels when I type it. I experiment with it a little bit until I come up with a shortcut that will fly off my fingertips. I use lapchole for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but avh for auditory or visual hallucinations. Be creative! You can also create custom toolbars for various accounts and/or speakers, then create toolbar buttons out of Auto-Text entries for longer passages or pain-in-the-neck stuff like inside addresses you type frequently, and drag and drop them to those custom toolbars. It takes a couple of minutes to set up a toolbar button, but it's worth it for certain kinds of text expansion data. Another tip: Create a toolbar on your desktop for your work-related programs and resources. To do it, right click on your system tray, select Toolbars, and give your new toolbar a name. I call mine My MT. Then create a folder on your desktop with the same name you gave your new toolbar. Drag and drop or copy links to the items you want in your toolbar to the new desktop folder, and voila, they immediately show up on your toolbar. Customize your icons so you can easily find the one you want, and keep your link names short to maximize how many links your toolbar can hold and use the space efficiently. The kinds of links I have on my My MT toolbar include Google, One-Look, Word, Excel, My Documents (shortened to Docs), platform links, Volume and Audio controls...anything you know you use a lot and don't like having to minimize windows for to find on your desktop. Have fun!

There is a huge difference between expanders and the limits of [2008-05-20]
autocorrect and autotext that is only available in Word. Take a look at the Instant Text and ShortHand forums on Productivity Talk to see how an Expander can do a lot more for your productivity than just expand text. Productivity Talk at http://www.productivitytalk.com/forums/index.php

expanders [2008-05-18]
What exactly do you mean by the word Expander in word? I am computer illiterate. Would that be the same expander I use in Extext where I put a phrase or word in, and make a shortcut for it? Is that any different than an expander you can purchase? I have been an MT for 21 years, and currently do 200-250 lph on average. Would another expander benefit me? TIA

Can expanders help if you mostly edit [2008-05-18]
reports rather than transcribe? That is what I do the most of.

How much do expanders help you? [2008-05-16]
I have never used an Expander since I started transcribing which was a little over a year ago. How valuable are they? Do they really help you with your line count? Does anyone know of a good free one? I do not have a lot of money to spend on expensive software. Thanks!

Question about expanders [2008-05-16]
I just downloaded a free Expander (FireFox). I do not see any difference between it and using autocorrect/autotext in Word. Can someone explain to me the difference? Also, has anyone used Dragon Naturally Speaking and echo dictation? I am tempted to try this and see if it helps my production any. Someone mentioned to me that they are transcribing over 350 lines an hour using this method. If anyone does this, I would love to hear from you. TIA

Ah, NO!!!!!!! Expanders are the only way to go, until [2008-05-16]
nm

expanders [2008-05-13]
I used Smartype when I workedon a word program, but now I am using meditech. How do you use Expanders with other programs? An old MT asking for help.

you should really start using expanders now! That would greatly help your production - nm [2008-05-12]
x

Word expanders?? [2008-04-18]
I am wondering how you build your word Expanders and remember everything you put in it? I have downloaded the ShortHand word expander, but I can't figure out how to even use it. I've never used one before, but I really need to incorporate it in to my transcribing so I can make a decent living.Thanks,Wanda

RE: expanders [2008-04-08]
I just got the book Saving Keystrokes. It is wonderful. For anybody out there that needs shortcuts, get that book. I can't just sit and think them up. This gives me good stuff to go by.

Expanders [2008-03-20]
Hey Carla I've got over 2000 Expanders in my list, and I can remember almost all of them at any given time because of the logic I used to create them. Anyone is welcome to a copy in Excel format, if they'd like. Just drop me an e-mail!

I use QuickCorrect in my MSWord. Used to use expanders but don't need them now (nm) [2008-03-17]
x

Expanders [2008-03-15]
No, I never thought to get one. I would though if there are less bugs. Which do you recommend?

Expanders & 4.9 slowness [2008-02-20]
Hi, We saw your post and wanted to try and resolve the problem for you. Many Expanders can be used on Emdat InScribe. If not, if your Expander has the option to EXPORT to text, at Emdat, we can convert those to Emdat's AutoText. Also, InScribe 4.91 was released recently and as the other person said in her reply, we have had complaints of slowness. We are confident that this is resolved in 4.92 (available by Beta only beta@emdat.com). The issue was a small bug in 4.3 that allowed a dictation and transcription to not match. Although this was rare (only about 5 times out of millions), we needed to prevent this from happening, thus the slowness. Please contact beta@emdat.com if you wish to try 4.92 or contact our us at the Help Desk at 630-743-0500 x1. Thanks, Emdat Help Desk.

Word Expanders [2008-02-15]
Hi there, First I would like to say thank you very much to all of you that helped me the last time I posted a message. My questions today is, does anybody know of a free word Expander that's user friendly?

Word Expanders....need opinions on which is the best..... [2008-02-07]
.....and that doesn't cost $200.00. I have seen many downloadable expanders, and wondered if anyone has downloaded one from the Internet? I've been considering Fastfox by NCH or Swifttext by Bytescribe ($49.00). Anyone use these with good results? Thanks so much.

Yes. That is their version of expanders. [2008-02-07]
You get to them with Ctrl Ctrl when in the document. You can follow the options on the right (they are pretty self explanatory) about creating your own. Of note, you need to turn off your autocorrect if you are using ESPs they are basically the same thing. Feel free to E-mail me if you need answers to a specific question.

expanders [2008-01-26]
Of course I use Expanders - most companies that you work for supply an expansion program and if you are an IC you can still get one that would make your money back for you quickly... regardless of whether I type the lines or I use an Expander program to do it, I am still producing those lines and it makes me more than minimum wage.

Expanders?? SM [2008-01-26]
Please tell me what the names of them are, where to get them, easy to install or learn?? TIA Doing this for 14 years and almost on welfare now.

I have heard that some can really tweak their expanders [2007-12-29]
It is especially good to get the same docs over and over who dictate the same way. She may have entire reports or parts thereof stored and just has to make a couple of changes. It probably can be done under the most excellent of conditions. However, a doctor only dictates so fast, so it might be hard to achieve that level of lph while listening to every word of the dictation. I agree with those who say to maximize Expander use. It helps me put the dictation speed much faster.

Swift Text or cheaper expander info please [2008-08-29]
I was wondering if anyone uses Swift Text Expander or any other cheaper Expanders (if there are any). I am going to start doing some IC work besides my full-time job. I am going to be paid hourly but I would like an expander just because I am so used to using it now I would be lost withoutit. I currently use what is built into my work system now and do not any experience with others. I am only going to do this extra work minimally so didn't know if it would be worth investing in a more expensive expander or if I could get by with a cheaper one. Any info/ideas would be appreciated. Thanksin advance for any info.

I have one of the old Kinesis keyboards, sm [2008-08-24]
which I've never been able to use because I couldn't get any help with disabling its function keys so that I could use my expanders. Do you know how I might disable them? I'd love to be able to use that keyboard. My CTS is really getting bad in both hands. Thanks!

First off...sm [2008-08-21]
The one poster below me is right. There are normals and then there are expanders. First...600 lines an hour in clinic is, in my opinion, not a possibility. Clinic has too many variables. It is not possible in every hour for acute care either, though I have done it a time or two, as in probably 4 hours of this entire year of 2008. Mostly, I do about 300 to 350 and I use Smart Type. I honestly believe that Word tops out at about 400 or slightly more. It won't go that fast, period. WP5.1 is another story and there, I was routinely at 400 lph with no normals in clinic, no less. Expanders will give you more lines per hour. Properly used, they can also make a lot less work for your hands, allowing you to type longer hours. Without an expander, I burn at about 90 minutes. With Smart Type, I can type happily for 8 and be a bit sore for about 4 more (I work two jobs). An Expander CAN increase your accuracy, but I QA with a difficult account and I see expander errors too frequently to believe that this is always true for everyone. I have about 20K abbreviations in my expander. I will tell you that I don't have many doctor-specific shortcuts. If I have more than one doctor who uses a given phrase, I'll add it, provided I can remember to use it. Mine are put into the expander in a way that doesn't demand I remember any of them, which is good because I can't remember them! More faster is the goal, not a given rate per hour. Email with any questions.

Kudos to you! You have a positive 'tude! [2008-08-19]
I would suggest since I started working 20 years ago in this field that you take notes. Ask for sample reports if and when possible. Start a notebook either by account or dictator. I have a 3-ring binder. If I have an account (like your secondary) where it's different specialties, I simply open my notebook and it brings back my memory of that particular dictator. Some people say use expanders, but I don't use one. I do use autotext because I work in Word. I think developing speed takes having the same dictator, but I definitely think you are on the right path!

Good things take time. (this is addressed to OP, BTW) My first 15 years or sm [2008-08-19]
so of MT was without the benefit of using an expander. When Expanders became the norm, I was reluctant to try, thinking that it would be more cumbersome than by not using it at all. Was I surprised and pleased I had ventured into the Expander world. Since you're at home you can add entries on your free time, even if you do 5 or 10 at a time, when there is no pressure on you. Start out with expanders for the patient, -year-old, the names of your doctors, anything that is repetitious. You will be surprised how much time this will save you. My initial expander, PRD, actually calculated saved Keystrokes and productivity. Back then I was saving 30%! The expander is especially helpful for those crazy terms that are hyphenated or have camel caps, those that I always had to look up to check myself. Create your brief form by just using straight lowercase, for instance, duoneb for Duo-Neb (or d-n). Speed will come, don't worry. Good luck to you! (Posted in the wrong place--I always do that!) This is in response to OP.

expander [2008-08-19]
While it may not be necessary, it sure can help. Why type 10 Keystrokes when you can type 1? Plus it assists accuracy because once you enter something correctly, it will be correct every time you use it. A good Expander takes time to build, but if you add to it a little at a time, it will really pay off. Line counts go up significantly once you get comfortable with the expanders, and that just equates to money on your check and improved accuracy. If you could do 2000 lines a day without using one, why not do 3000 lines while using one while continuing to earn 8 hours of income?

EMDAT is good [2008-08-09]
EMDAT is a very good platform.The peoplethat do not like it never learned it. I also hated it in the beginning. It's not that EMDAT is bad; it's the fact that it is a change from what they've been doing. A friend of mine makes more per line, but I make much more money than her. The demographic screen is already filled in on each job. That alone gives me two lines before I even type a word. The Expanders are wonderful, and there is no need at all for an additional expansion program of any kind. And I've read several times that the spellcheck/dictionary is just awful. It is NOT if it is set up correctly! EMDAT's tech team is easily accessible and get back to you very quickly if not at the moment you call. They will walk you thru any and all steps. If your spellcheck is not catching words, something is wrong. I'll get arguments I'm sure, but I've worked on this platform now for three years and wouldn't want to go to anything else.

EMDAT is good [2008-08-09]
EMDAT is a very good platform.The peoplethat do not like it never learned it. I also hated it in the beginning. It's not that EMDAT is bad; it's the fact that it is a change from what they've been doing. A friend of mine makes more per line, but I make much more money than her. The demographic screen is already filled in on each job. That alone gives me two lines before I even type a word. The expandersare wonderful, and there is no need at all for an additional expansion program of any kind. And I've read several times that the spellcheck/dictionary is just awful. It is NOT if it is set up correctly! EMDAT's tech team is easily accessible and get back to you very quickly if not at the moment you call. They will walk you thru any and all steps. If your spellcheck is not catching words, something is wrong. I'll get arguments I'm sure, but I've worked on this platform now for three years and wouldn't want to go to anything else.

Yes that does! I need to read and re-read [2008-08-08]
your explanation though as I'm easily confused. I had no idea you could bring up a report again. So if I lose the entire screen, I can re-log on to Bayscribe, pray the same report comes back to me (it usually does), hit alt-R, and my report will return? If it does, THANK YOU! If it doesn't, THANK YOU anyway because you tried and I'm not too bright. Oh, with all the BOLDING problems, I made F3 Expanders for my bolds. Example, SUBJECTIVE so when I click sub...it all comes out. I hope it works anyway!

relax, and 1st of all, [2008-08-08]
remember that your liaison is there to help you!! TALK to him/her when you are having a problem. Most always when you go back into the same WT, the same report WILL come back to you. Even if it does not, ignore the demographics and go to the text box, and hit Alt-R. it will, like previous poster said, restore it all. If you don't have the right sound file, x out of it, and from your text box, hit alt-H to restore correct sound file. keep a copy of window commands and hot key commands close at hand. my suggestion also, is that when making bold/expanders, use an identifier for the bold, ie bsubjective or bsub or subjb. then later when you are maybe doing a secondary account that does not use the bold headers, you won't have to re-do your Expanders for that account. i too came from DQS and after this stuff became second hand, now i love bayscribe. feel free to e/m me too.

Can I add glossary from V Pro to III Pro> [2008-07-29]
I work for a national that put IT V Pro on my system and it contains all my expanders. I have just taken a PT job and will be using my other computer and IT III pro. Is it possible to insert the IT IIIPROfloppy into my national's computer and transfer the glossary onto it? And, in worst case scenario, I will be purchasing IT V Pro. I have scanned the site but do not see where Buy Now is an option. The forum doesn't appear to have a sales section either. Thank you for your help - starting a new job is both exciting and challenging.

ditto, Dawn, same here... [2008-07-19]
We were so isolated inhouse that technology has totally passed us by. I just tested last week (first time in 30+ years) and I was a nervous wreck. Plus, the recruiter asked what I absolutely hated to type the most and I said orthopods and course, the longest report was guess what? I told her they can't dictate, they are in noisy surroundings and I absolutely cringe at the sound of stainless steel being bounced around, which of course, as usual it was. To top it off, he was underwater the entire time. Speech also has something to do with being familiar with someone and almost knowing what they are going to say next along with normals and expanders. To make it even worse, their programs would not load per directions and I had no clue about their platform. I was stuck using F keys because the foot pedal would never work; that was a blast! Even then, I passed the darn thing, but I was not happy at all. Try to stay inhouse if you can because this has really turned into a demanding field and everybody can slack off everywhere except tx; I don't know how this attitude came about, but we are just drudges now.

Get a notebook... [2008-07-16]
Divide it by accounts. Print samples and client profiles if possible. Put some spare paper in there to make notes when you've done a Google search for a drug, city, street name, referring doc, etc. Write it down. Then when you get that account again, you slap open your notebook and it all starts coming back to you. Gone are the days of the same dictator over and over again. They can only dictate so much in a day, so most of us have to expand our horizons. This notebook has been my lifesaver! P/S: I do not use an expander. I only use Word autocorrect. I am old school, so to me Expanders seem like they would confuse me as I can type pretty quick after 20 years.

Some suggestions [2008-07-16]
One of the things that I learned as a rookie 24 short years ago, was to keep a notebook for your word book. Index it alphabetically. What I was taught to do was to enter words, drugs and other terms that I had to look up - the first time I had to look them up. Make sure that when you make your entries that you use appropriate capitalization. This was a life saver for me. Everything is in one book. You can also make notes next to your entries, for example if a particular dictator uses a particular word or phrase repeatedly I would not that next to the entry. This came in very handy. You don't have to keep your entries in strict alphabetical order, just by letter should be fine. You will get to know which terms/drugs/phrases you are having to look up often. It is a great way of reinforcing what you are hearing. I also agree with the other MT who suggested you get a notebook. When transcribing on a new or unfamiliar account I would always print sample reports and keep them in a notebook also in alpha order by dictator. Of course if you do this you need to black out any identifying patient information. Expanders are also great. Use your imagination when using Expander programs. A book worth taking a look it is one about saving keystrokes. Sorry the name escapes me. There are lots of hints for combining different shortcuts. Time is money in transcription and the more shortcuts you can use will make you a more productive MT. I use Instant Text and it's worth its weight in gold. Plus, after 24 years, I need to take care of my hands! A comfortable chair is a necessity. I have recently begun using a balance ball chair. After years of sitting and transcribing and the back, bone and joint issues that go along with that, I have found this to be a tremendous relief! I find that I am not as stiff and sore as I was when I was using a regular office chair.

Expansions for numbers/lab values [2008-07-15]
Do you all use Expanders for numbers and lab values? - Ex.: 0-10 red cells, 10-20 white cells ... things of that nature. I have a few, but it seems there are so many different combinations of number items that I can't come up with a good system. Any ideas appreciated.

Completely depends on the work, but... [2008-07-14]
with decent experience as a Transcriptionist and a decent amount of shortcuts in an Expander program, I think maybe an average for acute care lines per hour might be about 125 on a new account with ESL. So take your requirement and divide by that...and you might be typing40 hours or so in order to get 5000 lines in. Depending on work, experience, how long you've been doing that account, if you're getting paid for spaces, and your expanders, it could be anywhere between that and up to or beyond 225 lines per hour pretty much.

Flashtype feedback [2008-07-04]
I didn't see any information on converting my current list of Expanders (for Shorthand) to Flashtype. As I have close to 3000 entries, I'm afraid there's no way I'm going to spend the time to copy those individually and so uninstalled the trial. Other than that, the template variables looked promising.

Shorthand/Word Expander Feedback. [2008-07-01]
We are in process of revamping MTStars FlashType (Shorthand/Word Expander). http://www.mtstars.com/FlashType We appreciate feedback from all visitors who are/were using any Shorthand/Word Expander Software in terms... = Which software do you use and why? (e.g User friendly, Robust, Built-in Dictionaries etc.) = The features you like and dislike within software? = What are your suggestions for upgraded version of FlashType? Which features you would like to see in it? This thread will be followed by our staff and 5 Free copies of upgraded version of MTStars FlashType will be given (by end of August, 2008) to best feedback providers in this discussion. PS. It's an official thread by MTStars Administration. We don't want disparaging remarks/comments about other software providers, we respect all the competitors. The only purpose is to evaluate End User experience regarding Shorthand/Word Expanders in general and FlashType in particular. Thanks,MTStars Administration.

I almost spit out my coffee on your [2008-06-25]
last sentence! However, I am not certified. Back in '70 if you could pass an English spelling test, you got the job and hard knocks was the teacher. When this whole AAMT started, the hospital really did not want us taking off for this stuff, made it clear there would be no increased monetary benefit, so we just never did. We never had a CMT in there until about 7 or 8 years ago, boy was she an eye-opener, we were totally out of the loop in a lot of different areas. We had never heard of abbreviation expanders. Catchup is a devil. And a lot of comments from all different areas of the country are almost identical - all you do is sit there and type is probably #1. A retired botanist once told me, you're a transcriptionist? where have you been all my life? These are so few and far inbetween that I remember all three of them!

Same as See Message, with good quality output... sm [2008-06-22]
...except for those periods when I just can't get into the groove, and then I go back and review. Good question, JJ. In general, I punctuate and review as I go and regard looking back as a sign of inefficiency and that I need to concentrate better. Regarding use of expanders, as mentioned, my experience is that they cut down a bunch on typos used extensively. BTW, JJ is my short form for has had. :)

The longer [2008-06-20]
you are in the business and have more expanders, the less errors you tend to make. You are then able to do more scan proofing (mostly to make sure you typed the expansion properly and didn't cause something bizarre to pop into the report). I am still pretty green. I try to notice what I can while I type and always go back through it (and find something more to correct). Some reports are much easier to proof than others. The long detailed ones that are harder to type are more difficult to proof as well. I have a hard time keeping my mind from wandering to personal issues, etc. while proofing those.

don't believe it either... [2008-06-20]
not even editing voice recognition. Because editing VR one cannot use Expanders effectively. My handicaps are 'getting' the medicaments right and 'poor' dictators give me the creeps.

I use it to transfer files but I think it is based on Word sm [2008-06-17]
for typing so you shouldn't have a problem with macros and Expanders as long as they are in Word. As far as the footpedal, I am not sure as I have a USB adaptar from RadioShack converting it to USB instead of serial, but you can download the free trial of DocShuttle and see if it would work.

DocShuttle ease of use [2008-06-16]
I am looking for part time work and wonder what good and/or bad anybody has experienced with the DocShuttle Transcriptionist/Client software. I have an IN-BMG foot pedal. I don't want to put out money for software and not have it work with my pedal. Can I keep my macros and expanders, do I need a special adapter? My present pedal is in the 15-pin joystick port on my computer. Any and all comments good or bad deeply appreciated.

couple of guesses... [2008-06-05]
I haven't used Meditech for about 4 years but ... yes, it does work with a number of Expanders ... but, yes, if you are using a company provided machine, you need their approval before installing anything. ... yes, it's possible they don't know how the system works ... but I wonder how many other duties you have ... answering the phone, faxing reports, dealing with other issues. They simply may not want to deal with the can of worms incentive plans create. {When I supervised a small office, virtually every new hire politely asked me if they could be excused from answering the phone, and just type reports, even without an incentive plan -- similarly some people felt filing was beneath them}. FWIW, at my last Meditech job, we had not only Instant Text but also stedman's dictation and some pharm software loaded on ALL machine (I worked from home). If you have Word or even the ability to copy/paste into notepad and save files into a folder, there's no limit to the number of personal normals' you can easily store and retrieve once you've worked out your filing system. At that same job, I also used to transcribe into Word, when Meditech was down (infrequent but it happened) and then copy/paste report into Meditech (having recordedall the log-in info) -- while this could be done on a regular basis (with permission), it isn't terribly time-efficient and there are glitchy problems unless you use a strict TXT or RFT file format (but the Word Expander and spell check have their attractions). Hope this helps. It's also worth noting that some departments (quite understandably, imho) really avoid being too efficient ... it can lead to staff cuts and other upsets. Your boss may well have his/her own reasons, reasonable or not. Irrc, a 5-desk license is really awfully reasonable dollar-wiseand isn't hard to justify a fast-cheap upgrade/improvement. But having had several if it ain't broke don't fix it bosses, sometimes it's a lost cause. Look around you -- installing this would be great for you -- how would it impact everyone else in your office, particularly the slower, less proficient, less skilled? Meditech has it's drawbacks -- god knows -- but in my experience it's always been a very reliable workhorse and the ability to shift between modules to look stuff up is glorious. But, I'm definitely old school Good luck!