It is like night and day having an expander. I cannot image...sm

Make your expander lists portable [2008-12-01]
The esp file can be saved as mentioned.The next step is to make it work in Bayscribe. One solution is to use Instant Text and import your esp file. Once your Expander file is an Instant Text glossary, it is portable and you can use it on any MTSO transcription platform. MarianneTextware Solutions

Macro expander [2008-11-28]
Have anyof you used that new Windows Expanderex product advertised on this site? What kind of file does it use? Is it compatible with Shorthand? Sure wish they would make one available that isn't so expensive. Would like one for home use but don't want to spend over $100.

Expander Tips [2008-11-28]
Is there a website or book that lists Expander tips? I am going back to transcribing after editing the past few years and need to build up my AutoCorrect. Thanks in advance!

Three word phrases are all that I put in my expander. [2008-11-12]
dd

I don't see how you can have an expander [2008-11-05]
for different numeric values.

A good expander pays for itself in no time at all. [2008-11-05]
Word files corrupt too easily so be sure to keep a backup for when you've lost all your shortcuts. Also remember that you can only use autotext in Word and you're working harder not smarter. JMHO.

Yes and it is called an expander. There [2008-10-30]
are several. ShortHand (also called Speed Type), Instant Text (not sure of the correct spelling) are 2 that I can think right now. A lot of companies use ShortHand.

Expander [2008-10-29]
Thank you so much for information, great help !!!

Best word expander? [2008-10-28]
What is the most efficient word Expander to use with Windows XP? Do any of them utilize the space bar to expand the word (I find hitting the return key takes more time)? Is Smart-Type any good ?

Put annoying redundants in your expander...sm [2008-10-27]
and at the end of your pay period, count them and either aggravate yourself or LYAO all the way to the bank!

Expander [2008-10-22]
Expanders are great and didn't know that about Instant Text being compatible. Aside from making more money using the expander, they save your hands and your wrists from CTS or the like.

picking an expander [2008-10-20]
Hey all, anyone got any suggestions for picking a word expander? I really need a good one. I have been working without one and realize that I am severely limiting myself? Just started working on acouple ofsmall acounts this year. I am very new and don't want to spend money where I don't need to. Thanks

Thinking about finally getting an expander [2008-10-20]
The two jumping out at me are Instant Text and Smartype. Any insight would be helpful from anyone who has used either/or. I think using an Expander is the only way I am going to make enough money nowadays.

Expander [2008-10-20]
I type for MQ and use DQS. What Expander works best with this platform. Thank you in advance. mh

Sweating at night [2008-10-15]
My husband does the same thing, and he is out in the heat a lot and forgets to drink more water. I feel his body gets dehydrated, but often with dehydration you don't sweat and cannot get your body to cool down. There are so many reasons that the best thing is to really check this out with a doctor. Does he ever having vomiting or diarrhea?

Question about night sweats... [2008-10-14]
Hey everyone, I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this: My husband is 25 years old. He is not really overweight, more of a beer belly from 6 years of college :). Other than that he is pretty skinny. But at night he sweats horribly! I had the A/C down to 70 degrees last night, the fan on, and he still soaked the sheets. We are still waiting to hear about insurance so going to the doctor is kind of tough right now. He says he feels fine. We attended one of those fairs where they do all the blood tests for like $20 awhile back and his only problem was his HDL was a little low. He works construction and is outside a lot, but he drinks a good amount of water (at least he says he does lol) I just don't know what to do! I mean we have only been married for a year and a half so I don't really want to sleep in another bed, but I can't stand wet sheets! TIA!!

night sweats [2008-10-14]
Did you ever check if he has fever? I do not want to scare you, but I was told that people who have tuberculosis sweat a lot during the night.

Can someone help me in converting my SH entries to the Chartscript expander? SM [2008-10-10]
Ithought SH would work with Chartscript, but the tech guy says that their Chartscript Expander and all the abbreviations reside on the hospital's server, and my abbreviations are on my own PC which is why it won't work. Can anybody help get around this somehow or convert my entries and how to load into Chartscript? The tech guy says he doesn't know anything about SH. Thank you.

Mary Morken expander system [2008-10-07]
I need to make at least $150 a day every day. Where can I find a Mary Morken's method? Thanks

Barbara Grow expander method [2008-10-07]
I am in search of Barbara Grow's or Mary Morken's word Expander method and dictionaries. I googled these and am not finding any place that has them free or for sale. Do any of you know where to find them?

I downloaded 2 last night without a problem [2008-10-03]
This isn't a hoax, they are legitimate Stedman's electronic downloads, just older versions. I downloaded 2 files and ran scans on them both prior to installing....they were clean files. They were also full versions, third edition, but hey when your own Stedman's books are nearly a decade old and mainly first and second editions, a third edition electronic seems cool. Files work fine for me.

Losing expander by switching companies [2008-10-03]
If I decided to switch companies but am using an Expander program that is the company's software, I would haveto start from square one with new company.(There is noway around that, correct?) Not planning on leaving now but was just thinking that ifthat should become a consideration, my line count woulddrop big time until I could build all thoseexpansions again. Has anyone ever gone through that? Do you remember how long it took to get back up to speed?

The shortcuts expander works with the Bayscribe expander as well. [2008-10-01]
All at the same time.

Expander? [2008-09-27]
I'm new, so excuse my ignorance, but what's' an expander?

How could a dictionary/text or word expander..sm [2008-09-21]
compromise patient confidentiality? Just another ploy by MTSOs for control. Some of them think we are so dumb they would claim proprietary ownership to our underwear if they could get away with it.

Just venting about TAT.... [2008-12-04]
If these hospitals are so picky about turnaround time...These docs come in on Saturday night and dictate 50 charts from the last 6 months that they haven't done, every report is 15-20 minutes long, and by cracky, they had better be typed and on the chart within 48 hours, or the transcription company gets a fine. OK. I feel better now.

I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm [2008-12-02]
First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided. I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it. I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc. I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income. As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are: How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription. Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice. I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start. Thanks in Advance!

Thank God for some nurses who DO dictate... [2008-12-02]
for the docs who are horrible dictators. I do progress notes for an ICN nursery almost nightly. Thank GOD for those nurses. There are 2 docs right from the old country who can't string a sentence together in English though good docs they may be. We're talking 7-8 page very detailed reports on some of these babies. The other night, one of these gals dictated the first part, God love her, and actually handed the phone to the doc to give his 2 cents worth, awful dictator. Hey, the best thing some of these docs can do is let their PAC's do the dictating!!!

Which is better? [2008-12-02]
I currently use ShortHand and will be moving to a company that uses Instant Text with Medrite. Was told that my Shorthand could be converted somehow to use within Instant Text or I could use the Medrite expander. I really just want to use Shorthand, but if I cannot, does anyone know which way would be better -- to put my Shorthand expansions into the Instant Text or the Medrite system? When they do this, will my Shorthand basically work the same? Any info greatly appreciated.

I just went through something similar- sm [2008-12-01]
the lady doing an old account of mine just disappeared one day, so I got to clean up the mess she left, just finished it up last night finally, had about 200 minute to wade through on top of my usual work. I compared voice files to the work she had turned in to figure out what dates she had done what work. They should have provided you with her last couple of weeks of work so you could have avoided the duplication. Hard to say what to do, I would not be happy about eating it but it is probably the thing to do, but make it clear to them that if they give you any more work in the future that ends up being duplicates that you will have to charge them. If they want to avoid that they should provide her previous month's work to you so you can check it to make sure there are no duplicates.

Make your expander lists portable [2008-12-01]
The esp file can be saved as mentioned.The next step is to make it work in Bayscribe. One solution is to use Instant Text and import your esp file. Once your Expander file is an Instant Text glossary, it is portable and you can use it on any MTSO transcription platform. MarianneTextware Solutions

Expander Tips [2008-11-28]
Is there a website or book that lists Expander tips? I am going back to transcribing after editing the past few years and need to build up my AutoCorrect. Thanks in advance!

I agree... [2008-11-27]
the only way I ever re-listen is if I have a word I didn't quite catch the first time and then will go back and listen to the word again after I type the whole report, but never re-listen to the whole dictation..I would be working all day and night.

Feel your pain [2008-11-26]
You need to stay calm and focused and hopefully you have a macro Expander which can help alot. Obviously experience is not what you are lacking. You need to find balance in your life with good diet, exercise, proper rest and perhaps take some herbal supplements also. If you are making grammatical errors that can be easily corrected. Don't feel bad about making less money as you are not alone. I am sure most of us are in that situation. No one is having an easy time these days. I would say stick with MT it. You know it, you've done it for years and now you need to take it up a notch and hone your skills a little better. You really have an edge over a lot of new MTs with no experience.

Terrorist attacks in Mumbai/financial districts. [2008-11-26]
Dozens killed in India terror attacks var yahooBuzzArticleId = 'usatoday:http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/11/dozens-killed-i.html?csp=34'; yahooBuzzArticleId Buzz up! Like this story? Share it with Yahoo! Buzz There now are reports of as many as 80 people dead -- a number that is likely to rise -- in apparent terror attacks aimed at tourists and travelers in Mumbai, India. Reuters is reporting that at least 250 people have been wounded in the attacks, which appear targeted at tourists. In addition, Indian television is reporting Westerners are being held hostage at at least two hotels. News networks and wire services are reporting there have been at least seven separate attacks in the city, largely at luxury hotels and restaurants. I heard some gunshots around 9:30. I was with my friends. Something hit me. I ran away and fell on the road. Then somebody picked me up. I have injuries below my shoulder, Reuters reporter Sourav Mishra said from a hospital bed, Reuters reported.The Times of India reports there have been eight separate attacks, including a major terror strike at a large passenger railway station. Our coverage is here. (Television broadcast capture of a fire at the Oberoi hotel in Mumbia courtesy NDTV, via AP) Update at 3:57 p.m. ET: According to the AP, gunmen are known to have attacked a major train station, a well-known restaurant, two luxury hotels and a police station.A previously unknown group calling itself Deccan Mujahideen has sent e-mail to news organizations claiming responsibility for the attacks, the Times of India is reporting. The AP now lists the death toll at 78. There are multiple reports that attacks are continuing.

Wow! Is that what's wrong with me lately? [2008-11-22]
I'm on the computer from 4 a.m. to sometimes 6 p.m. I don't get headaches, but sometimes I just want to upchuck, and sleepy. I'm forever falling asleep while working lately. No matter how much sleep I get at night, I still fall asleep during the day. Thanks for the info.

The old standard used to be three times the sm [2008-11-21]
length of the dictation is the typing time so 30 minutes would be 90 minutes. I'm not sure with Expander programs on one end and then horrible ESL and sometimes horrible audio - what the standard is now - I definitely struggle with it though :)

About an hour and a half if I sit still... [2008-11-20]
It also depends on how many screens to maneuver before you can type which takes time in between. I transcribed a 70 min file in an hour and a half the other night but it was one long letter. It all depends I guess.

I have 13 years' worth here and sm [2008-11-15]
I will say that mastery of this craft does bring a certain pleasure in the job. For me, challenges are few and far between when it comes to terminology, my favorite part of this job. My challenge at the moment is a difficult ESL who is a cardiothoracic surgeon. The other cardio queens will not touch him, so he is all mine. Lovely. When it comes to OP notes, which is something I did everyday until recently (was made a cardio queen) I did love it. I felt competent, capable and I loved how I had my Expander so well tuned. Yes, I enjoyed it a great deal. Right now, not so much. You have to know, even when you get to where you are more comfortable and have that certain level of mastery you will still have days when this is just a job and not a very pleasant one. It is the nature of being human, I think.

I used to work the same schedule. [2008-11-15]
This is what worked for me: You have to stay in the graveyard shift even on weekends. It won't work trying to change on weekends. If you choose to work through the night, you'll need to live that schedule 7 days a week. If you are sleeping immediately after your shift, you might need to allow about an hour to relax or settle a bit before attempting sleep. I always allowed myself to get a hot shower before going to bed. Helped me relax. Don't drink any caffeinated beverages the last 4-5 hours of your shift. Don't drink/eat anything the last 2 hours before you plan to go to bed. It all interferes with sleep. I had sound/light-cancelling window treatments in my bedroom and used a sound machine with nature sounds, not music. Music tends to engage your mind rather most of the time. The ear plugs, I tried and did not like. Dark mask, I tried and did not like. I sure did not want to take any drugs just to get sleep. You might have to have a few rough days/nights to get into it. Don't nap. Only sleep when you're supposed to. Not everyone is cut out for it. And it is damaging to the body. I remember seeing a news documentary on the effects of 3rd shift on heart disease being as significant as smoking a pack a day.

What is it like for you on Wednesdays and Thursdays? [2008-11-14]
B/C I have switched to F-Tues, and wonder if I should work Thursday instead of Monday. Oftentimes Monday is not good because everyone was on Sunday night to make sure the work starts out low and the docs dictate later in the afternoon Monday which makes for a long day. Thanks for your advice on this.

I'm getting a regular full-time job outside my home. [2008-11-14]
For 3 or 4 years now, I've been fighting to be able to stay home and work a regular schedule (yeah, right) to take care of family. I was given a sort of intervention recently that I've become a very unhappy person who is always working or waiting for work or worrying about work. I don't laugh or have fun and I've isolated myself. I'm certainly not better off than when I worked in an office and I'm less free if most ways. It's not a good or profitable trade-off anymore. I'm looking forward to separating my home and work life, and to be able to sleep at night again.

Congratulations to you! I understand [2008-11-14]
I did not sleep again last night. Found myself on the floor of my at-home office with a coffee cup and the jobs postings on the computer. I have a job, but not enough work at it. This is really really sad this is happening to so many of us. I don't know which is worse, the lack of work or the constant worry. Congrats to you for conquering both!

How much do you.... [2008-11-13]
make? Just wondering what most of you make in a week working full time. Also, do you use a word expander? Thanks for the info. Carla

I don't remember. It has been a long,...sm [2008-11-13]
long time since I had daily work available to me. I don't even remember. You know I seen on the world news last night that health care is slowing up because of the economy. Even people with health ins are not having surgeries, tests, or just simply going to the doc because they can't afford the copay or deductible. I know work has slowed.

meeting from online [2008-11-13]
Not exactly the same thing, but I met my husband online.. His little smiley face was lite up and I liked what he had said in his profile so we began chatting. Actually asked me to meet for a drink that evening.. I did,, in a casino where I lived. Obviously well populated area,, all i had to do was yell SECURITY, if there was a problem, LOL..My advise if you meet anyone from online you never, ever, ever bring them to your home.. You meet them in a public place with a lot of other people around. Agree with poster, never let on you live alone, or where you live until/if you ever feel comfory with that. We met that night and have been inseparable since..

JMO, but.... [2008-11-12]
With the way the economy is, and many transcriptionists looking for work, I'd forget the raise idea for a bit. I've been doing this for 8 years with no raises. It just does not happen when you're an IC that often. I do give myself raises, in that I work hard to improve my speed, I use my Expander to the fullest, and I add more work. The more efficiently you do what you do, the more earning potential you have. Best of luck with the raise thing. I do hope they accept the request and keep you, though it can backfire.

Anyone have this trouble? [2008-11-12]
I use lots of Expanders and create more all the time. It's great when I do the same account or two regularly, but during spells of getting more accounts (when my main ones are low) I find I waste time fumbling to see if I have an Expander for things. I have had to deviate from a normal expansion pattern (in a variety of ways), and as long as I am typing the same several dictators, I get used to the way they speak and my expansions and all the deviations just come automatically. However,when I get tons of other docs saying things in so many different ways, the deviations don't come to me and I fumble. I think I could go faster with more straight type. I know people say to have expansions for everything, but do any of you have a good way to determine when it's better to just type it out? - I don't think anyone could use 100% expansion (or even 90%), but does anyone have any advice or general thougths on this? Thanks so much!

You're welcome sm [2008-11-11]
Just remember, some doctors practice CYA insurance (cover your assets) and they tell you the very worst possible scenario so you can't come back on them later. A surgeon told me if I didn't remove my breast immediately, last week in fact, that I would be dead by now. I'm still here and I still have my breast after 8 years. I would like to meet that guy in a dark alley some night. He was just covering his you-know-what. Plus it's a business like any other business. So take it slow. Keep in touch.

Yes, in less than 1 year, still under warranty. [2008-11-11]
I'm not sure what it costs to buy, but I got my keyboard replaced a couple of weeks ago while it still had about 30 days left under warranty. They send the whole board and it's fairly easy to replace yourself. My experience was that within a few months of getting my laptop some of the keys started popping off, and for awhile I was able to pop them back on (there are instructions for doing this the right way). One night about 6 keys popped off at once, and as I was attempting to snap them back on a couple of plastic pieces broke off. I used a regular-sized keyboard for a few days after that, but I travel every week and it was just too cumbersome. So yes, in time with MT use your keyboard is likely to wear out, but it doesn't mean you'll have to replace your whole laptop!