Lasted Advance MT article

You mean they work OUR holidays. They just had a big one that lasted 5 days and WE had work for a w [2008-12-01]
You think Indians don't get sick? They have to be constantly sick in that disgusting place.

Very interesting article today on offshoring [2008-10-17]
About India take on offshoring. I don't think they are worried about loss of American jobs. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/17/1548054.aspx

Depending on size, $100 per article is [2008-08-21]
xx

Regarding the Advance article, here's how I would have handled the examples [2008-08-12]
I'm curious how other MTs would have handled them? 1. Hemoglobin 9, hematocrit 39. (I would have flagged this with a blank for the hemoglobin and sent to QA). 2. The nose and mouth were suctioned on the perineum (during a C-section dictation). (I would have changed perineum to abdomen and sent it on). 3. SKIN: Without lesions, rashes or scars (Patient has HIV and kaposi sacroma). (I'm not the doctor. I did not examine the patient. Therefore, I would have transcribed as dictated and sent it as usual). 4. Left atrium is normal, measuring 4.6 cm. (I don't get paid enough to second guess the doctor on whether the LA is normal or not. You get what you pay for.) 5. VITAL SIGNS: Heart rate 70, respirations 18, BP 120/70 (in an 18-year-old with a comminuted ankle fracture). (Again, the patient may have gotten pain medication by the time the doctor saw him, so perhaps he/she didn't have pain at the time of examination and so the vitals were normalized. I wasn't there, I don't know. Type verbatim and send it on!)

I saw that article. I was wondering the same thing [2008-08-09]
you were. I, for one, wouldn't be able to tell you the size of the left atrium on the spot. There are a lot of things I could catch, but many, like things like this, we have to trust the expertise of the doctor. If I need to learn things like the size of the left atrium, etc, then I want to be PAID commensurate with a doctor! Alas, we are NOT paid the same as a doctor. We are paid to get on paper what HE says, fixing grammar and alerting to possible descrepancies. That's how I feel about that.

magazine article [2008-08-09]
I'm sorry, but I have a very difficult time believing this. I believe that there was an article written, but the content is ridiculous. If we went to medical school, I'd want the same pay as a physician, wouldn't you all ? For us old-timers in medical transcription and having been a CMT for 15 years, we were never, ever told that and I'm certain that as strict as AAMT used to be, we would never be certified to transcribe.

FYI - article [2008-08-08]
I just read an article yesterday in the Oakland Press that Oakland County, Michigan, is getting rid of all their court reporters and going electronic to save money.

Lasted Advance MT article [2008-08-08]
I was wondering if any of you have read the latest article in Advance about MTs? It's called The MT Critic. Color me stupid but I did not know MTs had to go to medical school to do their jobs? How many of you know the average size of the left atrium of the heart? How many of you would contradict the doctor's vital signs because the patient had a fractured ankle and you just knew that because of his pain, those vitals could not possibly be correct? It is no wonder we are not attracting qualified people to our profession. What are your thoughts?

Could you post a link to this article? [2008-08-08]
I would really be interesed in reading it myself.I have tried to search for it myself but cannot find it. Thanks.

I read the article and shook my head. sm [2008-08-08]
I have to agree with you....most of that article was out of our scope of responsibility as an efficient MT. I do not have a MD degree. Who am I to question things like that? Now, I do agree flagging a report for a blatent error in a report, but that article was over the top for me. Honestly, my feeling after reading that was this MT or author needs to feel important for some reason, maybe a doctor wanna-be? Since reading that, I have come to the conclusion that magazine is worthless.

Advance to the 21st Century and get a new job [2008-08-08]

I think her article is a little sm [2008-07-25]
outdated in reference to VR.Apparently she hasn't been out there in trenches lately. There is a LOT of VR work out there and unfortunately the pay isn't great, in fact it's awful for the work involved. Although it won't actually replace the MT, but rather move them into a different area, the pay is never going to match the effort that must go into it.

Article regarding the future of transcription [2008-07-24]
I came across the following website regarding the future of transcription. Lisa Croydon is the owner of Ask the MT an informative website on how to become a medical Transcriptionist from home. She writes this very informative article that I refer almost every MT to. Of course, having a backup plan is always a good idea, but this article can reassure MTs that their jobs won't disappear. http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Croydon

Probably not the same article, but this DOL case is related to topic -sm [2008-07-08]
http://www.dol.gov/sol/media/briefs/tumsupp-8-18-03.htm It's a long article and requires close reading, but here is an excerpt: ... Whether waiting time is compensable hours worked within the meaning of the FLSA depends on whether an employee is waiting to be engaged or engaged to wait. See generally, Skidmore v. Swift hours worked under the FLSA is not limited to active labor: No principle of law found either in the statute or in Court decisions precludes waiting time from also being working time, and [f]acts may show that the employee was engaged to wait, or they may show that he waited to be engaged. Accord Owens v. Local No. 169, Ass'n of W. Pulp The Fair Labor Standards Act § 8.II.B (Ellen C. Kearns and Monica Gallagher eds. 1999). Thus, idle or waiting time is compensable work under the FLSA where it is controlled by the employer and is spent predominantly for the employer's benefit. See, e.g., Armour engaged to wait, and therefore performing work, when the periods of inactivity are unpredictable and of short duration: In either event the employee is unable to use the time effectively for his own purposes. It belongs to and is controlled by the employer. In [such] cases waiting is an integral part of the job. The employee is engaged to wait.

Interesting article (sm) [2008-06-06]
I watched a show on MSNBC last night about identity theft. You probably have seen it. They follow the chain of theives all the way to Europe and then they cannot even arrest the people. About the medical records, the records would not be physically visiting any country, per se. Once they are in a computer and uploaded somewhere, they are already out there, so to speak. So, regardless of whose computer they are transcribed on or where that computer is located, the information is still out there. I know many insurance companies have online access to medical records and some physicians offer that as well to their patients. You're right, though, they should have asked that question.

can't see the article anymore...nm [2008-06-04]
xxxx

Article Pertinent to IC Status [2008-02-23]
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/CutYourTaxes/AreYouPayingYourBosssTaxes.aspx

You might want to check out Consumer Reports 1/08 magazine, had article about ins and suggested visi [2008-02-02]
x

the article is by Forbes and here it is [2008-01-24]
in part: (p.s., i said I believed a sale was iminent, and yes there IS mention of a sale -- note last sentence:) that it may seek an injunction against a possible 'fire-sale' ... Costa Brava manager Andrew Siegel said in the letter to Medquist director Clement Revetti that Costa Brava 'reserves all of its rights and claims in connection with any sale of MedQuist'. The warning follows a Dec 31 AGM in which neither of the six Costa Brava nominees were elected to the MedQuist board of directors....The nominations followed a Nov 2 statement from MedQuist indicating it is considering a sale of the entire company after Philips indicated it was willing to sell its 70 pct stake in the unit.

Recent Article on the Time Warner Cable rate trial [2008-01-18]
I saw this article yesterday in the news. I back tracked and found a link to it: Time Warner Cable to Trial Usage-based Billing Scheme for High-speed Internet

Here is the article [2008-01-17]
http://www.networkworld.com/net.worker/news/2002/0408networker.html

What is the date of this article? [2008-01-17]
I looked all over this article and could not find a date of publication. Everything vaguely says later this year.' Which year? The only thing I could find on the entire page was 04/08/02 under the author's byline, and at the very bottom of the page, a copyright of 1995-2002. When you click on the link to discuss the article in the forums, the new page never loads. If you look up all other articles by this author, they are all dated 2000-2002. I think you are getting upset over nothing. Call Time Warner directly and ask them what their plans are.

Perhaps you are right. This one is dated today. The original article was on Yahoo today also with [2008-01-17]
But this article states it would only affect new customers right now. So I am upset over nothing. I went through heck with BellSouth when they charged me a surcharge of an extra 50 a month and then would write a letter saying I had to switch to a long distance service and pay by the minute because of my excessive use.They told me the unlimited charge wasfor an average of an hour a day not somebody who worked out of their home and I needed toswitch a business plan at over 200 a month charge. I switched over to cable because of that and then to read that cable was going to charging on a per use fee and not a flat monthly fee it upset me. It is the nature of our work, VR, only paying for VBC, having headers and footers taken away, now being charged for being on line, etc. It just seems that everything is done to keep to insure less money.

Here is the article on Foxnews.com. Cable companies will tell you only what you want to hear. Lear [2008-01-17]
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,323551,00.html

IF you read the article you will notice is [2008-01-17]
says it is being tested later this year, will affect new customers only, and the test area is extremely limited.I saw the same thing today about Comcast. If they do go this route it will be months to years before it affects most people.

Converting dss.gxe files to dss [2008-12-03]
Does anyone know if this is possible? I'm trying to get my WAV pedal to play these Gear Export files. The extension is dss.gxe and I think the gxe is preventing my WAV pedal from being able to open them. Thanks in advance!

Keyboard text stuck "on" [2008-12-03]
I hope someone can help me. I was trying to print the computer screen and for some reason could not and my husband came to help me and somehow he got the desktop text that normally shows up under the desktop icons to be stuck in the onposition. Does anyone know how to turn them off? My husband does not even know what he did to get them that way. We never were able to print the screen. If anyone can tell me how to turn off these desktop texts, please let me know. Just in case this helps, I have Windows XP PRO and a Microsoft erganomic keyboard. Thank you all in advance.

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!

Escription [2008-12-02]
I have never used eScription before and was wondering what the down sides to it are, if any. I assume it does not count lines. Could anybody enlighten me as to what their experiences are with this program? Thanks in advance for your help!!

Chartscript help [2008-11-28]
Hoping someone could help. I am unable to copy and paste in Chartscript. I can copy and paste anywhere else, in any other program. This is a new computer I am using, new install of Chartscript. On my previous computer and Chartscript, I had the ability to copy and paste in Chartscript. Any ideas?? Thanks much in advance!

do you mind saying what prepaid visa--sm [2008-11-28]
Do you know what card they use or what the name on the card it? Is this for IC or employee? I have been looking into getting a prepaid visa or mcard for direct deposit. There are several I have found online, but among other things to consider, I am still unclear what the fees are or just how they work. Thanks in advance if you know the answer to the card name.

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!

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.

transcribing programs? SM [2008-11-25]
Not even sure that is the correct word. I am trying to transcribe from a CD but using f4 is not working, no control with footpedal. It's taking me forever. If I do the whole thing like this I'll be making about $1/hour. Is there another free download that would work? Thanks in advance.

Sarah, I'd strongly recommend training SM [2008-11-19]
in a medical program in a community colleage, bypassing all the MT schools, and not aiming specifically for MT training. It seems likely that many those of us doing this work in future won't be doing THIS work precisely, i.e., transcription, but rather filling whatever future medical/clerical need evolves. It also seems likely that good-paying jobs will require a higher level of knowledge in future as mechanical dexerity (i.e., keyboard speed) becomes much, much less important. For that reason, going for at least a 2-year degree with a good medical knowledge base is recommended so you do end up with a decent-paying job as change progresses. If at that point you wanted to do at-home medical clerical and wished to start with MT, if at all possible it would be best to begin by getting a salaried position in a medical office or hospital to carry you while you developed experience. The learning curve is very long and flat, and much of the angst displayed on these forums comes from people who still aren't making a living on a production basis after months and months of investment. BTW, I read a newspaper article this morning suggesting that the current fiscal crisis could actually precipatate an overhaul of the medical system, forced by a desperate need to save money for patient care. I'm wondering if most of these nice long verbal reports could something the bureaucrats decided could be slashed. As I mentioned before on this forum, England went to the EMR, with doctors poking at the 1, 2, and 3, and A, B, C, and D, a long time ago.

oops, link didn't copy so here it is [2008-11-18]
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=106778,00.html

Typing on your lap [2008-11-18]
I just moved and my new desk setup is a built-in desk which is too high for comfort for typing on the keyboard. I can adjust my office chair up, but then it's too high to comfortably reach the pedal. I have been typing on the keyboard on my lap for two days but my shoulders are sore and so are my calves apparently from flexing when I wasn't aware of it all day. Awhile back I read here that some MT's type on their keyboards on their laps. Please give me any feedback how it works for you and also do you know of any products out there or things around the house to support the keyboard and make it easier to balance on your legs. I kind of like typing like this other than the strain on my neck and legs from trying to keep it balanced and from sliding off. Thanks in advance!

IS THIS POSSIBLE [2008-11-14]
Can anyone tell me if this is possible. I am thinking about getting a second part-time job. Is it possible to have 2 different platforms on the same computer or would it be better to get an external hard drive for the second transcription platform? Thanks in advance.

Make Word 03 and 07 work together! [2008-11-10]
First of all, I appologize for the LONG message, but well worth reading if you use Word. I asked this question on the Microsoft Discussion Board on 11/7/08. Here are the posts: DeviousRedBaron wrote: I am running Word 2007. For work, I download a template created in Word 2003, then type my document in Word 2007. After this, I have to import header/footer info that I believe is created with Word 2003. This takes a long time and at the bottom of the screen the message Word is replacing ... appears. Is there any way I can speed this up, or avoid it all together? I love Word 2007 and would like to continue to use it. I do have Word 2003 also. I cannot change the info that I have to download. I access it through the intranet and it is different for each report. (I am a medical transcriptionist.) Speed is important in my line of work! Thanks in advance!!!!! Graham Mayor wrote: You will need to tell us more about the importing of the header/footer. How? From where? What is the exact sequence of steps used to create a document. At what point does the message appear? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org DeviousRedBaron wrote: Hi Graham, I open my transcription program (created by the transcription company that I work for) and download my reports over the intranet. These are voice files and .doc information (that ends up in the header/footer). I double click on the report I want to type up and a template box pops up. I choose the .dot template that I need and it automatically opens Word in compatability mode with part of the header/footer info already in the document. This is usually the hospital/clinic address and phone number, or what ever info that particular company has requested. On some reports, there are headings that are loaded into the body of the document as well. This process is usually pretty quick, depending on my company's server. Now, I type up my report in the body of the document. When I am finished, I have to apply the demographics to the document. This is the information about the patient, clinic/hospital numbers, doctors' names, cc info...that is also downloaded with the report from the intranet. Some of this info goes into the header/footer as well. Some of this info is attached to the document so it is sent to the correct departments/doctors.... Once I apply the demographics, I have to wait for Word to replace .....something. (The message on the bottom of Word flashes from a long message to a short one very rapidly, making it impossible to read the entire message!) I have read a little bit about writing a code (macro) so that everything opened with Word is opened in 2003 format. I do not start Word, it opens with my company software, so I never get to choose a template in Word. I have also tried to set the compatibility for all documents to 2003 and this does nothing. Also tried to set it up to save as a 2003 document, as well as a .dot and this does not make any difference. I am at a loss! Thanks for your quick response, it is greatly appreciated! Graham Mayor wrote: It is the application of demographics - presumably by a macro that appears to be the issue. This was obviously created by the transcription company with Word 2003 in mind. Whether it would be possible to improve that code is impossible to say without seeing it - and really that is a job for the company that provided it, so I will stick to attempting to make the function use Word 2003 rather than 2007. http://www.gmayor.com/Toolbars_in_word_2007.htm demonstrates how to set Word 2003 and 2007 to share the same platform without reconfiguring the registry each time one of them is run to grab the shared settings for itself.. You should then be able to associate doc and dot files through Windows Explorer Tools Folder Options File Types - DOC Advanced Open Edit and change the application used to perform the action to Word 2003, which by default should mean entering C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOFFICE11WINWORD.EXE /n /dde %1 in that space. Repeat for DOT, though this time edit the action for NEW - the application used to perform the action should be C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOFFICE11WINWORD.EXE /n /dde and the DDE message should be [REM _DDE_Direct][FileNew(%1)] In both examples if Word 2003 is installed in some other location than the default shown, change the paths to reflect that other location. -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org DeviousRedBaron wrote: Thanks so much, Graham! I have followed your instructions, but have not yet tested it with my company's software. I am going to test it out tomorrow. If there are any gliches, I will repost. If all goes well, would you mind if I pass this info on to my fellow MTs? (Medical transcriptionists.) I am sure there are numerous woman, and a few men, who could benefit greatly from your advise. I will await your response. Once again, thank you!!!!! If it works for you, feel free to share with your colleagues. If double clicking a doc or dot file opens Word 2003 and not 2007 it should work with the company software - depending on how the company software calls Word.-- Graham Mayor - Word MVPMy web site www.gmayor.comWord MVP web site http://word.mvps.org I hope this will help everyone! I know it helped me. I love typing in Word2007, but for now, I will have to type in Word 2003 until my company's software is compatible with it. At least I can have both programs running at the same time! The info on his web page about creating a toolbar is not necessary, unless it is something you need to do for Word 2007.

question-SM [2008-11-09]
My left shoulder has been bothering me for about 3 months now. It hurts when I sleep on it at night, when doing (or trying to do rather) a certain yoga position where I try to raise my left arm, trying to put my left arm behind me to scratch my back or soap in the shower,and a lot of other positions hurt, but those are the main ones. I thought maybe I had torn my rotator cuff (no known injury either that I can pinpoint), but in the last couple of weeks it's been feeling like it needs to pop back into place and I try to manipulate it as best I can, which is practically nothing, but it won't go, and every now and then when I move it a certain way or rest my weight on my left elbow it does feel like something pops (maybe ligaments popping)but the pain hasn't gone away and it is just not getting one bit better.Does anyone know what this sounds like to them?Thank you in advance.

52K [2008-11-08]
Could you tell us all how that is possible? You would either have to type over 300 wpm OR use a lot of normals. I've transcribed for over 25 years and the only way I made money anywhere near that was when I had my own service with the same clinic physicians who said the same things over and over and over... I then made 100k, but have never since giving up my business. Please tell us all. Thanks for the info in advance.

Poll: Who is going to be working weekends more [2008-11-06]
It seems like there is more work on the weekends, and I guess this question is for SE/IC, more than employees, though it may apply to employees too. Lots of companies seem to be advertising for mainly weekend and evenings, or shifts over the weekend, or actually giving preference on a bigger workload to people who do decide to work weekends every week. Who has decided to go for that, since the work is there and so is the money? With the economy the way it is, this MT was just wondering if it makes sense to just grab the work when it comes in and less worry about the bills and the holidays. Thanks in advance for your conversation on this topic. This MT wonders because it is hard to get a gauge what is going on outside of this MT's company and wants to see how people are handling their workloads/wallets.

Wow, I remember when I used to make [2008-11-06]
that much as an MT. What is your workload like? I am curious because I would like to build up to that kind of line count. I get same cpl. Also, do you work more on weekends, nights, or get your work during 9 to 5. Wondering about that too, as I was thinking of switching to all weekend work since I want a bigger line count on just 1 job. Thanks in advance for this poll and for answering.

No offense meant, but how do you know this? Again, I am not s/m [2008-11-04]
trying to be rude--this is an honest question. Is there someone we can read about these differences (production-based versus other)? Thanks in advance.

Internet speed requirement for Chartnet? [2008-11-04]
My company is in the process of moving to Chartnet and are saying the optimum internet speed is 3000 Kbs upload, 600 Kbs download. At best, I get 1200 Kbs upload, 400 Kbs download,but often less. I have no other internet options where I live. Am I going to have a lot of problems? Thanks in advance.

Chartnet [2008-11-04]
Sorry I cannot answer your question regarding internet speed but wondering if you can tell me what company is going to Chartnet. I was under the impression that SPI bought that program exclusively. I loved working on Chartnet for Cymed. Did not love working for SPI. Thanks in advance.

Need opinions Please sm [2008-10-31]
Employee salaried position, 52K year, at home with benefits for QA specialist doing full edits, feedback and monthly QA audits. Do you think this is a reasonable salary? This is salaried, not hourly! Thank you in advance for all opinions!

General Liability for Independent Contractors [2008-10-31]
I have just started a position for a company, and they require that I hold general liability insurance, but am a little lost as far as how to obtain that! Just wondering if anyone had any pointers for me. Thank you in advance! :-)

Future-Net [2008-10-29]
Does anyone know anything good or bad about Future-Net I have been accepted for a position with them and want to know what you think. Thanks in advance. Kathy

I feel for you [2008-10-29]
Iwas trained as an MT 14 years ago by the seat of my pants in a hospital setting full of humiliating demoralizing, demeaning management tactics. It was so bad, every person that left wanted to own a T-shirt that said I survived ______. I lasted 1-1/2 years because I knew I wanted to learn this skill, and I saw value in the independence it could provide. It took me up 6 months to really start to get it.I learned after leaving that 1st jobthere are many different settings in which you can find work, and all will have different QA standards and different software platforms. The only advice I can think of is: 1) Ask whether there are any continuing education opportunities available through your employer (the hospital I was at had the full SUM curriculum in their library, for example). This will show your willingness to learn more to improve your MT skills. 2) Contact AHDI or other organizations to look for resources so you will understand you are definitely not alone. 3) If you are still unhappy after trying the above, I would consider looking into other work situations. There are stillsmall clinics out there that rely heavily on a single MT to do work with a single doctor. That may be a better fit for you and allow you to learn one dictator proficiently before moving on. It's not as hard as people think to become an independent contractor. You don't even need an EIN, just a SS#. That could be a goal of yours--to work independently on your own. We all come to being an MT with different skill sets and different educational backgrounds, but the biggest disservice anyone can do is to believe those fly-by-night advertisements for someone in their pajamas wanting to do a little typing on the side. It's definitely not that easy. There are good terminology and MT courses at many community colleges around the country, as well as the more comprehensive MT training programs like Career Step that require quite an up-front investment. I wish you luck and please know you are not alone.