Question for the steno machine user

Answer to your first question [2008-12-03]
You wrote: 1. When you made the switch and imported the ShortHand did you need to learn new commands or do anything different to expand your former Shorthand entries? (I just type an abbreviation and hit spacebar and get my expansion). You can alsouse the spacebar to expand in Instant Text. You would type your expansion, hit the spacebar key and you would get your expansion just as you would in SH. For more information, please see the link below. Textware Solutions

Dictation speed question. sm [2008-12-02]
As a rule (obviously, it varies based on typist and doctor), but 30 minutes of dictation would take 90 minutes based on the 1:3 rule, right? If dictation is 30 minutes but took 3 plus-hours to transcribe it, this dictation was done in double speed, right? Looking for some sort of chart online that shows this. It was a .dss file. Any help is appreciated.

Dictaphone extext question [2008-12-02]
Can someone please tell me how I get the little box to open that allows me to speed up or slow down the dictation? Sometimes it opens automatically and sometimes it does not. How do I make it open when it does not appear automatically?

Question about comfort [2008-11-30]
I had read somewhere about noise-cancelling headsets being uncomfortable and hot on the ears. Any problem like that with the Bose?

I would really question this.........sm [2008-11-28]
Does the company issue any kind of periodic earnings statement so that you can see where you stand with regards to taxes, insurance, etc.? How would you be able to determine whether you are being paid for all your hours/lines if there is no statement earning? As far as how safe it is, I can't really answer that, but I would be a little leary because of the above concerns.

Question about microsoft word??? [2008-11-24]
Okay I am typing a interview and am wondering how to get all the words to automatically tab over so I don't go back and have to do it manually. It's like this Interviewer: Response XXXXXXXXXXXXXX ffadXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and all words of response need to be under the response. Hope that makes sense.

question about Word function [2008-11-21]
ok. I'm not fond of the mouse. Instead of clicking the numbering icon on the toolbar, can this be assigned a keyboard code - and how?

Stupid question..What happens if your power goes out? sm [2008-11-18]
If you should loose your power, with a landline you will always have a phone. but if you loose your power, your computer does not work. That was one of the reasons I was leery of VoIP and I still am.

question on gloves [2008-11-18]
I just purchased the handeze gloves, and seem to have a more difficult time dong my work. If you have tried those, did you find there was an adjustment period? I am now wondering ifthe softflex ones would suit me better. If you have used either, did you have any problems, any adjustment period??

Question.... [2008-11-18]
For those of you who have worked on Inscribe Emdat platform, how long did it take for you to get used to it and able to actually produce work? I appreciate you taking the tape to post regarding this. Thank you.

Crazy question... does Express Scribe actually convert audio to text? Sounds too good to be true.. [2008-11-17]
It does state this on their web site. I was curious if anyone has used this option, and if so, does it really work? Thanks again~

Change voicemail/answering machine message [2008-11-17]
leave a message and you'll get back to them after work.

Question [2008-11-14]
I currently work FT days for a hospital doing radiology transcription at home and have a PT supplemental MT job as well. I have been approached by on of my radiologydocs whoopened a new clinic on how much I would charge to do his transcription for the clinic (starting out he is only doing 10-15 reports weekly). Would you charge per report for this or cpl and what is a reasonable amount? Am I crazy to think if he was outsourcing he would be paying $2-3 per report and 15 or more cpl? Any suggestions welcome, thanks!

Question for the experienced [2008-11-14]
Do those of you who have been at this awhile (but not burnt out) feel that MTing becomes more enjoyable as time goes on? I am still pretty green at this and am hoping as I gain more experience and knowledge it will become more pleasurable and less wearing. What has your experience been?

Question about ASR.... [2008-11-13]
Does the client/doctor see on the computer screen the document that he is dictating before he sends it to the MTSO?

Rose, I had asked pretty much the same question... [2008-11-13]
a while back. Here's what I gathered: QA is generally paid by the hour (at my company it's about 15 to 18/hr). Apparently it IS easier on the hands/fingers/wrists. That is why I was considering it--starting to get tingling/pain in my hands at times. Unfortunately for me, I make a bit more than 18/hr so I would have to actually take a pay cut. Don't know it that would be the case for you or not. I only have about 10 years' experience. With your 25 years maybe you could find a better hourly somewhere. Good luck in whatever you do.

California MTs and OT laws - Question for ya. [2008-11-13]
Hey there, I work forSpheris. My supervisor just informed me that from this point forward, I cannot workOT. Are there any Spheris MTs from California who could e-mail me about what I could do as a cut in pay right now is devastating. There are exceptions for people who do piece work I have read and wonder if there is a way to get around this. I am paid by exam and sup says when I work 2 minutes OT, they have to pay me OT for every exam, plus if I work over 5 days, OT for the whole week, or over 8 hours, OT for the hourly pay... Needless to say, I am devastated by this...as I live alone. Need I say more? ::sigh::

ESCRIPTION 8.0 QUESTION [2008-11-12]
Does anyone know how to copy/paste text from Escription into a word document for QA editing/feedback??? I'm trying to find out a way to do this... it just doesn't copy/paste like other stuff normally would. Suggestions???

another question [2008-11-11]
what would be a fair increase per line? I was thinking .01 Thanks

Question regarding editing [2008-11-11]
Does anyone know if there is a resource out there for learning how to edit transcription reports. We all edit our own reports now, but would like something for a resource to help train new transcriptionists. I know there are booklets on transcription but would like something for editing. If anyone knows of a good site for this or a resource book that I can buy that would be great. Looking to eventually needing it for our group if we go voice recognition and want to be on top of things before it happens. Thanks

Question about stedman's speller... [2008-11-11]
Sorry if on the wrong board, but am desperate... I have just had to start working for a second company using my laptop... I have all setup working perfectly except for the stedman's speller and is on my PC. I did figure how to take the custom dictionary and put it in the laptop, and it does pull from that, my question is how do I get the actual stedmans over to the laptop to work... I have a feeling the company provided it and it may not be able to share and may have a file that will not allow... any thoughts are appreciated, am desperate!!! Need that Stedman's :)

Question about IC billing [2008-11-10]
Hi, I am new to the IC area of MT, having always worked for services before now. I have a friend who wants me to type letters for her practice. Is it usual to charge for the address and reference lines along with the body of the letter? Makes quite a big difference in the line count. Thanks!

Know this is probably repeat question but... [2008-11-09]
What are you using for a computer? I think in the past you said a laptop but I am not sure. Also, if it is a laptop, did you have to add extra memory, etc., to load all the software programs you need? I am very interested in what works as I have such back problems I had to let a lot of business go and am sorry with all this economy stuff, had I had your brain and done it your way, it would have been worth the investment. I just worry some won't accept a laptop, etc. Appreciate your comments, you are truly a helping person, that was the reason I chose this profession but not too many want to part with help. Kudos to you.

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.

Sorry, I didn't read the question or the answers SM [2008-11-06]
well enough. An insomniac visit. It's a question worth asking in case someone has come up with some clever system for BPs.

Use your mouse [2008-12-04]
Just use your mouse and keep clicking on the icon. If not, just reboot your machine. That sounds like a strange problem. Best not to let other people mess with your work PC.

This is what I was saying....the box does not always open. [2008-12-04]
My question is how do I manually open this box when it does not show up in the background or anywhere else. Thanks

IC and taxes/PTO time [2008-12-02]
Hi all. I have been doing this and wanted some feedback from other ICs on how they handle the same. I currently have 10% of my check put into an account for all taxes and 5% for PTO time, which should equal about 13 days a year, maybe more depending on how much I work. My husband gets floating days off (works at a casino) and gets 5 weeks (imagine that!) and I think I would like to work up to that per year. Currently at the 5%, I am at about 3 weeks, so not too far off. I am just not sure I want to have 9% taken out for vacation time. That seems like so much hehe Maybe I could increase by 2% each year and by 2010 be up to the 9% or 5 weeks off a year. I do pool work, so taking time off with notice is not a problem. What I have done in the past is if I dont have enough PTO time saved, I work on Saturdays leading up to time off and after vacation to make up for lost days. I so much want this to be more like a normal job I am working 8 hours and setting the $$ aside, so I think it will come together, but the PTO still throws me off! My question is really how do the rest of you set aside for taxes and paid time off? By percent or dollar amount?

ES does count lines. [2008-12-02]
It is one of the most user-friendly platforms I have worked on. I have 2 accounts that the speech rec is very good on and 1 account with lousy dictators that require more editing, but it is often entertaining. The sound quality is very good, and there is little to no distortion when you speed up the audio file.

What is there to handle? You provided [2008-12-02]
It's not your problem if they discovered afterwards they handed you already completed work. I can't believe you'd even ask the question.

To: IT Fan [2008-12-02]
Thank you so much -- I do feel relieved. However, when I looked at the IT manual it seems complicated, with so many different choices. ShortHand looks basic and simple to use in comparison. If you have the time to answer these questions I would really appreciate it: 1. When you made the switch and imported the Shorthand did you need to learn new commands or do anything different to expand your former Shorthand entries? (I just type an abbreviation and hit spacebar and get my expansion). 2. Did it take a lot of time to get used to IT? 3. As a former Shorthand user what were the biggest hurdles you found in making the switch? 4. Now that you've used IT do you prefer it to Shorthand and if so why? Thanks again.

That's a first for me to even hear asked. [2008-11-29]
In 8 years of doing this, I've never been asked if I have a police record or similar question. I won't promise the subject won't come up, but it hasn't for me.

Only hospitals and Diskriter do actual sm [2008-11-29]
background checks where this information would turn up. They also ask on their applications. I have never been asked when applying for a service. If the question is not asked, then there must not be a prohibition on felons.

Fighting Fractured English [2008-11-28]
Blanks are not your problem. Poor dictators are. It has become a standard in the industry to make the problems of an ineffective dictator and make it an MT problem. This is not and was never an MT problem. We are required to transcribe in English, and the oral work coming in needs to meet an acceptable English standard. I've been in the business for 15 years, and frankly I am sick of it. Having exhausted every other resource to resolve this problem it is now time to fight back and sue these companies and the facilities who have made this our problem. We are TRANSCRIPTIONSTS, not TRANSLATORS OR LINGUISTS. If we are required to translate, they need to cough up the average salary of an interpretter which by the way is $200,000 a year. I dare say none of us are making that as MTs. The time has passed when someone else's disability directly impacts our paycheck when it is not our skill in question. Enough is enough. If you or anyone else is interested in pursuing this stand up with me and make your voices heard. Send me an email. I will keep your information confidential. The industry will never change as long as we continue to allow them to abuse us. NO MORE SWEAT SHOP LABOR. THEFREE RIDE IS OVER.IF THESE COMPANIES AND HOSPITALSWANT IT TRANSCRIBED IN ENGLISH, GIVE USA MINIMALLY ACCEPTEDORAL ENGLISH TO TRANSCRIBE.

Buying a software license [2008-11-20]
Michelle,If you buy a used copy of Instant Text, what you are buying is a user license that the seller transfers to you and which means that the seller installs it from her/his computer.Make sure the seller provides you with the original CD, the manual, and the serial number of the licens.To be in compliance with the license agreement, the seller of a used copy must notify thesoftware publisherabout the license transfer soyou, the new user,can get tech support.This may be useful to know whatever youdecide to do. MarianneTextware Solutions

I do pool work [2008-11-17]
I have to get a minimum of 1200 lines in an 8-hour shift, which is more than enough time to hit the minimum. I do acute care and do have a backup account, which I work on infrequently since my primary rarely runs low. I take a 10-minute break every 2 hours just to get up and move around a bit. I hope that answers your question.

You know, I read your post... [2008-11-17]
I am also an IC that works from a pool. I have two accounts on my own. Part of being an IC is the flexibility. I would say dig in early in the a.m. if that's when you are most productive. If the kids have a question, then lend an ear but if it is a matter of you having to leave your workstation for whatever reason, then either tell them to find an alternative this minute or you'll be able to take them at such and such a time. Here's what happens when you go from what you are currently doing to trying to work a schedule, you can't stay focused. You are so used to the interruptions that once it's quiet, it's hard to stay focused. I am feeling ya' and a lot of people will post here that you should only be working and not doing other things, but other things are part of life and what makes working at home work. A little play on words there, but I think you get the idea. I get hugs from my 8 year old and questions from my 14 year old and quite frankly sometimes I don't know if the 14 year old is inside or out, but he's so used to me being here, that I know he's fine and making the right decisions.

Taking the broad view [2008-11-16]
I am a confirmed job jumper and have seen a lot of *stuff* in a lot of different companies (8 so far). The thing is, I know what I'm worth and, between running out of work, being loaded up with the harder dictators, running out of work, cherry-picking, getting snippy emails from supervisors (or not getting any at all to a direct question), voice recognition (blech), and did I mention running out of work (in other words, all of the complaints brought up on this forum), I soon learned to move on fairly quickly if I wasn't going to earn enough money to pay my mortgage and raise a son. The good news is I finally found a company and an account and a supervisor that meet my criteria and am at the 40K mark and counting. A month ago, after proving myself (in case you have to ask, that means sitting down for my assigned shift, following all account requirements, helping out beyond my regular shift if at all possible, and otherwise being generally indispensable), I got a 15% raise - which was even above and beyond what I was expecting. I'm happy, they're happy, the client is happy (I'm assuming), it's a great team, and life is good. Everyone please knock on wood! Let me tell you what I've observed so far - 90% of success in this job is showing up when you say you will. This is a unique industry in that everything is done via phone and email, so your supervisor can't see if you're pretty or disabled or have a sincere face or a crazy busy household. They can, however, see when you're logged on and whether you're meeting quota. Well, that's my 2 cents' worth.

sm [2008-11-16]
those schools that truly are ripoffs, in that they take your money and give you nothing. There's a woman where I work part-timewith her personal horror story with a school that basically stole 800.00 from her. or all the places selling VR who try to make it sound like it has already replaced us all. Another woman I work with works as aradiology tech full-time, and she honestly could not believethat all dictation isn't done by machine, since their particularreports are canned. I laugh at the thought of some of these new residents trying to do anything close to a canned dictation. I swear they race each other to see who can get to 10K words first on an HP. but ya, boo to the schools who really do falsely advertise.

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.

I just don't understand it. I tested [2008-11-14]
the machine from 3 different phones and didn't have a problem. Once I punched the ID# in, the beeping stopped for me. I'm very confused as to why my doc had problems. I had the older model with the tapes and it worked great until the transfer box died. I couldn't find just the box, since this machine is no longer made. I think my doc is a thing of the past. I haven't heard from him since the test. What kills me is that I was with him for 14 years. I don't know this for sure but he has not called me or dropped off any tapes. He passes my house on his way home so he used to drop the tapes off when there was a problem.. His dictation is due today and I don't have any to do.

Aww, that sucks. It isn't your fault...sm [2008-11-14]
though. It is the dang machine.

Canada [2008-11-13]
Hi Molly - I'm currently taking the Canscribe course and it is excellent. From everything that I've read they are the best school in Canada. I would certainly look into it further. The course is very thorough, well layed out and very user friendly! I'm pretty sure employers are happy to hire Canscribe graduates.

IC Contracts - sm [2008-11-12]
I've got a question for those of you who service your own personal accounts. I currently work as an IC for another company and I am getting ready to take on a bunch of radiology reports from one doctor. (I'll work both places) I'm going to be paid by the page. Have any of you asked for a contract for a guarantee of work, i.e. he will guarantee a certain number of reports a week? What about contracts? Is there any place where I can download a contract and use it as a template for a foundation? Thanks guys.

You're right if you're single it's tough. [2008-11-12]
I am an IC as well, but I have a husband with benefits and makes a fair buck. I am fortunate after 20 years to able to work from home. I worked on site for 17 years with a chocolate cake the day I left. Nothing more... The loyalty in any profession is gone, gone, and gone again. Most companies want new employees/ICs that will take low pay and that won't cost much in the way of paying vacation time. I do take every Friday off and try only to get on to check e-mail, etc. However, I wouldn't trade being here for my kids at this point. There are headaches no matter what profession you are in. It seems if it isn't one thing it's another. Raises? Out of the question in this profession since most are afraid they will lose the account including myself. I also underbid my last account because I wanted the account so bad. I should be charging more. It is a neverending cycle really. But, I still enjoy the work, so I guess that's the difference. It does take will power to sit and type. Some people need that boss hanging around to keep the production up and the incentive of a nice paycheck is just not good enough. Good luck with your new job! Sounds great!

Question about stedman's speller... [2008-11-11]
Sorry if on the wrong board, but am desperate... I have just had to start working for a second company using my laptop... I have all setup working perfectly except for the stedman's speller and is on my PC. I did figure how to take the custom dictionary and put it in the laptop, and it does pull from that, my question is how do I get the actual stedmans over to the laptop to work... I have a feeling the company provided it and it may not be able to share and may have a file that will not allow... any thoughts are appreciated, am desperate!!! Need that Stedman's :)

I have never been pestered while I [2008-11-10]
work by IM. The others on the account are trying to get their work done too, so the questions are always very brief. It's a small account, though, so not too many people to deal with. I usually get an IM question about once every 2 months or so. I'm glad to help when I can. It fosters teamwork that way.

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.

About laptop for MT work..sm [2008-11-10]
i just got a very nice, widescreen laptop for work. I have medical issues and could not withstand working at my desk any longer. People are telling me that it won't last for MT work becuase the keyboard is not durable enough. Well, i still use my ergo keyboard hooked up and i only use the laptop keyboard for work when I am completing my work for about 2 to 3 hours at night. My question is, has any of you ever had a laptop keyboard go bad with MT work? I hope not, took me years to even afford this one. :)

It has been a long odyssey [2008-11-09]
One of the things I thought might be a good alternative to mousing was the HP Touchsmart computer, which did not work out as well as I had hoped, but now I'm stuck with it. It is a really cool machine, but I do not use the touch screen much at all. I use a rolling laptop desk that I purchased from Wal-Mart (I think it was $69, ordered on-line and picked up at the store). The Touchsmart is a computer/monitor in one and it's pretty heavy, but the laptop desk does hold the weight (barely). I do have to be very careful rolling it to and fro, but if you've got a flatscreen monitor I'm sure it would do fine (although you would probably have to be just as careful due to it being so lightweight). Funny how some folks are about helping others out. A lady I have done some work for was like that and I just never understood why (mostly not sharing templates that she already had made up for the doctors I was working on for her), especially considering how willing and happy I was to share much information with her (like she was not even familiar with using AutoCorrect for expansions, forget about Expander programs). What comes around goes around, I suppose. Please forgive my rant!