You'll love this

I love it. [2008-12-03]
I can type 180 lph hour doing straight transcription and I can edit at an average of 600 lines per hour when I edit reports via escription. I make a lot more money editing than I ever would doing straight trans. This is also from 5 different accounts (big accounts) with 2 different employers. My average is relatively the same with each account. It really depends on the person though. The potential is there but it isn't going to work our for everyone. Good luck!

I love Limewire ! [2008-12-01]
n

If they dock me for blanks, then they'll start getting [2008-12-01]

I use the Wal-Mart Green-Dot card and love it. SM [2008-11-28]
There was an intial $4.50 charge when I first got the card. They waive the monthly fee if you deposit more than $1000 a month on it which I do because I have my pay check direct deposited to it. The only fees I pay now are ATM fees when withdrawing money. You can reload at Wal-Mart as well, but if you are loading cash, they will charge you a fee. However, it is a payroll check, income tax check, basically any computer generated check (not handwritten) you can load it on your card at Wal-Mart for nothing -- no fees. I started using the prepaid card through Wal-Mart a year ago or so because I couldn't open a checking account thanks to my ex screwing up a joint account we had when married and never taking care of the negative balance as he agreed. I got tired of always running to the bank to get cash out of my savings account to go to the store and buy groceries, not to mention my bank only allowed 3 withdrawals a quarter from a savings account and then they start charging fees. Getting the prepaid card is awesome. I pay bills with it, use at Wal-Mart and the grocery stores with very little fees. Plus you download a direct deposit form off the green-dot website to give to your employer for direct deposit. It has all the routing info preprinted on it. I've never had a problem.

Good luck, but you'll need your CMT... [2008-11-21]
The only other way possible I can think of, and someone above already mentioned it, is have another Transcriptionist train you. That's how I got into this field. However, most transcriptionists aren't in the situation to train to nor do they probably want to. If you do choose to do online courses, I would personally recommend CareerStep... just stay away from PCDI! I have two friends going through CareerStep and they both are enjoying the course. Otherwise, this isn't a job you can just walk up to and start without any knowledge. If you want an easy job like that where you need no training, or training on the job, try a gas station or fast food restaurant. Sorry, I'm not trying to sound harsh, just truthful. You need a lot of training before working as an MT, as another poster said, it really is like a second language! You have to learn terminology, pharmaceuticals, anatomy, etc. However, I wish you the best of luck. If you *really* want to become an MT, then you can do it!

I love WordTraverse - Convergexe [2008-11-17]
I have multiple accounts, and it lets you tailor-make line counting methods for each account. One account I charge a certain rate but also charge for bolding on/off, and another account I do not charge for that. It just varies on how much of something I am expected to do. Anyway, I'm sure there are lots of them out there, but I like this one.

I love my old softflex... [2008-11-17]
and need a new pair, I even turned them inside out and switched hands, ha-ha. Great padding on the wrists. If I forget to put them on, I notice it very quickly. I'll even forget I have them on sometimes and go out to the kitchen and nearly get them wet in the sink before I realize it, they feel part of me. Well worth the money, think I'll get me a new pair for my birthday.

Well, I'll eat my words then.... [2008-11-12]
Glad that it is a help to all who need it. Who knows, I may need it some day myself. I'm still typing on the standard keyboard. I have noticed over the many years of typing, that the height of the keyboard is very important for me. If it's the wrong height, my shoulders suffer. I guess we're all anatomically different.

I love this! Thanks so much for taking... [2008-11-10]
the time to share this with us. I know you had to go to the trouble of figuring out how to upload the picture and all, so it really is appreciated. I'm going to get something like this going for myself!

I don't think you'll get a good answer from the info... [2008-11-06]
you provided. It varies too much from location to location. I've seen some MTs on here that say inhouse in their area make less than $10 an hour. Our local starts newbies (providing they pass the tests) at $16.79 an hour.

I do. I guess I'll wait a few mintues before disconnecting from the VPN [2008-11-03]
after I close out EXText. I guess I'm just in too big of a hurry to shut down when my shift is over!

Background (radio), but I would love to know [2008-10-29]
if you can have it on your computer, headset, while working. I do not know how to do that, but it would be great to have classical in the background of the dictators!

You'll still pay through the nose for benefits [2008-10-29]
employee. There are no such thing as raises in this industry. It just doesn't happen. Meanwhile, my husband's employer (not MT) told the managers not to expect a bonus this year. So, it is not just this industry. The American dream is to own your own company; be your own boss. Why let the rates stand in your way? If you are as good as you say you are, then you would find a way to have benefits and also make a decent living. You don't need an employee position to do that. Many people own businesses and still have health insurance. It is out there for the taking. Even as an employee you have to pay for your benefits. No employer is going to give them away. It is a shame you were underbid, but this happens every day in this profession, i.e., offshoring...

I love Pandora! [2008-10-29]
I have 4 different stations for my music on Pandora. I have it playing from my personal computer while I work on the work computer! It is great! Best thing I have ever found!

I love my life, but I'm not happy with my job [2008-10-28]
I have plenty to be thankful for, that does not mean that I cannot come here and complain. I did notice that some people that you meant the constant complainers. I've only recently become one since I quit one of my jobs as an IC and I have been reading through the boards about how much people don't have any work anymore because of the outsourcing. That should pi$$ EVERYONE off in this industry no matter if you have a great job (good for you) or not. I'm more livid about there not being a standard for MT's because I pride myself on doing an EXCELLENT job but that doesn't seem to matter anymore, so yes that pisses me off and makes me not so much miserable ... because I am a very happy person. but when I spend the majority of my day doing my job... it does tend to wear on you you know?

I actually love that, it is like free lines! nm [2008-10-27]
nm

I'll tell you why: To save on TAT. [2008-10-27]
NM

Maybe I'll change it to Anon or MT, you know, something nonspecific ;-) nm [2008-10-23]
x

I use Smartype and I love it...nm [2008-10-21]
kk

I love Google and I love MTs [2008-10-16]
Okay, who in their right mind would not only discuss but have passionate opinions about hyphens and apostrophes? I love it! Anyway, in googling grammar rules I found numerous references that two days' time would not but hyphenated but when used as a modifier like two-day history, it would be. I remember telling an OB nurse friend of mine about fretting over 38 weeks pregnancy and whether the hyphen belonged in there and she just laughed and said she thinks she would get the point either way. Well harumph!

Don't you just love the DS for a 1 to 2 day [2008-10-15]
stay dictated by the resident or P.A. that is 16+ minutes long and then there is the 2-1/2 month stay dictated by the attending that is 5 minutes long??? Sometimes, I just don't understand.

hey thanks... I'll check it out for sure. :) nm [2008-10-14]
.

I'll put it to ya this way... [2008-10-13]
I didn't know them before they changed their name, and I don't know them now, andI still survive and love MTing. There are so many variables for pay. I can tell you that my Momma didn't raise no fool! I would never rely on any organization like that to support me or to think they would ever care. Therefore, I guess you could put my opinion in the section marked other. I am pretty sure the physicians I transcribe for directly (not through an online company) have no idea who they are either! Some know they can have transcription done for less money offshore, and they take advantage of that but their office staff pays the price. Believe me, I hear the complaints twice a week when I go to pick up my work. If I had an opinon it would be that this organization is selling out on the American MT and not at all beneficial to me or my fellow American MTs.

I LOVE houses, too. When I go out for a walk, [2008-10-10]
I like to look at the different houses and pretend I could afford to buy one of them, and decide which one that would be. Also like to look at the yards and see what I would change or leave the same. My love of 'house-hunting' was born pretty early. When I was 7 my family moved, and I remember the house-hunting process went on for quite a long time. I loved seeing all the different houses! One even had a basement, something you don't see that often on the West Coast. Even after my parents found a house and we moved, my mom (who LOVED house-hunting) still liked to go and look at them. (She was a total 'lookie-loo!') On hot summer days when we kids were bored, or on rainy days when we couldn't play outside, she'd pack us in the car and contact a friend of hers who was a realtor, and we'd go off looking at some of the more unique homes for sale, including a stone castle 'way up in the mountains. (That was pretty spooky - we did it on a rainy, thunder-and-lightning day). So, if I were in real-estate, one thing I would definitely be is totally enthusiastic about EVERY house I was selling! But I don't think I could deal with all the phone calls, appointments, no-shows, etc. ESPECIALLY the weekend work. So, I guess I'll just have to keep on looking. Like you, I like MT and am good at it. I job-hopped relentlessly in my early 20's. Finally got tired of the hiring-and-quitting merry-go-round, and became a Kelly Girl. Pay wasn't the best, but I got lots of interesting jobs, including an architect's firm high up in the hills above Malibu, a race-car builder, a toilet factory, and even Walt Disney Studios. It was a good way to job-hunt, too, because frequently if an employer liked my work, they'd offer me a permanent job. I finally 'fell into' MT when I was between jobs, as usual, and a relative who did MT at a hospital invited me to lunch one day. We ate in the hospital cafeteria, and afterward she showed me her office (some MTs had their own offices back in those days!), and let me listen to and try to transcribe a report. Of course, my first attempt must've been pretty hilarious to read, but I liked it. She told me to take a transcription course at night school, and the rest is history. I just wish MT could go back to the kind of work it was back in the 70's, when you were considered to be an actual EMPLOYEE, and not just a 'cog in the wheel'.

I love the stethoscope kind....nm [2008-10-07]
aa

flat screen [2008-12-04]
I have a 19 flat screen monitor and I love it to pieces !

It should adjust itself sm [2008-12-03]
but you can adjust screen setting size by right clicking on your desk top, go down to properties, and then over to settings. There is an option for screen resolution size that can make the appearance of the screen larger, smaller, etc. Typically for the larger screens you want the higher resolutions. You'll love having a bigger monitor.

I ordered them and used them for about a week or two...sm [2008-12-03]
I had the same concern about the batteries near my brain, almost a slight buzzing when you foot is not on the pedal. I ended up calling customer service and they gladly switched them for me to the less expensive QC1 headphones. I love them.

Platform [2008-12-03]
WebchartMD by far the best with the best support above and beyond you will love them!

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!!!

The Medrite system I used [2008-12-02]
had the best shortcut system built into it that I've ever used. Of course, it was also the first one I ever used, and you know how you tend to fall in love with one that you're used to.

I, too, worked most of the weekend part-time....sm [2008-12-01]
We had Thursday and Friday as holidays, but since I knew there was a backlog and that it would truly be appreciated by my bosses, I dug in from time to time and we got the backlog caught up for today. I truly treasure my bosses and love my job, and all the co-workers I talk to feel the same way. We really do appricate and value a great MTSO and we prove it!!

Looking for TX Platform like Bayscribe, Etc. with Low Cost [2008-12-01]
Hi, Starting up a TX business here. Want to be able to offer clients a platform like Bayscribe or Vianeta, etc. However, I am looking for one with low cost, I love Bayscribe, but if you are low volume, which we would be starting out, their per line rate is very high. Does anybody know of a good platform with a low per line rate and no or very low startup cost? Thank you, David

Depends on type of prepaid card sm [2008-11-28]
I have a Visa debit card through ADP. They are the payroll processing company used by Medquist (which is where I got the card initially) and many other companies, not just MTSOs. The only fee involved is $1.50 per month to have the card and fees for using it at an ATM, which is the same as if it were through a traditional banking account. I can also transfer the funds to my saving account if I want or set it up to have a certain percentage put on the card and the rest in the bank. I have had this card for about 3 years now and love it. However, if the card they are wanting you to use is like the ones you can get at grocery stores, Wal-Mart, etc, stay clear. They require fees for almost everything from getting your money loaded onto it to using it for each and every purchase. As far as not wanting to give out routing information for direct deposit, why is there such a worry? So long as the information is given only to your employer, there shouldn't be a problem. Unless this is only a short-term job, I don't see the big deal.

I just got my Kinesis Freestyle... [2008-11-27]
with Vip Accessory, and I love it. I just got it a couple of weeks ago and it's taken a while to get used to it, but I would never go back to a regular keyboard. I like being able to adjust the separation between the two keyboards, and I like not being all scrunched over while typing. It's on the pricey side but I think well worth it, plus I can deduct it at tax time!

You are so right...sm [2008-11-27]
I, too, am very thankful I have a job. I have been blessed to do what I love for over 30 years. I may not have always loved where I was when I was doing it, but I truly love doing it! Thanks for the poem. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

vitametavegimins [2008-11-27]
I do not think I will ever forget that episode of I Love Lucy .. but I digress!! I started taking B6 and B12 shots once a week and I find it is helping with energy and being alert and remembering things that were concerning me to be forgeting. I think many of us are on overload and have no way to slow down and survive if we do.

just want to vent [2008-11-25]
I just love it when we are to type verbatim-- I just wish I could really just type VERBATIM and show this physician that he does not even know if a patient is a male or female! He starts out as male, then female, then male, then female-- GET THE BODY PARTS RIGHT FOR GOODNESS SAKES!! OK-- I AM DONE! What really gets confusing is if a patient has name that you really don't know if it is a male or female- the sad part is, he does not do a GU exam, so you can't tell by that part of the dictation, which would help out a great deal! THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT

Vent all you want; you are certainly entitled. sm [2008-11-25]
The MT industry/career sunk months ago, and it was an even bigger sink than the Titanic. However, in this case, this sink destroyed thousands of very dedicated and very hard-working MTs who were filled with nothing but passion and love regarding transcribing.

Just bought some new softflex gloves [2008-11-25]
I don't remember an adjustment period. My first pair was given to me on the job years ago and I didn't use them immediately and stored them away. Then I took them out one day and just started using them. I love them and will forget I have them on sometimes. I debated about trying the handeze but was afraid to. Might try them next time since they are less expensive than softflex. (Actually, looks to me like a crafty type person could make a pair of new gloves using an old pair for a pattern with some stretchy material and heavy rubber cut into bands and sewn in tight; the softflex ones are a very simple design, actually. Just a thought.

Whoops. Got cut off. sm [2008-11-25]
see link! Love this lady. She knows her stuff, she is POSITIVE which we don't see much on this site. Witty, excellent, and I have learned a lot from her.

VR [2008-11-25]
I've been doing VR using Extext for the past 3+ years, and love it. With our set up we don't even use the foot pedal. I put my feet up on a stool and settle in for the day (or most of it anyway), have to sit up straight for that odd job that needs to be typed. Anyway, before VR I was doing 15 minutes an hour (we don't figure production by lines per hour), now I average 27 minutes an hour. I will admit it took some time to get used to all the key combinations, but now it is second nature.

Just me [2008-11-21]
I personally make more as an editor, even though my line rate is half. I also find it much easier on my hands/wrists than being a transcriptionist. I have a friend who is more than qualified and capable of being an editor, but she makes more as a Transcriptionist and has less stress. So, I really think it depends on your personality and your talents. I decided to give it a try and am so very glad that I did. I still transcribe very little so I do not lose touch with that, but love editing!!

I do both. [2008-11-19]
Up until last week I worked as a nurse 3 days a week and anIC MTthe remaining days. My nursing assignment was out of state and has come to an end, and yes, it defintely paid better. I love typing and being able to stay at home, and if finances weren't such an issue it would be worth it to me to trade the extra income for some peace of mind. I have to find another nursing job because personally I just can't generate the same money doing MT. As far as being able toease into transcription because one has a nursing or medical background--I agree with the above poster that it's not that simple. My first MT employer hired me specifically because I was a nurse and lived to regret it. They areseparate, specialized fields and have nothingin common other than terminology. It's amusing to me that people often think MT requires no special skills or training. The best advice I could give anyone (nurse or not) wanting to enter the field is what has already been said: Find a good school or training program and don't expect to take shortcuts.

Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis [2008-11-18]
I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons. I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be. I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me, but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run? Will I like the IBM clicky type keys? KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg It splits and tents.Delete key is on left side (which I love) All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch10 function keys on left Keypad separate purchase2 year warranty60-day money back guaranteePrice: $124.15 with the options I chose AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARDhttp://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/(click on additional images for close up)I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn�t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images. Straight keyboard Can program any key to another function. Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards 12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammedKeypad built in2 year warranty30-day money back guarantee Price: $189.00Macro programming featuresPS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards? We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business. It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard. It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key. A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree. I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long. I also have one at home. It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htmClick on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable. We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc. People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week. Our keyboards can really take a beating. What'cha think?

i use the kinesis [2008-11-18]
but not the freestyle type. but love my classic/advantage (have both) types. They have a hump contour, divided keyboard. either are fully programmable, with macro capability, etc. i hear the keys but they are not what i would call clicky or noisey type. The advantage has the USB plug which i like for in and out of my laptop. and yes, personally, i feel anyone working on a keyboard longterm should have ergo products to minimize future problems. i like the research behind the kinesis, the different key levels and locations geared towards stronger/weaker fingers. It did take a few days of re-training myself before i got up to speed again. but i am happy enough (several years now), i'll never use anything else. Kinesis is a little pricey (i did get one off ebay), but you do get what you pay for and it can be a tax deduction as well. don't know if this is helpful, but i hope so!

I have used Handeze gloves for years - [2008-11-18]
I have been an MT for 10 years and using these gloves (just on my right hand) for the last 8 years or so. I cannot remember any adjustment period. Maybe try just wearingthem around the house for doing light tasks until you get moreused to them. I would not give up these gloves for anything now, simply love them! Best of luck.

I use the stethoscope type s/m [2008-11-18]
They go right into the ears and I just love it. I've used earbud types that you squish to fit into your ears and didn't really like that because they kept falling out. I also liked a pair that I had liked from RadioShack that were Sony. These fit right over the ears and were noise canceling type as well.

been doing MT for a long time!! [2008-11-18]
I still love the world of medicine and the language of medicine. I think if you don't have that love for it, you will not be able to suffer through the highs and lows of this field, and there are plenty. I am in my 16th year and have done everything from MT to QA to teach, to supervising, and I still love to sit down and transcribe. If you have a good company or a good hospital to work for, there's always plenty of work which makes for the ability to make plenty of money. You will get faster and faster as the years go on, and if you don't have a ShortHand program yet, get one. You'll never make money without one.

I use these....sm [2008-11-18]
from Transcription Gear. They don't hurt my ears, and have a mono/stereo setting, as well as an easy to reach volume control on them. I love them. http://www.transcriptiongear.com/store/FLX-10.html