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Flame - Posted By: Question

What does the really (looks like a yellow flame) mean by the postings?

Shortcuts - Posted By: Long time MT

I am a longtime MT but have just converted to employee status (am so sick of the tax thing). Anyway I have never really used a lot of shortcuts (just the Autocorrect in Word) but now that I have to do more lines to make the same amt of money I need some tips on creating shortcuts so I can produce more lines an hour. Thanks ladies (and gents!)

Question about Meditech system. sm - Posted By: searching

I have just started working in Meditech after using Word for years. I find it to be very confusing. Do any of you that have worked in it for awhile like it? My first line count is running around 90 lines per hour. That is pretty low for me on a new platform. Is it a productive system?

Trying It On For Size... - Posted By: Multiple IC positions?

I've been transcribing for nearly 10 years, so I'm no longer considered a *newbie,* but there are still a few things I don't know about, so I'm hitting this board to see if anyone can offer up some advice...

Does anyone out there work for more than one company as an independent contractor?

I already hold one IC position and I am considering taking on a couple of more. I have to commit to a certain amount of lines for each, but no set schedule. They all are paying the same primo-rate with no incentive scale, so it doesn't pay extra to put all my lines in with one company.

You might ask, *Why don't you just increase how much you are working with your first company?* Well, my answer is that I don't like having a primary and then having my backup account constantly changing in order to provide me with work. I am thinking that it would work better to work for a couple of different places, each giving me just one primary account (and yes, there are still companies who do that!), and then just sign off of one and onto another when the first one runs out of work...

In my mind, this works out beautifully, but since I have never done it before, I'm hoping to get some pointers for those of you who have.

Try a Little Kindness - Posted By: modboxmom

I have attempted to read these boards several times over the past few years. Each time I am appalled by how rude and inconsiderate everyone is. Always a few frequent posters who think they "own" the boards. It makes me really sad to see so many obviously miserable people in one place. Perhaps people should try being a little supportive of one another. There is no crime in asking a question twice. There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you find it repetitious, perhaps you should just skip over it. Life is too short to always be so bitter. I am not a noobie either. I have been in this business for 27 years. Thanks for listening.

AAMT Journal-Is is worth it to get it? - Posted By: MTer

Does anyone get the AAMT Journal. Is it worth the money?

Tip on Aching Wrists/Target Laundry Detergent! - Posted By: MTpainless

Okay, I have hesitated sharing this one for a long time now, cause I know, absolutely know, I will get flamed somehow, cause its sort of silly, but its not silly to those of us whose wrists and/or arms are shot from this "career". I have really bad wrists now AND elbows - actually if your wrists hurt, chances are your tendons are aggravated right up to your elbow, too, though the pain might not localize there. At any rate, I also found my wrist would hurt with some "ADLs", mostly laundry. No matter what size of detergent I bought, they were always heavy, and the motion of pouring deturg into the cups really hurt my right wrist. Sometimes I could even hear an audible "pop" on that motion of holding this heavy bottle and pouring. My physical medicine guy said it was the motion of that with the weight on top of typing that wreaked havoc on my wrists, and that even lots of women who don't type have popped their tendons out using laundry detergent! Well, this is SO stupid, but...a few months ago I went to Target and saw their brand "Method" laundry detergent. Its super concentrated and fits 32 loads in a tiny bottle. Plus, its like those mouthwash dispensers where you just hold the bottle upright and squeeze and a tiny bit of the detergent fills in a tiny cup at the top. You fill to the line, which takes all of 1 second, and that's all the detergent you need! Plus, this stuff is awesome with the laundry. Prior to that, only Tide could get my kids clothes clean. This stuff is the BEST, and it smells great! Its about $6 for this bottle, which I would have thought expensive, but the savings on my wrists are priceless! My carpal tunnel and elbow tendonitis have nearly completely healed. It was just this stupid combo of motions that did my wrists in! For those older MTs like me, who've been at this for over 20 years, try it! It might help!! Again, I see a sports med guy, and get injections occasionally. I used to have to wear wrist braces, etc. I was scheduled for surgery until I started using this silly Target laundry detergent! Now, no more pain! Isn't that so weird? But neat?

Forgive the last message, but WHAT do I have to do to make 40,000 - Posted By: FLmt

a year. After 18 months at 0.07 cpl with appx 1200 lpd, I am SO frustrated. What a I doing wrong? TIA

Need to get a new PC monitor, need opinions - Posted By: PA MT

Anyone with flat panels, how do you like them? Any problems with them?

EMR Question - Posted By: Goldie

Unable to access this site lately, I just found the EMR conversation down the list.

From what I read "somewhere" the government wants to use this so that records can be accessed from anywhere electronically, correct? - If so, why can't that be done anyway? Our files are done via the Internet, so why don't they store the information we type in an electronic database to provide the same access?

I am relatively new at this, so I might be missing something due to ignorance ... but, gee, I'd hate to lose my job before I even get good at it!

Question regarding QA - Posted By: sm

If you have a report that has quite a few blanks in it, whether it be because of ESLs (like my reason for questioning) or background noise, mumblers, etc, should I send my QA a quick email and give her a heads up about it? I've not ever really emailed her, unless there was a discrepancy, so I was wondering about this. I am certain QA is very busy as is, so I would not want to bother her if it's not necessary.

Question for ICMT whose was asking about a funeral....sm - Posted By: Southern belle

What did you decide?

My grandmother died last week and I let my 6-year-old attend the funeral. A child psychologist friend had advised that I should let her do as much as she wanted to do - i.e. if she wanted to see the body in the open casket then let her but if she was scared then don't. A year ago we buried a cat and I was able to relate to her that my grandmother's spirit has moved on to heaven while her body is here on earth, just like with our old cat and she related to that very well. She ended up insisting on seeing the body in the casket. Overall she did very well with the funeral experience. This was her first funeral to attend where she was old enough to have a clue what was going on.

While at the funeral home I read a pamphlet they had for talking to kids about death. It made suggestions of letting a child mourn the way they desire and said that it's helpful for kids to draw pictures about their feelings. I agree with this totally as play/art is what I do with my daughter when she's upset about something and it helps her to talk about it while we're making something artistic.

I know this will sound like a dumb "newbie" question, but - Posted By: Julia

I have a question for those of you that work for national companies and have a set schedule. How important is it that you stick with your schedule? If you can get all the work done before the deadline, is it okay to take an hour or two off for something like cooking dinner or something like that, as long as your get all your work done by the deadline? Just wonderfing!! Thanks!!!

Julia

Brinker Information Systems - Posted By: Joy Caldwell

Has anyone heard of Brinker Information Systems, LLC? I can't seem to find them on the web or anywhere. They are based out of Center City, MN. They have sent me papers to be faxed to them for IC work, but they did not ask me to test for them or anything. I am leary to send them anything. If anyone knows anything it would be helpful.

Finally - people who know what I'm talking about - Posted By: Renee

It's really nice to finally find somewhere where I can say things like ESL, and almost everyone knows what it means. Forgive me if I tend to ramble... it's nice being "around" people on the same playing field.

I am a stay-at-home mom with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old (neither in daycare) and I don't get out much. I'm relocated from a small town in Ohio and haven't met many friends (because I don't get out much), so basically I only have my husband, his mother, the kids, and the dog to talk to. NOTHING about my work seems to be able to penetrate into my husband's head; he's a great guy and pretty smart (most of the time), but this just isn't his thing.

Thanks again for letting me rant -- please don't be too hard on me; I've been sheltered for a long time now

taylor hicks - Posted By: american idol withdrawal

It seemed strange not to be able to watch AI this week. Just saw Taylor on the Today show-I love him!!!! By the way, does anyone know about the black bracelet that he wears on his left wrist? I noticed it when he was on AI and he still had it on today.

Anyone know the origin of the AMTA guidelines? - Posted By: Megan

I was told that the 2 women in Amherst came up with this book just to make money and that they really don't (excuse me, do not) know their "elbow from their kneecap". I know it took me some getting used to: 1 space after a period and colon, using numerals instead of writing out numbers, not using contractions, etc., etc. I see the book on sale with the guidelines, but does anyone know who wrote it? Frankly, I think it makes medical reports look a little less professional than they used to. I have been a MT for 20 years and even though I am using the new guidelines, I am not crazy about them.

Names in dictation - Posted By: Inquiring Mind

My accounts don't allow pt. names in dictation, following AAMT recommendations, but what about names of family members? They could certainly be used to identify the pt.

Drake & Drake/Saunders Pharm Words 2008 is out. - Posted By: Got mine today! nm Wanderer

s

Expander that lists next to cursor - Posted By: Is there one?

I would like to know if there is an Expander out there that will actually list the expansion next to our cursors while we type so we do not have to look down at the bottom of the monitor to see the expansion. I know if the expansions popped up in front of me I would use them more. Just curious

ASPs - How the Internet is changing EMR - Posted By: Karunakar

Healthcare, along with construction, education and retail are ranked as being the slowest adopters of IT. With more pressure than ever from government, insurers and patients, why is healthcare still so far behind?

As health care becomes more integrated, electronic medical records (EMRs) have become an integral part of any practice.

In its simplest form, the concept of EMR is electronic storage and instant availability of clinical information to authorized users at the point of care. Increased efficiency is one of the foremost benefits. Because of increasing technological advances, we are seeing the delivery and implementation model of EMR changing with the times.

Practitioners today have an option to choose either EMR on "Client-Server" or an ASP platform.

Traditionally, EMRs had been deployed directly in the clinic on a Client-Server platform using a main computer (a "server") located in the clinic. The data is then accessed using a "client" i.e. another computer connected directly to the server through the local area network (LAN).

However, with the increased demand for cost-effective EMR solutions, and advances in Web based technology, many vendors are now offering EMR on ASP platform.

The Application Service Provider ("ASP") model is a way of providing EMR to medical practices that takes advantage of the Internet. An ASP replaces the on-site server at a physician�s office with a server installed and managed at a central data center. Physicians and practice staff can access the software applications remotely via PCs connected through the Internet. It is an effective EMR solution for Solo and Medium Medical Practices.

The increase in demand and interest in the ASP model is attributed to the various advantages it offers over the traditional Client-Server model:

Low cost of ownership: The foremost advantage to the practice is the reduction of hardware, software and maintenance costs. Software installation, maintenance, upgrades, back-up etc. are carried at the vendors end. The clinic does not require hiring of specialized IT staff to manage the day to day activities related to EMR. The user has to pay a fixed or transaction-based fee, mostly on monthly basis which also reduces the cost.

Easier accessibility of data at multiple locations: The ASP based solution allows the physician to access patient data at multiple locations via PCs connected to the Internet. This is very useful for clinics having multiple locations: the physician does not have to stick to a particular PC or location to access patient data.

Easier Upgrades & maintenance: The EMR vendor can centrally update the existing software at his end rather than going to each site for upgrades. This results in fast and effortless upgrade without interfering with the day-to-day operations of the clinic. Upgrades to a Client-Server platform could also require upgrading the existing hardware. This adds to the cost further. With an ASP model, the EMR vendor upgrades the hardware as needed at his end rather than requiring the physician to purchase additional hardware.

Greater Flexibility: ASP platform is far more flexible than Client-Server systems. Most Client-Server EMRs require the practice to buy the application outright rather than choosing a step-by-step implementation. Once the clinic has chosen a Client Server platform, it is difficult to switch to a different vendor because the cost incurred during the initial implementation for hardware and software is high. As ASP based EMR platforms have enjoyed an increase in demand, vendors offering these solutions have to address certain issues in order to increase the acceptance of ASP based EMRs over Client-Server solutions:

Security & Privacy of Medical Records: Since all the medical data is transmitted over the Internet, patient privacy issues are vital. In fact, ASP systems can be more secure than most Client-Server systems. HIPAA Complaint ASP systems are professionally managed data centers with high level data security systems in place. Data moves through a secured and encrypted pathway across the internet with standards such as SSL-128 in use. Firewalls installed at both ends stop unauthorized access to the network. In addition, Digital Certificates and PINs are some of the other measures being implemented by vendors.

Ownership of Medical Data: Because the patient data is stored at a site outside of the clinic, prospective ASP clients often ask the question �Who owns the Data?� In most cases Service Level Agreements or other legal agreements are formulated and put in place to ensure that the ASP users can retrieve their data upon the termination of services, if they chose to do so.
Availability of Internet Connection: Since ASP platform is web based, it requires a stable and fast Internet connection at the clients end. The physician might not be able to use the solution if the connectivity is slow or interrupted. Most vendors recommend T-1 or DSL lines, both readily available in most locations, to ensure seamless flow of information and uninterrupted workflow.

In summary, ASPs offer an effective alternative to traditional Client-Server applications with the promise of lower cost of ownership, greater flexibility, easier implementation and maintenance. Physicians have come to realize that ASPs have grown up, and more practices will begin to migrate to the ASP model in the future as the concept gains increased acceptance.

Has anyone ever tried anything called a Grapefruiter? sm - Posted By: LTMT

I saw it in a cooking gadgets catalog and then did some research online. It kind of looks like a garlic press, but with blades that fit over the grapefruit and then scoop out the fruit a section at a time. I have seen it priced anywhere from $12.99 to $19.99, not a fortune, but wanted to see if anyone had ever tried it before plunking down the cash. (I am a sucker for gadgets! ha)

Happy New Year!

Priceline cancellations - Posted By: Are they possible?

Has anyone been able to get their credit card to refund for a noncancellable reservation? Can you dispute them?

Flash Count Question... sm - Posted By: BarbS

Hi - Could any of you tell me how to get the Flash Count to put the amount on the invoice as the exact amount and not round it off to the next dollar?

II want to submit my first invoice with amount correct on the invoice and not rounded to the next dollar. It shows correctly on configuration screen but final invoice has round off value. The final total is correct and not rounded off.

TIA!

I sure do wish there was a board just for DQS questions and tips. nm - Posted By: It's like pulling teeth to get answers from my

nm

clinic capitalization QA dispute question - Posted By: SP

I recently had two different QA people give me two different answers to a capitalization problem regarding clinic names. What are the rules for capitalizing clinics and specialties? If the doctor dictates, "The patient will be seen in the Cardiac Clinic . . . ." do you capitalize those two words? I have one QA saying yes, one saying no. If the doctor dictates, "The patient was seen by Cardiology . . . " do you capitalize "cardiology"? Again, one QA says yes, one says no. TIA

need help on word board - Posted By: texan

PLEASE !

keyboard skipping keys - Posted By: Judy

Does anyone else have problems with some of the keys on the keyboard skips intermittently, not all the time, just sometimes? My keyboard is brand new. Not the most expensive, but it is new. What can I do? Please help.

PA dictates patient drinks "a gallon" of liquor a day. - Posted By: can this be right?

I hear people drinking a pint or 1/5 a day, but a GALLON. The guy is only 45.

Do you like where you work?? - Posted By: MT looking

My company is losing the account I work on and I am afraid there will not be enough work for all of us when the account is finally gone. I have started looking for a new job. I read of so many horror stories of companies out there who do not pay on time. I would really like some input on good reputable companies. I also would really like to find a company that offers a flexible schedule. Can anyone recommend any reputable companies that offer flexible schedules?

TIA

Dictation Systems - Posted By: Crissy Harmon

I'm looking at going from the good ol' tapes to digital dictation. What is the best choice for the $$?

Thank you

Anybody here work with Medgarde? - Posted By: NewbieMT

?

Time on postings - Posted By: FLmt-2

Would it be possible to have the time of day included with postings? That way we could see if our responses were still warranted....Thnx!

Why is it... - Posted By: occasional poster. sm

some companies say no IC positions. In my opinion, there is no difference between IC and employee for online MTs. Can anyone please explain. The MT is still paid per line or per report. If the MT were paid per hour, then I could see the point in working as an employee. Now, you're talking. What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel it is worth it to be employee. Although, I must say pay for IC at some places is not that great.

Occasional poster...mostly looky-loo:)

3rd shift work - Posted By: wiseoldwoman

Just looking for any tips on how to stay awake transcribing 3rd shift. I recently switched my hours from days to nights and am having LOTS of trouble staying awake about midway through. Any helpful 3rd shifters out there that care to share their strategies????

Need alternative to usual Labor Day cookout - Posted By: tired of burgers & hot dogs

We are having a family get-together on Labor Day. We usually grill hamburgers and hot dogs, but I was trying to think of something different this year. Any suggestions? There will be young kids there, so it would have to be something they could enjoy as well. Thanks!

word97 to 2003 document help - Posted By: Tiffin

Hi,

I have to use a form where I have the patient name and dob on the same line. BUT when I type in the patient name, it moves the DOB over every time. I then have to back it up to have it formatted right. Could someone please tell me how I can get this to NOT keep moving? I remember having this problem on a form I converted from word5.1 to 97 several years ago and someone here helped me with something that fixed that. Please if anyone knows how to fix this would be such a time saver as some days I am doing this for 80 patient files.....urghhhhhh.

thank you.

Tiffany

speech recogn. question - Posted By: upnorth

Wondering if you guys when doing VR use the feature where the highlighter moves along with the words and attaches the cursor for editing? Maybe all VR programs don't do this... only have experience with 2 that did. Feeling pressure to use this feature and for the life of me I just can't function when it is on. I end up editing where I don't want to and spend more time trying to figure out where my cursor is or isn't than worrying about the text I am editing. I can do about 300 to 325 an hour without. Wondering if working through the frustration of trying to use this feature will gain me anything? Any thoughts??

How do you add in auto correct? - Posted By: Word 2007 question

2007 is really different than 2003. I can't seem to find how I do this. Thanks.

Anyone's kids had really high fevers when teething? - sm - Posted By: MtMommee

My son, who will be 2 next week, has had a high fever off and on the last three days. He has his last two teeth coming in, and he also got sick a couple weeks ago while we were on vacation and two teeth were coming in at that time. That lasted about two days, but he didn't have a high fever, just a low grade fever and throwing up. I've been giving him Tylenol and Motrin to keep the fever at bay, but it seems to start to creep back up before four hours has gone by when I can give him some more medicine. He didn't have any problems with his other teeth coming in, and it looks like the new ones have already broken through. Any insight is appreciated!

RE: Dictaphone - Posted By: mommaklown2

I have been hearing a lot of bad things about Dictaphone company. Just wondering if any of you have had any bad dealings with them, maintenance, getting in contact with somebody, etc.. I hear bad from everybody except Dictaphone people.

AAMT now just AMT? - Posted By: mighty

This is in reference to their now teaching overseas to outsource our work:

I myself do NOT feel comfortable having my information sent overseas, including my name, DOB, and often SSN listed in the demographics screen of each note. I have heard stories of prosecution (or lack there of) by identity theft from people in other countries. Maybe Americans should start boycotting or protesting the healthcare industries that outsource overseas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Got my own account today - Posted By: MslaMT

*happy dance* I am so happy.

What makes a company "good" to work for? - Posted By: Emily Brown

In reading some posts below, I came across one that peaked my curiosity. She stated that she has not seen anybody post the name of a high-paying or good company to work for, so this made me think. I am an IC and have a job but am afraid of losing it as I just lost one account. So my question is I am completely new to the "big company" scene. If people are unwilling to divulge who they like working for (for whatever reason), how does one go about researching on what will be worth it or not?

Just curious

What would you do? I have been given the opportunity to work from home sm - Posted By: Question

for a start-up company in mass media (please don't ask name of publication since I can't release that yet). I know the owners, husband quit job to pursue this full-time along with a few other people to start this media company. We've been meeting once a week for about 6 weeks. Right now I am part-time. I am doing the editing for this company, a lot of reading and research and today was told, if I decide to work for them frome home, that I could also be the corresponding editor, meaning once their first publication comes out in April, whenever someone has a "letter to the editor," that email would come straight to me, I would either route the mail by importance to the appropriate staff member or answer them myself - it will all be up to me. Basically, I would be an administrator for the company as well as edit articles, speeches, ads, etc. that come in. This job would be multifunctional.

About the pay: We haven't really discussed this yet. The owner gave me a list of salary ranges and I would fall into the editor/administrative salary range which is a little more than what I make right now. Would you make the jump??

I am married and my husband's salary pays most of our bills, but I definitely need to work. I've taken a few days off to meet with this new company and to decide if I should quit MTing/QAing to dedicate my time between work and family with this company. I can't do both. No way! They want to start sending me stuff right now and then I have my company counting on me to QA.

Today was my first day back QAing and I am dreading every single minute of it. I want to edit and email and meet with these people, but I'm hesistant to do so. Not sure how much security is in it. I would hate to quit and then this media company can't get off their feet.

What would you do? Editing/administration is my gift. And I can still work from home. Would you do it?

liquidated damages - Posted By: Be careful who you work for

I just spent a year as a "newbie" Transcriptionist making 4 cents a line for the first 6 months, 5 cents a line for the last 6 months. The girl I worked for, lets call her SHE, had a tendency to pay only every 2 to 3 months....and then it was only a 2-week paycheck. The kicker? When I quit I gave a 2-weeks notice, per request of the contract....but then I got mad and quit 1 week early.....but the contract stated "In the event that "me" fails to provide such notice, "me" agrees to pay SHE liquidated damages in the amount of $250 or any amounts owed to "me" from SHE at date of termination, whichever amount is greater. As of the present date I am owed over $600. There were monies from May that I had never recieved. So, if you should come across a contract like this, PLEASE say no. I am now happily employed with a company that pays me every 2 weeks. I am just happy in knowing God will be her judge someday.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced medical spell checker? - Posted By: TG

I've seen some advertised and the prices vary, and I'm wondering which ones are good. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

Do not post e-mail addresses or (SM) - Posted By: Moderator

other personal information, such as names (first and last), or phone numbers.

VISTA Friendly Transcription Companies? - Posted By: type-type

I saw a post here within the last month for Vista-friendly companies. Please email me if you know who they are. Thanks so much!

It seems like a lot of companies are out of work. Could it just be a slump? Are there any with sm - Posted By: ChicagoMT

a lot of work? I am afraid to leave little work at MQ for no work somewhere else.