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IC's and SE's without spouses or significant others (benefits question), please read ... sm - Posted By: sm

I've scanned the archives and either I'm not searching correctly or there's no substantial info posted on this.

For those of you who've made the career choice that either IC or SE is a good fit for you and who don't have a spouse or significant other on whom you can 'piggyback' for benefits, what provisions have you made for your medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and retirement funding? In addition, if you've found a way to provide for this, how and where did you go about finding coverage for yourself as an independent?

I'd really appreciate any help that you can give in this area as I have a once-in-a-lifetime SE opportunity available to me that I won't be able to take unless I can figure out a solution to this problem.

Thanks in advance.

How to search boards - Posted By: BS

Can someone please tell me how to search for comments on companies? tia.

I want to look into Smaller Nationals. - Posted By: Names of some good SMALL NATIONALS.

I am hoping to get some names of some good Small National companys to work for.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Anyone feel like chatting for a while? NM - Posted By: Leadfeather

NM

Hospital background check laws - Posted By: MT2

Can someone tell me where I can find the hospital background check laws? Looking for IL mainly. Thanks.

express scribe - Posted By: Dori Garafola

I'm having a very strange problem with my express scribe program and i don't know what to do. Has anyone ever heard this: I will have my foot on the pedal, I'm happily transcribing away and sometimes when I take my foot off the pedal to catch up, then we I try to go again, I find it has gone back to the beginning of the transcription. The time is still set to where I was before, but what's coming out is the beginning of the file!! Please HELP!!!!!!!

resume advice needed, please! - Posted By: in-hiding

Problems on this job have me seriously considering making a move if there's no improvement soon. Last night I started to polish up a resume, and realized I'm not sure what to do with references. I am not ready to tell my current employer that I am investigating my options, and I would rather not have them called for references until I'm in discussion with a company that looks like a good fit for me.

So what to do on the resume? "Available upon request"? I have a number of reference letters from when I was an IC that I can attach, if I really need to have references on the resume itself. Do you think many companies actually followup on references before they interview? Any thoughts/experience are appreciated!

Question about computer speed - Posted By: Missy

Aside from needing more RAM, it seems there is something else going on with the companies system. It is taking longer and longer for our email to open (have talked with others in the company who say it's happening to them too), to connect in general, to get web pages to open etc.

Does anyone know what else (beside RAM) would be causing this?

It's hard enough to get faster (and being ragged on for it) without additional slowness of the equipment adding to it.

Pay Per Line - Posted By: RosieGirl

I have always worked for salary and now am doing contract work from home. How much should I expect to be able to charge per line for transcription services? I'm in the New York City area. What's an average charge per line the hospitals are paying transcription services to do their work? Any ideas?

Lasted Advance MT article - Posted By: Boogie MT

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?

closed caption tv typing and court stenographer - Posted By: wondrin'

You know the closed caption on TV programs, especially the Court TV transcripts....I wonder if those are computer-typed or human-typed. If they're typed by humans, then any one of us could do a hundred times better, as there are typos all over the place!

While we're on the subject....I wonder how much money a court stenographer makes, and wonder if it's more of a pain than it's worth. They don't look very comfortable when they're typing in to their little machines. Anyone know?

Can someone explain how you retrieve - Posted By: Inquiring Minds

messages on a c-phone? I'm missing something here. If I have one phone line only and it has call waiting...do I need or should I disable the call waiting if I am going to be transcribing from this unit most of the day? If I don't disable it and I'm in the middle of working, will the beeping from the second line interfere with what I am doing? Will I lose work or will it cut out on words I am trying to hear? Also, when you retrieve your work, is it stored right on the unit or are you actually working off the tape from wherever you are phoning it to?

I don't know why but the manual that I have here....it's not very self explanatory and this being the first time using this type of machine...I want to make sure I understand completely what I am doing.

Thanks in advance for anyones advice. I'm use to portable machines with actual tapes.

What is your current screensaver? - Posted By: kyradmt

Mine's a beautiful aquarium (XP Plus!) except I only have three fish - you have to pay for more and I just don't wanna.

Dictionaries and expanders, sm - Posted By: Thanks in advance

I have a few questions on dictionaries and expanders. I have been working for MQ for the past two years. I have added a lot of words to the spell checker dictionary, and I have a lot of shortcuts, does anyone know if there is a program that I can use with MS Word that will allow me to import these. The files are .tlx, .aco and .ocx. I am going IC and will be using my own computer. I was just trying to find a program to get set up on (even if I cannot use what I have already saved), that will be the most benefit for me in the future. I also have a laptop, so I would like a program I can use on both computers without having to pay a fortune to do so.

TIA

Where are all of these GREAT JOBS that everyone is finding? - Posted By: shrinkage

I have been following the Job Seekers Board and other MT jobs boards very closely, have applied at a few, tested, passed, etc. Apparently, I am delusional, because I am not finding these GOOD jobs! I do not think 8.5 cpl is GOOD. I do not think being told to work a weekend day is GOOD. I do not mind working a schedule, but having to work every weekend?????

I have been an MT for about 15 years now. I make 10 cpl and despite the job I am at right now... (yes, the Q). I am sick of ASR and sick of watching my work go to India.

Having said that, someone please tell me where all of these jobs are that pay close to what I make, happen to be US PROUD, and not required to work every blessed weekend.

Extext - Display Disarray - Posted By: sm

I'm not sure how to describe this. It has happened a few times to me, and I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it. Here's the problem: Occasionally, my fingers fly and I end up hitting keys that I don't intend to hit. Apparently, I'm hitting some sort of combo that sets of a function that I definitely do not want. At first, it appears as tho Num Lock is on, as when I hit any number keys, I get symbols on my screen. But it happens with more than numbers. It also happens with any punctuation keys, as well. If I try to highlight a portion of the text with my mouse, well... everything just goes kablooey. Click on a bit of text to place the cursor, and an entire paragraph is highlighted. Click again, and more is highlighted. All sorts of stuff happen. I try to Edit - Undo to go back to where I made my mistake, but that doesn't help. Even on my desktop, the strange behavior continues.

I'm not sure what I'm doing when I make this mistake, and I can't seem to fix it. In fact, I can't even shut down the computer to reboot. When I go to Start - Turn off computer - Restart nothing happens at all. I end up having to slam off the computer. Oy! Of course, by the time everything comes up, I've completely lost everything I was working on. This is not a regular occurrence. It happened to me this morning, and it's been months since it happened previously.

Has anyone else had this happen? Do you know what it is and/or how to correct it?

Anyone getting "Hung For The Holidays?" - Posted By: RadGuy

U know, by American Idol's bad singer William Hung?

Hyperventilating/Panic Attack - Posted By: I just had one.

I just had a panic attack and was hyperventilating. Should I go to the doctor? No insurance.

what spell check do u use? Looking for something cheap... sm - Posted By: new mt

Just starting out and need a spell check program that will do drug names also. I am looking for something that will cover the basics for now and then when I get some pay checks under my belt I can get one of the big ones like spellex. My current employer states there are literally hundreds of medical spell checkers on the market and I should be able to find one that covers some drug names also...does anyone have any ideas or can name a few?? thanks

which accent do you find the hardest to transcribe? - Posted By: USAMT

I do okay with Oriental, Greek, Indian, most European accents. However for some reason when it comes to Spanish docs, forget it !

It just sounds like gibberish to me.

Sending a report--HIPAA compliant - Posted By: Kris

I am searching for possibilities to streamline getting reports back to my client. Is there a HIPAA-compliant way to send medical reports securely via email so that they could be printed on site?

RE: For those of you who use laptops - where do you do most of your work, i.e. in a recliner (sm) - Posted By: Kristie

at a desk, at the kitchen table, etc.?? Just curious. I'm serious wanting a laptop so I don't have to be chained to this desk

Help on drug board if you have second :O) - Posted By: gmg

thanks.

Dragon Naturally Speaking - Posted By: Barry Watts

Does anyone know if Medquist allows you to install programs on their computers? I used to use Dragon Naturally Speaking for radiology and it worked really well after a lot of voice training. It was a lot quicker just repeating what the radiologist said and watching for errors, which were amazingly few and far between. It never worked well for medical reports, but was a godsend when I had to do radiology.

AHDI - Posted By: Boogie MT

I started a thread below about the government stepping in and making the MTSO companies step up to the plate and conform to a standard form of counting lines for US based medical transcriptionists and to perhaps have a baseline pay so that MTs are not sitting all day long waiting on one more report to try to make a count that is making the MTSOs richer. While not everybody agreed with my points, let me say that there are probably far more MTs in this country who are not independent contractors and who are trying to support themselves than not. ICs would almost be classified as (mini) MTSOs. Not everybody has the luxury of negotiating what they will work for. That whole conversation is moot when we are talking about the industry as a whole. ADHI has spoken for years that they support standardization but when they were recently asked about "policing" the MTSOs methods of counting lines, they dropped the ball. This is just my opinion, but there definitely needs to be an accountability to the U.S. worker concerning this industry. While on one hand we are described as highly skilled workers with a wide base of knowledge, we are then described as home-based, bunny-slippered, pajama mamas. It cannot be both ways. We are highly skilled and do have a wide base of knowledge and we need to band together. I do like the name United States Medical Transcription Association. Works for me.

Want to Buy Lanier TXC Card. Please see post on Equip. Board - Posted By: Doctalk

I am in need of a TXC card and peripherals in excellent working condition. I only need one, and it is for my own use, not for resale.

Hope someone with an extra will see my post. Thanks

Any For Real Good MT Schools in Houston? - Posted By: Londa

I'm looking for a real good MT school or some sort of MT on the job training or willing to train a person to work out of home. Have been LVN since 1984 but now disable, need something to do out of home. Please reply, disability not enough income. Thanks!

Lon

C Phone not dialing--D-Light from CHARTS-- Please help - Posted By: Lmbb

Hey y'all. I have a little black box of a C-Phone, from C.H.A.R.T.S. and it is called D-Light.

Yesterday it would not dial. Everything else works apparently, the green light is on and it changes from green to red when I hit the buttons to dial or hit the foot pedal.

But, the DIAL TONE is lower volume than normal and it will not dial. The buttons do nothing. I do get the phone company prompt "If you are trying to make a call, please hang up..." if I stay on the line long enough.

It is acting like it is not getting power, this is how it acts when the power cord is not plugged in. But, it is plugged in. I think the machine could work, I just don't know what is going wrong.

Please help if you know what is going wrong. TX so much-- I gotta work!!

PC-Dart jobs - Posted By: me

Hello-

I have a job where I have to dial in and use a PC-DART modem with a foot pedal over my telephone line. Is that common?

Terror attack in London, explosions in the subway, many deaths - Posted By: On Fox news. nm

xz

footpedal - Posted By: EvaEv

Can anybody tell me if the Olympus footpedal with serial (COM) port works with escription (EditScript) ? TIA

Any ex-smokers? - Posted By: Soon to be

I sure could use some stories of inspiration as I start on this journey to a healthy, habit-free life!

What do you suggest - Posted By: BAR

How much do you guys charge for a late fee when invoices aren't paid in time?

My terms are invoicing the first of each month and payment due within ten days.

I've decided to impose a late fee since I'm having a horrible time getting paid. What do you recommend? Thanks.

finallyfast.com - Posted By: Gullible

Help!

I was up too late one evening and saw a commercial for finally fast, a program to help speed up my computer----turned out to be a clever ad but very misleading.

Now I cannot get it uninstalled. I have tried everything.

Any suggesions from you knowledgable MT techies out there?

Thanks!

Both of my inifinity USB footpedals don't like to - Posted By: Bonnie

rewind. I have to step on it about four times before it rewinds. Is there a fix for this? I've been wanting to buy another, hoping the next one works properly, but I'm afraid this is the way all their pedals work (or don't!). Does anyone have an Infinity USB footpedal that works well?

New Doctor, some patients already typed - Posted By: Lisa

I got a new doctor. They girl who had been working for him left him in a big mess, undone dictations, etc. The office gave me a flashdrive to do with about 30 patients on it over the holiday weekend. Today they've told me ten patients had already been typed, how did I want to handle that? It seems they don't want to pay me for these. My husband says to bite the bullet and not charge them, since this is a new account and I'd like to keep it, is possible. What do you think? I know it's a land of confusion there from what is done to what is not done. Thanks!

Need opinions on Dish TV versus Direct TV please.. sm - Posted By: Zoe

I have had both and currently have Direct but have never liked it due to the poor programming guide (only allowed to set up one Favorites, have to stand almost in front of the receiver for the remote to work, very difficult to find anything on the guide, not good music channels, etc.). I am only 9 months into a 2 year "programming contract" and feel I am going to be charged a cancellation fee though do not know how much. Anyway, I would like opinions from others on the service, etc. of both these companies before I make my decision to switch. Thanks to all who take the time to answer!

Doc left recorder on...196 minutes grrrr - Posted By: nm

x

Paying a subcontractor - Posted By: Jenifer

I am going to take in a subcontractor in an on-the-job training program. I want to know your input on paying them and paying yourself for the training. I an setting up an on-the-job training program. As an independent contractor, I receive 8 cents/line. I am going to have the subcontractor work with me in my office at my other work station, and I will teach her everything and QA all of her work closely until she is up to speed. I was thinking of paying her 6 cents/line and me 2 cents/line. What is your input on a suitable division of payments?

s/l two 4 x 4�s peripad and mesh panties.......PPH procedure - Posted By: vx

s

Don Knotts died today - Barney Fife. - Posted By: MTness

He was a classic!

headphones - Posted By: Tracey

I work at home with kids and although I work downstairs sometimes it is still noisy. I can't hear on my headphones if there is the slightest bit of loud noise or even my daughter talking and singing in the same room. My other problem is that my head is very small and my headphones do not want to stay on my head unless I have a bandana or hat on even at their smallest adjustment.

Anybody have a good set with good sound blockage and a small headsize?

Thanks in advance

headers, footers, word count - Posted By: Lisa

I am an newbie IC and just started a new Dr. when I realized that MS word does not count headers and footers with word count. Any way you can include headers/footers in the word count or do you have to count it all separately and then add them together?

Does anybody know.... - Posted By: ANON

Does anybody know if I could run these 2 platforms on the same computer: Voicescribe and Spantel. I am thinking about a 2nd part-time job and was just curious.

Thanks.

How does this sound for QA? - Posted By: New to QA

I'll only be doing QA on each person for 2 weeks. They offered $5.00 per MT and then a $25 bonus when they graduate from having to pend items to me. I'm also training and get $10 per person, which is fine with me because I can train 10 people at once. Any feedback is appreciated!

wireless keyboard question - Posted By: CS

What exactly does that mean? I want a new keyboard and I am trying to find one that is ergonomic and will hopefully increase my productivity. I currently use a Belkin. Any recommendations? Cost is not a problem. TY

Question for home MTs... - Posted By: feeling isolated at my computer

I have been working from home as an MT for 6 years now. Though I love the work, I am finding myself increasingly isolated and lonely. I get little communication from the company I work for, work alone all day long, and have a dwindling pool of people I know because I used to meet people at work when I worked outside the home. I am also finding myself less flexible. If one minor glitch happens in my day I am ready to just go back to bed or have a panic attack. It is like I have zero tolerance for any deviations from what is �supposed to happen.� I have always been somewhat of a stickler for my routine, but it is ridiculous now. I should also mention that my husband has been working out of the country for 7 months now. Anyone else finding that the longer they work from home the more anal they become? If so, any ideas on how to resolve it??

I recently switched to DSL and now my Winfax Pro will not work. Has anyone else had - Posted By: Wilson

this problem and what do you use now to accept faxes through your computer??? Thanks.

Etymotic ER6 earphones; do you all still like them (sm) - Posted By: Going Deaf?

To those of you who are using them,do you still like them? Are you able to pick up the stammering docs better? Are they comfortable, hard to get used to? I am open to suggestions on other brands if you have decided you don't like them

Is it J tube or J-tube - NM - TIA - Posted By: help, please