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Does anyone know anything about Medical Dictation Transcription Company out of Florida??? - Posted By: Laura

Just wondering if anyone knew anything about Medical Dictation Transcription Company?

Goodbye virus...finally... - Posted By: MT1

My computer picked up a virus about a week or so ago. I tried removing it myself, didn't work, contacted my Spyware support and they sent me instructions on what to do, didn't work, it kept coming back. So, I took a chance today and did the online virus/spyware removal tool with McCafee. You pay online first ... $60 to $90 dollars (I think it was $60 for what I had done) and then they connect to your computer run their virus removal software and voila...no virus. It took about an hour+. After watching what all they do, I know I never could have removed it myself no matter what software I had. I used McCaffee, but I would imagine all of the virus companies have the same online deal. Definitely easier than hauling the computer in somewhere and, worst of all, being without it for a day or two. By the way, I had a "bunch" of spyware/viruses, not just one. They left me with the page of tips below if anyone wants to look at them. I was glad to know about the first tip...instead of using the "X" to close the pop-up ads to download something, they suggest a better way to close it. Anyway, it feels good to have a "clean" computer again.

Home computer security Tips

Pop-up Advertising Alert

Don't click on pop-ups!

Pop-up windows are frequently the product of Spyware, and clicking on those windows may install Spyware software on your computer. To close the pop-up window, we recommend right-clicking the popup from your Windows taskbar, (which might just be listed as Internet Explorer), and choosing Close or End Task. Please note, this will end your Internet Explorer session.

Program Alert Dialog Boxes

Close unexpected dialog boxes!

Be wary of unexpected dialog boxes asking whether you want to run a particular program or perform another type of task. Avoid any kind of response to such Dialog Boxes. The best ways to bypass are

1. Right click the item on Taskbar and select 'Close'

2. Open Task Manager and End the respective Process

Alert on Free Downloadable Software

Don�t download programs from an unknown source!

Many websites offer customized toolbars, free utilities, or other features that appeal to users. You should never download a program from a site you don't trust, as you may be exposing your computer to security risks.

Alert on Email Links

Don't click links that offer free anti-spyware or anti-virus software!

These links may be malicious and actually install the Spyware or Virus they claim to eliminate.

Alert on Email Attachments

Never open attachments from an unverified source, even if you know the sender!

Be wary of unsolicited attachments, even from people you know. May viruses can "spoof" the return address, making it appear as though the message came from a trusted source. If possible, verify the legitimacy with the person who sent it before you open the attachment. This includes email messages that appear to be from your software vendor or ISP, which claim to contain patches or anti-virus software. ISPs and software vendors do not commonly send patches or software in email messages.

20 ways you can protect yourself

1. Be sure to set up your operating system and web browser software properly, and update them regularly.

2. Back up important files to CD or external hard drive.

3. Use strong passwords and authentication technology to help protect your personal information.

4. Do not disable your anti-virus program if another program requests you to do so.

5. Be sure the signatures in your anti-virus software are current.

6. Install and use a firewall program, and never disable the firewall. Doing so may allow Trojans to be downloaded and installed on your system.

7. Use McAfee SiteAdvisor for safe browsing.

8. Avoid making online purchases on public computers.

9. Do not click advertisements on web pages. Take utmost precaution when clicking on free offers on the Internet.

10. Consider changing web browsers. Because of its popularity, Microsoft�s Internet Explorer is a frequent target for hackers seeking to exploit the browser�s security vulnerabilities.

11. Use care when downloading and installing programs.

12. Be careful when downloading additional codecs to play videos or music.

13. Do not click links received through instant messenger programs.

14. Disable the option to automatically download email attachments.

15. Scan all attachments for viruses before opening them.

16. Turn off the preview pane in your email client to avoid script vulnerabilities.

17. Never respond to spam. Delete unwanted messages, and use a spam filter. Replying to or unsubscribing from spam confirms the validity of your e-mail address.

18. Stay away from peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing services. By their nature, many file-sharing services turn your PC into a server, which anyone using the P2P service can access.

19. Be careful playing interactive games. In order for you to play an interactive game on the Internet, your computer must be identified by a remote server. Once identified, your computer can be targeted by hackers and others.

20. Set specific guidelines for Internet use by children. Create system accounts with limited privileges to prevent installing malicious applications when surfing.

Curious about a server as our office is getting one - Posted By: to monitor employees

Is the main reason to get a server to monitor employees on the internet? I know there are bound to be other reasons, but our boss is getting a server for our office and says that is the reason. He's a real jerk, by the way. He didn't even want any of us to have email. He really doesn't want us working in the 21st Century mode and he is a computerophobic! I'm curious as to all the advantages of a company having their own server. He tried to take the internet off my computer because "you are the only one doing transcription (PHI) on the computer" which was bull in itself, but he's afraid of "someone getting into our info" even though we have protection.

Gas prices today? We're at $3.19 - Posted By: Mainer

Softscript- the truth of the matter - Posted By: frelvis

Having recently joined SoftScript a few months back, and having 15+ years in MT, working for many different companies, I researched what the boards were saying about ALL the companies I worked, or wanted to work for. I noticed some bad stuff posted about SS. I also saw that most of it was 3 years ago or more. I decided that things change and came over. I like it- they have plenty of work and matched my last line pay. The managers I know and talk to have been cool, at least to me. But I never give anyone trouble either. I work alot, and don't miss much work. I know they are always looking to beef up staff, editors, mentors, etc. Line requirements are low enough to meet easily. They do have a high QA standard, but then who of us doesn't think we're the best out there and can easily get 100% in QA? Should give them a call and apply and find out for yourself. You'll be glad you did! Let me know if you do- I'll get a referral bonus too!

need new headphones, would like some input - Posted By: reallyoldMT

I've been using stethoscope style headsets since forever, but have found that the newer onese don't seem to last long. I noticed on Transcription Gear.com they have some noise reducing headphones that are pretty pricey, but I notice I just don't hear as well as I used and wonder if these things are really any good. Also I wonder if anyone has had experience with returning things to this place in case I were to find out I didn't really see a benefit for the cost.

Thanks for your help.

I paid $1.95 for gas yesterday. What about you? - Posted By: Georgia gal

Glad it's coming down!!!

anyone have tips for testing? - Posted By: Dawn

I'm one of those people that don't test well, I never have been able to test well, even in high school I had problems. I just took a test today, and I actually think I did pretty well. I went back and listened to each sound file a second time while reading through the transcribed file. I found a couple of mistakes and corrected them. Any other tips for better testing would be appreciated greatly.

Please click on Santa's House for Christmas Angels above to donate and help - Posted By: kids receive gifts (sm) Administrator

for Christmas. MTStars is matching your donation, dollar for dollar, and on Dec. 1 everyone who has donated will be able to pull a gift from Santa's Bag!

Thank you!

Administrator
MTStars

Fill in the blank: You know you're getting old when....sm - Posted By: Just me

1. For me, when a person I used to babysit from infancy until school age has completed his internal medicine residency and is in a private medical practice.

2. When I get up in the morning my knees and back crack so much that you can hear them at times in the next room (daughter asks "what's that cracking noise" will confirm this!)

Alltype - Posted By: Kathy

What do you folks know about Alltype? Thanks in advance.

trying to chose a laptop, please, re connection and speed - Posted By: sm

what please is the difference in ability to connect between:

802.11 a/g/n (cannot remember if it was wireless)

802.11 a/b/g wireless

802.11 b/g wireless

..................

Re speed, I saw somewhere the a/g/n is 5 times faster, true? or is the speed in the gHz or in the hard drive rpm...????

I would really really appreciate some input, and thanks.

simply verbatim - Posted By: Ld

Has anyone worked for this company? Just curious.

ASR advice - Posted By: just curious

When I am doing ASR, I am wondering if I over-edit? For example, in the lab section, if the doc says: Hemaglobin is 10. Hematocrit is 36. Platlets are 220,000. If I was striaght typing, I would have those in one sentence without the "is" in there... so in ASR I edit this out. This is just one example. The client has stated no preferences at all. I am feeling frustrated by not being able to pick up more speed with the ASR and I think this is the reason, my over-editing?

So I am looking for some opinions. When doing ASR, do you just let stuff stand as is, whatever they say goes, or do you edit to make it look pretty .

Happy Halloween to all. nm - Posted By: Casper

x

Has anyone ever advertised their business in a medical magazine?.. sm - Posted By: Melanie

I am a small MTSO (just me) and have been trying to drum up business with postcards and letters. It has been about 6 months and nothing! I found a medical magazine for my State and was thinking about placing a classified ad. Wondered if any of you have tried this, and if so, were successful. Thanks!

Is the work day over yet? - Posted By: almost!

The kids finally stopped bugging me after I gave them a chore for every unnecessary interruption. Because of that, the house is clean. The phone finally stopped ringing every 5 minutes. It's 65 degrees outside now. No snow in sight! Oh, what should I do with myself? Bake for tomorrow? Read a book? Take a long bubble bath? Clean my office? Happy sigh.... What a nice day.

digital phoneline with Lanier voice writer - Posted By: Lisa

I recently had my unlimited long distance suspended because of the time I was putting in on the lanier voice writer. I as going to switch to digital through the cable company with a data line added for access to dial tone. Does anyone have any suggestions good or bad on the digital phone line used with the LAnier voicewriter. Please let me know.

Thank, Lisa

Arrendale platform - Posted By: something new

Is anyone familiar with the Arrendale platform? Easy to learn? Easy to make line count? How is it when compared to ExText? It requires its own footpedal; is it a pain to switch back and forth between these programs multiple times per day? Thanks in advance for your input.

working multiple companies - Posted By: KANN

For those you who work a full-time job plus a part-time job for a different company, are you using one computer for both? I thought maybe I should buy a second computer???

Followup for AHDI and Indian transcription - Posted By: cj

As promised, this is the new response I got from AHDI regarding the special pricing for certification exam from AHDI.

EVERYTHING BELOW IS A QUOTE FROM AHDI

I believe that information comes from a dated press release that was sent out by our testing company, Prometric, when the exam went live in India. That is the correct price being offered on the exam there. However, we also offer that very same rate here in the US when we run promotions like our current Credentialing Cup. In addition, at least quarterly we offer this discount on our exam to individuals who do not want to participate in the Credentialing Cup. (If you're interested, you can read more about the Credentialing Cup at http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/CredentialingCup08.cfm. This promotion is our attempt to engage US transcriptionists and encourage them to become credentialed. In India, transcriptionists sit for this exam because they WANT to earn the credential - not because it necessarily pays them more money. We simply don't see this attitude often here in the US. MTs here only seem interested in certification if it is going to directly impact their wallets. I can understand that - having worked for many years as a production MT and watching my line rate slowly erode - but someone needs to take the first step toward professionalizing this industry. MTs need to learn to speak with their feet. If they get credentialed and they engage in continuing education, then there is no reason why they should settle for working for an employer that does not recognize the value they bring to their position. There ARE companies paying more for CMTs. We add them to a growing list every time an MT reports one to us. Check out: http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/whocarescert.cfm.

I don't blame the transcriptionists in India for our falling wages here in the US. Linda Kloss, CEO of AHIMA, gave a presentation at our annual conference a few weeks ago. She showed us a graph that detailed the profit margins for hospitals over the last several years. It was shocking to see how financially stable hospitals have been pushed out of business. Hospitals that once had huge profit margins are now operating in the red. The rising cost of healthcare and shrinking reimbursements from insurance companies are, in my opinion, the primary drivers behind the drop in wages for MTs. Hospital CFOs see medical transcription as a COST. They don't understand that documentation is the beginning of the revenue cycle, and that medical transcriptionists are the first line of defense for risk management. Many CFOs fall prey to technology vendors who promise that their widget will eliminate transcription, so they buy into expensive technology solutions like templates and speech recognition only to find that it costs them even more in the long run, and their documentation is now substandard. Hospitals aren't making money, transcription services are no longer making money, and, therefore, medical transcriptionists are also struggling.

One of our primary goals at AHDI is to raise awareness about the vital role that medical transcriptionists provide to healthcare. We are lobbying (literally, in Washington DC) to bring attention to the need for accurate, timely, efficient documentation. We are making the case for keeping a human professional involved in the documentation process in order to ensure quality record keeping and impact patient safety.

It's unfortunate that people misunderstand the goals of our association and automatically assume that we do not support US MTs, or that we only want to make money off of MTs. That is so completely far off from the truth. One-fourth of the staff at AHDI have worked as medical transcriptionists. We are passionate individuals who are extremely devoted to our profession and our colleagues in this industry. And we need the help and support of every single MT in this country if we're going to turn this industry around.

lines at the pumps, 2-3 cars long. - Posted By: why?

Need a good recipe for home brew flea dip - Posted By: please

I have a shih-tsu and 120 pound lab/blue tick hound. Needless to say, Savannah would cost me an arm and a leg with conventional dips. If anyone knows of a good home brew I would surely appreciate it.

Charter - Posted By: romey

Anyone heard of a company called Charter, and if so, is this the full name of the company?

electronic signature software - Posted By: MJH

I own a small home based medical transcription business and have been asked by prospective new clients about electronic signature capabilities. Can anyone recommend a company or any advice regarding my document management needs. I currently have physician offices set up digitally without any electronic signature capability at all.

Thanks

DocShuttle/Bytescribe user experience - Posted By: Casey

Does anyone have experience using DocShuttle by Bytescribe? I am considering this for an application where an account has 5 doctors that want to dictate on digital portables & I have 5 transcriptionists working out of their home. How is it to setup & use? Does it work? Is the company available when there are problems? I would appreciate any insight on this company & software.

Hohum Hohum - Posted By: off to work I don't go.

Is work slow for others right now at your companies? It is at mine and here I sit. I dont wanna do laundry or clean house, I want to work!!!

Take my husband, Please ! - Posted By: The Singing MT

Why does he put his clothes on the bathroom or bedroom floor two inches away from the basket? Why does he take his plate to the sink with food on it when he knows he hasn't installed a garbage disposal? While I'm on that subject, why does he take PAPER plates to the sink? This is not helpful.

anyones opinion on best free digital software please - Posted By: mdaring

Hi. I am a newbie here. I did a search in the forums but did not really find anything. I am going to be doing some work, for the first time in a long time, on digital voice files. I have an "Infinity" foot pedal and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good, free software that will allow me to listen to the wav files and use my foot pedal. I would prefer one that would let me speed up and slow down......any suggestions? I appreciate any help. Thanks

Administrator- the billers/coders - Posted By: question

link is not working. Has it been discontinued or will it be up later?

Boycott Canadian Seafood - Posted By: 3CPO

Due to the horrible seal hunt the HSUS is asking that we boycott Canadian seafood as a way of protesting the hunt. The hunters get the majority of their income from their jobs as fishermen so boycotting their products will hurt them in turn for them hurting the baby seals. Thanks.

What is the difference between an acute care account and a multispecialty account??..nm - Posted By: Curious

nm

Ok, anyone ever have a doc like this? - Posted By: grovelin' MT

I'm working on one of my regular FP's today and I feel so sorry for his patients. It seems like no matter what the patient's complaints are, he's prescribing them diclofenac and sending them home. Is this some kind of a miracle drug or somethign? He's prescribed it for headaches, menstrual cramps, neck pain, foot pain, ankle pain, hip pain, chest pain, wrist pain, depression, shortness of breath, you name it! Boom, write them a prescription for diclofenac and move on to the next one. I wonder if he's even listening to their complaints before he whips out his prescription pad! What a jerk!

Okay, what is a virtual line? nm - Posted By: jana

nm

Fair per line rate? - Posted By: Lisa

What is the current average per line rate? I have never made more than about 8 cents per line.

I use Chartnet and need to know how... - Posted By: Need some help

to backup my expanders. Does anyone know how to do this? Do I use a disk? I read about using a thumb drive or data stick. No idea how to use this either. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Cisco VPN - Posted By: Siren

I have a new job which is requiring that I have Cisco VPN. I have never heard of this. Can anyone give me information? TIA

Vonage... - Posted By: TM

For the first time. I now have to get unlimited long distance service. I need to take care of this today and have been recommended Vonage.

I took a look at their website, but was wondering if anyone could give me some more info. I saw something about being able to hook up 2 phones to what they send you. I have 2 phones and my C-phone that I need hooked up. One will be downstairs. Is this possible to do?

Also, what is a rough estimate of your bill? If I get this service with them, I am assuming I can drop my regular phone service. How much do you pay down too? It says you get a refund on that money, but I wanted to see how much.

My other option I was thinking of was getting the phone service through Time Warner. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!!!

IRS question--I hired a transcriptionist to help--sm - Posted By: Debra

me with an account. What is the IRS form she has to fill out for me to report her earnings? Thought it was 1099 but there are so many on the IRS site that I don't know which one to download or even if that is the correct form. Thanks, Debra

Needing to vent..... - Posted By: Summergirl

I have to say I consider myself still fairly new. I have been a Transcriptionist now for just almost a couple of years. I am a little upset because I have at least 99.6 QA score each month. I work on several different accounts and we are always told to push, push, push the reports and get them out. Because if we don't meet our standard line count amount then you will get canned. But, my question is this, on the accounts I work on, it is hard to make normals for all of them, which does save time. So, when you are flying through your documents and trying to proofread as you go, you are sure to miss a few MINOR mistakes. I do not understand this field and sometimes I wish I would have never spent the money to get into it, because we are yelled at if we don't get our minimum line counts and get yelled and told to slow down if you make a few small mistakes---nothing that would put the life of a patient at risk. So, please tell me where the happy medium is. Again, my QA score is never below 99.5.

Seriously thinking about getting into a different profession. Thank you for listening.

Want to get paid for headers, footers and spaces? - Posted By: Want us to type them or not?

Just in a silly mood....

C-phone help, please... - Posted By: mtinmt

Subject: C-phone help, please...

I am supposed to start training for my new job at MDI and was told I would need to use my C-phone. I have not used one of these in years. How do I know I have it hooked up correctly??

Don't want to get in trouble but want to ask a ? - Posted By: UT MQ

about our MQ accounts.

I work out of the Amherst office and so far, I have enough work. This weekend we are a bit out of turn-around but the ladies on this account, and I, are working quickly to change that (when I'm not poking my nose on this message board).

I am wondering though, if it's just a few isolated accounts that are running out of work from the Amherst office, and it is illegal to discuss what accounts those are? It probably is--just think it would make a lot of us feel better (especially those of us out of Amherst that are starting to worry) if we knew that it's the same few accounts that are running out of work all the time, and not ALL of the accounts.

I don't know. This whole situation makes me sort of sick. I'm thankful I have work, but very sad that many of you appear not to and wonder when my account is next.

Any opinions? Spheris versus Transhealth - Posted By: Linda Anderson

Any advice you have would be very much appreciated. Thank you to all.

Can someone tell me how to remove a word from spell check? - Posted By: GLF

I'm using ExText (Word based?), ran spell check, and accidentally clicked on 'Add' (adding a misspelled word) when I meant to click on 'Change' (to change it to the correctly spelled word). I know, I know, I shouldn't be using the mouse, I should be using the Keystrokes anyway, right?. LOL

But now that I have a misspelled word in spell check, how do I remove it? Does anyone know? TIA!

Thanks for all the Help with Word - Posted By: Confused MT

Thank you all for all the help with Word and teaching me how to subscript and superscript!!!!!! Both suggestions posted worked like a charm!!!!! Bless you all and have a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is endocrinology too hard for a for a newbie to start in? I went to M-TEC if that matters. - Posted By: nm

.

Oprah show Monday-have you let yourself go?? sm - Posted By: MT 10 years and then some

I must admit this is me ever since I started working at home 6 years ago. Too easy to do. 6 months since a decent haircut, too many kids to look after and too much work to get done. I thought others might appreciate thesubject matter. Happy watching.

Is July 4th a holiday for you? - Posted By: wah, no cookout or fireworks this year

I don't think the company I work for observes this holiday. After checking my handbook, it looks as if it is not even on the list. We have to alternate holidays and then only have to work a half shift, so it is not so bad. I was just checking to see if it was my holiday and was surprised to see that it is a regular day. I'm sure I saw it when I started with them last year, but it just didn't register with me. We had Memorial Day and will have Labor Day. I'd rather have July 4th than either of those two holidays. Is anyone else having to work that day as a regular day?

Tech question for all those computer gurus out there. I have XP Pro. I have DSL but I keep getting - Posted By: sm

I don't know if there is a problem with the interface between the two or not, but it really doesn't seem to matter if I'm on the VPN or not. Even if I'm not on the net, just out of the blue I'll get that little icon in the tray that says I can't connect/or am not connected. This will happen if I'm just surfing the net without VPN, with VPN but without being on the net, or even when I just turn on the computer. Sometimes I have to reboot 10 times before I can connect. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. THANKS for your expertise in this area. :>)