Medical Transcription Discussion Forums:
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Recently Viewed Messages: (An archive of over 1 million messages related to medical transcription industry) Honest opinions on Diskriter needed please - sm -
Posted By: Looking
ESLs are no big deal to me. I am working right now but I have been running out of work every day now for over two months. Time to consider a change.
I have checked the archives but nothing more recent than November 2005 is coming up.
No flames please, just honest opinions.
Thanks in advance.
funny of the day- substitute transcriptionists -
Posted By: for interns- that'd be us
Keyboard and headphones -
Posted By: sotiredzzz
Can anybody recommend a good ergomonic keyboard and noise-cancelling headphones that don't cost a small fortune?
Can an at home employee deduct a computer on taxes? -
Posted By: or can just ICs deduct?
TGIF. Hard to concentrate. nm -
Posted By: CCC
Well, well, well. Found this blog written by a surgeon sm -
Posted By: Regular
who says what he REALLY thinks about the JCAHO. Funny, I found it on Google when I typed in JCAHO and q.i.d. since I wasn't sure what to do about q.i.d. ........
The Death Star of American Medicine
I wish I had written this ( JCAHO Unplugged; registration required), because it gives voice to the feelings that I (and probably 99% of the physicians in this country) have about the Death Star of American medicine -- JCAHO. A few excerpts (emphasis is mine):
That is why it really upsets me to watch the JCAHO people walk through my hospital like they were navigating a toxic waste dump. What upsets me even more is the utter paralysis of normal activity that occurs months before their visit and the huge sums of money spent on mock drills and consultants to prepare for the JCAHO invasion. JCAHO (the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization) arouses more fear in hospitals than MRSA gone wild, and their "visit" has a greater institutional paralytic effect than circulating a neuromuscular depolarizing agent through the ventilation system.
A few unsigned verbal orders, or an anesthesiologist carrying a syringe of Anectine in his or her scrubs, or not locking up I.V. bottles of normal saline will result in conditional or provisional approval, and failure to take remedial action within 30 days may result in the death penalty, which for the hospital means bad PR, and more significantly, loss of all federal money. That's right, you can get the chair for parking tickets in the JCAHO world.
It doesn't matter that the hospital admits 50,000 patients a year, saves countless lives and performs daily miracles. Write q.i.d. twice and you can get your liver transplant someplace else.  A response by Russell Massaro, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President Accreditation and Certification Operations, JCAHO, follows Dr. Cossman's screed. The only thing I can say about it is that he makes clear that unannounced surveys will be forthcoming in 2006. Oh, joy! A lot of the press in the past few days has been discussing issues such as oversight, accountability, and clearly expressed legal authority. JCAHO operates without any real semblence of these niceties, and does so with all the subtlety of a bureaucracy run by Darth Vader. Watching hospital administrators lose bowel and bladder control the minute a JCAHO inspection is brought up has always reminded me of Vader's underlings wilting in his presence --- and for good reason. Without the JCAHO seal of approval, they cannot operate an otherwise well-run, caring facility. The organization, as it was originally intended, was designed to ensure a basic level of safety for all hospitals. It has now become yet another "certifying" agency which must come up with new "critical" problems to fix in order to ensure its ongoing existence (those of you who have gone through the most recent mental masturbatory experience of banning QD and QID in orders know what I mean). What is most galling to me, however, is that hospitals must fork over a hefty sum for these frequent torture sessions, and the inspections are done not by practicing physicians or nurses, but by folks who long ago gave up the difficulties of actually caring for patients for the safety of a clipboard to hide behind. Maybe I have my metaphors mixed up --- JCAHO comes in like the Death Star, but leaves no room for different institutions to solve problems in their own way. The JCAHO mantra can really be translated as "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated!" As a result, I suppose JCAHO is really The Borg.
what do the sm, ks, nm, etc. mean on this board? -
Posted By: newbie
looks like a good place for new transcriptionists to get good information and word help. Hope to learn the lingo soon.
$2.75 report good for radiology transcription? -
Posted By: MT
Wondering if that is a good rate. Thanks.
Northern Counties Secretarial Services - MN -
Posted By: MTME
Anybody ever work for Northern Counties Secretarial Services in Minnesota in the 90s? Used to be what seemed like a great company, but in the end, they did a few really good MTs dirty.
desperate - re radiology -
Posted By: Horski
Is there any website out there that has radiology terminology like all the other medical dictionaries out there? I know Stedmans has a great radiology book, but was wondering if anyone knows of a good comprehensive site for radiology terminology. I have checked a few but when I put in contrast items, it always comes up blank. Any help appreciated. Thank you!
Breakdown -- America's Health Insurance Crisis -
Posted By: Ex-TT
is a special on ABC tonight. Being that we work in the health care field, I wonder what they will say is the cause. It would be interesting to watch and see what they attribute as the cause and the solution.
Can anyone help me decide which job to keep? -
Posted By: anonymous for now.
I worked as a hospital employee, then IC for quite a few years. Everytime I asked about employee openings, there were none. I would always be out of work for 2-3 months in the beginning of the year. I finally quit and got a job with a national. The hospital couldn't keep up on the work and asked me to come back and work weekends and days I did not have anything else to do (that's a joke!).
Now I understand they are going to hire another FT MT. I want to apply mainly because of the health benefits, as I am paying $600 a month now.
I love working for the national but now my problem...I still feel loyalty to the hospital. I don't know what they are paying yet or what the hours would be and don't even know if she would hire me full time.
I know I should take into consideration the benefits, etc. and compare it with the national, but the work at the national company is so much nicer with regards to the doctors and program they use. The hospital has a lot more ESLs to contend with. The only problem with the national is that I have a hard time getting my production and a lot of days, I get really stressed out.
What is the going rate of a in house MT in PA? I have 10 years acute care experience. What could I expect to be offered? Thanks in advance for your help.
CMT study workshops or -
Posted By: Santa Paws
I am looking for some reputable websites for info regarding the CMT exam that also include study material. Any info would be greatly appreciated :)
VR editing questions -
Posted By: Lucinda
I have never done any editing, just transcription. I have been doing transcription for about 19 years. Can someone tell me about VR editing. Is it time consuming, can you make any money? How is it different from QA on transcribed reports, or is it different? I may have to do this shortly and want to know what I am in for.
Thank you so much.
work? -
Posted By: lilbell
Is is just me or has the job market for this business gone to abundant to not much of anything? I am looking for PT ortho work and cannot come up with anything. ugh!
Keystroke lag problem. Please see message -
Posted By: Meditech/Citrix
My computer is bogging down terribly causing keystroke screen appearance delays, input hesitation and delay, and lags in moving anything on screen with the mouse.
I use Instant Text and when the continuations go into the screen or if I cut and paste from Wordpad, the Keystrokes are randomly lagging / hesitating for seconds before they appear on the screen.
This is really frustrating. It is difficult to type cause you don't see what your typing appearing on the monitor.
This only happens in Meditech. Not in Wordpad. And it occurs at 3 PM or about that time after I have been typing since 8 AM
It is so bad, it is impossible to do a report. I did a search and found similar problem but no solution except that "Citrix and Meditech hate each other."
Comcast is my ISP. Help Desk increased speed on the VPN but that seemed to only make it worse. Has anyone experienced this and then fixed it?
Thanks! I am desperate (money is going out the window).
I need some ITVPro help, please sm -
Posted By: Expander whiner
I usually use Smart Type and I love it. I have accepted an IC position where they use Chartnet and I must start using IT with that software. I am using the same library and it has gone like clockwork so far. I am not having issues adjusting to it...EXCEPT with punctuation.
In ST if you type a word and then realize you need to hit a period or a comma, the Expander backs up a space and puts in the punctuation for you. I don't know if it is ChartNet or IT, but I am fighting having to back up and put in a comma or a period.
Is there a way to fix this? I am not terribly familiar with the IT and I can't find my manual to answer this question. I can't imagine it doesn't do this for you, but I don't know how to fix it.
Many thanks in advance.
What should I charge for book manuscripts? -
Posted By: Li
Hey ladies (and gents),
When I saw an opportunity to transcribe book manuscripts just a few hours a month, I thought it'd be a nice change from the usual MT. But I have NO idea what to charge. I've asked the woman to go into more detail, and this is what she gave me:
"The projects are anywhere from 3 hours - 12 hours of an author talking his book. A variety of subjects ranging from body building to business strategies. I have the document format set up. Most of the projects are 1 hr of audio = 2 1/2 hours of typing."
I'm so hoping someone here knows something about transcribing book manuscripts or can give me some ideas on how to figure a good rate. Please help - I need to get back with her today). Thanks much. 
I feel dumb asking this question, but here goes - I space or two after the end of a sentence? nm -
Posted By: Shelley
nm
Dinner tonight ladies? -
Posted By: sm
We are having steak that has been marinading in fresh garlic, olive oil, oregano and diced tomatos all day with cheesy mashed potatos, salad and fruit. Then off to bed early for a trip to Geauga Lake for a day of fun riding roller coasters! Cant wait!
Dial-up internet -
Posted By: X MQ
Does anybody know of companies who will hire those of us who only have dial-up. We live so far out and cannot get high-speed internet. Every place I have applied says I cannot use satellite or wireless. What's the deal? I was able to get 1000 to 1400 lines without all that. Now I'm aced out. I could use some help.
OKAY! I need a vacation. Frank and fans of Frank/MQ who won the Hawaiian vacation? -
Posted By: MQMT
Does anyone know?
Tech/video -
Posted By: Sally
I am posting a tech (nonwork related) question on the gab board ... any help will be appreciated!
Maybe a technical board would be another great addition to this site. Thanks. 
can't get on word board -
Posted By: ginny
Please excuse me posting on this one - sounds like "Parogy" material in sacropexy. Thanks !
How do you edit the spell check in Meditech? -
Posted By: Typer
I accidentally added a word that is spelt incorrectly. How do I edit it?
yahoo mail -
Posted By: janett
Is it just me or is everyone having trouble with yahoo mail. 
stedman's editions -
Posted By: rookie
is it worth buying the latest 2004 stedman edition vs. a 2002 edition. I debating on getting one for the GI and GU book. Wondering if a nephrology transcription can let me know if there's such a difference among the two. Thanks
Need advice on babysitter situation. sm -
Posted By: MTIowan
I need advice on what others would do. I lined up a neighbor girl to watch my 2 kids 6 hours a week, set days and hours, because DH was working OT and I returned to school. Now DH is off OT and I don't need the sitter because the 12yo can watch the 6yo for half hour from when I leave until DH gets home. I talked to the sitter's mom and she said no problem. I feel like I should do something or pay her a little bonus for canceling on her (she commited for 4 months). She is going on a high school trip and this was going to be some of her spending money for it. We generally give her $5.50 an hour for 2 kids ages 6 and 12. I thought maybe a $35 check with a thank you note for comitting to watching the kids a nice way to do it and make sure she wants to babysit next time we need her. Any thoughts?
Bayscribe typing platform.... -
Posted By: Curious
Hi
Does anyone type in the Bayscribe platform? I work for a national who are switching to this and I have never had any experience with it. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks
entrylevel pay -
Posted By: stargazer
Can anyone tell me the average pay rate for a newbie who just completed a mentoring program?
Need advice on kids and sharing -
Posted By: M
I just moved to a new neighborhood last month. There is a family of 5 kids in the neighborhood that have been playing with my kids, and they are very sweet kids. They are really good kids, never in trouble, and it is very endearing how they look out for one another and never fight with each other.
However, these kids come over every day, and they constantly ask for food, money, toys and Band-Aids. They always want to borrow my son's bike or scooter, and they all ask for food daily. My kids say they have a lot of food at home.
At first I did let them borrow some of the toys, but it quickly got out of hand. I sat the kids down and told them that they were not allowed to ask me for food or money, that it was their parents responsibility to provide that. I told them that if they were hungry they had to go home to eat. They were good for a few days, but went right back to asking again. I also told them that they could not borrow any more toys or bikes.
Today their mother told my kids that they were "mean children" because they didn't know how to share.
I'm livid. I want my kids to take care of their things, and they can't do that if these children constantly borrow their things. I also don't think "sharing" is a life skill they need to learn. You certainly don't see adults sharing their trucks, boats, jetskis, etc. I think it is more important for kids to learn to take care of what they have, not share it with the world.
I feel like I need to talk to this mother, but I'm not sure how to say it without being confrontational. Any ideas? Am I out of line on this one?
I know what you mean! -
Posted By: AnotherOldTimerMT
I really didn't understand the breadth/depth of this issue until now. Guess when I worked at MedQuist, I just went along my merry way knowing that, as long as there were human beings, there would always be transcription. I liken this currently to what's happening in the world...global warming, Iraq, immigration, weather and on and on and on! I am now living back in the Midwest, having returned from the desert southwest (you don't know what immigration is until you've lived in that part of the country!), but everything is changed here as well. Now, I have no excuse not to blame it all on ageism!
By the way, I also saw a site about legal transcription, billing, etc. being outsourced. Pretty soon and if this continues at its current pace, we may as well pack up and move overseas because that's where all the jobs will be. 
Being paid per report for editing. -
Posted By: sm
Do you guys think $1.38 per report is fair for doing QA in escription/and emailing feedback?
Anyone know how I can test a Dictaphone C-Phone? -
Posted By: slapping pooperectomy
I bought one used on e-Bay...it appears to work...I get a dial tone, but I can't use or program pedal functions until I'm connected. Any ideas? Thanks.
javascript:editor_insertHTML('text',' ');
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I should have paid attention,,,, -
Posted By: SM
I got approached about possibly doing the transcription for a local doctor office - 4 doctors. I have DSS player and they have used DSS system before, but how would I get the files from their computer to my computer. Could they load them into a folder and then winzip them and sent to me? Is there an easier way?
I know this was discussed before. I had no idea then I might get this opportunity, so I didnt pay much attention to the post.
VR - Editing - Any advice? -
Posted By: Peg
If this post ended up here twice, I apologize. I didn't realize that I had to validate my email address first.
I just found this board the other day and so happy I did. I have been reading alot about VR and editing on here and I have a few questions if there is anyone out there willing to lend an ear.
Unfortunately, this is not my first time where my account turned to voice. Lost an good account years ago to it, and VR has reared its ugly head yet again only now, we are keeping our head afloat because they still want us for editing purposes. I'm not a happy camper because my salary has been cut, literally in half (that in itself is a long story - we had to lower our price to save our necks). Needless to say, its tough beyond words and I'm so depressed. Trying to think positive in saying that at least I still have a job, but I don't know whether to think I'm getting the short end of the stick. I'm paid per report, not per line on our system. Some reports I'd say it is fair, but for the long, long, involved studies - no way. I would make more selling popcorn on a corner somewhere. I have hesitated to look for a second job only because I wanted to see where this would lead me, but I'm thinking it doesn't look too promising. :-( Can you share any experiences you had with VR and if it ended up lasting longer than you expected? Is getting paid by the report not the best way? I like where I work, I like my boss and I like the hours that I have - all of which play a major part in any decision (add that to three small kids and you've got yourself quite a dilemma). Any help you can give would be so much appreciated. Thanks for reading.
NASTY prima donna QA people ... -
Posted By: Disgusted
Guys, help me with something because obviously I'm missing a crucial piece of the QA puzzle somewhere. How is it that QA folks who are PAID both more money than us and also sometimes on an hourly basis (and justifiablly so because of their presumed higher skill level) to fill in blanks GRIPE and COMPLAIN when they are called upon to do so? I simply don't understand, especially when there are obvious issues with the dictation, i.e. bad sound file, low voice volume, ESL's, etc. (I'm not talking about a situation where an MT may not have given his/her best effort to the dictation [which I don't think at all is as prevalant as some of the prima donnas would have us believe]). What did they think, that they were going to continue to do the same job as the rest of us but get paid a premium just because they are who they are?
And I'm not at all speaking in reference to those QA folks who are a blessing to the industry in terms of their talent, the nature of their feedback, and their mentoring capacity. I'm sure, though, that many of you recognize the kind that I am speaking of.
A clue: If you don't have the patience to fill in blanks and give constructive feedback, then please ... DO US ALL A FAVOR and stay an MT. The majority of us give the best that we have to each and every one of our dictations, but sometimes we reach an impasse with a particular chart that requires only a second listen to put together a quality final product and get it back to the facility. We don't need the stress of your nasty, superior attitude and sometimes not-at-all-helpful feedback.
does anyone have a problem staying awake while typing? -
Posted By: Sleepy
even when I dont feel tired, I sit down to type and my eyes start dropping. HELP. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!
line count -
Posted By: melissa
I know I have seen this posted before, just cannot find it, is there a good line counter out there that is freeware? I have MPcount, but it does not count headers unless you upgrade from the freeware version. Thank you
Need help on word board, please. TIA :) -
Posted By: Thanks!
Looking for FTP? -
Posted By: Small MTSO
I was given a universal registration key for a free hosting account by a friend of mine (don't worry- it's a public key). I signed up and am now using the FTP feature of the account for one of my clients. Thought I might share it with you. It's a fast server and doesn't have any ads, either.
Address: http://www.sitefever.com/website/sitescripts/subdo/newact.php
Registration key: "subkey2q"
Hope someone can use this!
RE: Olympus hand-held recorder - advice -
Posted By: good model? nm
Is it possible to make good money working for someone else? -
Posted By: Liz
.
Question about call-in dictation -
Posted By: Medtyper
I was wondering if anyone knows of any call in dictation systems that do not utilize an FTP site to access the dictation. Is there any other way to access dictation using a system of this type.
info -
Posted By: chris
Hello. My name is Chris. I am getting ready to take my final exam for medical transcriptioning. Does anyone have any advice for me? How is it to actually get paid for doing this? I have been studying for this for so long I don't know what I'll do if I ever get a job where I do get paid for it. Thanks for any ideas.
I can't stand it any more! :) -
Posted By: Outta here......
I have sat here in my little chair and quietly typed all day without a peep of protest. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, I can hear the river tide, and....and....and......I have to get outta here! Just for a few minutes, I'm going to go dip my toes, catch a couple rays of sunshine, and watch the kids play. Actually, I think I'm going to play with them!
Come on, guys, let's go play! 
C-phone and phone plans.... -
Posted By: MT4Life
I have a company that I have recently hired on with that uses c-phones. At home I have an unlimited long distance plan, but I'm wondering if while traveling there is a plan that you can get in order to use a c-phone in a motel, relative's homes, etc. I like to be able to still work while traveling and I feel this is going to limit me. Any suggestions or ideas?
Are all companies like SS? -
Posted By: Hello
I think I will stick to my day job god....
Techie question, please, re keyboard -
Posted By: MT-headed
Cannot recall, or able to find it in documentation, how to program a keyboard key to go to a specific file or function. I've done it before, just can't remember how I did it. Thanks, folks.
another letter that I'll share if anyone wants to copy (long). -
Posted By: offshoring concerns
President Barack Obama
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Dear President Obama and Secretary of State Rodham Clinton:
Please take the time to read this important letter from an industry that has remained silent for much too long. I speak for a large number of United States medical transcriptionists, many who have made this their career for 20-30+ years. Our job is one we take great pride in, but are often unheard from because we work "behind closed doors." I'm sure you are aware of what our job entails, but I would like to elaborate. The patient's important medical record starts with verbal dictation by the doctor, nurse, etc. The qualified and experienced medical Transcriptionist produces a formal, legible, and information correct medical record based on this verbal dictation, which is of utmost importance for patient care. As a medical transcriptionist, I take great pride in my job and have spent many years perfecting my skills.
We are experiencing an astonishing number of lost jobs, not because the need for our services is down because of reduced medical doctors visits or hospitalizations by our U.S. citizens, but rather because our U.S. citizens' medical records are being sent offshore to other countries whose medical transcriptionists are being paid at a lower rate. Not only are U.S. medical transcriptionists losing jobs at a rapid rate, but we are allowing medical transcription services that advertise as U.S. transcription companies to shuttle the work offshore for a cheaper rate.
President Obama, many articles have addressed the shortage of U.S. medical transcriptionists. This is simply not true. It is a "cop out" to justify the tragedy that is taking place in the U.S. MT industry with sending medical transcription offshore to countries such as India and the Philippines. There are many experienced and qualified U.S. Medical Transcriptionists, so statements indicating a shortage here in the United States are simply unbelievable in my opinion. Unfortunately, the U.S. medical transcriptionists are losing their jobs to offshoring, and little seems to be happening to make changes to put a stop to offshoring of our citizen's personal medical information.
A large majority of our profession is female. Many have devoted their careers to medical transcription and are close to retirement, others are single mothers who have put themselves through school with hard work and training, and are working hard to raise their family with a full time job without relying on governmental assistance, but are losing their jobs because large national medical transcription companies are being allowed to contract with offshore transcriptionists, thus causing our U.S. transcriptionists to be out of work. The pay scale in our profession is currently comparable to what it was 20 years ago. We have not seen a pay scale raise despite the cost of living increase, but we can even settle for this with the economical turmoil at present, just to keep our jobs. Sadly, we cannot even have our jobs because offshore transcriptionists are doing the work cheaper.
I am not sure how many governmental officials are actually aware of what is happening in the U.S. medical transcription industry. I would estimate that twenty some thousand or more U.S. transcriptions are displaced from work, and sadly because no one will take a stance and put a stop to offshoring our U.S. citizen's medical records. Security risks are high with the age of the Internet, but private citizen medical information is being allowed to leave our country where HIPAA laws are not regulated or enforceable.
These two crucial issues of offshoring medical records for transcription in a foreign country need to stop.
1. We are endangering the confidentiality of our own citizens' medical records by sending them to a foreign country where no regulation such as HIPAA is enforceable.
2. The U.S. medical transcription profession is losing jobs at an astonishing rate, not because the need for our services is down, but because offshoring our citizens' medical records overseas is cheaper and thus foreign workers are replacing us. Why is this being allowed to happen without any legislation against such practice that is not only destroying a U.S. profession, but endangering the security of U.S. citizens?
Please take seriously the need to stop offshoring our citizens' medical records. As a medical transcriptionist, our work has always involved the patient as top priority along with the confidentiality of the work we do. There are great risks being taken when this information leaves our country and laws here in the United States are not applicable once this information leaves our borders. I truly believe with the coming age of the Electronic Medical Record, changes must be made now to keep our citizens information in their own country. Each country, in my opinion, should have access only to their own citizens' medical records. Of course, emergency situations will exist if a patient were traveling abroad, in the military, etc. In this age of security issues and the implementation of Homeland Security, please consider where our citizens' medical records are being allowed to go, and unfortunately many times without the patient's knowledge. As a U.S. citizen, if my doctor was obligated to inform me that my medical records would be leaving the country to be transcribed into a report, I would no authorize this to take place, and if necessary would change to a provider who does not contract with a medical transcription service who sends work outside the U.S. The patient deserves to know this is happening.
Please, Mr. President, give U.S. medical transcriptionists the opportunity to get their jobs back and save our profession by supporting our workers first, as well as protecting our citizens' rights to confidential medical information by keeping this information in their own country.
Please work together with the Dept. of Health and Human Services in revising HIPAA laws to restrict the offshoring of medical transcription. Other countries do not place their citizens' security at risk by sending their personal medical information to the United Sates for transcription purposes, so why are we letting this happen? In the process, we are losing a profession that has been so valued here for many years, but we are a profession that has not been heard from much in the past. It is time we speak our minds on this issue, and we hope that you will sincerely consider making major changes to offshoring medical records for transcription.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.
A concerned U.S. Medical Transcriptionist
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