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What does it take to become a MT? - Posted By: Louisa

I did work as a MT six years ago, back in Canada, before I moved here to the US. Because of this, I find I am having a hard time getting back into this area. No one will hire me, due to the fact that I haven't worked, or worked as a MT in six years. I worked in a Rehab Clinic for six months, transcribing. I worked in a psychiatric hospital for one year transcribing. I worked in a Addiction Clinic for four months transcribing. I worked in a Radiology Clinic for 4 months transcribing. So, I think I have enough Medical Transcribing experience to allow me to get back into this area.

Can anyone recommend a quick refresher course for Medical Terminology that I could take, to refresh my skills?

Thanks

About how many lines are expected to be typed each day, minimum, on average? NM - Posted By: TM

AHDA and Indian Transcription - Posted By: cj

After seeing a lot of posts here about how MTs in India get a "better deal" from AHDI than those us here in America do, I went ahead and wrote to them asking about this. This is what I received back from them. I thought many of you might like to see it.

Transcriptionists in India do not receive any special pricing or privileges that our American members don't receive. In fact, Indian MTs who wish to be practitioner members of AHDI pay exactly the same price - $135 per year - but DO NOT receive our publications, Matrix or Plexus, in the mail like our American MTs do. Because of the exorbitant cost of shipping outside of the US, those members only receive our magazines electronically. We also do not ship complimentary certificates or CMT lapel pins to the individuals who pass our exam in India. If they want a lapel pin, they must pay for the pin as well as the shipping fee. This is not because we intend to discriminate against them in any way - it is purely due to the economics of enduring the International mail system.

The decision to change the name of the organization from AAMT to AHDI was made by the members of the House of Delegates (HOD). These are volunteers elected by the membership. The HOD felt it was important to broaden the name of the organization to include anyone working in healthcare documentation - as many transcriptionists are working in peripheral roles as editors, QA personnel, supervisory and management positions, educators, etc. Speaking for myself, I haven't transcribed a medical report for pay in at least 5 years, so calling me a medical Transcriptionist no longer encompasses my role. Nonetheless, I am passionate about the integrity of healthcare documentation - and I developed this passion as an MT. For me, AHDI is a better representation of where I fit in.

I can assure you that this organization is absolutely committed to protecting the integrity, quality, and safety of our American citizens' healthcare records. But please don't be naive about the risks that exist right here in our own country. We both know there are plenty of "imposters" calling themselves transcriptionists here in the US. These are people who are not properly trained in this field but who have access to medical records. As a patient, I worry less about WHERE my records are being transcribed, and more about WHO is doing the transcription. I would opt for a qualified CMT in India handling my records over an unqualified individual transcribing from their dining room table with little experience and no security - where anyone could walk into their "home office" and access my information.

In 2005 we launched a campaign called "Have you Read Your Medical Record." This was our first attempt to educate the public about the importance of accurate information in their medical records. You will likely hear about further efforts coming from AHDI along these same lines - as we truly believe that not enough attention is being paid to the QUALITY of the information going into our records. In fact, we believe so strongly in this issue of integrity that we incorporated it into our new name - the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.

Not getting paid on time - Posted By: Lee Ann Keller

I have been having a huge problem and wanted some input from others who have gone through this. I have been typing for this company who shall remain namless for the time being for over 6 months now and I actually really like it. I like the people, I like typing almost all of the doctors, which I think is rare. However, my main problem is with getting paid. I am supposed to get paid weekly, but I have gone weeks, literally weeks (3 or more) without getting paid and it is really starting to interfere with my ability to pay my bills on time. I am not working to make a little extra cash, I actually have to pay bills and buy groceries and I find it extremely frustrating that companies feel it is okay to do business this way. I am expected to work and cover my shift an should I not expect the same in return for getting paid on time? I am so angry about this and do not want to have to look for yet another position, but this is getting to be ridiculous. I would be extremely interested to hear if others have gone through this and what you did about it. I am almost getting reluctant to do any more work for fear that I will never see this money. Any advice would be appreciated!!!!!

Satellite recommendations - Oregon - Posted By: TechSupport

I'd appreciate any recommendations from folks living in central or north-central Oregon and using satellite for transcription. Thanks!

Are there any free medical spell checkers for Word that can be downloaded?.. - Posted By: Flo

xxx

Please help - Posted By: Romey

I am typing in word for windows and I am trying to do Axis I and then tab and it is tabbing me all the way over to the right side of the page, I do not know how to fix this, please help. I have tried to erase it and start over, but it does not help, cannot send document in this way.

Re: tricks of the trade from longtime mt - Posted By: Nymt

Awhile back longtime MT offered to share tips to anyone who e-mailed him/her. Has anyone heard from him/her on this as I have not. I've tried a couple times to contact him/her but have not received an answer or the tips, so I was curious if I was the only one who had not. I really was interested.

On this new MQ rewards plan what exactly is it offering statutory employees and I suppose that that - Posted By: MQMT

is going to be the end of our quarterly bonus. My concern still is if there is no work how do you get any incentive if they lower the base rate. Sounds like employees will have a larger window to get their work done which means we all will be scrambling around for work at all hours.

Editor Pay - Posted By: Sam

It would be wonderful if MTSO's hiring editors would state if they're paying by the line or per hour/salary. It's a huge waste of time testing for a position only to find that the position is paid per line. A quality Editor would do better working at McDonald's.

Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis - Posted By: Dixierose

I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons. I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be. I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me, but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run? Will I like the IBM clicky type keys?

KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg

It splits and tents.
Delete key is on left side (which I love)
All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.
Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch
10 function keys on left
Keypad separate purchase
2 year warranty
60-day money back guarantee
Price: $124.15 with the options I chose

AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARD
http://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/
(click on additional images for close up)
I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn�t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images.

Straight keyboard
Can program any key to another function.
Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards
12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammed
Keypad built in
2 year warranty
30-day money back guarantee
Price: $189.00
Macro programming features
PS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)
Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard

This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:
Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards? We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business. It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard. It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key. A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree. I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long. I also have one at home. It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htm
Click on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable. We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc. People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week. Our keyboards can really take a beating.

What'cha think?

Blogging About MT Work and ... - Posted By: Diane in NY

Hello! I started a blog where I'm going to see if I can keep coming up with writing about MT work and the whole work-at-home lifestyle that goes with it. Please be kind Right now, I'm up to the story of how I became an MT when I developed a disabling disorder and *had* to find work to do from home. It's at

http://blog.myspace.com/dianefusco

I'd be happy to hear any feedback!

Best, Diane

Shorthand word expander - - Posted By: anon

Tech board is down. Need to know how to stop word from expanding. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

MT pet peeves - Posted By: peeved pet

I can't stand it any longer. I have to vent! I have two pet peeves that are driving me crazy.

Number 1 is music playing in the background during the dictation; not the overhead "elevator" music that's piped in....I'm talking a radio sitting right next to the dictator! Number 2 is the dictator carrying on a conversation with others in the room....laughing, telling jokes, discussing weekend plans, while the dictation system is running. I have to sit here and listen to the whole conversation because I don't know when he or she will decide to resume dictating. Ahhh....I feel so much better now.

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!

ENTER NOW! LadyBug MT Mousepad! - Posted By: See full details inside

MTSTARS MT WEEK GIFT GIVEAWAY!

ENTER NOW TO WIN!
(Pulling number 71)
Click on the Reply by Email link or email to freebie@mtstars.com to enter
One entry per person, only one email allowed.
You must enter each giveaway to be eligible to win.

MT MOUSEPAD!!
Click HERE to see image

GIVEN COURTESY OF:

MT-STUFF.COM
Fun Stuff, Medical Gifts, & Apparel for Employee Recognition, Incentives, Friendship, Birthdays, Christmas,
Employee Appreciation - Medical Transcriptionists, Billing Coders, EMTs, Doctors, Nurses, Medical Students,
and the Entire Health Care Team! :)
http://www.cafepress.com/medtransstuff

GOOD LUCK!!!

$2.75 report good for radiology transcription? - Posted By: MT

Wondering if that is a good rate. Thanks.

Do any of you find you miss a word sometimes if you dont reread your transcription. I wonder what - Posted By: MT

causes that and how to avoid it without totally going over every report.

acute care basic 4 - Posted By: Teri

what exactly does acute care basic 4 mean? I mostly do ortho and PT and am looking for more work, willing to branch out but Ive only done it for 1 1/2 yrs and not exactly sure what that is. thanks

Elbow pain - Posted By: C.J.

Anyone have ideas on how to alleviate elbow pain when typing? I just started having right elbow pain that doesn't hurt while I am typing, but when I am done the pain is so bad I can barely move my arm. I need to set up my desk/keyboard differently so my arm is in a different position while typing, but not sure how. I tried the keyboard in lap trick suggested.......doesn't work. The keyboard is tettering all over the place because I've got one foot on the pedal so my knees are uneven. It's funny 'cause my elbow doesn't move while I am working but I guess my fingers moving must create enough muscle tension on my elbow that I've messed it up good. Could this be bursitis or epicondylitis? Help. Need relief. Geeze, 25+ years at this and NOW I start having pain.

need a good surgical equipment website, anyone have one - Posted By: old_MT

Any help would be needed. Learning to do acute care ops - and need some good surgical equipment sites.

Thanks

Question for Fast MTs - Posted By: Hoping

What does it look like to be fast? I read somewhere that one can gain speed by watching someone who is fast.

Is anyone willing and able to film themselves and put it on You Tube? I could use the help.

I got up this morning and... - Posted By: Jodi - Starting Over

called my Daddy to tell him what I did. I am crying again, but these are tears of empowerment and true joy. I put my music on, rather than that darn TV that he was addicted to and my children are dancing. DANCING! We were opposites on so many levels and had nothing in common. He has no more control and I am sooooo okay for the first time maybe ever. I feel so strong with all of you behind me. Your words I will cherish forever. God Bless All of You! More updates to come...

Shorthand 10.0 and Docuscribe - Posted By: csmrmt

Would any know if ShortHand 10 works with Docuscribe platform.

Thanks.

What is your opinion on Extext? - Posted By: nm

I'm considering a position where I would work with Dictaphone Extext which I've never used before. This would be with Word for XP or Word 2000 or 2002. Is this a good program to work with? Or is it a big headache? NEED TO KNOW!!

THANKS!!!

Medicare is offering free installation of EMR to physicians and hospitals. - Posted By: On Medscape web site. (sm)

http://www.medscape.com/px/instantpollservlet/result?PollID=1502

Anyone out there live in Habersham County, Georgia ? sm - Posted By: Relocating

If so I'd like to e-mail with you about the area as we're considering moving to that area. Thanks!

Tearagin - Posted By: jss

Tearagin 1.4% - medication.

Transolutions - Posted By: LaDonna Young

Is anyone currently working with Transolutions? I have been offered a job and would really like some info before starting on personal opinions! Thanks everyone!

What will happen to us when Electronic Medical Redords become the norm? - Posted By: new mt grad

I would love to hear everyones 2 cents about Electronic Medical Records....How soon will this be a problem for us? What will we do after they are in most doctors exam rooms?

Let me know what you guys think...Do MT's have a future? or did I just go thru schooling for nothing ...

How long do you give a new job before you quit? - Posted By: mt

Just started a new job two weeks ago and have a gut feeling it is not going to work out. The transcription itself is okay, it's everything else -- time consuming ADT, recordkeeping, etc.

What's the quickest you have ever quit a job or how long do you give a new job before saying Adios?

This job is a second job because I need extra money. So I can quit and still have my primary income.

Is there a way to import autocorrect from Word to EMDAT? - Posted By: MslaMT

I would still have to redo a bunch because they start with . but it would speed things up a bit! Any tips for EMDAT appreciated.

neck/upper back problems - Posted By: Nancy

Anyone else out there with neck and upper back problems. I am having problems with neck spasms and it makes my head feel funny with pain into my jaw etc. Another downfall to our jobs I guess.

Any tips from anyone that has had these and gotten relief would be much appreciated I do not like taking muscle relaxers.

Vegas - Posted By: dm

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are going to Vegas for our anniversary, does anybody know of a good show to catch while there?

Proofing Help Pleeeez! (long post) - Posted By: desperateMT

I am 53, divorcee with 1 child in college, been MTing for 32 years. When I started out I was one of the best in my field, accurate, at my peak was making close to 50,000 a year, only one job and only 40 hours a week. Now, here I am going through menopause, working 12 hours a day (1 full-time and 1 part-time) and barely making ends meet. My production is at an all-time low, and I'm working on my 3rd or 4th job this year- I forget, it's been so many, for various reasons why they didn't work out. But, now I find myself, going into my third week of employment with this company, still in QA, making stupid grammatical errors, and leaving out words, that I am not aware of. I would like to say one of my problems is that this is a huge Children's Hospital with a lot of procedures, diseases, and terminology I have never heard of, but I cannot really say that, as most of my errors are gramatical, i.e. not putting comma or semi-colon where it belongs, leaving out it, and, but and they. I am beginning to feel they may not keep me. I am 1 pay check from being homeless, now jobless, already uninsured, as I could not afford the Cobra. I have applied for jobs completely out of the MT field, so far with no luck of being hired. I put in an application last week for a State Job with excellent benefits, paid by company, and although the salary is 22,000 to 36,000, if they call me, I am definitely going to take it. I figure I have 15 more years before retirement, and if I can tap into the retirement for the next 15 years, that would be a help, as I don't have any 401K to fall back on. Anyways, if you guys can give me some proofreading tips that will not take away from my production, I would greatly appreciate it. Most companies don't offer a training pay that would last at least 2 weeks, which would be a help. So here I am trying to make money, which is virtually impossible when you're training on a new account, new company, new software and everything. Help Guys.

Downloading medical speller ? (sm) - Posted By: The Singing MT

I googled medical dictionaries and spellers and I've found several. Some are free. What's the concensus? Are the free ones just as good as buying the Stedman's or something comparable? Opinions please.

Thanks.

Fusion software - Posted By: ginny

and/or chartnet? Anyone have in any info on these? Thanks a lot!!

Two f/t jobs - Posted By: Can't keep up

Anyone out there work two f/t jobs and if so how do you manage? I am the only one working in my family as my husband is not able to work and trying to get SS and seems one job alone is not doing it.

Need physician locator website! - Posted By: anotherMT

I've been using the NCIH website when I have to search a specific state for a provider name, but that website is now gone and apparently is not going to be back. Argghh.

If anyone has any good websites to do physician or provider search by name by STATE (not city, too often don't have that information), I would be grateful if you could share it! TIA.

Word 2003 and Word 2007.... - Posted By: PA MT

If you have Word 2003 and upgrade to Word 2007 - will you still be able to access your Word 2003 documents?

I am still kinda confused on this as everything I have read about this states that the Word 2003 files will be opend in a "compatibility" form, as opposed to normal.

Would it be in my best interest to save the Word 2003 files to a disk first?

anyone know how to go from typing - Posted By: screen to tool bar on the bottom

To search Google for terms without using the painful mouse? Thanks.

Any pulmonology transcribers out there? - Posted By: nervous

I'm new to the speciality and just found out I will be working exclusively on this one last week. I was wondering how you liked doing those reports versus other reports? Are they more easy, difficult? If you don't want to post, you can feel free to e-mail me! Thanks.

IMPAC/eSCRIBE software - Posted By: Becky Muska

Any feedback from transcriptionists presently using IMPAC/eSCRIBE software would be greatly appreciated.

Add my husband to the JERK list!!!! - Posted By: grrrr

He's mad at me because he's off work for a week but I'm not. He expects me to be available to him whenever he wants me to do something with him or for him. (No, not that, silly.) He wants me to work and make money, but not if it interferes with his plans for me. He's turned into a real jerk lately.

Non-medical transcription rate. - Posted By: sm

Does anyone charge an hourly rate to do non-medical transcription? If so, could you please tell me how much? I just got a job offer to do non-medical transcription, but she wants me to give her an hourly rate. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.

As per AAMT BOS 2, is times two written - Posted By: none

as x2 or x 2? Thanks a bunch!

Getting MT contracts/subcontracting - Posted By: mt

Are there any MTs on this board who get their own contracts or subcontract directly from the MTSO that individual practices, hospitals, clinics, etc. contract with that would be willing to give me some pointers about getting my own accounts? You may feel free to email me privately if you want. Thank you in advance.

I type the letter "l" in IT and the word cholelithiasis is my word selected?Why? - Posted By: Help!! (sm)

I want to get rid of this. Entered left again but it is still giving me cholelithiasis as the only word option to select from.

This is why I find this program crazy. Everytime I sit down for the day, there is a whole new experience with it!!! I have to stop and think before each word!!!

Email from an Indian to do my work - Posted By: sm

I received the following email today and I am not sure what to do with it. Should I report this to someone? I would give my work to someone in the US before someone overseas! gesh!

Here is the email below:

"Hi, i am monank from india, i have 6years of expirence i can help you to increase the line count, you can send me little bit of workevery day i will do that for you,you can pay me 5 cents per line & rest of the moeny will be your profit, in this way you can make more money."

I have an InstantText question about compatibility with Extext Speech - Posted By: JustAGuess

I posted this on the textware forum page, but no answer as of yet.

I am just beginning Extext Speech, and when I am linked to IText, the "magic" strokes, Alt plus period, etc., are formating strokes with IT and do not work as the magic keys.

Is there a way to get around this so I can actually use the magic keystrokes?

Thanks in advance..