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Recently Viewed Messages: (An archive of over 1 million messages related to medical transcription industry) 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
Does Word 2003 do cumulative line counting or does it go back to 0 with each report. nm -
Posted By: PAMT
:
To work or not to work...sm -
Posted By: Need some good advice...
Ok - I will try to make this as short as possible. I left my old position that I was with for several years about 3 months ago due to family illnesses. I was slammed one after another with problems for about a year straight - making me fall below my line count. A few weeks after I quit (I had asked for a leave of absence but did not get it) I went to the ER and was found to have a pulmonary embolism in my left lung. I knew I had been feeling bad but did not think it was anything serious. I was hospitalized for a week. Two days after discharge I was back in the hospital for several more days. Dilema - I have a 5-year-old son that needs attention. My husband is usually busy with something besides that. Yet I need money. We were approved, if I don't work, for a state medical card which covers everything. And with this new development of a PE it is good to have. But that makes us only having $300-$500 leftover a month to live on....more likely the lower of the range. I have had a few job offers but they are not giving me per line rate what I know I deserve. I have been in this business many, many years. I am "renting" a computer because over the course of the last year I had destroyed my credit...so I went to one of these rent-to-own places and got one. I have paid almost $200 on it...and hate to let it go because it is NOT a Vista - I don't want a Vista and it is a great computer at a fairly good price...My question is: Do I just stay off work and let the computer go back until I know my health will hold up and to be there for my son? Or do I suck it up, be aggravated all of the time because noone is watching my son the way they should be, and take lower line rates all at the same time losing the only health benefits I have and it was hard to get - let me tell you that!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I keep going back and forth and I am about to be insane over it. I want what is best for my family.....
I wanted to thank the person that helped me. sm -
Posted By: Frankie
That Turtle Beach Audio Advantage is really the ticket. I can't believe I was living with such bad sound quality for so long. THANKS SO MUCH! This is really helping immensely.
Along the same topic as below... -
Posted By: another poll...sm
What do you find makes a man sexy? Is it his eyes? his smile? his ruggedness? his sensitivity? Or is it all of the above?
For me, it's all of the above. I love a rough and rugged man, not a sissy man that's afraid of getting his hands dirty! Deep eyes that can see right through you...a smile that still looks like a child...and sensitive enough to cry over The Notebook...
Hey, that describes my husband to a T!!! Woohoo lucky me!!! 
Getting new doctors -
Posted By: cheryllynn
I was wondering if any of you can give me some idea on how to get new docs. The last two accounts that I had I just fell into them. My friend was working for an office when they needed a transcriber. And the second were my ob that I had been seeing when I was pregnant with my twins. Unfortunately, I lost the first account to a lady who was going digital and she was was to come in and cover for me while I was out on maternity leave. And now the ob docs changed over the a new system. They are actually using a piece of paper that they check off everything and if there is something abnormal they make a note of it directly on the paper. I had been transcribing for six docs, but now I am only doing 1 and he is probably going to be retiring soon. I don't know what kind of information I would put on a flyer, or should I send out a letter to doctor's offices. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have never done hospital dictation, so I am strictly looking for office work.
Thank you in advance,
Cheryl
What does third party transcription provider mean? -
Posted By: nm
Interesting article about best careers in 2006. sm -
Posted By: Considering alternatives to MT
http://biz.yahoo.com/special/job06_article1.html
Has anyone here tested with companies and had trouble with the transcription part with the foot -
Posted By: LANMT
pedal not stopping the voice. Am I doing something wrong. I am using the foot pedal that I used for DQS and the voice just keeps going and going and I have to keep going back over the stuff and over it by mousing back and forth.
Not ignoring everyone -
Posted By: Patti
In the past month I have had many many requests for help with getting new clients, how to do short-cuts, drug lists for new clients, etc. I would love to help you all out but right now going through some family health issues -- not me -- and quite busy so please don't get upset when I don't answer as my life is upside down right now. I wish you all well but right now I just don't have the time to answer one on one questions or give out my tips or drug lists, etc. Hopefully in the next month more time will become available but right now am maxed out. Am putting this on the general board as someone just got nasty and upset with me when I e-mailed back that I did not have the time to help out at this time and it took me so "long" to get back to them. I try to help as much as I can but right now just cannot. Thanks.
Patti
How to get in touch with social security? -
Posted By: On becoming MT
Went by the office this morning, unbelievable, just wanted to set up an appt but too many waiting. I tried to find the web site but had no luck therel. I have heard you can set up an appt that way, just need to know where to look. TIA.
lph after 1+ years -
Posted By: Theresa
I am getting frustrated with my line count. I am doing 150+ lph using Instant Text. I have been working for the same company for about 10 months on the same account. My fingers are flying as fast as they can, I stop to proofread after each paragraph, and do a second quick proof at the end of the report checking for cc's, etc. Do you think this is reasonable with my experience or are some of you able to do more than that with 1+ years of experience? The company I work for has a pay scale - the higher the line count, the better the pay. The higher the quality, the better the pay. I don't want to sacrifice quality for a higher line count.
Plz help! -
Posted By: lsm
What do you do when MTSO does not pay you and you are owed thousands of dollars? Is there any legal option? What/who is available to help those who have slaved days and nights all for not???
I wonder how she sleeps at night knowing that I have to stand in line at the Food Bank tomorrow at 1pm just to get food to feed my kids. If she doesn't pay me soon I will have to get on welfare just to survive until I get another job. I don't have the cushion of another income or family who can help me. I busted my rear and now she can't pay me??? Where are the MTSOs who value the CORE of their company? If there was no MT typing for your business then there would be NO business...right? Makes sense to me.
MORE LINES PER HOUR. -
Posted By: JUST NOT CUTTING IT.
Okay, I have a doctors account and he is an ESL, but I have been been on his account for a few month and have no problem understanding him. His files are all usually fairly short 1-2 minutes, and I have lots of normals for him. I just cant seem to pull in many lines per hour on him. I feel like I zoom through them, but I am always amazed to see what I am pulling for lines after an hours work. Do you think my problem could be the short files? Is it easier to pull in more lines on longer dictations, since you dont have to keep switching to the next dictation? He does talk SLOW as well.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer.
NEW MT GETTING DISCOURAGED -
Posted By: Sara
I have completed my transcription course with an "A". I have had med term, A&P, study of diseases..... I have been a medical records coordinator for 5 years. It is very discouraging looking for work as an MT with no experience (on the job). If anyone knows of anyone who is willing to give me a chance, I live in orange county, California and am looking for PT work from home.
update & question on wireless router & trouble connecting to clients -
Posted By: katy
I posted last week about hooking up a new laptop & wireless router & then not being able to connect to remote VPN and Citrix clients. Someone helped me by suggesting a Belkin router instead and I got that and now I can connect to the VPN client but still not to the Citrix one. I asked their tech support for help & they said we'll find out, but our own people cannot use wireless so we don't think it works with our system. They're not getting back to me. Has anyone solved this problem before? This client uses Meditech and I can connect while the wireless is active, but it loses connection every 30 seconds. I would just rather not have to unplug the thing & have no one in the house be able to use the laptop every time I work for this client if there is something else I can do. Apparently I'm not going to get help from the client!
Does anyone get the live feed on -
Posted By: BB fan
BB and now who won HOH last night?
Not happy without being miserable? -
Posted By: Astounded
I've been coming here for the past 2 years. I am a working MT who has paid my dues and been just as disappointed as all of you here from time to time. But the one thing I can't understand is why SO MANY of you can't seem to be happy if there isn't misery in your life.
Yes, you are warning newbies of the perils of this career. Yes, you are frustrated and want it to improve, want company and comfort...But there is so much toxic waste on this board. If you tell yourselves and each other how miserable it is in this field, you will all remain miserable.
Flame away and call me whatever names you want, but when you lay down tonight, you may just agree that wallowing in so much misery is not the way to live when life is so short. If you hate it, get out. If you aren't sure, don't take what every one says at face value. If you love it, share the love.
I have never seen so much misery in one place among so many people. It's contagious. Please do yourself and all of us a favor and try to find some happy thoughts. You might just find you enjoy yourself, and your career, a lot more.
So AI fans, who's leaving tonight? -
Posted By: Jus Me
My bottom 3: Bucky, Ace, Katherine. I think Katherine is going home. Now what do you think?
Fun things to do next time you are in an elevator... -
Posted By: MI-MT
Wave hands wildly at invisible flies buzzing around your head.
Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside ask: "Got enough air in there?"
Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake and ask them to call you "Admiral".
Stare, grinning, at another passenger for a while, and then announce: "I've got new socks on!"
Frown and mutter "gotta go, gotta go" then sigh and say "oops!"
Walk on with a cooler that says "human head" on the side.
Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce "You're one of THEM!" and move to the far corner of the elevator.
Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers that this is your personal space.
I just had to lighten up this board a bit today!!!!
Lanier LX-219 problem -
Posted By: Seeking Info
I had to unplug my Lanier to rearrange my office. When I plugged it back in, nothing worked. I tried unplugging it again for more than ten minutes...no help. The little window says Sta. Standing By.
spellcheck in word -
Posted By: SCMT
I am working on a VR system doing editing - however when I run the spellcheck anything that has been changed shows up with all of the incorrect letters wherever they happened to be along with the correct word or phrase that has been corrected. In other words if the word is not spelled correctly, I erase the word and type in the correct spelling, but in the spell check both show up. Does anyone know how to turn off this function or if there is a way to turn it off? It is driving me crazy - along with trying to learn to edit and the VR system. Other than that - all is fine with the program.
Squished faxes...my problem or theirs?? -
Posted By: Tjurs
I have one client I am faxing to that just recently started having problems with the faxes coming out "squished" at her end. Mostly from two-page documents, but one was also just one page.
Is this a problem I cause and therefore can fix somehow and if so....HOW...
or is this something at their end and how do I tell them how to fix it.
Sending and resending or then emailing is getting old....
thank you for any wise people out there that have a clue, cuz I sure do not 
Tiffin
Guessing editors -
Posted By: FLMT
This drives me crazy. We got an e-mail awhile back that said if the doctor does not dictate the account number or DOS then to send the job to editing. Well this one editor, who I've already called out for being incredibly rude and unprofessional, continues to type, DOS must be filled in if it's not filled in then use date of dictation. Like heck I will! If the demographics show only date of admission and it's say 04/05 and today is 04/23 BUT in the report it says the patient was sent home on postop day 4 or it says they have a followup appt on 04/12 then they obviously weren't discharged TODAY!! I've got a couple editors that guess on a horrible dictator based on his samples and that drives me nuts too. Whatever happened to professional pride?
Company under Investigation! -
Posted By: very_concerned
I won't say what transcription company I work for but I have to fill out a "Department of Labor" form as they are being investigated, probably for CUTTING their MT's wages!!! Problem is due to Katrina my hospital is not ready to have us full-time and I may just do some work for them at home. I'm not happy with their pay either but will stay with them, I guess.
How do you get along out there without sm -
Posted By: jams
DSL? I don't see many that will allow satellite. Forget dialup anymore. Anyone come up with a solution that works?
MT vs. coding vs. RN -
Posted By: kathy
I am looking to change careers. I've recently been laid off in data entry and internet research (expected) with a chance for re-hire in 2008, but I'm not counting on it. I'm looking for a flexible, transportable, decent paying job. I have been considering nursing for about a year but have it on a back burner as we are currently living 1/2 the year in Mexico and 1/2 the year in the US. We LOVE living on the road and really don't want to change that, HOWEVER; if it comes to taking care of my family (4 children 13-6), we will do whatever it takes.
In order to maintain our lifestyle (about $35K/year), recognizing that I appreciate and recognize good grammar, enjoy a challenging job, and require a job that allows me to work at home, I've been looking very seriously into the MT field. If I pursued this option, it would be with a certificate from either Andrews or M-Tec.
Reading the various MT boards (here, MTChat, M-Tec's board and the WAHM transcription board), however, I am quite concerned about the future of MT, both in pay and job opportunity. And then, at the same time, I am heartened by the enthusiasm expressed by IC's and happy MT's. There doesn't seem to be a clear-cut side on which to stand; the detractors seem to be just as common as the enthusiasts.
Further adding to my quandary is the trickle of nurses moving from RN positions to MT. I would enjoy the solitude of being an MT and am highly self-motivated. I believe I would enjoy oncology, L&D or peds as an RN but I'm not certain I would have the temperment to deal with patients stealing attention for frivolous issues from those with serious needs. I also wonder about the gore; not necessarily the blood but the pus. I am also concerned about bringing disease and sickness home to my family.
So, my current plan is to train with M-Tec or Andrews for a year, obtain my certificate, work as an IC and keep an eye on the nursing field. If possible, I might be able to continue to MT while in nursing school should it prove possible. I am also considering the fields of Radiation Technician and Surgical Tech. The reason I would prefer nursing to RadTec or Surg Tec is due to the travel available for traveling nurses (although I understand MedSurg would require at least 2 years of experience before I would be able to travel nurse).
Any thoughts? I definitely don't want to spend a year obtaining education and training that will simply be offshored.
Acute care basic 4 -
Posted By: diane
Please refresh me on what the acute care basic four are. Thanks to anyone who can jog my memory.
MP Count -
Posted By: OH MT
Does anyone have the Software for MP Count? (The older version). TU
at home jobs -
Posted By: denise
Has anyone had success with at-home job opportunities over the internet, i.e, on-line surveys, Google adwords ?

Volume Setting Command for Transnet/ExText -
Posted By: Ed
Anyone there who knows how to "permanently" set the volume for Transnet/ExText speech? I know to double-click on the volume icon to raise the volume for "Each Report", but not how to do it "permanently". I did it once by accident, but with recent upgrades, it wiped it out again. Anyone? Thanks!
For anyone who has ever done direct deposit, why does it sometimes come right away in the morning an -
Posted By: countryMT
odd but I have never done DD so dont really understand how it is routed through the fed and the bank.
Emdat/Incribe with Word/Stedmans -
Posted By: sandy54
I would like to know if anyone who types in this program is able to use the Microsoft Word option and Stedman's Spellcheck. That is, without copying and pasting.
Rapid transcript -
Posted By: looking for more
Anyone out there know anything about working for them?
What are the mechanics of VR? How does -
Posted By: dictated speech get to written text? sm
Is there a computer somewhere typing along as the text is being dictated? How does VR "learn" from its mistakes? I know on the VR reports I edit for my MTSO, I make the same corrections over and over for the same physicians, and VR never corrects itself. But overall, it's a fascinating invention and definitely here to stay (so long as it ALWAYS has editors...the errors can be scary!).
MedQuist NE -
Posted By: Cece
Would appreciate specifics about why people say to stay away from the northeast offices of MedQuist. What region is a good one?
Quit last job and would appreciate any info about a good company.
Thank you
Outsourcing to other countries -
Posted By: medtran26
We are the only ones who can do something about this. I wanted to toss around some ideas.
A. We should research and get all the information we need, talk to lawyers and talk to anyone who can help us get started.
B. We should have a new association. American Medical Transcription Association – AMTA. That is just an idea.
C. Picket lines. OFFSHORE NO MORE!! Sorry, I borrowed the phrase from another poster. I hope you don't mind.
D. We should notify news papers, news stations, and talks shows that actually make a difference sometimes (Montel, Oprah……any other ideas for that?)
E. We should notify all clinics, hospitals, doctors, and any/every place in the United States and Canada that need transcription services.
F. We need to notify the general public…refer to D.
G. A specific board, group, or chat room dedicated only to OFFSHORE NO MORE should be created and moderated accordingly.
H. Union? What do we need to do to get this started?
I don't know where to start, but we, collectively, need to do something. I have been wondering we could possibly be (sp?) black balled if our identities are revealed? If so, it won't last forever. Maybe the beginning of all this needs to be the new association and that can be our steppingstone. We can make this better for our future and future MTs. The thing is that we need to do something. We can't just talk about it and complain against it and hope that someone else will do something for us or that someone else will take a stand. We have a voice if do this together. The ball just needs to start rolling….
Congratulations! Melanie P. of Ohio on winning the weekend warrior dinner! -
Posted By: Administrator (see message inside)
Please email admin@mtstars.com with your choice of gift card and full mailing address and we will ship it out immediately!
Main Board -
Posted By: Active Topics
Does the active topics selection at the top of the page show all active topics for each category at left or just certain ones? Thanks.l
how much do editors make on average -
Posted By: esp MQ...PLEASE ANSWER
Per hour? I'm struggling so bad with hand and arm pain, I will have to quit typing, I have no choice. I have no other skills, I am in school right now and the pain is incredible. Please tell me how much you get paid per hour, if it is worth my while to switch or just take on a second job having nothing to do with MT and type less. If it is under 15 an hour, I cannot afford it, thanks in advance.
The birds have been swarming like crazy around here today....sm -
Posted By: Georgia gal
it's obvious the atmosphere is changing between the cold front heading this way and Wilma working her way to Florida. The last time I saw the birds swarming like this was right before Katrina hit.
Instant Text with Dictaphone? -
Posted By: wileo
Is it possible to use Instant Text with Dictaphone? How is Dictaphone to work with? Thank you!
Needing help- how to get IP address -
Posted By: Susan
Here in the SE AT&T had internet outage this week and now 1 of my computers is asking for the IP address, trying to get back on line. Where to find this? TIA.
Aaaargh -
Posted By: ER MT
Don't you just love it when the doctor who is dictating starts a dictation, then gets distracted, puts the phone down, walks away and forgets you are still hanging on the other end waiting for him to come back and finish the dictation??!!! Of course, I had to keep listening because I wasn't sure he would return and finish . . . but alas . . . no, he just walked away and I listened to nothing for five minutes.
Post by Dano -
Posted By: WannaBWAHD
Trying to find a post by Dano having to do with "making money" or "how to make money". I've done an archive search with no luck.
Thanks in advance,
WannaB
I've worked weekends for 10 years, now I want to move onto a company -
Posted By: Tired of Weekends
that does not require at least one weekend day. I realize hospitals are open 24/7 but you would think that companies seeking good MTs would be more willing to offer a M-F shift.
Any tips for MTing on the road? -
Posted By: academia
I am packing up my laptop and heading out soon for week away. Plan to work part of the time from the hotel. Any tips from those who have done the mobile thing before? My biggest concern is that I won't be able to take my books and only I have a couple of electronic Stedman's.
Microsoft 4000 v1.0 Keyboard -
Posted By: Michelle
Is there any way to program my Microsoft 4000 v1.0 keyboard without the CD? I can't find it, and none of my extra buttons are working
LX 231 Ovation -
Posted By: PTS
Can anyone help me hook up an LX 231 Ovation station? There seems to be an extra cord.
Those of you that have your own accounts, what's the -
Posted By: giving up on nationals.
best way of getting your own accounts? I have one small local account that I got from a newspaper services ad eight years ago. If I had two or three more like this one, I'd be a happy camper. I've mailed postcards and made cold calls with no luck whatsoever. I've even done intro letters with business cards to new providers on the city business license list and in response to help wanted ads. No nibbles there either.
It doesn't even necessarily have to be a local account. It could even be Internet based or via mail/UPS. One guy used to priority mail tapes to me from New York back when I had my virtual assistant/secretarial business.
Any positive suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
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