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Looking for good microcassette desktop player - Posted By: Sandi

I haven't purchased and/or looked for a transcription machine in quite a few years. I did a Goggle search but I prefer the expertise from those that have the real experience using one. :)

I had a high end Sony many years ago that broke down several times in the first couple years i used it so I am a bit sour on those. I realize though by now they could be made totally different. I really didn't care for their foot pedal at that time either (way too much flexing of my ankle for my comfort).

I have had 2 Olympus Pearlcorders that I have used for at least 6 years, probably longer. I haven't seemed to be able to find just a transcription machine now (without record feature). I feel if I get 3 years out of a lower priced one like these I certainly did get my money's worth. :) However, due to aging and loosing some hearing (that can come naturally with aging), I think I may need a better quality machine.

I do want one that is a microcassette player, has an adjustable backspace on the machine, backspace and forward on the pedal & erases tapes. I would like to find one with excellent sound quality as well. I am willing to pay up to $500 for one that is highly recommended by you pros.

Thanks so much.
Sandi
(If I am talking in circles and/or am incoherent, I apologize as I just came home from having surgery today on my foot - and my latest transcription machine died this morning so I need to order one on line fast).

Converting Shorthand to AutoText - Posted By: How do you do this

Well I have used my trial versions of Shorthand. Speedtype has not responded to my trial version request. So is there a way to convert my ShortHand dictionary so that I can use it in AutoText? Not Autocorrect but AutoText. Thanks

How do I transfer DQS expansions to MS Word - Posted By: Auto-Correct to use elsewhere? SM

I already know how to access and copy the user.aco files from DQS, but I can't figure out how to copy them into another copy of MS Word Auto Correct to use for another platform.

General Escription questions for those who use it daily. - Posted By: NewBMT

Just started a new job that uses Escription/Edit script. I have had some problems with it here and am wondering if anyone can give me some insight. The tech team isn't available when I am online working, and I was hoping to work tomorrow when again no tech people are available.

First issue is I am using Express Scribe to play the audio. I have some issues with that I think as sometimes it says the file isn't there but it is in my Express Scribe... I'm assuming I need to manually load each audio file after the text has loaded. Is that right?

Next problem is when editing and I play it on the Escription audio the red boxes go across each word, ect. Then when I have to stop it to change something it all goes screwy and words double up, lines multiply and it looks like a big black mess and I can't read anything. WTH is that?

Anyone have advice on any of this stuff? I've used Emdat in the past and had no troubles with that at all. I've heard such great things about Escription, but right now I want to throw the whole computer along with it out the window!

for poster below who wanted contact regarding MQMT lawsuit, this is who I talked to. - Posted By: See message

Name: Cynthia Hill
E-mail: chill@deflaw.com

Phone: 404/885-6338
Nice to talk to and can give you info regarding MQMT lawsuit so you can decide if it is something you are interested in pursuing.

Med-Legal - Posted By: Just wondering...

if anyone does work for CMLS doing med-legal docs? If so, any feedback, good, bad, or indifferent would be appreciated. Thanks!

EditScript help needed. - Posted By: MT in MT

One of my accounts is stalling out when I'm logging in when it gets to the downloading latest contacts. The other two accounts are working fine. I tried deleting all the TPL files and have reloaded it a couple times. Any other ideas?

EMDAT foot pedal - Posted By: LS

I just started on the EMDAT platform and did not buy their foot pedal as I have an Infinity foot pedal that works with it. However, it is driving me crazy. When I press play for a short period of time and then let up on it, the dictation will not stop. Only when I hold play down for a long period of time will it stop when I let up on it. I called EMDAT's help number and really got nowhere. Has anybody else had this problem. Should I buy the EMDAT foot pedal - is that any better?

bloopers (forgive if they are redundant) - Posted By: Just for a laugh

HOSPITAL CHART BLOOPERS

Actual writings from hospital charts:

1. The patient refused autopsy.
2. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
3. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.
4. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
5. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
6. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.
7. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
8. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
9. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
10. Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.
11. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.
12. She is numb from her toes down.
13. While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.
14. The skin was moist and dry.
15. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.
16. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
17. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
18. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.
19. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.
20. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.
21. Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.
22. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
23. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
24. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.
25. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

Music alternatives for ACDC..sm - Posted By: cc

My 9yo grandson is into ACDC. I want to turn him on to some alternatives. I am downloading some music for a Xmas present for him and need some suggestions as to something a 9yo ACDC fan might enjoy. Thanks.

Okay folks! What do YOU daydream of while workin? - sm - Posted By: Havin a lil fun

Mine has been daydreaming of Leland from Dog The Bounty Hunter. Hummina Hummina What a hunk! Wooooooooooooooo pour some cold water on me!

Difference in Acute Care vs. Clinic reports - Posted By: Newbie2MT Full Time

Being new to MT full time and coming from a hospital setting (specialty clinics) for most of my career.....How does acute care transcription differ from "speciality"clinics (i.e. ortho, GI, oncology, etc.) when applying for jobs? Acute care is the same as emergency medicine right?

Aside from the differing terms, doesn't the basics of format apply to all H&Ps, clinic notes, etc. when transcribing notes regardless of specialty? Therefore, even if you have mostly specialty 'experience' wouldn't you still be qualified to do acute care? Just wondering....

What is your fave browser? - Posted By: RadGuy

Mine is Firefox - love how fast it is, plus tabbed browsing rules! Much better and safer than old Internet Explorer, I must say. BTW, the newest version of Firefox comes out today (free download) which is supposed 2B even better!

Can I please get opinions? - Posted By: Irritated!!!!!!

Please tell me if I'm wrong here. I will try and make it short. Okay, so I work as an LPN for a doctor and I also do his transcription AT HOME for an extra check (IC status) and I work for another company doing transcription on the weekends. So, out of the blue he and his wife (office manager) decide that they no longer can "afford" transcription, so they want me to do the transcription during my 8-hour nursing shift. They don't want to take away any of my duties, they just want me to work harder I suppose, and they said I could do transcription in between patients and things such as that.

I told them that I didn't feel that was fair and that I do make a considerable larger amount doing transcription than my nursing pay and it's really not fair to double my work and keep my ONE pay. Well, the wife explained it to me and she said that even if they asked me to sweep the floor, as long as I was getting my salary that was required for that 8 hours, then I would be required to do so. Okay, so I get that........BUT.......everybody working in the office knows how to sweep the floor and that would be fair. I am the ONLY person that knows how to do transcription, so if EVERYONE can't do the transcription, then why should I be required to? It is like they are using an extra "talent" that I have, for lack of a better word, to profit on it.

I feel like what they are asking me to do would be in comparison to if I was also a hair stylist and they REQUIRED me to style everyone's hair at work for no extra money. I mean doing transcription is a whole extra craft, but they feel it is the same as if they asked me to take out the garbage or sweep the floor.

Am I wrong? TIA for your opinions.

Freight train flu or virus or plague? - Posted By: Winnie

I saw a post about this yesterday right before I collapsed with pain. This was a GI illness, about 24 hours. One minute I was eating a bowl of cereal and planning my day and the next minute, I was writhing in pain. You all take care of yourselves out there.

I think French just might be - Posted By: Argh

my least favorite accent. Despite my French teacher bragging about what excellent speakers the French are, never saying um, just having fast flowing speech, when dictating in English, the ones I've done have had some serious stammering, poor enunciation, extra words, and many unexplained word choice changes, and it's all I can do not to scream and grind my teeth the moment I hear that accent.

I'd love to tell my snotty French teacher that, too.

Ok! I'm on a 15-minute break, but just wanted to share-- - Posted By: MT

Below, I have read several posts about being productive and increasing line counts. This morning, I purposely closed down my e-mail (where usually it is running in the background and when incoming mail arrives, it notifies me and I'm checking it throughout the day), and I purposely did not come to this forum (which as my routine, throughout the day I'm going back and forth reading and posting). I actually started typing at 6:15 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. I have 1090 lines already. I know now where my time has been going, and will from this point on try and discipline myself as to checking e-mails and getting on-line wasting time. Just thought I'd share that bit of info.

can you put bold characters in autocorrect? - Posted By: EmmaT

ss

How to I insert text from a document into shorthand? I know I have to - Posted By: Boo2

highlight what I want to insert, but I cannot remember the keys for insertion. TIA!

Deduction in pay for errors.... - Posted By: hmmmm

I was just offered a job at a measly 8 cpl after I took this ridiculously long and time consuming test. I get an email with FAQ and there is a whole section about how much they are going to deduct from your pay for errors. Someone over there has a screw loose. I wish I had not wasted my time. I already have one account that I make about 12 cpl, but I just lost one due to outsourcing, where I started at 9 cpl. I love my first account, but I always like to have 2 just for backup. I so far have been offered 7-1/2 cpl, 7 cpl and 8 cpl. I turned them all down. These people are crazy! If you want a good transcriptionist, PAY FOR IT!!!!

MagicJack - Posted By: wileo

For anybody who has MagicJack, do you know if it is possible to use this in conjunction with another service such as Vonage? There is no local area code available with MagicJack in my state, so for anybody calling me even in the same town, it would long distance for them. I am just wondering if it is possible to have Vonage for incoming calls and then MagicJack for outgoing calls. Thank you!

administrator...one other thing I miss - Posted By: MTMT

...is the most recent comment posted that used to be right on top...quick glance, you could tell if there were any new posts, or maybe new responses to a post.

Are you held to a standard of lines per day. - Posted By: Horski

If so, what is that standard. We have 1200 lines a day or 150 lines an hour. Is this the average out there?

ASR funny - Posted By: mini-haha

Dictator: Divalproex

ASR: Died of a prophylaxis.

Wow, do most of y'all work in your bedrooms? sm - Posted By: I do, too!

I thought I was in the minority here, working in my bedroom. Figured most MTs had a nice home office. Well, nice to know I'm not alone in my bedroom...

Early Santa Gift - Noise-Cancelling Headphones under $15.00 RadioShack - Posted By: ThePajamaGame

Merry Christmas all - I thought I would pay this forward. I was struggling with the dictators sound quality even with volume top level for computer sound card. It was really affecting my production. I tried everything - even typing slower and softer so that the keystroke sound would not distort the quality of the dictation. I was recommended to Noise Cancelling Headphones from Radio Shack. Item # is 33-104. Made by Presidian. I LOVE THEM!!!!!!! Not $300 or $400.00. Just $14.97. I thought to myself- o.k. for that price I will try them. Anything has got to be better than this. They rock and I'm passing it along. I don't work for Radioshack or anything but was thinking about swapping my MQ stock for theirs now... LOL.

Another SR funny. - Posted By: RockinMT

SR: Ureters happy with a stent extraction.

Should be: ureteroscopy with stone extraction

Protrans - Posted By: chilly

Any info on Protrans in Nevada? PLEASE!!

question about .dss and digital voice editor 2 - Posted By: justine

I have digital voice Editor 2 and I have no problems using wav files or mp3 files on it. But I do not know how to get .dss files to work on it. Does anyone else use digital voice editor 2 for freelance work and if so, how do you get .dss files to work?

Or maybe just a general question, what program can I get to be able to use .dss files.

Thanks in advance

need advice - Posted By: worried

I worked for a multispecialty medical center for 6 years that shut down and sent all transcription out to a service. I got a job with spheris. I love the company itself, they are great. But the problem is money. This is my first experience with production pay. To make what I made by the hour, I would have to produce 1500 lines a day. I am now producing about 1000 a day more or less, depending on how much research I need to do, if my cable or power goes out or if their server goes down or is slow.-- I do ER, consults, admit and discharge summaries, no operative reports. Cant really use a lot of expansions, only for simple phrases or individual words, no macros, mostly straight typing. I figured once I got used to their system and compiled all my provider samples and got my Expander glossaries pretty much built I would improve, which I have, but I really cant see myself ever doing much more than 1200 a day, and that would be with no "P" breaks. I am still having to stop multiple times during the day to enter drug names in my drug glossary so I dont have to look them up all the time to see if they are generic or brand names-their spell-check doesnt have automatic caps, which is another problem for me because I am having a hard time training myself to hit that shift key, I am constantly entering text into my expander. The terminology is not a problem for me.

I am reading that a lot of you guys are doing 400 lines an hour.!!! My previous job didnt have a word expander, so I know I need to utilize that better. How do you do it, what am I doing wrong, what can I do to improve, do I need to just forget it and apply at Home Depot? I LOVE transcription!!!!

Which specialty have you found the most difficult and why? - Posted By: L

I find cardiology to be most challenging.

Any good cardiology links or websites?

Sexual predators vs witch hunters. watch children risk becoming predators.... - Posted By: 7590

I recently had an awakening about the witch hunt currently going on for one "convicted sexual predator." Predator first offense: 18 y.o. dating 15 y.o. Dad of 15 y.o. angry and had 18 y.o. arrested. My grandmother was 16 when she married my grandfather who was 19. I guess he should have been arrested too.

Second offense: 21 y.o. made copy of nude on internet. Copy found by off-duty policeman who reported find. Predator arrested, mother's computer confiscated, 100 y.o. public defender appointed. Predator had to prove person posing for picture was over 18. How could anyone do that if they do not even know name of person appearing in picture. Predator convicted and on probation. Cannot be anywhere with any children. No Christmas get togethers with family, no church, must leave restaurant or other public place if children come in, MUST be registered and can be locked up if too close to daycare, school bus stop, etc. and must go ???somewhere if children present in Dr. waiting room etc. Neighbors informed of sexual predator in midst and regularly egg car and persecute in other ways. I wish they would round up every photographer and reader who ever looked at girl's breast in magazine and could not prove girl of age. (National Geographic for instance.) I find sexual predators abhorrent but think we have gone too far. Am I the only one who sees the backlash from fear?

QA wages - Posted By: Terry

Anyone out there have an idea of what a QA person should be paid per hour if working at home?

Not outsourcing - Posted By: Sue E

All our hospitals/facilities Outsource - to us.- so unless we all want to loose our jobs, we need to be careful what we complain about. It's Offshoring that we're protesting.

Long distance question - Posted By: Mattie

I have Comcast unlimited long distance and wondering if anyone uses this doing a transcription account via C-phone? Does Comcast allow this or not? Even though they say "unlimited," somehow I have my doubts they would allow this. TIA

Question on number of posts - Posted By: smashboxfan

Someone emailed me and asked why i had posted 22 posts in a certain period of time using different names everytime. Why would anyone be that interested? I'm not - I am either working or trying to dig up information on my neighbors and relatives, searching for past loves or again working. Is there a way to find someone's email address through this website. I much prefer it to the other, but if I cannot keep my identity concealed, I guess I will have to resort to posting on the other board.

searching for the ideal.. - Posted By: anxious & depressed

I am soooo very anxious right now. I have cried all morning and cannot seem to console myself or come up with a solution. I have been doing transcription for over 12 years and have been home for the last four. Through those four years, though I love being at home, I have come up with generally zip as far as contentment in my job goes. I have been an employee status, as well as an independent contractor. I have worked for places that seemed 'ideal' until 3 months or so were up, then they'd switch accounts on me (starting out on great accounts and leaving me struggling with a bunch of crud nobody in their right minds would want to do), dealing with owners or supervisors who lay out the 'heavy hand' and do nothing but tell you what you DO WRONG (one who comes to mind nearly gave me a nervous collapse--never could please her and who'd want to the way she treated you, sarcastic, mightier than thou approach).. ugh! I have done basic four hospital transcription, clinic transcription, ER transcription, and I just am not finding 'THE BEST' place to be. I don't know.. maybe I'm SUPER BURNED OUT. I never make enough money, don't have benefits, and I'm getting to the point where I feel I'm just finished with this 'career.' If I find a place where I make a decent amount of cash, I either have to put up with an idiot for a manager/ boss/ supervisor/owner or hideous dictation. If I go to a place that seems good as far as dictation/accounts go, and the management is decent, I wind up making next to nothing in pay. Most places I've experienced give you a come-on to begin with, give you a decent account and after two to three months, they switch you to the crap work. Still, they give you no pay raises for even attempting to do these reports, not like they would anyway. I think I have worked for at least six different companies since being at home in the last four years. I am sick of making no money, not enjoying my job anymore and dealing with all the crap nobody else wants to do. Sorry, I had to vent.. I'm ready to give up and find a job that actually PAYS in more ways than one.

drug books - Posted By: elkhoundowner

Okay, I am sure this question has been asked before but here I go. I am on the search for a new drug book. I have narrowed it down to 3......Quick Look, Saunders and Lipinicott Nursing drug book. Which drug book and/or books or references do everyone prefer? I ask this because I recently purchased an Expander that is very similar to ShortHand and was twice the money!!!! I do no want to make the same mistake again. Thanks.

Overflow Available - Posted By: DeAnn

I have four one-on-one interviews (34 minutes, 10 minutes, , 26 minutes, and 20 minutes) with good audio, due back Sunday by 2pm CST. Simple Q/A format.
Pay is 40 per audio hour and will be made September 1st via paypal. If you're interested, please email me at jdbcmcbride@gmail.com.

MQ offices- If there is an MQ office in your city/state, is it possible to - Posted By: MT

apply for an MQ job outside of your state? I think I have been blacklisted from the MQ here in Birmingham, AL. I worked part-time for them when they first setup an office here, and they were named Transcription Limited, I believe. They only paid 6-7 cpl at that time. Well I worked for them a couple years and then opportunity came where I could work for another transcription company, and I am assuming was a competitor to them in the Birmingham market. Mind you, I left in good standing (so I thought), two-weeks notice and all, and was an exceptional employee, but years later, every time I have tried to apply through them, I get turned down. So I am wondering if I could work for another MQ office outside of Alabama, or will they refer me to the Birmingham office?

hourly rate - Posted By: nervousmt

What is the going HOURLY rate for a MT (independent contractor) that would be competitive.

Don't get hung up with the golden handcuffs. (SM) - Posted By: WARNING

It is so easy to convince yourself you cannot make as much money at a different company or on a different account, or never find anything better, so you stay where you are, taking all the abuse in the world. In management, this is called the Golden Handcuff, and they rely on it to keep the same employees, never give a raise, never give respect, and just continue to walk all over you.

In this profession you are very mobile if you can transcribe at all. It may take a month to get used to a new system, a new account, or whatever, but your self respect is worth it in the end. There are a lot of companies out there that actually do appreciate employees, and it certainly does not seem to be any of the companies who are mentioned frequently on these boards.

I changed jobs about a month ago, thought I would never learn, but in a week I was making far more with a small MTSO than I ever did with a large company. Treat yourself to a new beginning and a new year.

Any ESL websites or resources? - Posted By: ME

I was wondering if anyone here knew of any good websites (or other resource) where I could listen to dictators/speakers who have accents? I am not really crazy about that idea, but want to try to better learn them so that I can do my job better when I get ESLs or even striking regional accents around the US. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Has anyone heard of transcription equipment called Insoware?sm - Posted By: tia

The hospital that I contract for is looking at new equipment and Insoware is under consideration along with Medquist (which use to be Lanier). If you have any information on these systems, please e-mail me.

Thanks

Well, it happened again. - Posted By: Short on pay.

The hospital that I work at shorted me. I know what my gross pay was and I know what they deposited in my account. I have not seen my voucher yet but I know I don�t have $359 worth of deductions. It happened to me a month ago as well, they shorted me $200. The lady that made the mistake apologized and wrote out a manual check and I thanked her for looking into it for me. I don�t believe that they are purposely trying the cheat me, I believe they have a dingbat working in payroll. I don�t want to be ugly to anyone but it is getting frustrating as I need to pay bills and also I wanted to take my kids the carnival in town but I don�t think I have enough to cover it all. Any advise on how to handle it this time? I have worked there 8 years and never had a problem with this until now.

Is anyone familiar with an expander you pay for by the year - Posted By: KT

I thought I had heard of one that you could order for a yearly subscription of about $30. Thanks in advance. I have Smartype, but it acts oddly sometimes and races to the end of my document and the cursor keeps running down the page. I had them send me a new copy but had the same troubles with the new copy even with putting it on a new computer. Can't get the company to do anything, so I am out $200 now and need something else.

background check - Posted By: mollie

I am in school and want to know if a misdemeanor-disorderly conduct-from 11 years ago will affect me getting hired as an MT. Also I have a recent arrest(a year ago) but it was dismissed-DH and I fought and ended up being the one to go. They even sent me to victim's class. We have been to therapy, counseling, etc. I am an A student and never had anything but good employment history. I am in school now and stressed out about whether this stuff will affect my job placement. Any advice?

How many reports is an average - Posted By: amount to do per day?

I mean hospital work, the basic 4, and not short reports, or overly long. Most are between 5 and 9 minutes, some talking fast, some slow, and some average. Also, no radiology.

To Grammar Cop - K-I-A - Posted By: Can2

Be careful all you posters out there. The GrammarCop is on the bench and you will all perish if you do not use proper grammar on this board. She (he, it) expects perfection. I know there is a saying that fits her, but it escapes me right now but it only contains a few letters. Should be easy for her (him, it) to figure it out. Ta, ta

Laptop cases sm - Posted By: Bella

So, I'm getting a laptop for work. Anyone know of cases where the laptop, keyboard, headset, and foot pedal will all fit into. If nothing else at least the keyboard and headset. I could always carry the footpedal seperate or use hotkeys. Something that isn't too terribly big if that is possible.

Thanks!