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XML formatting - does anyone know how....sm - Posted By: Georgia gal

to create a double space after punctuation that holds and doesn't get stripped in XML? Thanks!

Any ideas - Posted By: (sm)

Sorry, this is kind of long, but I would appreciate any advice/comments.

Back in May I was contacted by someone to whom I had sent my resume several months prior. She asked if I would be interested in some part-time work, and I said that I was. She had no idea how much or what time of day, etc.

Well, it turned out to be quite a bit of work, and I wound up calling her and letting her know that it was too much, as she would ride me about turnaround time when I had let her know that I already had almost full-time work prior to accepting her part-time deal. She did have another girl working on the account, but her work needed to be edited (fully to voice), and she asked that I hang in there while she found someone else, which I did, and she went through about three other girls. During this time she would hit me with sometimes 2+ hours of dictation out of the blue, and there would be many days with nothing at all. I had actually been hoping to still get daily work, but just a reduced amount from what it had been, and was still hoping that is how it would go once she was able to find someone else to share the load.

Anyway, about a week ago I received an e-mail from her that she no longer had the account, and here is where my question comes in . . . I really liked doing this dictation, and am interested in trying to obtain the account for myself, but they are in a different state from me. Since she has lost the account, I do not feel that it would be stealing, but obviously they must have had a replacement transcriptionist/service prior to telling her they would no longer need her services, so I am wondering how long I should wait and what approach I should take . . . should I call them, or perhaps mail something, or even call and try to get an e-mail address??? I was not told what the reason is that they no longer use her services either, by the way, and as far as having said what I did about it being too much work, I would give up something else to have this account if I could get it, but at the time I told her it was too much I had not decided that. I had been considering proposing just that to her, for a negotiated higher wage, but then she lost the account.

What would you guys do?

TIA for opinions/ideas!

QA score formula - Posted By: mt

Can anyone post formula for figuring QA score. Thanks!

Yes, I'm back. 3 hours=255 lines. Think I'm just a little upset here!!!! - Posted By: going for a walk

Has anyone been notified by the IRS that you are --sm - Posted By: Debra

to be considered an employee vice IC since 2002-- as apparently someone in the company filed a complaint and the IRS sent out letters to all regarding this. Do not know what to expect, have a time set to call IRS in the morning and would like to have whatever documentation they need at hand, or at least an idea of what kind of questions they will be asking.

Also, what will this mean for the company? I assume they will have to go back and pay their share of my taxes and I will get a refund for what I paid as an IC, but am wondering what other fallout there will be.

Voice recognition - Posted By: mtinmt

Well, well, well...I just got the phone call from my company today telling me the "Exciting News" about switching to voice recognition. Yippeee!!! Even better - my pay now goes from 10 cpl to a whopping 3 cpl!! Wow - maybe that means I'll be able to afford that brand new Escalade I've had my eye on

. Actually, I'll be lucky if I can afford to buy a loaf of bread after this change happens in March. We're all on a rapidly sinking ship - she's going down. My question is what seems to be the going rate for voice recognition? I feel like I'm living in India - 3 cpl! That's the thanks I get for 10 years of experience. Reduced to a third-world country wage...

NEW CONTRIBUTION! PRN Funding Golf Umbrellas! Click on Santa's - Posted By: House banner at top of board to enter!

/

Has anyone been following Psycho Fear Factor? - Posted By: RadGuy

I don't think the Bates Hotel looks all that bad - in fact it looks a lot like MY house! So far I think the worst torture was having that newly divorced couple sleep in the same bed! I guess they signed up for the show B4 they knew divorce wuz pending, LOL.

Am I the only one who could not access this - Posted By: site over the weekend? nm

s

just had another funny on - i'm on a roll! sm - Posted By: Lorie R.

typing neurobehavioral tests for my neurologist doc. Part of it is a question regarding knowing the name of the current president. The patient's answer just slayed me.....

Question: Do you know the name of the current President?

Answer: "Bambo"

Now that's one for the books!!

Lines - Posted By: curious

What is your average lines per day.

way off topic wedding present question - is there proper etiquette on the amount a guest must (sm) - Posted By: wondering wedding guest

spend on the wedding present? I have known people who hardly know the bride and groom yet spend $75 to $100 on a present. Is this now the expected/correct amount to spend? I was inclined to spend $25. Am I being cheap?

Does anyone listen to dictation out loud and not through headphones, I would (sm) - Posted By: Rosie

I would like to have some really good speakers to listen to dictation out loud. Speakers that have really good sound - crisp and clear. My speakers are clear through the headphones but muffled when playing out loud

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

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

$256.00 for June electric bill in Calif. - Posted By: Skyrocketing power bill?

Am curious if anyone's else is outrageously high. Mine typically is $150-200 for summer months.

I keep temp at 82 during day, 78 at night. Temperatures here soar to 95-100 though. But, I live alone and have gas hot water, gas stove.

Working at home has its pluses and minuses! Leaving the air off for 8-10 hours a day while I was at the hospital working saved me a lot of cash in this utility bills.

RE: Jobs - Posted By: klownmom

I posted this last night, but don't know what happened to it. I am doing it again. I am applying for a job everywhere. I made 10 cents a line and then down to 8 1/2 cents a line. These people do not pay very much that I can see. Who do you all work for? and how much do you get? Help me find a place to work. Thanks.

I'm Back to Transcribing - Posted By: Lynn

I just wanted to drop in and say hello to everyone. I don't know if anyone here even remembers me. I left the MT industry about a year ago, coming home to work on cottage industry things. However, I was recently offered a good job doing MT again, so I'm back! Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I had let my office get into a huge mess, but I've had a lot of fun undertaking an office redo. If anyone cares to see pictures, I've put some on my blog. Link below.

Lynn

Talk about jerking around with Dell - Posted By: Kathy

I purchased a new computer the other day and then found out I needed to go ahead up front and purchase XP as most know Vista does not work with much of anything. Yesterday calling to upgrade on the purchase I spoke with eight, yes that is 8, different people in order to purchase. Each one was ESL and 1 was just absolutely past understanding. After the 2nd time of asking him to repeat, I just finally said we have a severe language barrier here and I want to speak with someone I can understand because I am not understanding you at all. I had to repeat everything 8 times, my name, address, telephone, etc. so was getting hot under the collar with each jerking around. I was past being nice and took the opportunity to tell each and every one that Vista sucks big time, people do not like, just a waste of time, and on and on. That phone call yesterday probably relieved a lot of built-up pressure that I might have had. It is a shame that Dell tries to push Vista off. I did have a new machine personally built last year and tried to stay with that but alas, it has been so unstable I am now returning to Dell once again. End of my rage for the day.

taxes for ICs? - Posted By: moonchild

hi all. i recently have taken a part-time job, working as an independent contractor, and was wondering if anyone knows the rules of paying taxes? i just looked at one site that makes it sound like i have to pay 3 or 4 times a year?? i was thinking i just needed to deal with it at tax time. anyone know? and either way....how much should i be putting away to pay my taxes when the time comes?

thanks!!

VR would be better if they gave MTs the machine and - Posted By: assigned them the same doc

So the machine only has to get used to our sweet little voices instead of these speed demons and speech impedimentalists.

VoiceScript - Posted By: Siren

Anyone use VoiceScript? Is it a lot like VoiceScribe? My company is going with this and I am just curious.

looking for experience - Posted By: marceiaa

I want to become more proficient in op notes and ESL. Is there a company that would be willing to work with me so that I can learn this? I am not a newbie, with over 6 years hospital/clincial transcription experience, but we have very few ESL and the op notes are covered by others. This is something that I really need and want to exceed in. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!! Marceia

Any North Alabama Transcriptionists? - Posted By: KimG

I posted on the state board, but I don't think many people go to that board. I was just wondering if there any home-based transcriptionists near me. Thank you for your time.

Chat - Posted By: Lilly

I've read some of the responses to the chat room. I suggested 7:00 EST, some one else suggested 8:00 for those on the west coast. Tonight was mentioned as a good time for at least one.

My suggestion would be to pick a time, say 8:00 on the west coast, every night. Those that can make it will be there and those that cannot make it on any given night would be assured some one would be there the next night they tried. Once enough discovered the place and how much fun it can be, possibly there would be enough interest to have 1 or 2 almost every night.

For those who arn't sure what I'm talking about - at the top of the page, right side is a link "chat room." Click on that and you should be good to go.

This is just a suggestion. If not interested, ignore. Otherwise, hope to see some folks this evening 8:00 west coast time. (Unless some one has a better time that would work for most).

!@#@!$## Is it just me or is it everybody! sm - Posted By: FootOnMyNeck

I'm sorry, but I have to vent. Is it just me, or is anybody else feeling like they are being squeezed almost to death for a few pennies? I have 10 years exp, 6 year acute care in-hospital. It seems like lately every time I turn around the hospital is taking something away. I don't want to be too specific, but let's just say it's really petty. I make about 38k a year hourly producing 1500 lpd and this only pays the mortgage, utilities, and for a modest car. In years past, I made a lot more than this, but due to all the "squeezing for pennies" and all the "bean counters" I make less now. I have to work part time as an IC just to buy food/gas/clothes. Is anyone else feeling the "squeeze?" I can hardly breathe!!

EMDAT question - Posted By: Snow Bunny

Is there a way to import the Word AutoCorrect entries into EMDAT? If so, how?

Charge for faxing - Posted By: Me

I am starting to fax reports to various places for my account. Some of these will include multiple pages to the same place and some will be only one page. Can anyone tell me what the going rates are for this service? Thanks!

Question for QA People - I am new ...sm - Posted By: babs

at QA and am worried about my productivity. I work in-house and am paid hourly. I am trying to determine the average amount of lines (or average amount of reports) I should be doing during an 8-hour shift. I know this can vary depending on type of dictation, errors, etc. I don't think I am being productive enough as I do have to provide feedback, answer phone, plus miscellaneous other. Just would like to know what other companies require. Thanks in advance

Amphion - Posted By: jsd

I just took a job with Amphion and was wondering if anyone else uses shorthand instead of EXText? I like shorthand better and was wondering if it is okay to put it on my work computer?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Where Can I find Microsoft Word 2003? sm - Posted By: help please

Is this the same as Microsoft Office Word 2003? I need this particular program, and can't seem to find it on the net any place. Any advice?

What's your favorite sing-along song when alone in your car? - Posted By: anon

Mine are Rose-Colored Glasses and Crazy by Patsy Cline.

Talk to a real person! database - Posted By: Pokey

This web site has the listings for lots of major companies that we deal with every day. It includes the numbers to actually speak to a human being and not a computer. My daughter forwarded it to me, but I haven't actually had need to use it yet. Thought it might take away a frown or make someone's day a little better.

It is: http://www.gethuman.com/us/

this applies to MT, right? (link for financial assistance) - Posted By: MTbucket

link: http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/taa.cfm

something has to be done to help people losing jobs to foreigners...

it says you need 3 or more workers to apply...

also, it aint going away, ladies:

Other projections include:

10 percent of U.S. technology jobs will have moved offshore by 2005 (Gartner Group)
up to 25 percent of traditional IT jobs will be relocated from developed to developing countries by 2010 (Gartner Group)
500,000 financial services jobs (8 percent of all U.S. jobs in banking, brokerage and insurance) will be shipped overseas by May 2008 (AT Kearney)

Looking to rerecord from RTAS - Posted By: curious

I work in IT for a medoum sized MTSO. We are looking to rerecord dictation from RTAS/Lanier/DVI but can only find transcription ASPs who support rerecording from DVI, not RTAS/Lanier. We currently have our own solution, but are looking to move awy from it.

If any of you know of any transcription ASPs that alow you to record from RTAS/Lanier/DVI , please post

Thanks

Lisa/MT Student (see mssg) - Posted By: My 2 cents (per line?)

I don't think you would have to pay to place an ad. See if there is a "Letters to the Editor" section. If not, it might have to be done the way the doctors do it: Their papers are submitted to JAMA for consideration of publication. Even though we MTs are not doctors, it is their work that we are transcribing. And sometimes (if we're lucky) we even get to transcribe those papers that they are submitting for publication! I don't think there is a single doctor or medical professor out there that would want their JAMA submission, book manuscript, etc. transcribed by an ESL MT.

Where do most of you get your computers worked on. Do you take them to a local dealer and what is - Posted By: MTPA

the wait time for anything to be done.

How to print out Shorthand list? - Posted By: MT mom of 3

I am trying to print off the words I have put in to shorthand, but I can't pull it up in Microsoft word. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? It is showing as a SPF file, whatever that is.

How long does it take - Posted By: Just Curious

(on average) to transcribe 40 minutes of dication? I'm thinking 2 hours if all goes well. Is that reasonable?

Tax Question for ICs- sm - Posted By: MTME

For those of you who pay your own FICA tax, can you make quarterly payments? I accepted a position with FutureNet. I've always been an IC, but never had to pay my own FICA, so I'm not sure how to handle this. I have an appointment with my tax person in a couple of weeks. She always provides a schedule and envelopes with payment slips for my federal and state. Do they do this for FICA as well? TIA!

Does satellite internet work to type into Meditech? - Posted By: MT in the boonies

I can't get cable or DSL, and wonder if satellite will work.

need word board help please - Posted By: Steph

Question for night workers..... - Posted By: anon

How do you get your sleep? I generally get to bed around 3:00 a.m., and need at least 8 or 9 good hours of sleep in order to function the next day. I set my alarm clock for 11:30, but generally am awake before I ever have to turn it off due to some kind of noise outside. I sleep with my TV on low and a fan on. Over the last year or so I have noticed more and more noise in the neighborhood, owners renting out their houses to young people who love LOUD music in their homes and cars, televisions loud enough I could be watching the movie if I could see their screen, things like that. It used to be kids outside on weekends playing ball and what not, but now it is actually adults making all the noise, very unneccesary noise. Do they think they don't have neighbors? Or that the rest of us are as deaf as they are going to end up? Why is it people just don't care anymore?

I live in a house, not an apartment. One of the reasons I bought a house is to escape the noise of the neighbors. My question is, would any of you actually resort to calling the police on a neighbor if they were constantly disturbing your peace? There is a noise ordinance where I live, and the police are great at taking care of it, it's just the feeling I would have of actually calling the police on a neighbor. But at the same time, the neighbors are not respecting me, right?

Last summer I did go door to door trying to see if people wanted to get together a neighborhood watch, told each person about my concerns with kids tearing down mail boxes, the noise, etc., so from that respect I gathered they all knew that people could hear their noise. Not one person called to confirm they would be at the meeting, and it was cancelled. Everyone just wants to do what they want to do. I'm not going to resort to wearing ear plugs. What if the smoke alarm went off, or my emergency phone?

I guess I'm just asking for opinions or similar stories to help me out. Thanks for listening.

98% accuracy - sm - Posted By: Patti

Please help an old horse understand -- to have 98% accuracy what does that exactly mean? If I do an account that has an average of 10,000 to 12,000 lines per month -- what do I need to know to see if I have 98% accuracy? Sounds stupid I know but just wondering. Also do minor errors such as leaving an "e" off HERE versus misspelling a drug or procedure count more? I have an account that suddenly tells me that my accuracy is going down but they won't send me back any errors, and said that they just "cross them out" -- so I have asked them to at least let me know what days/patients have "errors" so I can go back and look and try to find them. But I am just curious as to how to figure up this accuracy rate that everyone is talking about -- Thanks to all of you.

KM Medical Transcription - Posted By: Kymee

Has anyone had any experience with this company? Any info would be great since I cannot find anything on this Palmdale transcription company other than their website.

Thank you....Kymee

Need help quick! I am in the middle of baking cupcakes for - Posted By: me

tomorrow and i only have 2 eggs and recipe on box calls for 3. Does anyone know what will happen if I use the 2? I live in the country and the store is way too far to get eggs. No neighbors either! :)

What would you do? Go ahead and try it or ditch it altogether? I was in the middle of mixing when I saw I needed 3 eggs!!!! Thanks so much!

expander software - Posted By: hs

Has any body read Saving Ke=strokes from Stedmans and what did you think?

What is the best player for digital files? - Posted By: Patty

I have used Express Scribe for years but ever since I restored my computer it will not play .dss files any more. I have downloaded every codec out there, etc. I have Gearplayer also but cannot stand it. What does everyone else use? Thanks

clinic capitalization QA dispute question - Posted By: SP

I recently had two different QA people give me two different answers to a capitalization problem regarding clinic names. What are the rules for capitalizing clinics and specialties? If the doctor dictates, "The patient will be seen in the Cardiac Clinic . . . ." do you capitalize those two words? I have one QA saying yes, one saying no. If the doctor dictates, "The patient was seen by Cardiology . . . " do you capitalize "cardiology"? Again, one QA says yes, one says no. TIA

Canadian rates, please help - Posted By: Mapleleaf

Could any of you help me in making this very important decision please? I have contacts that can help me get contracts from a small Physical therapy/chiropractic care clinic in Alberta, Canada. But, I have no clue as to how much is charged per 65 cpl with spaces in Canada. Considering that one US dollar is equivalent to Canadian $1.15, I guess I would perhaps be able to get a better rate. But how much would you say is a rate that would do justice to both parties? Anyone doing a similar work from Canada, working MTs with MT companies in Canada, please help. Any input will be welcome�Thank you�.Maple

can anyone tell me how to .. - Posted By: tax question

open a SEP account? A self-employed pension plan? I would like to, but not sure how. Also is the money I would deposit between now and April 15 tax deductible for 2006 taxes or count towards next year??

Thanks so much!