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Are there any text expanders that would use the same saved files from Shorthand?... nm

Posted By: Tobie on 2009-03-26
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I took shorthand too. But it sure comes in helpful for my expanders. I view words in shorthand for
i did use shorthand once in a job but i was so nervous the "boss" took pity and dictated the report on dictaphone.
Have you asked your teacher to look over your test files, if you saved them, to
s
How do I print what I have saved in PC Shorthand?
n/t
Auto text entries are saved to the template.
Open a document (even a new, blank one). Click on Tools, Templates and Add-in. Click on the box at the bottom, Organizer. Choose the Auto Text tab. If the AT entires you're looking for are shown, make note of the template that they're attached to (in most cases, this will be Normal). If you want them to be copied to a new template, simply choose that template in the opposite box and copy any or all entries that you want to copy.
TEXT EXPANDERS
Can someone please recommend a good text expander.  I have a bunch of templates saved to my computer, so I would need something that imports these files and holds their settings (font, size, bolding, etc.).  Any recommendations??? 
Any new text expanders out there?
I like Instant Text and the fact that it compiles multiple reports for you and creates shortcuts for you and almost any method works with it, ABCZ, AAA, ABAB, or just wildcard it.  IT also gives you many suggestions at the bottom of the screen in the advisories.  I also like the smartline under the cursor in Smartype, but there is no wildcarding in ST.  I also like the feature in some of the autocompletion software that "learns" as we type and remembers words and phrases that are typed often.  When will we get a text Expander program that gives us all of these in one program?  We deserve it and it has to be around $50.
shorthand expanders
when I want to have all caps, I use a 2 after the abbreviation.  For example, cbc2 is CBC and cbc is complete blood count, xr2 is XR xr is x-ray.  I always do this so I can be consistent and remember. 
Question about text expanders...
Since I type in Word I've always assumed the autotext was adequate for my shortcuts, but is it worth it to buy "Instant Text" or one of the other programs for that? Don't they just do the same thing as Word's autotext?
Expanders: Shorthand vs. Shortcut....
Has anyone used both of these?  And if so, did you like one more than the other?  Thanks!
instant text or speedtype, expanders
I need suggestions on getting a word expander program.
Word/text expanders for Meditech
I would apprecaiate knowing word/text Expanders work in Meditech?  Thank you.
expanders Smartype vs Instant Text

Stuck in a rut!!!


Lost my 2-year word-expansion dictionary and am changing jobs.   I noticed after my dictionary crashed and starting from scratch I was coming up with new abbreviations since I was in the mode of adding them back in.   Think we can get stuck in a rut and not challenge ourselves sometimes.   I have used Smartype in the past and loved it, but I am curious about Instant Text.   Anyone ever try both??????


Word expanders vs Auto text

What is the difference between Word Expanders and Auto text?  Are they the same thing? 


Thanks!


Word expanders vs Auto text
Thank you!
Just 1 more tip for shorthand. Macros versus expanders.

Terminology is so important here.  A macro is a function usually designed in the word processing program (Word, Word Perfect, etc.) and unless using the old DOS system, is usually used for making shortcuts for commands.  It can be used for documents, but is a little cumbersome to do it.


Expanders are just that.  They convert a series of Keystrokes into whatever has been defined for those keystrokes.  It can be a word, phrase, sentence, even a whole document.  But sometimes it can be a little slow if it is a long entry. 


The easiest and fastest way I have found to insert my "normals" or "canned dictations", even those I made myself in either Word or Word Perfect is to use an import function.  It is much easier to revise the normal, too, and easier to copy.  


In Word, establish the file location where documents will be stored.  I usually set mine to the name of the account I am working on (and change that data in the settings on Word - options/ file locations - when I change accounts.)   I store all my normals, whether created by the hospital or by me, in that file.  (By the way, I use a different shorthand dictionary for each account by using links.)   I give the document a logical name, and then create an import link in Shorthand.


So, my account is Onion Hospital.  My file location is set to C:onion.  My document is a physical by Dr. Celery, which I named as celerypx.    My Shorthand dictionary is onionhosp.


My command to retrieve this is: 


{@KEYDOWN Alt}il{@PAUSE}{@KEYUP Alt}celerypx.doc{@KEY Enter}


When Dr. Celery dictates his hp, I get to the physical and type celerypx and the document is imported instantly.


This is even more helpful with op reports, where you have rather routine dictations for things like cataracts, foot surgeries, etc., and need to change from left or right or bilateral. 


It is easier to copy the "normal" document and create one for each instance - left, right, or bilateral, that it is to pull up another command to search and replace the right, left, or bilateral, and change the verb tenses if it is bilateral. 


So, Dr. Corn does a lot of cataract extractions.  I have


corncatrt.doc


corncatlt.doc


corncatbil.doc (never heard of bilateral cataracts, but just an example).


My command in shorthand reflects each one.


{@KEYDOWN Alt}il{@PAUSE}{@KEYUP Alt}corncatrt.doc{@KEY Enter}


(It is also easier to see if I do have a canned report for a doctor in shorthand this way.  I just pull up shorthand (Ctrl F10) and type corn in the screen.  It will show me all the entries I have for Dr. Corn. 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Your Shorthand expanders can become separate glossary. s/m KyITuser

Instant text actually comes loaded with dozens of different glossaries stored into a separate glossary folder.  For instance, to name a few:  Medwords.glo, (glo is a filename for glossary), Legal.glo, ER.glo, GenMed.glo, etc.  I could go on.  After I imported my PRD+ expanders, I created a folder for it and just named it (after my first name), Toni.glo.  So when I pull up IT, I just click on my Toni.glo file and go to work.


Ironically, I'm looking into ShortHand because even though IT has SO, SO many different functions...so many that I will never learn in this lifetime, that in itself is the only con...other than the price $189.00 and no trial period is offered!


Personally, the best advice I can give is to visit the productivity board and browse through it.  Don't get me wrong, IT has to be the most advanced expansion program on the market, but again, being so advanced is it's only pitfall.  If you are like me, an IC paid on production, I just don't have the time to sit around and play with it.  I hope I didn't confuse you even more.  Good luck!


Does anyone have good text expanders for vital signs data?
Do you any of you use text Expanders for the numerical portion of vital signs for example, 130/80 ? I have lots of expanders but none for the actual numerical data. It really slows me down either having to look at my number row or switch to the keypad. I do have some, but nothing consistent. Anything ideas would be great, thanks!!
Glossaries are text files
So you can open a glossaries in Notepad, UltraEdit, etc to view, edit or print them. Just be advised, as the glossaries contain many entries, you may end up with more printed pages then you bargained for.
I loaded my old PRD files into Instant Text
I still had PRD on my old Windows 98 computer and the Instant Text folks told me how to save my files and upload them into Instant Text when I changed over to a new computer. I was very happy about that. It corrupted a few of them but after editing them they worked fine.

Hands down, PRD was the best. Shame they didn't keep it updated as Windows changed. It was set up to work in word patterns, making it easier to remember abbreviation names. I've set up IT the same when making new additions.
Shorthand is good too, you can convert your PRD files to
x
Ex-Text and Shorthand
Does anyone have problems with Ex-Text/Dictaphone working with ShortHand for Windows?
ShortHand vs. Instant Text
Which one has the better features, where do you get them, how much do they cost and how do you import them. Plus would I be able to import them myself, or would I have to have the tech people get involved.
Anyone Use Instant Text with Shorthand

I am a ShortHand user considering adding Instant Text, but the IT product literature says it imports other programs' abbreviations as an IT glossary.  Does that mean you can no longer just type your abbreviations like you're used to but have to select them from a list and type a lot of numbers all the time?  Also, if your Shorthand entries contain code (move-around keys, etc.), does IT still play them and their codes out accurately?  Also, I can get 400% productivity increase with my Shorthand expansions.  Does anyone out there get such results from IT?  I really appreciate any advice, as there is no "free trial" with this product as there is with others!!!


Instant Text vs Shorthand

Saying ShortHand and Instant Text work about the same way is somewhat incorrect. I would say Instant Text does everything that Shorthand does, but Shorthand does not do everything that Instant Text does.


Some of the unique features are:
IT allows the same short form for different expansions
IT offers abbreviations without memorization
IT compiles a list of words and phrases for each doctor or specialty in seconds from your own transcription
IT includes preexisting glossaries you can use right away
IT expands pages of text instantaneously
etc.


You can be happy with either one of these expanders, it all depends on what you are comfortable with and which one makes you the most productive. You have to measure the return on your investment whether it is $100 or $200.


 


 


Need info on backing up Shorthand files. Also Word Autocorrect. TIA. nm

x


How to I insert text from a document into shorthand? I know I have to
highlight what I want to insert, but I cannot remember the keys for insertion.  TIA!
Shorthand versus Instant Text?
Pros/cons? Any info on either would be great. Also, if anyone could elaborate on how much they increased their lines using programs such as these. Thank you!
I switched from Shorthand to Instant Text.. sm
and love my Instant Text! It is much smarter than I am though and I am still learning, but it has features that ShortHand did not. The support staff is great and the Productivity Board is also very helpful. There is a lot of information there and if you have not visited it, I would suggest you check it out as there are Shorthand and IT users there. It is www.productivitytalk.com.
Instant Text and Shorthand (Reposting)
Is there a way to convert my ShortHand to Instant Text or merge the two so that I can use all my Shorthand entries on a new platform that only uses Instant Text? (Platform is Medrite.) Any help appreciated.

Any opinions about Instant Text also appreciated. I've used Shorthand my entire career and am really nervous about not being able to use it and having to use IT.
Has anyone had problems with their Shorthand text expander? sm
I have had mine for almost 10 years with no problems and suddenly it started not working. The type it button became inactive. At first restarting it fixed it but then that stopped fixing it so I uninstalled and reinstalled and that worked for about a day and then it stopped working again and reinstalling didn't help the next time. Has anyone had this problem?
Instant Text to Shorthand question...
I just accepted a job with a company that supplies the ShortHand program and has a platform that is not compatible with Instant Text.  Is there any way to convert my IT entries into SH?  The tech guy said he's tried to no avail.  I literally have years of Expanders built into IT and the thought of starting from scratch makes me want to !
Shorthand and Instant Text do NOT require memorization.
Both have boxes or suggestion windows that you can stretch across the bottom of your screen that will list your abbreviations for you. For example, if I type tp, the suggestion box will bring up every "shortcut" that begins with tp. Tp = the patient, tps = the patient stated, tpwa = the patient was admitted, tpwbh = the patient was brought here, tpwst = the patient was seen today. I can either finish typing out the expansion, arrow down to the proper one, or hit a hot key or function key to insert the proper expansion. It doesn't slow you down at all to glance down, hit a function key, and continue typing the sentence. It increased my productivity anywhere from 40-65% depending on the physician, and my memory's not great.
You need an expander like Instant Text or Shorthand so you don't have to keep converting every ti
xx
Yes, it is called ESP. Instant Text and Shorthand work
x
I switched from Shorthand to Instant Text and my experience was...s/m

I'm curious to see what the reactions were from those that went from SH to IT versus IT to SH.  I'm getting ready to switch from IT to SH and really need some input from you well seasoned professionals! 


I truly appreciate your time and help!


I switched from Instant Text to Shorthand and my experience was....s/m

I'm curious to see what the reactions were from those that went from IT to SH.  Were you glad or did you go back?  Please, help.  I'm seriously contemplating a  switch from IT to SH and really need some input from you well seasoned professionals! 


I truly appreciate your time and help!


Shorthand 10 and Instant Text V both work on Vista sm
Don't know what you consider "not too much money," but this is a piece of your arsenal you don't want to skimp on. You should get the absolute best you can afford -- if you put the time and energy into making the software work for you, it will for itself in no time.
Both Shorthand and Intant Text inserts the font being used at the time.
//
Have used Shorthand for years..am considering switching to Instant Text..need opinions..sm
and advice.  I have tried to research the differences but until you get input from people who have used one or the other, or better yet both, you just never know. Instant Text looks like it might be much more difficult to learn than Shorthand.  I know all my abbreviations so that is not a problem.  I also use large blocks of text at times only changing certain things and am not sure I can do that in Instant Text.  On the other hand, IT looks like it has a lot of potential and I might really like it and pick up more speed. I average about 300-325 lph now.  I have been doing this for nearly 30 years, using ShortHand for about 10, but always looking for ways to improve!  Any input would be very much appreciated!  TIA 
Don't get weird stuff happening when using ShortHand. Easy to use; not like Instant Text. nm
s
Most popular are Instant Text, Spellex, and ShortHand, I think. Visit their websites and
s
if can't copy/paste, highlight text, ctrl/x, go to shorthand, ctrl/V
nm
Filezilla is the software used to transfer files to an FTP server where the files "reside".
.
Converting voice files to digital files

I have a Voice Solutions dictation system that will happily convert DS4000 voice files to digital when they are downloaded (wave files). However, it will not recognize any other files for conversion. I had a physician download .WAM files from his DS-30 and my dictation system would not convert it. Anyone have any suggestions?  I would greatly appreciate any input.


Thanks!!!


Did you save files in .rtf format? The files need to be
as a Word document or it won't count them. Could be the problem.
SpeedType and Shorthand are the exact same program. Shorthand is lots cheaper and also has a trial.
.
{@KEY BkSp}-pack-per-year is for Shorthand. Using the semicolon works with both Shorthand and

;yo = -year-old


;py= -pack-year


etc...


Shorthand and SpeedType are exact same program. Shorthand will cost you lots less.
you can import your autocorrect into Shorthand.
I just have it saved...sm
in my ShortHand under degrees and it expands to the symbol.
Here's how I saved $$$$
I don't use tapes! The only special equipment I bought was a foot pedal. I have my own 800# and no phone bills!  I pay a small monthly fee and a per minute charge for the time my docs dictate. I keep more of my money than ever before.  Email me and I'll give you my resource.
you just saved me $$$$ thanks
you just saved me $$$$ thanks