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Guidelines are one thing, but if your client wants it transcribed a certain way, just do it.

Posted By: nm on 2005-09-30
In Reply to: HELP! Where did I read this? (sm) - Lynn M

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Sole Proprietor has nothing to do with sole client. You need to read those guidelines again.
nn
My client of 6 years did the same thing. SM

They loved me, loved my work, but it made no sense to pay me what they were paying me when the software did what he considered an acceptable job.


I can't really blame him but it was $1000 monthly that was suddenly gone. It really hurt me in my pocketbook.


I found somebody else. I would work at a convenience store before I'd lower my rates.


I had the same thing with a client in Indiana - did their work for 5 years
Then someone from Connecticut stole the account - underbid me, and the work just kept getting slower and slower, and I asked questions of what was going on, and no answer. Finally the girl that USED to send the work to me called me and told me they were going with Mary's service, and I should be looking for something else, and that they had no intention of telling me because they were using me for stats, etc. (I didn't charge extra for stats, and she did).

So Mary, I know who you are, and I hope RP's dictation is driving you NUTS!

There I feel better.
If you have not transcribed using BOS
guidelines that is probably the problem. See which version they are using and get a copy.
They should ALL go by the same guidelines.
Different accounts have different specifications as well so that could account. But all in all, the editors should all be going by the same rules, etc.
GUIDELINES

What did we ever do before style guidelines? How did we ever type? I guess we have been doing it wrong for all these years. Now we are being graded. What is that about. Am I in grade school. I have been there and done that. Went to college and being treated like an idiot.


I would to see these supervisors and corporate try to sit and type all day.


Guidelines
You are correct that the possessive form of eponyms is now not possessive. And it is not just AAMT who did that, but also the AMA. It is in the new Book of Style  and in the Manual of Style that the AMA produces. You can find it in both places to show to your docs if you are looking for that.
Guidelines
That should entirely be up to the client.

Thanks for the guidelines..it's too bad that...
My manager didn't give an "official" explanation as to why this shouldn't be done.

Her reasoning is that the doctor can't read it as well when milligrams is typed out.
and this is how our records are transcribed =(
x
I have not strictly transcribed in about 10 yrs.sm
I work full-time doing medical transcription but I also have other duties that do not involve transcribing so I don't keep up with lines or anything like that; I get paid by the hour.  I have worked 3-4 hours in the evenings for one of the national companies for a little over a month but I can't seem to get my line count up.  I've only been able to do around 100 lph.  I know it will take longer than it would if I worked 8 hours just transcribing.  I would like to quit the other job and just work from home transcribing but I'm afraid if I can't get my line count up I won't be able to maintain my current income.  I'm not a blazing fast typist, I probably type 75-80 wpm without any kind of expanders.  Any helpful advice or encouragement on whether you guys think at my typing speed it is within reason to think I can make it to 150-200 lph?  I've done straight transcription in the past but I never had to keep up with lines.  I have 30+ years of experience.  I just need to decide whether to keep things the way they are now or take the chance on income by production only. BYW, I transcribe acute care for the national.
If you MUST have QA on staff, they should all have guidelines, be it BOS

or AMA, whatever you choose. I've been seeing ads for QA personnel and they don't have to have been MTs. I don't get that.


As I've said before here, I work for an MTSO who believes if you have to have QA personnel, you've hired the wrong MTs. I tend to agree with her.


We get up in the morning, do our work and send it in. If there's something we don't understand, we put a note on the log for the doctor or the hospital - because we're all experienced enough that we either know what we're hearing or know how to find it.


My daughters have certain guidelines in the way they want (sm)

the children to act, be treated, etc.  We have an understanding that I won't let them play in the street, swim unattended, smart mouth an adult, cus, or do anything that is generally dangerous for them.  They love to help cook, garden and just sit on my lap and be read to.  Yes, I may take them shopping a little too often, but they usually have helped in the garden or helped with housework prior, so they are actually earning the money they spend for toys at WalMart. 


 


I would never undermine their parents (even though the father of the two youngest is a true bum) to them.  I try to always touch upon good things they should be proud of such as "Your mommy sure knows how to fix you hair so nice, I wish I could do it as well."


 


These grandchildren are the most precious thing in the world to me and the last thing I would do is act in a way that would keep their parents from allowing them to visit.   Maybe you should explain to those grandparents your reasons/concerns.  Surely they would be glad (after an initial sulk maybe) to change their ways in exchange for more hug and kiss time from their grandbabies.


MQ is going by the AAMT Guidelines
with rules regarding transcription. So I would think that as MTs we should be typing by AAMT Guidelines. If you think we are not paid for spaces, then why do one more than necessary.
Anyone know a site for IRS guidelines for IC nm
x
Docs don't have those guidelines because... sm
they realize how stupid they sound and look.  They learn the language of medicine and stick with it.  They don't bow to some silly-*ssed organization's whims. 
AAMT guidelines about not using q.d., q.i.d. q.h.s. etc.

what is the current recommendations for these?  I have been an MT for 7 years and I still type them this way.  Was I off school that day?  Thanks!!!!


is it acceptable in our guidelines, if so I will

do it too.


You should always follow guidelines
set up by your MTSO/client. If expanding when not allowed to, that could be considered line padding and a quick way to lose your job.
Did you follow BOS guidelines??? That could
x
Your transcribed report would be your testimony, if anybody, for whatever SM
bizarre reason decided your input would be needed. Why the heck do you think you'd get called to court?
I got charged $75 for a copy of my old MRs, even though I transcribed it!!! n/m
:p
QA Help: Earlier I transcribed a report where
the doctor used a really offensive curse phrase.  He was actually quoting what the patient said (ER report).  He said place this in quotes.  It was a really ugly thing to say (mother F word).  Even though it's in quotes as what the patient apparently said, I felt uncomfortable actually transcribing it.  And believe me I'm no prude.  I've heard it all (and said some of it).  However, it just seemed really unprofessional and not appropriate in a medical document. It's not like it was a psych report.  In fact, it really had no relevance whatsoever, in my opinion, but I could be wrong I guess.  So,  I left a blank.  But now I'm thinking, was that really not my call?  Should I have just transcribed it?  What would any of you out there have done?  QA?  What do you advise in cases like this?  It's happened before but never as filthy as this.
Contact the clients you transcribed for
n/m
VA accts transcribed offshore
My first editing job was for a company located in Virginia that has since closed and one of their largest accounts was for a network of VA Hospitals. I always wondered if they (the VA) had any clue that the actual transcription was being done in India.
It is 10 reports transcribed for free.

The OP states the account goes through transcriptionists.  I wonder why?  The OP states later on in the thread they go through transcriptionists. 


I'm trying to protect Lisa from getting abused from the get-go.  All she has to say is "my charge is" and go from there. 


Too bad if they were already transcribed.  Does that mean Lisa should take the loss?  NO.  Absolutely not. 


Again, read above where the OP states "they can't seem to keep a transcriptionist." 


To the OP:  Charge them!  You won't regret it.  If you are an IC, you have every right to charge them. 


Plus, look at rockinMT's post.  She bent over backwards for an account and what happened?  It turns out she was spending more time than it was worth. 


These are all my opinions, and I am trying to give my opinion on what the OP should do in regards to reports that she transcribed and should, yes, be paid for since she was not aware ahead of time and especially because it is a new account. 


What do I know?  Ya know?  I mean really?  Just looking out for the best interest of the OP, but hey, that's just me. 


The reports that are transcribed get scanned into
the EMR record. They do the same thing with the lab slips, x-ray reports, etc. The transcription is still performed in the usual way it has always been done.
I have transcribed from handwritten notes
and it was a nightmare.  Sometimes the info was missing and my neck hurt like heck looking down and up, down and up.  I charged per page.  This dr went from dictating to these 5 page forms that he would fill out when he saw the patient.  He scribbled and it was horrible.  It wrecked my neck, so I gave it up.  I was better off straight transcribing at lower pay than when I had to keep looking up and down from a page and no a stand for the forms didn't help because my eyes kept leaving the monitor, so it was hard to get back in gear only to have to take my eyes back to the handwritten form. 
MTs by definition are hired to transcribed - sm

what the doctor dictates.  We can't be expected to have to catch their mistakes - they're supposed to catch their own.  That's why they're being paid the big bucks and we're note.  Years back, we weren't expected to know all this stuff -- the meaning of every word we transcribed, the normal/abnormal lab values, what a particular drug is used for, and I could go on and on, and we were paid better, appreciated more & respected more.


I do agree that we must know how to spell medical words and words of English usage.  That's what they get for their 7-8-8.5 cents per line.  I do NOT believe that we should have to look up doctor's names, on our time, when the dictator has it right in front of him/her and would take him/her only 2-3 seconds to spell it, thus also avoiding any confusion.  But I guess that would be too easy.


I didn't always feel this way.  Years back, when I was treated as a professional and compensated accordingly, I performed as such.  If I want to flag a doc's mistake, I do it for the PATIENT'S sake (but for the grace of God it could be me or a loved one lying in that hospital bed) - and as a courtesy to the doctor.  But they really expect too much for too little.


You will! Just as you all said I was "crazy" when I posted about the new QA guidelines, only t
you obviously all get them within a few months top, now you can stop kicking the covers off over QA bonuses, and lack thereof, as that will be coming your way, too!
Anyone know the origin of the AMTA guidelines?
I was told that the 2 women in Amherst came up with this book just to make money and that they really don't (excuse me, do not) know their "elbow from their kneecap". I know it took me some getting used to: 1 space after a period and colon, using numerals instead of writing out numbers, not using contractions, etc., etc. I see the book on sale with the guidelines, but does anyone know who wrote it? Frankly, I think it makes medical reports look a little less professional than they used to. I have been a MT for 20 years and even though I am using the new guidelines, I am not crazy about them.
HIPAA faxing guidelines
Fax only when necessary, always verify fax number and ALWAYS use cover sheet. Do not fax hypersensitive PHI.
Thanks for sharing this. If federal guidelines were followed,
the minimum wage earner could not even shop at Walmart---that's really sad!  This is just another point that shows that the government has obviously gotten too big for its people, $5.15 is a JOKE.  I'm glad some states actually have some sort of caring politicians.
There have to be guidelines and standards in place
for every profession, including MT. While I don't like the AAMT or agree with some of its new ways, there has to be something in place for all MTs to go by so they are all on the same page. The only way to bring real professionalism back to the field is by mandatory certification or a license to practice MT. There are way too many inexperiences terrible MTs out there ruining all of our reputations! And I for one am tired of it.
You need to brush up on HIPAA guidelines...

The computer should be password protected for individual users so files cannot be accessed, but, other than that, HIPAA requires "reasonable care" be taken to safguard patient information.  It does not require any computer used for MT to be used exclusively for that. 


Some believe the computer must be in a locked room.  That is absolutely not a requirement either.  Reasonable care means just that. 


Thank you so much for replying - that gives me some guidelines to follow
nm
AAMT number guidelines
Does anyone know the newest guidelines for numbers with AAMT?

You follow the account guidelines - sm
Expanding out abbreviations when the account specifics say not to is an easy QA ding also.
It depends on the account guidelines.
For the majority of the accounts I work on abbreviations are only expanded in the critical sections, such as diagnosis, impression, etc. This is to the client's preference, and it is considered an error to expand an abbreviation when it is not necessary.

As far as dosages, I always transcribe what the dictator says unless it is a prohibited abbreviation or an error. Prohibited abbreviations are changed, per client preference, to the acceptable term. If it may be an error, it is flagged for review. If the doc dictates "twice a day," they get "twice a day." If they dictate "b.i.d." that is what I transcribe. It is also considered a error, at least at my company, to alter what is dictated.
Urgent question regarding BOS guidelines!! PLEASE sm

I'm testing for several jobs right now that will offer the full-time status I desperately need to support my family.


The last job I had didn't follow BOS guidelines and I as advised by a few MTs to follow these guidelines when formating the body of the test reports.  I do not own this book nor do I know anyone that has it.   Are there any online resources that I can refer to for some of the more common guidelines?


I need all the help I can get and want to thank those willing to take a moment to help a fellow MT out!! 


God Bless!


I swear, I just transcribed Bill Cosby! sm
you know that voice that Bill Cosby does, kinda sounds like he's drunk?  Well, this doc I just transcribed sounded like that!!! and it's workers' comp, no less. Just had to vent a little!  It's still too early for all this!
Not an MQ employee but have always transcribed via turnaround pool.
The office manager I worked for set it up so they could bill faster, i.e., ERs in 24 hours or less, op notes, discharge summaries, etc. She said it made for a better cash flow for the hospital. That's probably what MQ is trying to accomplish, maybe per client request.
Well, I just transcribed 1500 lines in 3 hours. sm

I work on the same account every day, same dictators, lots of templated reports I did myself and put them into auto correct.  I get up early, start at 7 am and today I was done by 10 am.  Cleaning the house now.  Also, the line pay is slightly higher than most, so 1500 lines is fine for me today. 


On harder days when the account is really behind,  I get up and vacuum the house after 3 hours of transcribing then come back for 1 hour.  If things are caught up, I stop for the day.  If not, I will go back in the evening. 


I can't sit for 6-8 hours straight.  Making $160 bucks in 3 hours is good for me and enough.   Tomorrow is another day!


Use templates and short cuts - that will help!  I have whole reports in my auto correct, but you have to listen through and change and correct things as each patient is a different case. 


I do have to tell you, I do not get this many lines every day in such short a time.  It just happened that today was a good day.


 


Hope this helps.


copies of previously transcribed reports
What I always found helped, make copies of reports from the medical record charts.  Make a few copies of each doctor and keep them in your desk that way you can refer back to the report when doing the doctor.  You will get the hang of it.  No hospital wants to go through the money and time hiring someone just to let them go right away.  Usually you get about a three to six month probation period. 
My grandmother transcribed part time into her mid 70s.
,
I am filling out a job app and they want transcribed words per minute.
Thanks.
I have transcribed for doctors in the past who have dictated...sm
that the patient is heterosexual. I'm not much on what is politically correct or not, I just transcribe what the doctor dictates.
Pull up the whole period for which transcribed...see more inside
Say July 1 was the first day and July 14 was the last day - are you able to do a date-specific count? If so, get that on the screen, hit the "Print Screen" button (above SysRq next to Scroll Lock). Then open a Word document or go to Accessories and get either Word Pad or Notebook. Do a control C, which is the Word command for copy. This will copy the whole screen shot into that new document. Go to "file" on the task bar, do a "Save as" and name it what you want, say 07012008to07142008 or something so you will be able to recognize it. This will now give you a document that you can email to their payroll period with a nice little message something to the tune of "WHAT GIVES" or other equally professional question - just kidding, but now you have proof of what your total lines were and a bargaining tool. If you can only do it 1 day at a time, you can still use the screen shot method, but you will have a lot of documents to email if it comes to that.

Be sure to question them verbally by phone first as that might clear up any confusion. If not, then you can tell them YOUR line count and ask why your figures are so different. Just a thought. Good luck!


Meds are not given based on transcribed reports
Meds in hospitals are not given based on what is in transcribed reports. There are so many errors with transcribed material that everyone expects there to be errors in meds, either because it was dictated incorrectly or transcribed incorrectly.

Physicians write orders for drugs, treatments, tests, and procedures. They're in a different part of the record entirely. They're either handwritten or they are in electronic form.

That's not saying there are no medication administration errors, but just saying the likelihood of an error stemming from a transcribed report are almost nil.


We got an updated set of account guidelines constantly
put somewhere different than it was last week, they'd tell us to change something and when we changed it they sent it back and told us not to change it anymore.  They blamed things on us that weren't even anything we do, like if someone was on vacation and a report didn't get sent to the right place. People started to get threatened with termination (not me but I know people who were) for even the most miniscule reason like forgetting to sign off a doc as a DO instead of an MD. They were just unreasonable bullies and the more they complained and fussed the more Diskriter management bowed to their every wish and created a monster.  Good luck if you end up there.  It could have been a nice account if this nonsense had been nipped in the bud.
According to the Medquist Style Guidelines that I received,
it states that the one space rule applies following a period, in numeric lists, and following a colon. I received these guidelines in March from MQ. This is what I would go by. I was told that if I spaced twice I would receive a penalty on my QA reviews. Obviously, you are the uninformed one, so see ya later wench.