Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Medical Transcription Discussion Forums:

General Discussion Forums:

Recently Viewed Messages: (An archive of over 1 million messages related to medical transcription industry)

new MT - Posted By: jill dains

Hi, I am new to the MT world (finished schooling) and am now wondering how to go about getting a job. I would like to work at hoe for a service via the internet. But I don't know the first thing about how to get started. I've been perusing some sites online. Some give options of which type of report to take for their test. Are they timed? Will the dictation come over my current dial-up modem well? How would I know if I sign up with a good/bad company? Any "getting started" help is appreciated. Thanks

Went on another MT forum (will not - Posted By: me

name names) and saw work wanted postings for MTs in India. Don't know how I feel about this. All I do know is that I don't want my job outsourced like so many other jobs. The other MT forum is supposedly not an Indian forum, but they seem to let the Indian MTs post on it. I won't comment on there because I don't want to be called a bigot. Just worried about my job is all. Can't type for 2 cpl and buy groceries.

Cat loves dog vidoe on MSMBC - Posted By: Misha

Funny

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=420300C4-8D32-42A3-9481-8F9A8739A1BD&t=c156&f=06/64&p=hotvideo_viralvideos&GT1=8506

strep - Posted By: texan

My brain isn't working this morning. Strep "agalactae" ??? Thank you for help.

CNA Job duties in Florida - Posted By: Maryann

Does anyone know if a cna can give injections, administer local anesthesia (lidocaine) in the state of Florida?????

Health insurance - HELP?!! - Posted By: Sharon

Does anyone know of any health insurance I can get? 55-year-old MT (good health)& asking through web and/or phone is a nightmare. Does anyone have GOOD health insur. for a nominal cost? (& dental/vision if have). A few yrs ago I heard of some "upcoming" health ins. for MTs for 1-200/mth (!!?) but never heard again. I really need health insurance. Please help if you can; am sick of brokers & agents who do nothing but give the runaround. Currently in San Diego but may go back to KY next year (home). Thx again!

I despise Vista - Posted By: Shocked speachless!

Would anyone know where I can get an express scribe patch for windows vista. Oh and FYI... anyone buying a new comp, get it built where you have the option to get XP... Vista is nothing but a HUGE compatability issue.

Thanks for your help!!

someone posted a few weeks ago - Posted By: sm

but i cannot find the post, a pasted piece on how to know when to keep your job vs. look for another job. Seems like it was from Harvard or some higher institution of learning....can anyone help me find it? I think my daughter needs to see it. thanks.

Looking for Work in Pittsburgh - Posted By: Lori

I am looking for a position in house for transcription. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks

Chronic chapped lips - Posted By: Mom-CMT

This seems so goofy --- go to the dermatologist for chapped lips? I have had this problem consistently for the past couple of months. I haven't been sunburned. My lips are swollen (love the swelling - looks like collagen! LOL!) and chapped, can't get enough chapstick (no MQ jokes - LOL). I read this could be a malignant of premalignant condition and I should see a dermatologist! Wow! Anyone have any insight into this problem? Thanks in advance!

Texas drivers ~ insurance by the mile.... - Posted By: LMT

Have any of you heard of this? It is auto insurance charged by the miles driven. I got a quote online for myself and it is very reasonable for me but not for the 17-yo.

https://milemeter.com/faq/other

Favorite keyboards? - Posted By: Taiga

Need to get a new one...looking for suggestions....

Does anyone have a contact # for Medword? They have awful customer service! - Posted By: mtstudent

After contacting HomeEx I ordered the Absolute Experience tapes through them. I wrote under additional instruction to tell the delivery person "Do Not Knock!"

Today the postman bangs on my door and needs a signature confirmation. If he had those instructions he would have delivered it to the apartment office. If I had been working, I could have lost my job for the backroud noise!

I ordered a 3 CD set and in the enevelope there is only 1 CD and transcripts that do not match it.

The outside cover says Package 1 of 2. Why wouldn't they send 3 CDs and the transcripts in the same package? From the ad it is a "set" of 3 CDs. I go to the website to contact them and I need an invoice # to email them about a shipment! There is no original invoice or copy or anything in my package! I called the # on my package but it's HomeEx not Medword.

Does anyone have a contact #?

I need some time off. - Posted By: whiner

I feel like all I've done this summer is work. I have so much other stuff I need to get done, but I haven't had time to do it all.

Dictation systems - all input welcome - Posted By: Kim

Hi. Please let me know if I should post this on a different board. The hospital I work for is looking to change dictating/transcribing systems. We have dictaphone extext and are looking at WinScribe, Escription, or really we are wide open.

Does anyone know of a good internet resource that compares the pros and cons?

Would any of you be willing to share your experience, good or bad, with any software you have used?

Is there a forum or a thread that has already covered this you can direct me to to research?

TIA!

Doncha love those nurse dictators - Posted By: Urgh

who take 18 minutes to dictate 2-1/2 pages?? Dang. boom.gif

Has anybody watched the TV show "Earl?" - Posted By: how do you like it?

ZZZzzzzz

Why is it that when you owe money, they're real - Posted By: venting about $$$$ nonMT

jerks about collecting on it, such as taxes or medical bills. However, when the shoe's on the other foot, do you think they pay up in a timely manner? We're owed tax money from 2002 that we're still waiting for. There was some kind of mixup with the IRS, so we had to pay the taxes or they threatened us with collection. I had to file an amended return to get our money back from their mistake. The amended return was received over six months ago.

The medical company owes me a refund from a year ago because they forced me to make payments and threatened me with collection on my account. They are the ones that didn't provide documentation or follow up with the insurance company. I had to do it for them! I should be happy that I'm even getting my own money back, but I need it today. Even the bank messed up on me last night. We made a car payment by check that got taken out through ACH electronic check processing and they deposited the check, too. They got a double car payment from us because of their mistake. It's going to take the bank two days to research it and process the credit on my account. I don't think so! These people need to cough up MY money NOW!

Scammed by K.P. - Posted By: labjlm

Just reading some posts and noticed a couple below about being scammed on some equipment. I bought a Lanier unit a while back from an ad on MT Stars by someone with the initials K.P. also who was from Oklahoma. I sent the person $400 and never received the equipment. Was told several times it was shipped (insured), then told it was found in the trunk of her Mom's car and never shipped, then it was shipped again but still never received and was sent (uninsured) and lost by the US mail. Was told she had a sick daughter with leukemia and did not have time to reseach the problem right then. Finally, I threatened to take legal action and got a check in the mail, WHICH BOUNCED! Was then told by her that she was going through a divorce and her husband wiped her out of everything. Please e-mail me with her full name. I would like to see if the K.P. I have delt with in the past is the same K.P. you guys are having trouble with now. Thanks!

strange posts - Posted By: mtMT

Has anyone else noticed there are some very strange posts today? I'm wondering if it is the Internet Trolls or what.

Question about using a laptop with Escription. sm - Posted By: searching

I can't use Escription on my desktop. I am thinking about getting a backup laptop. Have been studying the field, but I am not a genius when it comes to computers, just plugging along. Exactly what kind of specs does it take to run Escription? Can I use Office 2007, or do I need the older 2003 Pro version? It wouldn't run with my 2003 Basic. How much memory and hard drive space, what type processor, etc.? I believe I need XP, not Vista. Any info appreciated. TIA.

Idea for sales letter - Posted By: newmt

What do you all this of this? I just graduated, and I want to market to doctor's offices. I made a flyer to send. I thought I would also send a sales letter that is formatted like a SOAP. I don't know how much competition I will have, and I'm trying to stand out. Too silly? Any comments?

Sick of slow systems that cheat you out of lines! - Posted By: ERMT/OncologyMT2

I am just so sick and tired of going to the trouble of testing and listening to recruiters tell you how wonderful the company is to work for only to learn later that the system is slower than molasses, has a sub-rate spell checker and knocks you off after each report you transcribe. I haven�t come across a user friendly platform yet. My current job cheated me out of 63 lines the other week and the new job I just started says in the contract they pay for spaces. I checked the numbers and used my own line counting software � guess what . . . screwed again. Are there any small companies left in the world, which allow you type in Word and pay on time?

ENTER NOW - Pulling from Santa's Bag $50.00 Amazon Gift Cert. courtesy of Transcription - Posted By: Matchmaker! Click on Santa's House banner (sm)

above to enter. Choose Transcription MatchMaker from the drop down menu.

Please do not email you entries as they will be discarded.

Good Luck!

Has anyone heard of this? sm - Posted By: gettinold

I have an account where they have a doctor who comes in and does nothing but dictate discharge reports. He's just some outside doctor whose job this is. He's obviously paid by the report, judging by how fast he talks. The medical profession is really going downhill when they're so cheap they hire someone to dictate their reports.

How can I have my IE open in full screen --sm - Posted By: Debra

vs a small screen. Had IT do some upgrades yesterday and every time I open word, excel, IE they are small screens in the upper left corner.

I am so burned out....someone revive me please!!!! - Posted By: Tami

I have been doing this job for 14 years and my production has just bottomed out. I just can't seem to get anywhere. I have a great job working from home for a hospital who sent us all home eight years ago with health insurance, great dictators, large volume of work (270 bed hospital) at 11 cpl on a 60-character line. I also work for a brain and neurospine clinic at home and they pay me 13 cpl on a 65-character line. I could be making all kinds of money, but I just can't seem to get motivated anymore. I really don't want to change jobs, I just need some ideas on how to get yourself going again after being in a slump. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated before my husband kills me for not pulling my weight on the financial part. Thanks guys

Has anyone had dealings with - Posted By: voip.com in Boca Raton, FL?

I was assured that their home plan included 10,000 minutes and after the 1st month, they took $156 off my debit card (which I had ordered under) in overage charges.

Customer service is a joke and, when I asked to talk to the billing department or a supervisor, they just tell me I can't - that I can email billing, which I did and no response. I'm so frustrated. What a perfect way to avoid dealing with billing disputes on their part - just tell customers that no one is available!! I think I'm going to take them to small claims court

So nice to hear both sides of - Posted By: the story for newbies! Thanks!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR OPINIONS! BOTH SIDES MATTER TO NEWBIES!

Christy

Laptop anyone? - Posted By: HEM/ONC TRANS

Does anyone use a laptop to do their daily transcription? Just curious?

PC DART - Posted By: Susie

Does any one still use PC Dart? I am an MTSO who uses PC Dart. My subcontractors use a TTU and I use one when I travel. I have a problem where my foot pedal doesn't respond. The only way I can hear the dictation is if I hit the 1 on the telephone keypad to play, 2 to pause, 3 to suspend, etc. I tried going through all of the manuals I received when I purchased the system and can't find anything. Additionally, I just hired someone and gave her one of the TTU's. She connected it and the same thing is happening to her. Since BCB is out of business I don't have a clue who to call or where to find information. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Question about AllType - Posted By: me2

In the ad for them, it says must have unlimited long distance. Are they using C-phones still and not internet based?

Computer emergency. Question... - Posted By: SM

I turned on my extra computer next to my work computer and got a black screen that says "operating system not found" What the heck happened? It worked fine yesterday and shut down normally.

Hunting?!?!?!?! - Posted By: Sally

Anybody else out there against hunting. The reason I ask is that I know hunting season is coming soon and it makes my skin crawl knowing all those cute animals are going to be shot dead with either a gun or arrows and butchered up. I am an active participant with PETA and often do protests.

This should be illegal. We need to save our animals. In my opinion, hunting should consist of the animals having weapons as well!

Lines per minute of dication - Posted By: ?

Any general rule of thumb for figuring how many lines per minute of dictation? I know it can depend on a number of factors, but just wondered if any of you had an approximate ballpark idea what you would expect for lines at the end of the day on say 125 minutes of dictation.

PA Sales Tax - HEADS UP PA MTs - Posted By: Backwards typist

Everyone has to know about this. I posted this on the tax board, too.

How desperate are the governors getting? PA sent out tax forms to everyone that bought cigarettes from a Native American reservation and they want their tax money. One woman in PA was hit up for over $4,800 and last week, they slapped a Sheriff's Sale sign on her property.

Now, my DH received a letter today. They want anyone in business who bought anything from out-of-state companies (office supplies, equipment, tools, etc.) that don't reciprocate taxes to PA, to pay up. This doesn't just apply to last year. This goes all the way back to 1981!!! Since when, since records do not have to be kept after a certain amount of years, how can they do this? DH doesn't have to worry about it that much. He usually always buys in PA.

I certainly do not have any receipts back to 1981 when I was an IC!

It's bad enough the governor is "threatening" to raise property taxes if he can't pass the higher income tax, but now this. I think our state government should stop the spending like he's always done. We're broke, yet he keeps handing out money.

New account - Posted By: Jody

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to convince a doctor's office that they need transcription done when they haven't had it done in the past. This is my first big meeting on my own and I am nervous about what to say. I have other accounts, but I never had to convince them because they were already using transcription. Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Is there a way to show caps locked on the monitor screen? - Posted By: Thanks!

Or does it depend on the keyboard? If it depends on keyboard, how can I program it to show up on my monitor in the bold green letters I have seen that some can do? Anyone know?

I have a VR question. If I get paid 3 cents .. sm - Posted By: panicked MT

a line for VR does that mean that when I actually have to type in corrections in the report I would be paid for straight transcription (at a higher rate) OR is it just 3 cents a line no matter if I am proofing or physically typing? That may be a silly question but I am out of my element on this one and hoping to find some tiny silver lining or ray of hope!

I can't stand it any more! :) - Posted By: Outta here......

I have sat here in my little chair and quietly typed all day without a peep of protest. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, I can hear the river tide, and....and....and......I have to get outta here! Just for a few minutes, I'm going to go dip my toes, catch a couple rays of sunshine, and watch the kids play. Actually, I think I'm going to play with them!

Come on, guys, let's go play!

those cherrypickers....... - Posted By: early bird

are at it again. I can tell when they are doing it because the platform software slows down, and then I get one dictator from one account, and then one from another account. I guess SOME of the cherrypickers just do not like the harder jobs. Oh well, the larger jobs I like.

Faster quota that way! Hail to the cherrypickers, keep up the GOOD? work.

How many of you use a Laptop solely for work? nm - Posted By: me A MT

xx

IC HELP - Posted By: need work

I am looking for some part time IC work. Anyone know of any good companies that I could contact for work? I am available pretty much anytime. Looking for good accounts, decent pay. Thanks!!

Just a little rant - Posted By: about picky MDs, PACs, ARNPs

One ARNP on my account is absolutely the most aggravating person! Obviously she rants all the time because we've gotten memos saying to be extra careful with all her work because she is the "squeaky wheel". You have all these particular things to do to hers for 8 lines, 9 lines, etc. etc., reports taking about 10-15 minutes to be sure everything is done right.. for 8 lines, 9 lines..and so on. .Very frustrating. But then, half of the time, she doesn't even give the name of the patient. So we are to be "extra careful", but she can't even remember to dictate the patient's name! Very frustrating! Nobody's perfect. We all get in a hurry, but only THEY can make the mistakes! Thanks for letting me let off steam..

has anyone else done this? - Posted By: JayRae

Or am I crazy. I finally decided that with my busy schedule, 2 toddlers, and a husband that is even busier than I am that I would hire someone to do some house cleaning every other week. Well, through some friends a called a lady who is supposed to be very trustworthy and very good. She said she could stop by today to give me a quote of what she would charge. I was surpsised she wanted to come so soon but said okay. Well, as soon as I got off the phone I rushed around tidying my house, doing dishes, and cleaning up the kids for the cleaning lady!

rate of pay - Posted By: ae

$50 per recorded hour of straight (non-medical transcription).. Is this low, high, or in the ballpark? I am so used to being paid by the line for medical transcription, this being paid by the dictated hour kind of threw me for a loop.

Remember that Pakistan co who threatened to post medical records on the Net? - Posted By: Nancy

REMEMBER WHEN THIS STORY BROKE? Finally, somebody is dealing with the issue. Check this out!

http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/41035-1.html

VA IT security gaps extend to contractors
06/14/06 -- 04:15 PM
By Mary Mosquera,

Rep. Buyer: Department CIO needs IT security enforcement authority

[b]The Veterans Affairs Department said today that it has been investigating allegations that an offshore medical transcription subcontractor last year threatened to expose 30,000 veterans� electronic health records on the Internet in a payment dispute with a VA contractor. [/b]
The VA assistant inspector general referred to the investigation during questioning in a congressional hearing on VA�s data security environment in the wake of the theft of sensitive data of 26.5 million veterans, active duty military and reserves officers.

The medical transcription incident highlights how gaps in information security also extend to contractors, said Michael Staley, VA�s assistant inspector general for auditing. Some VA medical transcription contractors have used offshore subcontractors in India and Pakistan without VA�s approval and without adequate controls to ensure veterans� health information was secure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, according to an audit released today.

�Contracts do not specify criteria for how to protect information,� Staley told the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Staley enumerated audits of information management security under the Federal Information Security Management Act, the Consolidated Financial Statement and Combined Assessment Program that revealed significant vulnerabilities. These include VA not controlling and monitoring employee access, not restricting users to only the data they need and not terminating accounts of departing employees in a timely manner.

In last year�s FISMA review, the IG provided 16 recommendations, including addressing security vulnerabilities of unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive information and data throughout VA demonstrated during its field testing. All 16 recommendations remain open, he said.

Audits also found instances where out-based employees send veterans� medical information to the VA regional office through unencrypted e-mail; monitoring remote network access and usage does not routinely occur; and off-duty users� access to VA computer systems and sensitive information is not restricted.

�VA has implemented some recommendations for specific locations identified but has not made corrections VA-wide,� he said.

From fiscal years 2000 to 2005, the IG identified IT and security deficiencies in 141, or 78 percent, of 181 Veterans Health Administration facilities reviewed, and 37, or 67 percent, of the 55 Veterans Benefits Administration facilities reviewed.

�We recommended that VA pursue a more centralized approach, apply appropriate resources and establish a clear chain of command and accountability structure to implement and enforce IT internal controls,� Staley said.

The underlying situation is the VA�s department CIO does not have authority to enforce compliance with data security and information management and recommendations from GAO, said Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.).

Buyer traced problems in security enforcement to a memo dated April 2004 from the general counsel that said the department CIO did not have enforcement authority.

The CIO, undersecretaries who lead VA�s benefits, health and burial administrations, and the VA secretary share responsibility for enforcement, said Gregory Wilshusen, director of information security issues for the Government Accountability Office.

�Information security is a governmentwide problem, and we have talked with OMB about that,� said Linda Koontz, director of GAO�s information management issues.

Buyer expressed frustration that there are no consequences for �recalcitrant� agencies that do not correct problems that GAO has repeatedly highlighted. He cited the Privacy Act, which has been strengthened with consequences.

�If you have a bureaucracy so strong in the department that the secretary or political bodies are unable to act, don�t you think the president or vice president or OMB needs to know that because there are monetary consequences behind that inaction? I�m bothered that GAO doesn�t have the higher authority to which they can turn,� Buyer said after the hearing.

After several more hearings this month, Buyer and his committee will make recommendations or craft legislation. He suggested that Congress consider looking at strengthening FISMA.

�We can even come up with that in our language, but we�re not going to have jurisdiction over that. We�ll have to work with Mr. Davis [House Government Reform Committee chairman Tom Davis (R-Va.)] and his committee. I�d be more than happy to do that,� he said.

MTSO's charging ICs for use of platform? - Posted By: Chris

Has anyone experienced any MTSOs charging their IC's out of each paycheck for use of the platform software the MTSO chose to use???

foot pedal - Posted By: janett

Never worked with wav player before. would a lanier foot pedal work with express scribe program (as a foot pedal) instead of the million $$$ one that I can't afford. Downloaded program but "Hot Keys" on keyboard is making me nuts. Need advice. Thanks.

I did not pay state taxes last year...sm - Posted By: should have paid last year

and wanting to get them paid now ASAP so it will not delay my tax return now. Does anyone know how the quickest way I can do this and get credit so as to not mess up the timing of my tax return. It was only like $130.00 but we have had such financial hardship this past year that that was hard to come up with at times. I was wanting to do Turbo Tax like I have for the past few years. Any ideas? Thanks!