Medical Transcription Discussion Forums:
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just curious -
Posted By: denise
Has anyone sent a resume to alex-med, inc. and heard back from them yet? Thanks
Boring account -
Posted By: Sandy
I've just been taken off my favorite work type and put on an extremely boring account. Lots of work but it is so dull. How can I keep my productivity up when I am yawning through these reports? I am quickly losing my incentive to stay at the keyboardj! Help! Any ideas? TIA
Word 2000 -
Posted By: Just wondering
Hi All ! I'm using Word 2000. Is it necessary to upgrade to newer versions of Word?
Parents of College Students..Any of your kids going on Spring Break? -
Posted By: Mom of Spring Break-er
Ugh! I have a son going with a group of friends to Mexico for thier first "spring break." They are all good kids, but I've seen the late-night Girls Gone Wild videos... They better be good. 
Desperately seeking psych trans job from home -
Posted By: Kay
Does anyone know of any companies who are in need of transcriptionists for psych? I am available immediately. Please reply asap!
I am probably starting my own MTSO -
Posted By: Need to know
I was told that I need to get a DBA for a business name unless I run under my own name. My question is, can I use my last name and not register for the DBA. Also, do I need a license to run a business? Thanks in advance.
billing on clinical psych narratives -
Posted By: anonymous
I am an IC and am being asked to give a quote on transcribing some narrative/office notes, etc for a clinical psychologists office. In detail, it is a 1" margin around the page and there are headings on a template that you fill in either one word phrases or paragraphs. It did not look that difficult. I would have to pick up tapes, e-mail reports back on a daily basis an so I believe that gas and time doing so needs to be counted in. I am needing some advice on how to propose either by the line (gross or otherwise) or page (either full or half etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. 
Question: How many of you use your own PC for work? -
Posted By: MTinSA5
With my hoped-for change in employers, I'll have to return the company computer I now work on. My own PC is tired and overloaded and not a good option for working on. I'm broke - which is why I'm looking for a new job - so purchasing more equipment (even off ebay) will be a stretch.
So my question is, how much will I be limiting my career options if I look for a company that supplies their own computer? I'm seeking work FT not as an IC. Any input greatly appreciated!
Medinotes -
Posted By: TX
Is there any way to do autocorrect in Medinotes? If so, how would I do that.
Thanks!
How many times a day on average do you visit this board? -
Posted By: another poll- be honest, now
nm
How long do states keep medical records? -
Posted By: Lori
Average Joe Won Last Night! -
Posted By: kyradmt
 There's hope for me yet!
Microsoft Word question -
Posted By: sg
Is there any way to have Word open up automatically with the view screen at 125% (rather than 100%)? Right now I have to change it each time I start it up.
Thx for any help.
Any new text expanders out there? -
Posted By: We need something new!
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.
Turbo Tax -
Posted By: ER MT
Has anyone used Turbo Tax if you are an IC? If so, is it easy? I'm sick of paying my account a ton of money to do my taxes when it takes them about 15 minutes to plug info into the computer and spit the forms back out. Seems like it could be something I could do myself.
Two questions: 1) What hand-held recorder do -
Posted By: your doctors use? 2) How do you transfer the
voice files from their recorder to an FTP site or whatever to be transcribed? Does the doctor merely have to set his recorder on a docking station and the files are automatically transferred? I've only had doctors calling in by phone in the past, never using hand-helds.
I've seen hand-helds for $100 and also for $500. Just wanting a recommendation for a good recorder that is very easy for the doctor to use. If it's not easier than calling in, he won't go for it.
Been offered a job locally....sm -
Posted By: minna
the pay is 0.06/line and includes all characters, spaces etc. Says that this amounts to about 0.09/line in the end ??
Word expander... hope for advice -
Posted By: 1teriwh
can anyone tell me if it is worth purchasing word expanding software, or does the auto correct option in word do the same thing?
Anyone using Vista yet? Pros/cons over XP?nm -
Posted By: My new computer has to have Vista :( nm
nm
NC Headphones -
Posted By: Missy
Any suggestions?
How does it work full-time to have rotating weekends -
Posted By: see message
My brain is fried with all this job hunting and I can't think. All MTSOs want weekend commitments now. If I offer to do rotate every other weekend for Saturday and Sunday, what does my schedule look like so that I still have two days together off, and without working 7 straight days (hope this makes sense...I'm so tired :(.
FTP site or other recommendations? -
Posted By: LHMT
I may be a little premature in asking this as I'm not yet sure what the software is that is being used, but I know a psychiatrist who would like me to do some transcription for his private practice. He is currently using a program to digitally put the dictations on the computer and then his wife transcribes it. I am wondering about options that are available to me in order to receive the dictations as well as transmit the typed documents back (preferrably through the computer). I have heard about FTP sites but don't know how they work. I think another option might be telephone dictation but that would not be ideal at this point as he has many dictations already on his computer that his wife is behind on and would like me to help get caught up. I do have a digital foot pedal but don't know yet if it will work with the dictations or what software I might need on my end. I have a limted budget. Are there any sites available that are free and are HIPPA compliant? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
HELP! -
Posted By: Newbie MT
Can anyone out there tell me what a decent line rate would be for a new graduate? I just gradauted and will be applying to companies and wanted to know what an average rate would be.
Thank you! 
I don't post here super often but I could use some thoughts (m) -
Posted By: MT
and support. Don't flame me for sounding weak or needy. I had a client call me out of the blue today (actually his secretary called me) and told me that I was no longer transcribing his letters. But were clear I'd still be transcribing for his partner. I asked why, she said she didn't know what his "gripe" was but that he made her be the bad guy. It feels personal to me, not because he did it on a personal level, but I guess it hurts like a personal attack because my work is very serious to me and I'd hate to think that he thought I wasn't do my job well enough. I know I was. I often felt undermined or a little accused by the staff at times. I was supposed to pick up x number of times per week and about a month ago they called and said "now, how often ARE you picking up?" which sounded like they were not believing I was coming when I should. I pick up after hours, have my own key. Other times I'll get lists of reports they need. Some I've given them weeks or months earlier. Some I don't have at all, BUT not because I lost them, because they weren't dictated. I keep a physical list of all reports on each tape I do and if it's not on the tape, it's not on the list. I mentioned this to the sec. once before in my defense when she's said "he dictated such and such" when he actually only thought he did or accidentally taped over it something, kwim? Things are so tight for us right now as they are for so many of us. I guess I just need to vent and ask if this has happened to others? Where you felt undermined and let go unfairly? Or if you've just had doctors come and go every so often for really no good reason? I feel bad. These doctors' wives are my friends (were before I worked for him) and I think that makes it feel more personal. I've been very good about and tried really hard not to mention personal in the office or the office when I see them socially so the two are separate. I just feel like he was unhappy with me and I often wondered if he was just by the questions the girl asked me and made me feel like she thought I wasn't doing my job right. But I really thought if HE had a problem, HE would talk to me so I was okay. Guess not, huh? Thanks if you even read this far. If you have a prayer or two to spare for me that it all works out, that I find work fast to replace this income and that my family doesn't feel any effects from it. Also that the relationship and my feelings are healed, that I can overcome it. I'd just appreciated any shared experiences. Thanks. (P.S. Not in the best frame of mind right now, so I apologize for any typos or errors. This is my disclaimer that I'm not going to proofread this, lol).
Homeschooling -
Posted By: Brandy
By the post below, I have noticed that there are a few people here that homeschool. I am curious how you approached this and what steps you took to get started?
I have a son (five-years-old) who is in the public school system at the moment with a developmental delay. I don't feel that his needs are being met at the moment academically or socially for that matter, so I am interested to learn about homeschooling, as I think this may be an option for me to approach given the particular situation.
Any information that anyone who homeschools could provide would be wonderful!
Thank you very much and have a wonderful day!
I'm thinking about taking the CMT test and have a few questions...sm -
Posted By: KJ
How did you study? Did you take a course? How much did you pay for the course/test? Was the test hard? Did it help you with your job (ie raise)?
I have 6 years experience in acute care (with Medquist). My DH has been pushing me to take the test for years, but I'm a big chicken! I was a nurse before becoming a medical Transcriptionist and I just keep thinking how rough my nursing boards were. Major stressor for me!!
Does anyone have any idea what my base pay -
Posted By: MQee
will end up being on the new payment plan? I do clinical and ER reports/discharge summaries. I've been a Transcriptionist for 8 yrs (worked with them for six). I currently make 8 CPL as it is.
I really need to know what I might make with this new plan. I NEED THE MONEY. I SURVIVE ON THIS PAYCHECK. Nervous as all he** right now.
Saving autocorrect and macros -
Posted By: nn
I know this has been asked before and I did neglect to write down the responses, but I am wanting to reformat my hard drive, but I want to save any autocorrect and macros I have already saved. how do I do this. I am not able to locate any normal.dot file, so please don't tell me that. I have Windows XP and office 2003. Any techies out there that can help??? Thanks in advance. KS 
Asthma Allergy specialty -
Posted By: Lisa
I am working as an IC for a asthma/allergy specialist who has recently went into private practice. In the 10 months that I have worked for her she has changed the format of her PE, new patient, D/C, well all of her forms, several times. I have tried to explain to her that it is her practice and I will transcribe whatever information she feels is necessary to have in the permanent record (she does not do dictation, I transcribe from written report). Can anyone give me an example of final transcription for an asthma/allergy specialist, and possibly an example of the forms used? I would like to present these to her to compare so she can feel comfortable with what she is transcribing for the final record. I would really appreciate any help I could get with this. This is my first job and I want to keep this doctor satisified......Thanks!
going crazy!!!! -
Posted By: Amanda
I would consider myself to be a new MT. I have only been doing this for 2 years now and you know what, I enjoy doing this, but for some reason, I am just not getting some of it. I look things up, I do not reach my goal everyday because I stop to look things up, I run my reports through word to double check the spelling of things, and I still seem to have numerous mistakes and it is very irritating. I am trying very hard, reading, re-reading. I just do not know what I am doing wrong. I am at a loss. I honestly do not know what to do. I am in tears just about everyday because I get soo frustrated that I still make mistakes. I use macros so I do not have to type the same report over and over. If anyone has any advise what so ever, please, someone throw me a bone. I will try anything. I love being home with my children, but at the rate I am going, not making any money, I do not have a choice but to look for another job. Do not really want to do that. HELP!!!!
Anyone ever heard of WebChartMD -
Posted By: Terry
Anyone ever heard of WebChartMD
Fast busy signal -
Posted By: Yvonne
When trying to dial into the Lanier System, I continuously get a fast busy signal. On Friday I had problems (dialing in and getting the dictator mode) and today all I get is a fast busy signal. Any ideas??
Clueless but not completely -
Posted By: Dulce Shelton
I’m somewhat clueless and really don’t know what to do. I have over 5 years of distant (1973-1978) orthopedic experience, before MT was a hot item and have been working as an IC for one person for 2.5 years, doing mainly Urology and Urology-related Radiology. I have not had formal MT training. In reading all these board messages I don’t totally get it, i.e. Acute care, what is it? I just found out what the Basic 4 are. I feel like a moron even though I know I’m not. Nonetheless, I’m not getting enough work, have submitted a few resumes to a few sites. Am wondering if I need to get formal training/certification. I was lucky to get what I did without the certification, but I’m ready to go further in terms of specialities, OP reports, consultations, etc. But, I am apprehensive about the whole enchilada. Is anyone out there who has been in my shoes? Any advice and/or recommendations would be appreciated.
I got a great new chair! -
Posted By: Aaaahhhhh! : )
Anyone looking to get a nice, comfy computer-chair? Here's one!
SEALY POSTUREPEDIC Executive chair: (I didn't even know Sealy made chairs!) I found it at Office Max, total cost + tax was $216. They have both a cloth and a leather version - I got the leather, which I figure will stay cleaner, longer, and repel pet-hair.
Features: Very soft, cushy seat! In addition to a pneumatic up-&-down adjustment, it also tilts foreward and back. Very nice feature for micro-adjustments while working!
Very easy-to-adjust seat back, both up-&-down, and tilt.
Adjustable lumbar support! This is hard to find on most chairs, and those that have it are usually more $$ than I can afford.
Easy to assemble. The instructions were pictures only, and very tiny, but there were amazingly few small pieces such as screws, etc. So even with very limited space and my characteristically low frustration-level, I still got this baby put together and at my desk in about 20 minutes!
Office Depot is usually my first stop for office equipment, but in this case they dropped the ball. After an hour of comparison-sitting on all their chairs, I had finally decided on a chair that wasn't half as nice as this Sealy! So, I took the tag up to the cashier, and wouldn't you know - they were out of stock! (The most hated phrase in my vocabulary!  The cashier gave me directions to an Office Depot in another nearby town, which I never did find, her directions were wrong. But I happened to drive by Office Max, so wandered in and found this wonderful chair at what I consider to be a bargain price! So, I thought I'd pass on my lucky find to anyone who might be shopping around for a great work-chair.
Happy typing!
We are just tools, like staplers or a lamp. The company -
Posted By: has become more than the sum of its parts. nm
d
stressed out -
Posted By: reality check
I'm stressing and fretting over a whole bunch of little things. I'm so tired and feel like I just need to hibernate for a month.
But as I "watch" the news as I work and see the devastation and how thousands of lives have just been turned upside-down, my little stressors and problems seem so insignificant.
Last year I was affected by 2 of the 4 hurricanes that hit Florida, going without power for about 2 days in each of them. It was pretty miserable. At least I had a house. These poor people who evacuated don't even know if they have a place to call home anymore, nor do they even know when they might find out.
...just feeling guilty about my insignificant pity party and figured writing about it would help. Thanks for listening.
Mistakes found in other people's work -
Posted By: anon
I work on a platform where we can pull up previously-transcribed reports for samples. I have worked for this company for about 7 months now and have never had a QA done on my work. I like to know if I am doing something wrong or if there is a better/easier way of doing things. While going through some reports to get samples I have noticed things that are not that big a deal, but more along the line of somebody padding their lines, i.e., in the laboratory section writing out the number seventeen, in extremity examination writing out plus-two pedal pulses, cranial nerves two through twelve, things like this. Also, things like sclerae IS instead of are. Our accounts are not verbatim.
I guess my question is what would most of you do, leave it alone or say something about it? I have left it alone for this long, but it just doesn't sit well with me. I'm sure I do things that are wrong too and that is why I wouldn't mind getting reviewed every now and then to ensure consistency and quality. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.
MS Natural multimedia keyboard deal for under $12 sm -
Posted By: HappyFlaMT
I love this keyboard and have tried other ergonomic ones but none have been the right fit for me, and this model is discontinued. If you use this one, I just got a deal on ebay for $11.05 including shipping ($0.99 for the keyboard + 9.99 shipping + Florida sales tax). I'll be happy to get it here but wanted to pass along this information as this seller is only doing this price for the next couple of days - seller is "recycles" & item number is 200331770552.
so sad that 12 cpl makes everyone jealous -
Posted By: Emily Ayn
I tried to use quotes around jealous, but it wouldn't let me post the message... And I don't mean jealous in the sense that you know it..... I just mean that everyone is soooo surprised and so eager to tell me that I'm so lucky and that I better not take it for granted... and that is fine. I am wondering WHY that is the way it is. I think it is awful for us as MT's, the career I thought I would be able to raise my family on, has gone from what it was to what it is. For God sakes the cost of living has skyrocketed, and I have never received a raise in five years. Now everyone would be happy to be making what I am making... however I can never imagine working for 7, 8 or 9 cents because I feel I am worth SOOOO much more than that, and I think you should ALL feel that way. Outsourcing is a real threat, but not always. The hospital I work for now, they tried it, and the work was crap, so re-hired my mom and I at 10 cpl. I am maybe too optimistic but I feel like it is like VR. There will always be errors...
I just feel awful that people are ragging on me for wanting to make more because I feel I deserve it. I don't think a one cent raise is that awful to ask for. I'm just trying to make ends meet as it is you know? If they refuse it, then I deal with it. But the fact that I spend so much time looking things up on the internet, doctor's names, new drugs, addresses... and someone expects me to work for next to nothing?
On a side note, I get NO benefits as I am an IC. Would someone suggest asking for benefits rather than a raise? Insurance costs a lot even though I am young and healthy, and I don't remember the last time I put money in my IRA was.
It's just really sad. I always thought that this would be my forever career and now at the age of 25, i must rethink about going back to school, maybe becoming a nurse, they are in high demand now aren't they? I just wanted nothing more than to be able to be home with my kids when I have them some day. Is that such a terrible thing?
Best wishes to you all
Keep your present job while trying out a new company; the grass may not be greener -
Posted By: n/m
nm
JLG Transcriptions -
Posted By: danajean
Hi! Has anyone heard of this company and have an opinion? I am looking for a position at home (preferrably Radiology but I can do acute care "kinda") and I am nervous about all the national companies. I don't know who to trust. I don't know what equipment I must purchase or even how to set it up! I worked from home for a local hospital for many years and also 3 years for a service who provided all equipment. Any advice would be appreciated!
any one having Yahoo mail trouble today? -
Posted By: elonmt
no msg
office visit in what state? -
Posted By: Pammie
Doctor is from India. Patient is a FU on hypertension. He says She came here s/l (drasting) ??? state believing that she needed blood work. Said in plan for her to keep regular FU appointment. She was well, but don't understand what state she came to visit? Drastic maybe? Help please if you can. Thanks.
Medical Dictation Services Inc -
Posted By: MSH
Does anyone here work for this company that is based in Gathersburg, MD? If so, I would like to talk to you. I have been away from transcription for a couple years but want to get back into it and am hoping to hear from this company. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks! MSH
LX 231 Ovation -
Posted By: PTS
Can anyone help me hook up an LX 231 Ovation station? There seems to be an extra cord.
How do I change incorrect spelling in Word? -
Posted By: Linda
I accidentally spelled a medication wrong and added it to the dictionary. How do I go about changing this? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
what to charge for work on the side -
Posted By: Habibi
A doc is interested in my services. It's been so long since I did work on the side that I'm literally out of the loop. Can anyone give me any idea what to charge?
In the past I charged by the page, as the docs preferred it. Truthfully, I haven't even explored the character count on XP. If someone could provide that as well, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Thanks!
Reminder: Croc Hunter fans, watch Steve Irwin's Memorial filmed -
Posted By: see complete message inside
Reminder: Croc Hunter fans, watch Steve Irwin's Memorial filmed at his Australia Zoo's Crocoseum tonight on Animal Planet. The memorial is commercial free and airs from 9 to 10 PM ET/PT tonight and then an encore will air at 12 to 1 AM ET/PT. If you are a fan of our beloved Steve Irwin, make sure to have a DVD or VCR tape ready to record!
Prozac, anyone? -
Posted By: mt1313
My doctor started me on fluoxetine 10 mg a day x2 weeks, then increase to 20 mg daily. (For insomnia and mild depression due to menopause.)
Just wondering if anyone has been on this drug, if it worked and how long before you saw results? I know drugs vary greatly from person to person, but I just want to know what people's experience has been. I take very drugs, but my sleep pattern has been horrible and I am willing to try anything. TIA
What is the abbreviation for... -
Posted By: just askin'
square centimeters, or does it just get typed out?
TIA
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