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ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR - Posted By: CAN'T SLEEP FOR WORRYING

Can anyone calm my fears? My PCP just called and said that my Pap smear came back abnormal and he is going to refer me to see a gynecologist for further examination. He told me that this does NOT mean I have cancer but I am still worried. Although I can't think of anyone in my family with cervical cancer, cancer is strongly positive in my family.

My PCP told me that his nurse would call and get me an appointment and then call and let me know when it would be.

TAXES... - Posted By: Computer ??

I know that you can use a computer as a deduction for your business, but what happens if my husband wants to build me one instead of buying it in one piece? Would I still get to write it off? He is a big computer person (not for a living) and wants to build my next one instead. He builds peoples computers quite often for them. Will I just keep all the receipts and subtract that or am I better off to buy one from Dell or Gateway or etc?

Thanks for any advise!

Express Scribe problems on new computer - Posted By: frustrated

I have been using Express Scribe for quite some time. I just bought a new computer and downloaded the Express Scribe software from the website and for some reason it takes FOREVER to download the voice file. The voice file used to down load instantly with a second or less and now it takes a few minutes.

Any idea what could be wrong? This is a newer version that I downloaded. I wish I could find the older version somewhere to download that. Maybe that would work better.

A couple questions to ones that have their own business� - Posted By: SV MT

First, do you carry error and omissions insurance or a clause in your contract? Second, when you do your billing--do you find it easier to bill twice monthly (1st and 15th) or once monthly?

great faxing service - Posted By: Snow Bunny

My girlfriend signed up for a new faxing service with Packtel. It's only $3.95 per month for unlimited faxing, I'm getting a fax from her right now on fax machine, and I gotta say that the quality of the print beats to pants off eFax. If anyone would like to check it out, here's the link:

Hey everyone, I have a huge amount of strawberries from my - Posted By: garden & this year I really (SM)

want to make a different kind of dessert with them. Every year I always wind up making strawberry shortcake or strawberry ice cream and well those are great but I'm such a creature of habit that I really want to make something completely different. If you have any great ideas, PLEASE let me know!

Thanks!

Reminder of why we love this job!! - Posted By: Lisa

Hi everyone - I have seen some posts recently about burnout - I got it after 9 years myself - went back to secretarial work at a hospital. Thought it was great for about 6 months - could balance my checkbook, have lunch with co-workers, had a reason to get dressed up and get out of the house every day....except that there was a 45 minute commute each way a.m. and p.m. - because of the parking situation, which added 20 minutes each way. And the fact that I could never run any errands or make any doctors appointments.

Oh, and the fact that when my children were sick 3 days in a 7 month period I got called in to my boss' office and chewed out for not having someone else available to watch my sick children. Oh, and the office politics, let's not forget those.

Soo.....as transcriptionists, we get to use our brains and work hard, but we also have so much more flexibility. We can have the laundry going while we work! When we do a good job and get more work done, we make more money! If we are 5 minutes late to work, we don't get "written up" for it. We aren't treated like high school kids! It's great! I am giving my notice. I can't wait to get back to the job that I once felt so burned out on! I have a whole new perspective and a whole new appreciation for my "old" job. I can't wait!!

Heartland Information Services - Posted By: Kathy Pearce

I have read all about the difficulties with MQ here. Anyone here have any experience working for Heartland Information Services.

Thanks

I thought this was funny. Going to start typing for a shrink. sm - Posted By: MSMT

We were discussing our deal last night, and he said something to the effect of, "Since it's psychiatry it might be different than what you're used to. I'll spell." LOL -- please, no spelling! I told him he didn't have to spell things for me. Although he seems to be quite with it, not a slobbery mushmouth like some we run into. I just thought it was funny. "I'll spell."

bounced checks - Posted By: sm

What steps would you take if you had three bounced pay checks?

Need help on possibly homeschooling a 9th grader - Posted By: undecided

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Lou Rawls died 2day... - Posted By: RadGuy

I thot he had an awesome voice. Great talent!

on the other hand..emp vs IC sm - Posted By: MT 32

status.

Anyone have experience with companies who hire you as an employee, certain hours but don't provide you with the equipment you need? Worked for a company that did that but no medical spell checker on their software, some accounts they want YOU to buy a C-phone for etc. etc. Asked them up front if account I would be working on would have medical speller, told yes. It did not. Also there was some kind of ShortHand program built in that they knew nothing about, we couldn't get to and conflicted with the autocorrect I used in Word. Kept asking and it was always we will ask the hospital and then nothing. Went out bought my own spell check and whatever I needed then three weeks into working, they dump the account.

Start over with a new account, different problems, they want me to buy even more stuff. Said no I am outta here!

Anybody had that problem?

How to get my docs to go digital - Posted By: NY MT

I have an account that I love. Problem is that the work is voluminous, and they are still in the dark ages. What is the easiet way for me to entice them going digital? I would be able to take on so much more work and subcontract it out, but they are stuck on tapes and I have been unable to find anyone to help TX in my area. My plan (dream) is to get some of them on digital, take all the work I can get, subcontract it out, do some myself, QA the work myself and Voila.....eventually the rest will see the light of the 21st century and the backlog will be a thing of the past. I do not want to spend the $ to purchase the recorders myself, and have only a limited knowlege of the software and set up needed on THEIR end.

Any suggestions from someone who has done this, or where can I go to get the education I need to walk them (drag them) through this process?

What is it with OM anyway? - Posted By: Carmi

MT Light" color=navy size=4>So the OM calls me from doc's office last night. Every time she opens the Olympus program so she can dock the recorder and transfer files, she gets an error message. The error message is from Microsoft so there must be some kind of conflict. She did a reboot twice and it didn�t get rid of the error message and when she sent the error message, it didn�t give her any feedback on it, like it sometimes will give you a link where you can update your drivers or something. So I suggested she call the toll-free help number in the back of the Olympus booklet so they could try to help her figure out if it is Microsoft problem or Olympus problem but since I just installed it on a new computer and it was up and running for the past week and we transferred files just fine, I don�t see how it could be an Olympus problem. The other computers either don�t have a working USB hub or Internet access. When I went in to do the install I found this computer has an outdated Norton Anti-virus that they haven�t fixed yet! I suggested she try doing a system restore to an earlier date, closer to when I did the install for them.And I asked when was the last time a complete system scan was done. She was all frustrated and said, �I�m not the IT person for this office.� And I told her, �well, I�m sure not either. I came in and installed the Olympus and FTP transfer program as a favor, on my own time, but I can�t be coming over fixing your office computers for you. If you have an office that has computers in it, somebody has to manage them. You can�t just expect them to run without any problems.� I told her I could find somebody that might come in and do some cleaning up on their system but she didn�t ask for their number. The doc likes to think he is a computer wizard but I�ve been through some glitches with him before and it wasn�t what he thought it was, it was what I thought it was. ... this OM is a big baby. If you have her do anything with the computers, like talk her through some settings over the phone, she gets all frustrated right away and sits there making noises, like �uh! I can�t do this!� For Pete�s sake, just do it step by step. She can�t even figure out how to use the Help function. How does she think the rest of us learned? Same way. Get on the Help button, use the toll free numbers, go online and look up the problem at the manufacturer�s site, get an IT person for assistance. Sheesh. Just had to vent.

Need help! - Posted By: Angie

My mom recently obtained an account and is needing to integrate digitally. She needs to purchase software in order to be able to transcribe their dictation. They are currently dialing into an 800# and putting in a pin # to dictate. Does anyone have any direction as to what she may need? Docshuttle??? I am completely clueless but I offered to help her find out what she needs. Any info would be greatly appreciated! THANX

Clinical versus Acute Care - why do companies - Posted By: sm

advertise for clinical MTs and then send you a test for acute care? I was told it was the only tests they had. I've been down this road before. Once you pass the test they place you on acute care and come up with excuses about clinical. Sooner or later they'll get the hint - when MTs apply for clinical that is what they want to type. No more testing for acute care for me - when I apply for clinical.

PC-Dart - Posted By: interested

Anyone know what is compatible or comparable with PC-Dart system?

Thanks.

Poll: Is MT a profession or vocation? nm - Posted By: MT student

x

Help needed on the word board - Posted By: please. no message

NM

Lanier P-145 - Posted By: Kimberly

Hello,

Does anyone know how to use the Lanier P-145(An old telephone 4 tape recording system)? Or does anyone know of a manual I can get my hands on? I just purchased a used one and I have tried everything and I can not get it to work!!! It does power on, but I am not sure if I am hooking everything up correctly.

Thank you very much.

Kimberly

I just had to write and wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy the day, whether you are working o - Posted By: TurkeyeatingMT

Happy Turkey day!

phone rage - Posted By: Snow Bunny

If you've ever been frustrated by those automated phone menus, there�s an easy solution. Find out how to talk to an actual person right away.

http://paulenglish.com/ivr/

C-phone instructions - Posted By: Snow Bunny

I've got the PDF file with everything, so if you need them ... just post a message and I'll be in touch with 24 hours.

Over the door lock boxes - Posted By: Pammie

I pick up work from a local family practice and our schedules conflict a lot of times. It is hard to be there exactly when the doctor finishes his dictation and they forget to give me a 30-minute warning since I am about 30 minutes away. Sometimes I have to make a trip every day to fit his schedule. Does anyone know where I can buy an over the door lock box (like what Lab Corp uses to leave blood work, etc.)? I would love for him to leave the transcription tapes, etc., in the box and I pick up and drop off on my schedule so I can get to the work faster and also pick up after office hours. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ICs -- are you being treated like employees? (sm) - Posted By: adh

I filed IRS form SS-8, and boy did I get results!!

It took months. I had to fill out the very detailed form describing my work situation. The IRS then notified the MTSO and had them fill out the form. I just received the ruling that I was in fact an employee, so the MTSO now has to pay back taxes and penalties!!

It feels so good when something works the way it should, doesn't it?

C-phone ques .. help ! - Posted By: saraMT

Hi everyone! I'm using a Dictaphone C-phone for the first time in 5 years and can't remember how to SLOW down and SPEED up dictation! Does anyone know ?

Thanks !!!!!

Any of you use one of these and do you have any problems with - Posted By: Use of KVM switch

Does it work with Vista and another Windows computer? Do you like using it? How much does it cost in the store?

Thanks a lot.

Physical therapy website - Posted By: Lynn

Have been trying to find a good PT website. I Googled and did not find what I was looking for, which is a site that lists tests, like "cat and camel" and so forth.The sites I have found are not user friendly.

How do you do it? - Posted By: wondering

I've been in transcription for over 15 years, my last 11 were with the same company. Now that I had to move on to a different company I wondered how you all manage to keep up with the 99% QA requirements (requests to proofread everything before sending) and meeting the excessive line counts some companies demand. Do you all go back and listen through all of your reports or do you just scan them. I'm having a hard enough time meeting the lph requirements without going back and reviewing and listening to everything...but sometimes I do see I have some silly mistakes. Any advice, what do you do?

What is eScription Editscript? Is that strictly - Posted By: an editing platform (for VR?). LOL, Proveros

has an ad for MTs that says nothing about editing positions. I am confused for sure. I transcribe. Don't want to do editing for a company. Don't want to apply for a job when I do not know what I applying for. TIA!

picking an expander - Posted By: mkbiker

Hey all, anyone got any suggestions for picking a word expander? I really need a good one. I have been working without one and realize that I am severely limiting myself? Just started working on a couple of small acounts this year. I am very new and don't want to spend money where I don' t need to. Thanks

Help with OP reports - Posted By: HOMT

I am looking for a new job, lost accout not long ago, outsourcing,VR. I don't have experience in OP reports and everyone wants that. Help!!! Where can I get some samples?

Phone line help, please if possible - Posted By: Getting older

I hope I don't confuse anybody but here goes.

Back in 1988, I had 4 phone lines installed in my home. 1 is personal, 1 for my dial up modem (also personal), a business line, and an 800 number which the phone company tied to another personal phone number-I'll call this number 123-4567. (This was the only way the phone company could do it at the time).

As it stands now, I get a bill for the 800 service through Sprint, an 800 bill through MCI for the calls I recieve, and a bill through MCI Small Business for the office phone and 123-4567. I also get a bill from Verizon for the 123-4567 number (I think that's the one) that is a minimum $5 charge a month. I'm really getting triple billed for 1 line.

As of Jan., I want to disconnect my 800 number, my office phone line, and my modem line, but leave the 123-4567 line for my doc. MCI told me I can't disconnect my office line without disconnecting the 123-4567 number.

Am I supposed to wipe the slate clean and go without any phone service then get new service with somebody? It's been so long since I had to deal with something like this and I'm so confused.

Can anbody make any sense out of this? TIA.

I do not have the gab - Posted By: Bernadette

board listed on the left. How do you get there?

Ok which forum board did the ...sm - Posted By: blondie_1147

post go to about whether the illegals would leave with the state of the economy? I have checked the Gab and the political. What gives? Did it just disappear? Huh?

For people who have their own clients.... - Posted By: Anon

Do you bill monthly, twice monthly, or bi-weekly? I have work from a hospital coming soon and wondered how most people bill. Also, while I'm in the process of making up a contract, what would you say is the norm in terms of the percentage you would charge if they were late in paying you? About how long after you send the bill do you expect to be paid? I know all of these things are negotiable, I would just like some feedback on what others are doing as this will be my first contract.

Thanks a lot!

CMT pass score - Posted By: Kris

Can anyone tell me what is the score required to pass the CMT exam?

ENTER NOW! Golf Umbrella to 2 winners! - Posted By: See full details inside

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GOOD LUCK!!!

I need help on Tecnical Board w/ - Posted By: Express Scribe. Please. TIA!

Stedman's & Vista - Posted By: WhereTheWindBlows

Does anyone know any tricks to get Stedman's OB-GYN Electronic Word Book to load onto Windows Vista?

This is the only Stedman's book that I cannot get to load on Vista. I contacted Stedman Support, but they said that it just isn't compatible. I find that hard to believe, as all of my other 21 electronic word books from Stedman's loaded just fine.

Any know of any tricks to get it to load?

Shortcuts to increase production - Posted By: MT

Can anyone tell me what types of shortcuts, software, etc. I can use to increase my production? I am looking for ways to cut time/increase production. I have some macros, but what else? Someone suggested I use the speech recognition software and I could repeat what was being dictated, as it may type faster? Has anyone tried this? I was thinking I would then have to spend my time cleaning up mistakes, but they said it was 99% accurate. Sounds strange, but maybe it would work. Any ideas would be appreciated!

T 1/2 - Posted By: Graham

T 1/2 is that how you write it for gastric empyting studies? or T one-half.

Thanks Graham

word expander, please help! - Posted By: MTGal

I am going to be working just in microsoft word. How do I get a word exapander? What is a good one? Are there any free word expanders? Thanks

I don't understand these companies.... - Posted By: sm

I am a newbie, have been doing this for a few months. I work for this company, Sten-Tel. They only send out QA'd reports every once in a while. Their QA sucks. One QA will say this and another will say that and all the time, it looks like you are the one making all the mistakes. The QA supervisor does nothing but send you the corrected reports in an email and if you email her about something you are questioning, she does nothing about it. I get an email from her today and all it states is "We need to have you out of editing by July 18. Please review account specifics and thoroughly check your work before sending to QA." What does that mean? I do thoroughly check my work! I sent her an email asking her to clarify what she is saying. I mean, am I doing a sucky job or what? I am confused. I thought I was doing good. How am I supposed to know when I don't hear anything from anybody? Now I feel depressed. I guess I am going to get fired. I am not good at anything it seems like. Are there any good companies to work for?

I think Pete's Pond is up and running again...can anyone..sm - Posted By: Melissa

tell me how to have this play so I can watch it while working? I did it last year but can't remember how I did it! Thanks.

Strange request from MTSO - Posted By: WYMTT

I applied with a company that advertises on this site. One of their requests was that they wanted a picture of my home office and one of myself - a full body shot - I thought that a little strange. I didn't know whether to contact the IRS or what as far as the home office went - but then, of course, the MTSO which was hiring only ICs required working specific hours, so that blew that deal - since I do know that the IRS can and will disallow your home office deductions if you are an IC and are required to work specific days or hours - as you are then deemed an employee under their rules. But the picture thing, that just seems weird.

purchasing computers with customer service in US? - Posted By: lilac

okay.here it goes. I thought it might be worth asking if anyone know of any companies that sell computers where you don't have to go through customer service outside of the US? TIA.

EMDAT question - Posted By: Snow Bunny

I am considering accepting a position with a company that uses EMDAT, but I have a few questions.

1. Is this product "user friendly?" Is it difficult to learn?
2. There seem to be a lot of problems with the foot pedal? Is this correct?
3. How expensive is this product?
4. Does EMDAT calculate lines, and compared to things like Sylcount, would you say the line count is excellent, good, fair, or poor?

Thanks in advance.

Anyone else without work due to ...sm - Posted By: blondie

President's Day? I do clinic mostly and the clinic must have been closed. No work.