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Magic Jack - Posted By: Debbie

I have read previous comments about Magic Jack and was wondering if there were any more recent experiences about using Magic Jack with a C-phone. Vonage wants to up my plan to business because of the amount of time I am using it and then with all the fees tacked on, I'm looking at at least $55 a month for a business plan up from $35. I would rather use Magic Jack if I can see other transcriptionists are happy with it. Please post if you don't mind. Thank you!

Debbie

DH tore his lateral meniscus, had MRI - Posted By: Good Golly

and doctor recommended surgery. Got the bill for the MRI today and it was $1200.00. The bill for the radiologist to read the thing was $225.00. We have a low insurance premium and they only pay 70%. We've had this insurance 2 years and this is our first claim, so we still come out cheaper this way than paying a higher premium with better benefits, but goodness. Of course it doesn't help that our homeowner's insurance and our car insurance is due now, plus property taxes on the house of $1,000.00, and a vet bill last month of $1,200.00.

Phone company problems. - Posted By: Makayla

When I moved to Washington State and Qwest became my phone company I signed up for the unlimited small business plan. Now all the sudden they say they have switched me to Qwest Choice Business because of the high volume of my LD calls. I explained to them in the beginning what I used the business line for and they said it was unlimited (around 85.00 a month is what it was coming out to), without notifying me they switched me over and sent me a bill for over $400.00. I went balistic on them. They said they would look into it since I have signed up for a different plan and take care of it. I just got my new bill and it is even higher.

Anyone in the Northwest that can direct me to a phone service for my transcribing needs??????

Please note: MTStars is in no way affiliated with MTSpot. There are rumors that I own the site, whic - Posted By: Sheri Steadman, President, MTStars nm

/

Spellchecker problems - Posted By: Wanda

I'm having trouble loading my Stedman's spellchecker. It keeps asking for the response code and then won't take it. My computer messed up and I'm having to reload everything and now I can't get this back on. Anyone else have this happen? What did you do?

Never in my life - Posted By: Sheltered MT

I guess I have led a sheltered life. I never in my entire life heard about so many companies bouncing checks in this business! I would be out the door so fast, there'd be no dust behind me. Have I just been lucky?

Just catching up ... Pls read if you're concerned about off-shore outsourcing... - Posted By: Dinosaur

I'm gratified that the people on this board are brainstorming with each other. I've been "lurking" and reading what's been happening. I have a few comments and thoughts.

Some of the participants here say to send to NBC News, FOX news, etc. Others say to send to Oprah and yet others say their congressman or senator.

I say we should each individually write a letter and copy same to each and every outlet we can think of! All of the above, senators, newscasters, Oprah, whatever and whomever. Until all of these sources are utterly swamped with letters regarding our plight (as well as the plight of radiologists, accountants, billers and coders, etc. all of whom are losing work to off shore outsourcing) we will be ignored. Thousands upon thousands of letters need to be sent out either by snail mail or e-mail. We cannot rely on anyone else to do it for us. Each one of us has to take the responsibility to make it known that we don't like it and we will vote in the next election for only those politicians that take a stand against off-shore outsourcing. Can we all take ten minutes to write a letter and another ten minutes each and every day to send out said letter? We can send duplicates to the same place. Lord knows that they don't pay attention until thousands of letters come in with the same message. Ten minutes a day - each of us - just think how many letters to our congress and to the press could be sent out if we all took the time to do so!

I, for one, will post here a list of places that I have sent a letter to in the hopes that it will inspire you to do the same.

Has anyone worked for state prison? - Posted By: Working for state

Am aware of a state prison hiring MTs. Wondering what type of pre employment testing is required.

Thanks!

New w/Softscript--NOT HAPPY - Posted By: back in MT

with their low 7 cpl line count, and their program is very difficult to navigate and I'm having all sorts of stops and starts. Anyone else new and have any input?

American Cancer Ctr of America - Posted By: in Orlando. Anyone familiar?

nm

Wow. So Sad!!! I am not an Idol fan at all. In fact, hardly ever watch it. But a few weeks ago sm - Posted By: Lyn

I watched Mandisa (?) sing an awesome Christian song THAT I LOVE!!! I thought she knocked it out of the park. Of course, being a secular show, Simon detested it as it probably convicted him to no end........

I wanted to actually vote for the first time since idol aired, but I just didn't that night. I should have. She was voted off (so I hear) because she sang a Christian song?

Sounds to me like it's the best thing that happened to her. Must be God's way of telling her no to be an artist in the secular world. I hope she gets a Christian label because I will be the first in line to buy her music.

No flames please. Unless you are a Christian, you will NOT get my post.

What to charge? - Posted By: cl

Hello to all,

I need any and all info in regards to contracting. I have always been a subcontractor but have now been approached at working directly with 2 of my doctors. What should I charge?

Thanks in advance!

Nightline had a special last night - Posted By: Hospital infections

on hospital infections and stated that basically, because of poor sterile technique by the hospital and hospital personnel, more than 80,000+ people would die this year from this condition.

The cost of taking care of one of these infections, caused by the hospital itself, is horrendous, well over $100,000 if you have to have an infected surgical wound treated surgically again. I finished my IV wonder drugs, not sure what that cost will be yet from the pharmacy and home health care, but I know that 1 vial of medicine used to unclog my IV was $800. My 10 day supply of Zyvox was $1100. I also had 14 days of IV Zyvox twice a day and 14 days of IV Levaquin once a day, so you can imagine what my bill is going to run. I will also have an addition bill from the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, the infectious diseases doctor, the hospitalist, radiologist, and who knows who else.

I really think the cheapo hospitals could dig up another few cents a line that could be paid directly to the MTs rather than cutting our rates all the time.

Does anyone know how to put Outlook Express emails over to Outlook so they can be backed up to CD? - Posted By: nm. TIA

nm

Realistic Income Expectations?? - Posted By: missybb

Hi guys!

I am a mom who currently runs a very financially successful home daycare business. I am looking for a change and considering MT.

After much research I am still unsure about the REALISTIC income that can be made doing MT.

I will be working 6 hours a day - no kids, no interruptions etc. How much can I really make a year as an independent contractor from home? I am very familiar with medical terminology etc and plan on taking an MT course.

I would really appreciate a response. I don't want to give up my daycare and spend money on a course only to find out later I have wasted my time and money.

Thanks!

ASR is NUTS - LOL! - Posted By: Dubious MT

The patient recently returned back to her vulvar area, where she and her husband live with their 3 children and 2 dogs.

Must be kinda crowded in there....

USTranscription - Posted By: rae

anybody work for USTranscription out of Iowa/WI, you like?

Help, please regarding Meditech (should read) - Posted By: GaPeach

Should have finished the sentence. Need to know if you've worked on Meditech for some period of time and if so do you feel your line count is okay. I started on another account using different platform and line count extremely low, not correct at all for my typing speed (120-130 wpm). Please let me know what you think. Thanks a lot!!

Does anyone use mineral makeup and if so, any opinions on the best brand? nm - Posted By: fresh face

nm

Express Scribe ? - Posted By: Express Scribe ?

Does anyone here use Express Scribe? If so, did you set it up so that when the report is completed it is automatically sent back to the doctor? I read where it is capable of setting it up that way. However, I am curious if it works well or difficult to set up.

Computer work area... - Posted By: bookworm

Does anyone have their computer work area in a computer armoire? I am thinking about changing my work area to that, but I am used to an open desk area, and I am wondering if you feel at all boxed in by the armoire.

Just wondering...

bookworm

Looking for part-time position - Posted By: to work around my other, supposed to be full-time

position but is not. Any ideas of anyone hiring part-time. Pathology, Internal medicine, clinic, but no OP reports.

looking up words - Posted By: please refresh my memory

Somebody recently mentioned a site where you can go and put a * in the part of the word that you can't get. Example:

ap*ectomy = appendectomy.

Can you tell me again where this site is? It's sooooooooo helpful!!

Thanks!

can anyone explain to me what a cphone is? - Posted By: shopaholic

I've only ever worked for MQ and I have no idea what a C-phone is. Is it a piece of equipment or software or both?

What Word program works best with Vista? Has to be less than 2007. nm - Posted By: needtoknow

x

Any remedies out there to repel Junebugs? sm - Posted By: mlstoo

I hate those friggin' things. I leave my outside light off, spray Cutters and they are still everywhere. Anyone have any ideas?

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..

I don't think I can do this any more. - Posted By: please light a fire under me

I've felt lousy all week with a headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and slight upset stomach. Coffee and Motrin are not helping. I'm too hot, and I need a shower. Badly. I've already put in over 40 hours this week, not including today. Unpaid overtime, covering for vacations. There are dishes piled up in the sink, the bathroom's a mess, and the yard and garden are neglected. I've only cooked once this week. I need to pay bills and get to the post office today because I've put it off for a week. The neighbors are digging up a concrete foundation with a Bobcat 30 feet from my desk. I'm tired of looking op addresses and patient information. I'm tired of fixing lousy grammar. If you got this far into my whining, thanks for listening. That's all I wanted was to get it out of my system.

nm sm ss - Posted By: Me

what do these abbreviations mean?

Best Earphones - Posted By: ML

Trying to find a new pair of earphones. I type for 12 hours a day and those ones that are the basic brands are killing my ears every day. I tried a pair of those real big suction ones and they cancel out alot of noise and were soft around the ear but they kept pressing into the sides of my ears. I would barely eat with them on. They are like those ones that musician where when recording. Anyone have the best earphones. I cannot use the earbud kind as they fall out, so I need the ones that go over the head. They have to be soft cushion not like those ones that are the basic. Any suggestions?

Thanks

C'mon guys our topic is losing! Please vote! sm - Posted By: D

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18826755/

Advice from those who transcribe for their own docs - Posted By: Any help appreciated.

Hi!

I was thinking about maybe asking around and getting one or two of my own doctors to transcribe for..what is the best advice you can give me on starting out?

Thanks a bunch for any replies, I really appreciate your time!

Best way to find small MTSOs - Posted By: Wondering

Does anyone know the best way to find small MTSOs? I have found that I would much rather work for the smaller ones than the nationals.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

wedding gift - Posted By: nn

I need some ideas please. I have a very close friend who is getting married for the third time, and this will be the second marriage for her fiance. Of course, they have everything they need, and probably more. But I don't want to go to her wedding empty-handed. I'd like to get her something nice, even if just a little something, so does anyone have any ideas? Thanks very much.

Help w/ eScription and foot pedal (sm) - Posted By: brighteyes

I am trying to locate a 9-pin port to install on my pc to use the 9-pin footpedal but I have called Circuit City's 800 number and nobody could help me... I had no luck at Best Buy online either.

I have heard mixed reviews on the usb-9 pin adapter. Do some work and some don't? I would rather go this route if it does work. Please let me know of any information you have on this, like what works and what doesn't as well as where to buy.

Thanks so much!!!

how would you type this? - Posted By: Tabatha

How would you type "section 8 housing"? Would it be Section 8 housing, Section -8 housing, Section-8 Housing or Section 8 Housing?

TIA

Tabatha in Charleston, SC

My experience - first time traveling and working - Posted By: academia

Just got back from Lake Tahoe. I told some of you I would report back and let you know how it went. This was my first experience MTing on the road, and it went so smoothly. I worked about 20 hours from the hotel. They had nice comfy chairs and table big enough to hold all my stuff comfortably. It was amazing being able to look out over the lake and the mountains while working. My only complaint was this particular hotel did not offer a weekly rate for WI Fi. They charged by the day, and it was kind of pricey at $12 a day. I was worried about not having my books, but it was not an issue at all.

Taking a vacation by myself was the most amazing experience. I would highly recommend it to any of you who need to get away from the daily stresses of life. I feel so refreshed!

The REAL facts on EMR - Posted By: EMRsAWasteOfTime&$$$$

This is in response to a post made earlier to the MT who wanted to know if EMR is doing away with MTs.

To answer your question, I would only direct you to the "job's wanted" board here, as well as to various other MT boards around. Seeing the vast number of companies who are screaming for qualified MTs should answer your question and put your fears to rest.

EMR is too expensive and cumbersome for the vast majority of docs to use. They will either have to pay big bucks for it and spend their time playing secretary or hire someone to do the input, which equals employee - benefits - paid vacation time - paid personal time, yada, yada, yada. WHERE'S THE SAVINGS? There is none.

If the doc wants to play secretary and input the info himself, he's cutting his own throat doing it as he's earning secretarial wages instead of M.D. wages.

EMR will not and never will wipe out our industry.

What to do. - Posted By: Megan Nicole

I have worked for a multi specialty acute care hospital for 6 years and all was well until recently. Long story short, I feel like I am being jerked around. They say I don�t meet production standards but the production standards change without notice. First it is 800 per day, then 1000, now 1200 but even if you get say 1200 lines per day it only counts as 1100 and something per day because of the crazy way they multiply this, divide that etc. So for punishment I am being pulled in-house to work after the baby is born. They are also accusing me of not routing the reports right. When the moon is full and the fish are biting Dr. Jones wants a copy but when the creeks rise and the humidity is up then he will look it up on the electronic record. We transcribe for over 100 doctors who change their minds and we are supposed to somehow keep up with who wants what and where and who can look it up on the electronic record.

Anyway, I am looking into working part-time for a company after I have the baby as this hospital is 40 miles away which would make an 80 mile round trip and you know about gas prices. I need one that will take out taxes and supply equipment and will allow me to work maybe 20 hours a week working the early morning hours. I have looked at the boards and am nervous about it because they don�t pay as high as this hospital and some people have good experience with the companies and some bad experience and I am just worried about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Maybe MT isn�t for me but I don�t know that maybe pregnancy hormones talking and I am taking this last run-in with my boss too hard.

New Platform...SM - Posted By: Grrrrrrr!

I started on a new platform about two weeks ago and am finding it HORRIBLE!

I normally get between 130-170 lph, depending on dictators. Today I worked four hours and had 200 lines

It is a word-based platform. To put in a QA marker you put in spaces, highlight them change screens, use the mouse (no shortcut keys) click add, save, and then back to your screen. To remove a QA marker, you have to change screens, use mouse click on QA marker number, and then click delete... You also have to do this to look up or edit doctors, patient info...

In all honesty from anyone who has worked on such a platform, WILL I GET FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP MY CHILDREN FROM STARVING?

Thanks in advance

Long distance headaches - help! - Posted By: info_seeker

I'm in Ohio and work for a service in California. It's been a real problem finding a true unlimited plan.

Have tried Vonage (call quality was substandard), ATT "unlimited" long distance (got one of those nice letters), and now the phone card company I had been using apparently decided to jack their rates way up.

Looking at ATTCallVantage, using satellite internet service (no DSL where I live). Anyone have experience with this, and do things work well for you?

All help is much appreciated!

Basic 4 question - Posted By: Mother-of-6

I am a bit confused... I thought that the basic 4 included (Op, DS, H&P, and ER) But I've read that it entails (Op, DS, H&P and Consults). Is this correct? If so, how do I go about finding ER work as an IC? Thanks!

I used to make .10 cpl but have been bumped down to 9 cpl and with new platform just implemented, I have totalled it to be a 40% reduction in pay. I'm bummed...

Any advice?

Question about temporary relocation! - Posted By: Birmingham, Ala

Due to a family crisis, I will be relocating to Georgia for maybe up to 2 years. I will be leasing my home to a family member here in Alabama. Just wondering, should I continue to use my Alabama address in regards to IRS, vehicle registration, insurance etc, or register as a Georgia citizen. Since I will not be head of household in Georgia, will I not be able to claim the home office on taxes. I will only be 2 hours away from home, and will probably travel here every other weekend, as my parents live here in Birmingham. I work as an employee with one company via internet and IC with another via internet. Just wondering, as there are so many things to think about.

Dealing with burnout - Posted By: Lynn Jacoby

Hi:

Is anyone out there dealing with burnout due to their transcription job? I have been doing this for 7 years as an Independent with only 1 vacation in that time. I work weekends and holidays and feel like I am about ready to yank my freaking hair out from the responsibility!!!

Lynn

14.00/hr for radiology private contractor job/PT, internet based. Good dictation. - Posted By: Sound fair to you?

When he said we pay by the hour not the line, I was unprepared to give him my fee! I typed for these rads when I worked at the hospital so know them well. About two hours per day of work for their outpatient imaging center (MRIs, CTs, mammograms, ultrasounds).

Thanks!

How many reports is an average - Posted By: amount to do per day?

I mean hospital work, the basic 4, and not short reports, or overly long. Most are between 5 and 9 minutes, some talking fast, some slow, and some average. Also, no radiology.

good morning fellow MTs - Posted By: b

Does anyone have a used C phone for sale. E-mailed a few people on board who said they had one but have not heard back from either one. Thank's in advance....

QA questions - Posted By: kann

Which sentence is correct: 20 units of Pitocin WERE given - or 20 units of Pitocin WAS given????

also - I thought regarding dangerous abbreviations that in an op report under anesthesia/meds - correct would be Demerol 10 mg intravenously and not Demerol 10 mg IV.

I'm either getting old or just sick of this.

Question for Lanier/Cphone users...please... - Posted By: Laura

I have a Lanier LX219 that I just hooked up. I have it all programmed (I believe) correctly. I am having a problem with the pedal though. I can play the dictation but I cannot for the life of me figure out the rewind or fast forward on the pedal. It just beeps at me. Do I have something programmed wrong? Does anyone know what I have done wrong? Thanks for any advice.

~Laura

I have to vent! ASR is driving me up the wall! - Posted By: Old and tired MT

When I was started on ASR, I was told it was strictly "voluntary" and that if I did it, I would get a "mixture" of ASR reports and straight MT. Well, not the case. Now everyone has to learn ASR and every report I get is ASR-- even the most horrible of horrible dictators. I keep fixing the same mistakes over and over and ASR has "learned" nothing from the corrections. I still think it is all a ploy to put ALL the dictators on it, no matter how bad they are, just so we will make the same per line as the Indians. My last shift, I had exactly ONE very short report that was not on ASR and all the rest were. Just as soon as I can find another job, I am out of MT altogether. They have totally ruined what used to be a good profession with all their "progress". Well, they can have it!