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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Best line counter/invoicer - suggestions?nm

Posted By: LAMT on 2006-12-23
In Reply to:

nm


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line counter
I got it to work if I use slow method, so if you figure it out great, but whew, what a help evenif slower then the regular method
line counter
I found that the MTstars counter works great EXCEPT for gross lines - I was shorted 622.00 last year and just found out, when was notified I had been shorting myself. (what a company to tell me of my error - I was shocked.) All other "parts" work well but hope eventually it gets fixed on MTstars so I can continue using it.
Line counter
Just wanted to clarify - The MTStars line counter works great for me. I did have an issue but my original post probably should have been split into two - a company I work for actually told me of an error - that does not happen too often.

I have referred others off site to this counter and no one has had problems. My concerns about straight line counts has a fix (comparable rate) that I use with the counter. Do not want anyone thinking this program has anything deficient with it. I use it to bill my IC clients as well as my private ones. I would be lost without it.
line counter user too
You know, I NEVER thought about the feature in Word (using Word's total char w/spaces/65 = total line count. It never occurred to me that that doesn't count hard page breaks, tabs, or returns! I feel really stupid. I've always just trusted that that is the way things are done (thinking that TX companies are actually treating the MTs fairly concerning pay). And the thing that makes me so mad is that, that is the way most transcription companies have you figure your lines! Because apparently that's the way their customers ask/tell them to bill them! Something is definitely wrong with this picture. We, as MTs need to stand up and just not take it anymore! I'm TIRED of just taking what they make us take. Granted, I'm sure there are actually some decent, honest Tx companies who actually pay for all characters/keys used, but I'd have to say, by and large, that is just not the case.

Having said all that, I have one client that I also bill using Instant Text Pro V line count software and I love it. But I have worked for other companies in the past who used strictly the Word method of counting characters w/spaces and dividing that by 65. How unfair is that? All this time! Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
MT STARS LINE COUNTER
You need to repost this over and over - it is great, glad I did not miss it.
line counter programs
I have always suggested MTStars flash counter and have never had a problem for my "newbies" who come on board for me - however I have a new trans whose systems does not support this invoice generator - line counter program - Can someone suggest another free invoice / line counter program and direct me to link so that I can inform her. I prefer not to have any Newbie spend money when they do not have to. Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Line Counter Software...

Hey there ....


Does anyone have a lead on any line counting software for under $30-$40?  I have TexTally, but it does not calculate the same way my Word 2002 calculates. 


  Thanx for your time.


Platform line counter

I check my line counts with the software counter every day at the end of my shift and write it down.  At the end of this pay period, if I did a full pay period count on the same counter, my count doesn't add up to the same as when I add each day individually.  At first I thought it might have to do with blanks, but it is off by almost a whole shift's worth lines and I don't leave very many blanks.  I double checked the dates/times I entered to make sure I didn't miss a day.  I did not.


Has anyone else experience this?  I'm wondering if my company gets the count they pay me for this way.  I normally don't add them all up for the whole pay period, so I never noticed it before. 


macro for line counter

Paste this into your macro editor, if your line is 55 characters (or whatever) instead of 65, just substitute 55 for 65.


Sub PostLineCount()
Dim N As Long
N = ActiveDocument.Characters.count
N = Round(N / 65)
AutoCorrect.Entries.Add Name:=qdlc", Value:=N
MsgBox N & " lines in this document"
End Sub


If you need to type in your line count into an invoice, it is now in your autocorrect, just type qdlc in your invoice.  The autotext entry qdlc will change to the new line count each time you run this macro in a new document.


I hope somebody finds this useful and it will save her a little bit of money.  If any of you have some specific need this macro does not address, I will check back here later and post the new macro solution for you.


WORD/LINE COUNTER QUESTION

Is there a program that you can down load to keep a running total of your lines all day.  I keep forgetting to go into word count after every report.  The company keeps track but I want to be sure it is right.  I have M. Word 2000 so I cannot leave it running like the newer versions. 


Please take note that the Word line counter--sm
is not accurate because it counts ALL lines, even those that are blank. If your reports are double spaced, it will count the lines in between as lines. be careful. recommend a good line counting program instead.
Line counter that does not depend on MS Word??
I had a computer crash. After I reformatted my computer, I no longer have Word, only WordPerfect. All I counted lines with before was Word's statistics, lines with spaces. WordPerfect does not give lines with spaces. I have looked at several line count utilities and ALL so far expect you to have Word installed on your computer. They use Word and just report the line count to you (so what would be the point of purchasing a program to do that....just use Word!!!). I need an inexpensive reliable line count utility that does NOT require Word. Thanks.
Anyone been able to figure out yet about the MQ line counter being Transcription QC QA and Clerical
and no Correction. Maybe we are all going to QA each others work to save money for Frank so he can take someone to Hawaii or type his letters. Maybe.
See inside for how to access Word's line counter...
Open your Word program and select Tools and then Word Count.
I use a line counter system similar to sylcount--sm
It has an invoice feature within it. I save my daily files by patient name and whether CN, H&P, etc. If I had to run an invoice like that each month, it would be much easier to have your files by each doctor and then run the invoice feature on the line counter. It would count each patient during that month by name and list it on the invoice that way, as well as including the line count and the cost. It would be much easier than doing it by hand. Good luck to you.
Inexpensive Line Counter - http://www.mpword.com/mptools.htm - $43.00 - nm
:O)
Are you supposed to use the on-line counter or the Ctrl-I function? You need access to get to the
s
There is nothing wrong with the MTStars Line Counter. If you have issue, you need to email
and take it up with us directly rather than post openly on the forum. Email to support@mtstars.com
There is a free download line counter called Abacus and I have used
that program to count my lines, which works real well.  I just always used a program to do it.  It's pretty user friendly and you can try it for free and see if you like it. 
Been discussed in the past that Word's line counter is lower than normal. Anyone else? nm
.
Software suggestions for line counting. MP Count is not helpful
I am doing an IC job and was going to use MP Count because it also prepares an invoice. The problem is.. I dont think the line counts are correct. I swear I only did like 6-10 clinic notes and it had my line count at 1100. Am I doing something wrong or is there a better program out there. I hate to spend a lot of money as this is only a temporary fill-in job for this week but I want to be fair. I put in 65 characters and I charge .10 a line.. I just cant see charging over $100 for just that many notes. Any suggestions?
Company states cannot use Vonage. Any suggestions for land line unlimited long distance? nm

They have a counter here that is free I believe as well - sm
go to the home page and find it that way. Also skip the business license unless your "employer" is requiring it, or if your county requires it, more hassle than it is worth. As of now I don't require one where I am, though my DH did for cutting grass at a local church for a few years(though I made 6 x more than he did). We have personal property tax here so I'd have to pay taxes on my computer, etc, that I use for work, so far MT is under the radar in my county though other counties in my state require it, go figure.
Over the counter drugs

Are over the counter drugs capitalized? Example: "Unisom"


 


Thanks


Personally, I do not use the counter so it --sm
would not bother me. I use the transcriber for only one client that dictates 15-20 miinutes a day and is very easy. Maybe make it very clear in your ad that other than the counter, it is in good working condition?
Agree that over the counter meds for
tapeworm are ineffective.  It's not worth the gamble.  While you try the OTC out, the tapeworm is depleting nutrition from your pet and making it weaker. It's worth a trip to the vet!!  Good luck!
AND the countdown to Christmas counter way up at the top--sm
right down to the seconds. this is great! someone there has an ingenious mind to think of this type of thing! Merry Christmas!
admin....ha! aka bean counter
nm
He added over 200 to the counter right from the start.

It's a trick.


Are you sure the counter wasn't slow? sm
Sometimes it takes quite awhile for the counter to catch up, especially if you are on a large account with several MTs working on it. I always check back the first thing the next shift and it has usually caught up by then with the correct count. BTW, would you email me privately with the name of the company for whom you work - I'm looking for an EXText job. Thanks and good luck!
Do you take over the counter medication or from a physician. Which seems to work well.
:
I do that and I also use paper towels to clean counter.
zz
Try melatonin over-the-counter in your vitamin section.
Doctors I worked with got me hooked on it. They said they used it themselves.  Doctors know the side effects of chemical drugs and steer away from them when it comes to taking drugs.  Anyway do a search on Google about melatonin.  It may work for you and it really has no side effects for me, like the grogginess prescription drugs give you the morning after you take a pill to sleep.
Question on counter program - for administrator
I use your line counter program faithfully for line count clients, but recently had to use it for page count client of mine on a second computer - I downloaded it the same way etc..  When I check off page count and enter my rate all files come up as 1 page.  This does ot happen on my other computer - is there anything you can give me a headsup on so I can use it on both computers - both are exactly the same setup and operating programs.
...counter not working... does that make them worthless?
Thanks DeeAnn, that link helped confirm what I thought. Neither of the counters are working on these two machines. Everything else is (tone,speed, etc. adjustments), peddle, power and headsets are all fine. Just no counters. Out of curiosity, do the counters not working tremendously devalue them? The neighbor was offering to give me one of three machines if I'd sell the two remaining ones, hence my involvement and interest. I've wondered about getting into MT (lord knows I can't handle full-scale court reporting school but am quick to learn, fast on keyboard and diligent though I need to sharpen grammar and proofing a bit). I was going to ebay these but with broken counters not sure what they are potentially worth, if too low then he may not want to part with anything. Otherwise, I'd go ahead... Refurbs are outrageously expensive but say around $50 each unit - is that asking too much? Opinions?
A gross line is anything on a line is a line. A line set at 65 characters means it sm
has 1-inch margins on each side. The maximum number of characters on that line would be 65 and that includes spaces. If there is 1 character on that line it is a line.

A standard 65-character line usually consists of 65 characters with spaces unless, of course, the employer does not pay for spaces and then it would be 65-characters without spaces.
Keep a shallow bowl of apple cider vinegar on the counter.
This is something my mom did - worked for her, works for me. I set a small, shallow bowl of vinegar on the back of the stove or tucked into a corner on the cupboard. It cuts the odor down to almost nothing and keeps it gone. Plus, it's a whole lot cheaper than the over-perfumed stuff from the store.
Sally's? Wow, I would never have guessed. JCPenny carries some at their jewelry counter as well
nm
No. As another poster said, it encourages guessing, which is completely counter-procuctive to the g
makes for low morale within a company.
Anything on the line makes up a line even if just one letter or number. Every line of print is a
s
Gross line = each line on page counts as a line, even if it's only 1 word. nm
x
Gross line means anything on a line is counted as a line.

You can get an idea in the difference using documents you have already created, assuming you're working in Word. Simply open a document and check the properties. Click on the statistics tab and you will see the number of lines as well as characters with and without spaces. If you're currently getting paid by the line and a line is 65-characters with spaces, do the math and see how that number of lines compares with the number of lines in your stats.


One thing to keep in mind: if you have a blank line between paragraphs, instead of hitting the enter key twice, format your document to give the appearance of blank lines between paragraphs.


thanks to both for suggestions
don't know why i didn't think of this one...it just might work.
Thanks for all the suggestions. sm

I'm not very adventurous so I don't know how I'd like stripes or room themes, but I'm looking for a splash of color here and there.  I did like the idea of the pale blue sponge roller over white walls for the living room and a tan color for the dining room to make it a little more formal.  I think we're going to give that a try.  The sponge roller will give a little hint of color without making me feel anxious with the too busy or loud.


Thanks again, all


Thanks for your suggestions
I appreciate your suggestions. I have no typos in my resume or cover letter, I have contacted the phone company and let them know that I need DSL for a job, and I have received feedback from my online tests. I did have a position offered to me recently but I didn't have DSL and had to turn it down. I'm sure something will come along eventually. It is just discouraging to be so excited about entering a new career only to find so many hurdles. I guess it will only make me stronger. Your encouragement helps.
suggestions, please!

I need to order a .wav pedal, player and a word expander.  Anyone with info on a good pedal/player reasonably priced? Files will be sent to me as dss files.  Is there a good web site for new/preowned MT software?


TIA,


sunnyMT


Thanks for all the suggestions.
The IRS check came through in the mail today, so my backside got saved big time.  I also got a second job offer today, so I'm going to work two jobs for a while.  At least until Christmas.  Then I'll decide which job is better or if I can handle both on a permanent basis.  I do have some stuff to sell on ebay, so that'll be some quick cash.
Suggestions

Here's my 2 cents for whatever it is or isn't worth.  Bear in mind that I'm my own worst critic.  The hours worked and dependability aside, the first thing I would do is honestly evaluate my own work.  In other words, what criteria did I use to determine that all the work, or at least that not QA'd by myself, was crappy work?  Was the work really crappy or am I a "comma freak" or did I send QA feedback in a constructive rather than a critical way.?  Sh*t runs both way, QA people can kill even a good MT; MTs can also kill a good QA person.


As for the other QA person,  I personally wouldn't give jealousy the time of day unless that QA person was in a position to QA my QA, in which case; yes, she could give you serious problems since many company's management do not have a clue about the work an MT does and wouldn't know quality from crap.  Thus, they listen to the employees they trust and jealousy just doesn't factor in.  The only thing one can do about that is hope they don't get cross-ways of a jealous type person.


After evaluating myself and finding I had done my best and that every aspect of my job had been above reproach; then I would tell this company to take their job and stick it where the sun doesn't shine and I'd move on down the road until I found a company that would appreciate my dedication and hard work.


Good luck to you and don't let this get you down.  While they're hard to find, there are still companies out there who appreciate hard work and dedication and whose management understands MTs because they have been there, done that themselves.


suggestions...

I don't know what Harry & David is, but.. over the years I have given/received flavored coffee, Godiva chocolate, gift cert for lunch at local restaurant, book of car washes,  package of CDs, certificate for massage at local health club (my favorite!), manicure certificates. 


Wow! THanks for these suggestions!

I am going to try the "propping" of the keyboard and see if that helps.  I think I will also order the Smartgloves and Handeze and give them a try.  I used to take glucosamine and chondroitin and I seemed to develop hip pain when I did.  When I stopped it, the pain went away.  Tried it again, the pain returned.  I can't imagine why that would happen.  Maybe I should give that another shot just in case! 


I have been tested for thyroid in the last year, and many years before that, and it is always negative.  I have so many of the low thyroid symptoms.  Oh well...


Thanks everyone so much!


Here's some suggestions for you...

First off go to the local library and look at the April 2005 issue of Consumer Reports.  Each year they rate new/used cars for reliability and it's a great way to see what vehicles have shown to be reliable in your price range and which ones you should run from.


Once you've narrowed down a car regardless of where it comes from you should pay to have a CarFax report run. This report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents. 


After CarFax clears the vehicle then you'll want to hire an independent mechanic to check out the vehicle.  While this will cost you around $100-150 it would be well worth it as they'll tell you if the vehicle is truly in the state the owner says.   Even if you get a car from a dealership with a supposed warranty always pay someone else to review the vehicle because you don't know for sure that the dealer's "checking people" will be honest in their claims on the quality of the vehicle.


Good luck on the search and let us know what you end up with!