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Did you look at the margins and formatting and see how your basic template is set up? Never had this

Posted By: Sorry on 2007-05-12
In Reply to: EXText experts, I need some help (sm) - Debbie

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side margins, top margins or what??

Type a test page.  Set those margins on and see how many lines you get per page.  Don't know if it is 2 inches on sides and 2.5 on top and bottom or what.  But see how many lines you get per page and divide it by 2.00 and see what your cpl is.  But if they are crunching reports onto one page, beware you will probably lose money unless you have many, many reports of under 20 to 25 lines.   But no one knows how many "short" reports you get but my guess is not many and so with one or two full pagers, you will lose all your profit.  That is why it is best to be paid for the production you produce.    But that is me. 


A basic recommendation for a basic expander use plan SM
If you use your Expander mainly to store text for specific doctors and their specific reports you will 1) Find it extremely difficult and expensive to change jobs (critically so, to the point of eventually feeling you can't or even leaving the field when your employer lets you go) and 2) as someone said, find yourself spending a whole lot of time editing your expansions to the current report.

I strongly recommend instead contacting Linda for her system, then day by day developing your expander vocabulary of INDIVIDUAL words and phrases, untied to any specific report. I can take my abbreviation for "denies any fevers, chills, or sweats" (dyfcos) to any of dozens of companies and use it for dictations of thousands of doctors. No having to change it, because I also have one for "denies fever, chills, or sweats," one for "denies having fevers, chills, or sweats," and so on and so on. As Linda says, with a system the individual abbreviations don't have to be memorized. As you can see, these terms are merely the first letters of the words in the phrase(with Y standing in for "any" instead of A because that's my abbreviation for the word "any" itself).

BTW, regarding that last, editing gets very fast when all you have to type to drop in the word "the" here and there as you cruise through is a T, "his" a G, a "that" a V, et cetera. No special reason for those letters for those words, I was just looking for a one-letter abbreviation I could cut them down to to speed up.

Hope this makes sense. Linda will understand what I mean about the extreme importance of developing an independent dictionary of expansions that will work with any dictator.
Template question. Somehow this morning I saved the date and patient name into my template? I have t
deleting the date and patient name and resaving as a template but everytime I reopen the template the date and patient name are still there.  Anyone know how to delete them so that they come up blanks again????  Thanks. 
Create your template (save as a template) and use - sm
Control-F9 to make your empty field (as they call it); a set of {} will appear. Save the file, the brackets will not show unless you set it to show the field codes. To jump from {} to {} use F11. You can also preformat the {} with fonts/bold/caps, etc. Have fun.
My margins are changed!

Just went into my acct for a clinic in which I am an IC being paid 12 cpl in MS Word.  I have not worked for a week.  Today, I notice the margins are changed.  Does this change what constitutes a line (isn't it 65 characters per line)???  I go into their system and type on their MS Word via HSI. 


I am dumbfounded.


did u hit "justify" on the margins
were your margins "justified" when you made the macro? justified margins will make words space out to make it all even on the left side. delete the macro and try creating it again.
Got my margins out of wack, crud
Can anyone give any assistance? My left hand margin with every report I am typing shows up with what looks like a small picture of what I am typing. I have to automatically take with the arrows and move the margin all the way back over so it will not show what looks like a book on the side. My page is divided in other words, instead of 1 page it is showing up as 2. I hope this is making sense and I hope someone can assist this damsel in distress. Thanks!
It depends on the margins and font (nm)

x


Did you try changing your margins in Page Setup?
After you make the changes save that document as something...ex:  Template Form.  Then when you work on that account you can pull your form, use it, and when done save it as whatever it needs to be.  That way your Template Form will always remain the same.  I don't know if this is what you wanted or not..hope it helps.
I need help in MS Word. I have a new doc that requires almost every page to have different margins.

I used to have an account that we could type Control and L and that would make a page break with the margins for a letter.  I don't know how to create this.  I looked into macros in Word and am totally confused and have no idea what to do.


Can anyone help me figuer out a way I can assign Control and L for the letter margins and control P for progress note margins.  I'd really appreciate any help


Alt-P-M, but you can't adjust margins without a section break.
Not sure what you are trying to do.
XML formatting - does anyone know how....sm
to create a double space after punctuation that holds and doesn't get stripped in XML?   Thanks!
formatting
Generally, if you don't have to identify the speakers by name or if there are several speakers -- just start a new paragraph with each change of speaker.  Or, if it is a question/answer type of interview, you can put Question and Response as headings on each new paragraph.  I've even done them with Male and Female headings to identify speakers when the company didn't want them identified by their names.  Good luck.  
Formatting

I have a few questions about formatting:


If more than 1 presciption is dictated should it be seperated with a period or a comma? For example: Prozac 100 mg. , Provigil 200 mg.


 


Thanks


Angie


Need Word 2007 shortcut to adjust margins, as I can't see the ribbon. Thanks! nm
x
Yes, watch margins/font. Unlike 65 chars line, this
I was paid on gross line for years, and I found that it worked out to be about 2 cpl higher than 65 chars line. Thus, 8 cents per gross would equal to roughly 10 cents per 65 chars. However, as other poster stated, you have to make sure it's a 12-size font and 1-inch margins
Gross line was 7, not 8. Depending on font size and margins
7 cpl is about 8.5 cpl. 
SH bold formatting and others
In the "Dictionary Text [Add]" dialog box, as you
are entering in the "Text to Type", when you need
to add special formatting, you simply tap Ctrl-K, and
add the keystroke commands applicable to your
word processor to change to the desired font.
For example, Microsoft Word uses Ctrl+B to
enable/disable bold face. So to simulate bold text
with ShortHand in Microsoft Word, you simply need
to simulate the Ctrl+B keystroke. When you are done
your word(s) that are bolded will look like this:

{@KEY--Ctrl+B}your text{@KEY--Ctrl+B}.

When you actually type the key (as you transcribe)
Shorthand will automatically/instantly enter all the
special function keys that you have entered, and
your text will come out formatted.

You can use the same concept to add any formatting codes to your Shorthand text, including underlining, italicizing, changing font styles and/or font sizes. You can also add tabs, change margins, etc.

Try thi out and if you have any problems with this, post another message.

ask about that and formatting b4 you start -nm
.
AAMT BOS Formatting Question

Can any MTs with the AAMT BOS 2nd Ed. tell me the recommended way of formatting headings and operative titles?  TIA


Meditech Formatting Keys
I think it was control F8 for spellcheck, but you must be at the top of the document within the text portion of the report.  I have an old cardboard that fit over my F keys.  Here is what is says:  Control: SI, Add Line, Left Justify, Conv Case, Transpose, Del BOW, Del BOW, blank, S3, Word Attr, S19.  Then for Shift:  Bold, Italic, Underline, Set Attr, Center, Join, Help, Docum, Set Search, Search, Replace, MAGIC.  Then across the bottom it says:  Begin Block, End Block, Format, Get, Recall, Prev Field, Begin, End, Lookup, Delete Line, Exit, OK.  I hope this makes sense.  I basically had this placed overtop my F keys, and then I used this as a guide.  I think the post you were asking about was for the spellcheck.  I only worked in MAGIC Meditech, not in CLIENT, which is apparently word-based, so I'm not sure if these functions work the same in CLIENT.  Good luck.        E-mail me if ya' like - I am long time Meditech user (10+ years), but it has been a few months, and I haven't had to use it.      
Need help setting up formatting in MS word - sm
Computer crashed and died and now setting up my backup computer.  I need to fix it so I don't have 2 spaces after a period.  It is doing it automatically and I cannot find where to "fix" this.  This is Word 2000 that I am using on a computer with XP Pro.  Any help with this would be appreciated, it is driving me nuts (I am ending up with 3 spaces after a period as I am so used to spacing it myself).
Needing assistance with formatting
Asked to go to word, tools autoformant and  disable autonumber but cannot locate this. Can anyone help?
If you have Word Perfect, it is easy. Just open any document, default the font and margins and do a

You can do a comparrison on gross lines versus 65 character line count by opening any document you have and counting lines both ways. 


I have almost always been paid the gross line and still am right now.  No matter what the margins or font is, all documents are converted to 1 inch margins and 12 Courier font.  You do not count blank lines.  I make an average of 0.08 a gross line, which the way I am paid would average out to about 11-12 cents a 65 character line.


Hope this helps!


Clinic Note formatting question...

If the patient has a drug allergy do I make a new heading for Allergies or just include it in the HPI as dictated?  Also do I put the medication in all caps w/in the HPI if it is left there. 


I know I should probably know this,but I can not remember tonight.


TIA!


Need advice please re: formatting transcription test

It's been a long time since I had to do this.  I've been given a couple of report types to do.  The first appears to be a discharge summary.  Should I just type in the headings the way I "think" they should be based on how I was taught in the past?? 


Also, is it best to transcribe verbatim or try to make the test report look as professional as possible (like we would be expected to when on the job)?  As far as listed items are concerned, i.e. medications.....The old MT in me wants to number them.  Is that acceptable?   I'm really concerned with trying to format the report based on how I "think" they would want me to. 


I would appreciate any helpful advice anyone is willing to share!!


I agree 100%. Test questions on formatting or
anything else should not be asked on a forum of any kind. You need to research and find the answers for yourself on a test and not rely on people here to do the work for you.
I work for a hospital that is pretty liberal as far as formatting goes. SM

They have a basic template that they like us to adhere to as far as headings, font, font size, etc.  However, when it comes to more detailed formatting, they really have no set standards and leave it to our best judgment.


My question is regarding the medication heading.  Do you list the medications in a numbered list or in paragraph form?  I have a friend who is a nurse and she says the clinical staff, i.e. Nurses and Doctors like to have the medications in a numbered list because it makes finding them in a report a whole lot easier.  So would you list them even if the dictator is not saying "number 1, 2, 3,..."?


Macros are better suited to repetitive tasks like formatting.
I have a macro to create a different second page of a letter with header info., another one that will update formatting from documents created using a different Normal template so they conform with mine, another one for highlighting, etc. They really can be timesavers.
It means you have special formatting applied to those paragraphs sm
like keep lines together or keep with next. You can turn those squares off with the show/hide button on the toolbar or hit Ctrl+Shift +8 to toggle marks on or off -- that's probably what you hit to turn them on.
Basically formatting, how to type the headings, numbering, etc...sm
Are headings capitalized or followed with a colon?

ex.
HISTORY OF THE PRESENT ILLNESS:

Is it p.r.n., prn, h.s. or bedtime?

Just your basic formatting and styles. I may just download the ebook. Thanks!
Formatting of the document dictates the line count, not a different computer.
xx
If you're working in Word, if your Standard & Formatting toolbars
s
I just opened Word, opened the template and saved it as a Word template. nm
 
Any Stedman SmartType users? Pros & Cons? Will it retain bold formatting without using DOS command
 DOS commands like ShortHand does?
Basic 4

Can anyone tell me what Basic 4 MTs is?


THanks


basic 4
Where I have worked, op reports have always been a part of the basic 4...DS/OPS/H&P/CONS. Letters were just a part of the overall package. ER was in a class all its own and not considered as difficult at the basic 4 (on par with clinic work).
I know it's very basic, but have you...
tried Yahoo Geocities? I have an 'information only' site I made myself, and I think it's about $10 per month.
The basic 4s are so much different
than your clinic work. When starting in MTing I thought it would be a breeze. It took me a full year to get up to the expected number of lines per day. The lines they are asking for in order for you to go home, in fact, is probably less than most require in this field. I always transcribed over 2000 lines per day and now with voice recognition and straight it is over 3000. That is the world of transcription. I think their count is lenient myself. Transcription work is not easy as you are learning.
What is the basic
equipment and software that one should have before working as an IC? I currently work full time (supposedly) for a hospital and would like to supplement my income but am afraid of not having the right equipment to start. Also, can anyone suggest a good company? Thanks!!!
Basic 4
The 'Basic 4' work 'types' we speak of are: History and Physical Examinations, Consultations, Operative Reports (including Procedure Notes) and Discharge Summaries (including Psychiatric reports).
Basic 4
What is meant by Basic 4 - NM
Basic four?
Well, imagine the dive my confience took as a new MT looking for work, when I started hearing the term "basic four" and had no clue what that meant. *sigh*

Enlighten me, please?
The basic 4s were around in the 70s
Heard it then, has nothing to do with the MTSOs because I never knew of companies existing before the early 2000s as I was only working inhouse at hospitals. If a person does not know what they are, then how do you suppose a person might be able to do, just wing it? This is a newbie asking the question, not a dumb question but just one that maybe she should know because if not, might hinder her in the ability to do a job.
Basic 4 question

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?  


Basic equipment

I know I am of the "old school" but I think that you do need to have some basic equipment on hand when you are advertising to do transcription.  You don't have to have everything but a basic microcassette is not that much money.  Any account that I have gotten -- though it was years ago -- asked me what equipment I had and if I did not have what they needed --they searched elsewhere.  That is why I invested in my transcribers starting with the micro, then standard and then mini.  All accounts had me start within a week of talking with them.   Last year when I was thinking of expanding and had a couple of inquiries when they found out that I was not immediately set up to do digital -- though I told them I would buy the equipment and get set up -- did not hear back from them.  So I think you need the basics so that you are ready to go when they ask.  Since she has been working for a national already, she has her foot pedal and can do digital, just get a transcriber for the tapes --most of the smaller offices still go with the tapes.  But again, I am of the old school and have not looked for new clients for a while.  But I sure would not advertise or attempt to get accounts without the equipment and being ready to go at a minute's notice since they might use me for overflow and I could get my foot in the door.  A client does not like to hear,  I will be set up in a week for you or ten days.   Though they can say it, when they want your service and you are solicting for the business you had better be ready to do it.  Just me.


 


I would just keep it basic, without details. - sm
When I left my ex-employer, I had all kinds of grievances. But the bottom line is, they already knew each and every one of them, because I had already told management about them (in addition to the other MTs telling them the same things!) As an inhouse job, they also dud exit interviews. I skipped that, too. If there was something they didn't know about why I or anyone else that worked there was leaving, they could just figure it out for themselves.
Basic 4 report
Where could I see an example of a basic 4 report?  I've only typed SOAP notes.
While ER isn't one of the basic 4, I'd gladly
take ER reports any day over acute care. They're very repetitive & good lines.
acute care basic 4

Could someone please explain the major differences between acute care basic 4 and multispecialty clinic transcription?   It seems that the job ads usually specify which one and how much experience is needed with each of these categories, but I am curious to know the differences and why someone with several years of multispecialty clinic experience may not do well with acute care hospital transcription.



TIA for any info provided!


Of course, that's basic living *grin* ...... nm
xx