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Wow, people! Thanks for the info on AT&T. I was thinking of switching over to them sm

Posted By: Jan on 2008-02-18
In Reply to: AT&T - blondie

I have had problems with my internet service on occasion, but I am not not without service for five days though! Yikes! And good point about complaining that they might charge you for a business line in another posting here. I think I would still switch though and ask companies how long their customers are usually without service, i.e. ask how long before service is restored.




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Can you make good money with radiology? I'm thinking of switching
nm
how about switching it around and telling the people who run the show that you really can't
expect any more out of people who have not received increases in pay in years, are swamped with ESLs and American mushmouths and they really should stop and think about the pay rate being increased so you aren't faced with this scenario.  how about representing the MTs interests instead of sucking up to the big boys?
Many people are thinking this...
I've been trying to be nice by not posting at all.  I think its rediculous that she continues to come her posting graphic details about her personal business. I would never dream of doing such a thing and I truly do not have any parents or other family to turn to.  I just work things out on my own. 
How about forgetting about other people and thinking
I started doing that years ago. We have the ability to just tune in our our headphones and tune out the garbage. Take attitudes for what they are. Here is something once I heard I always try to remember when someone in the field, either a coworker or boss, etc. is nasty: Always be kind as possible, everyone is also fighting some kind of battle.
This means we don't have to get in other people's heads and figure out why they are out to get us. Don't waste the time. Chances are whatever it is has nothing to do with us. If QA is instructional fine, take from the mistake and learn and consider that learning experience a blessing.
Conversely, besides the money which I also need to feed my family, think about that patient you are serving silently from home, and how you are in service. There is no job greater than to be in silent service to others. So, 2 things we can learn about our unique situation in this job: 1. Be thankful we can work quietly and remain quiet even through the storms of others. 2. Remain quiet while serving in a noble manner those who are at a time in their lives when they need you most, the sick and dying.
A lot of the way we are treated is drawn by the way we look at the world. Change your outlook and things will change. That of course is just my 2 cents. I am not in control of anyone else, not this business, not the other posters, not the docs, not the people in the industry alongside me. I can only sit quietly and appreciate the fact that I am an MT and that is where I should be and I enjoy that fact every single day, even for 26 years I have served thus far. Happy Thanksgiving.
I think a lot of people are fooled into thinking medical

Going to be an easy way to make a living.  I have a friend who thought she could just fall right into it, work at home to be with her new baby and make the money that I was making at the time.  It seems glamorous being able to work at home and make good money, some of us make well into 40k.  She was in school for less than 6 months, found a job immediately when she came out, but the tapes were horrible, the company was horrible, and she was constantly asking me, hour upon hour, what this word was, listen to this word for me, I can't find this word.  She was making about 8 dollars a day! Needless to say, less than two months she gave up and is now working in a grocery store again.  This was about three years ago.


So these newbies in the long run will get frustrated not having the knowledge they need in order to make the money to earn a decent living.  I remember I went to school for about a year and a half to learn this stuff.  When I got out, it was a whole new ball game.  The doctors weren't as clean and clear as on the practice tapes we did in school for three months, I had to work in house in an emergency room so there were things constantly going on around me that made the dictation even harder to understand, and I believe it was about well over two years into MT'ing before I knew "NIN gap" was in fact "anion" gap.  So these ladies have no idea what they are in for, and the only people left to do VR in a few years will be us seasoned MTs who have paid our dues already. 


I was thinking about this situation with companies that hire people and then there is no work. When
you think about that, that is about as low as anyone can get to just run people out of work for whatever reason when people need money to live, pay bills, support children and feed them, etc. When you really think about that, people's lives hinge on their income and as far as I am concerned, that is the worst thing any company can due to the people that work for them. That is how I feel today because I have been out of work and scrounging for lines and I am disgusted with the whole business. I hope that companies will soon wake up and stop doing this to people. It is disgusting.
Well, was thinking people were not going to doctor's appt or scheduling exams.
dd
So instead of training him, you thought euthanazia would be a better idea? Tired of people thinking
:{
Speaking of Kenny Chesney, is anyone thinking what I am thinking? see message
When I hear the words, "annulment" and "fraud" in the same sentence, I can only think of one thing.  Anybody else thinking the same thing?
if you live among trashy people, low income people, people w/o goals or direction,
content to just get by, you by default become a part of a group. "people" have decided to group trailer people as trash. that is because there are enough people in that group to earn the title and even if you aren't trash, you are categorized by others. did i think i was trash in lower class neighborhood surrounded by people who drank and fought all weekend? no but i knew i wasn't staying and did not try to pretend that all the fools in the neighborhood were just nice folks who ended up where they were because high horse snobs deemed their neighborhood low class. people for the most part live exactly where they belong because they don't want to educate themselves, they don't mind "trash" around them and they don't want to be bothered trying just a bit hard to extract themselves from that world. they justify everything to themselves i guess saying everyone who doesn't like their lifestyle is a snob and the comedians (Jeff Foxworthy/Chris Rock, etc) who make fun of them are just ill-informed.

As for me, I fought hard to get out and don't even want to look back. It amazes me people stay for generations.
Switching to DSL

I'm moving and the new place has DSL.  I have always used cable high-speed.  For those of you who have experience with both, can you tell me if DSL is a downgrade?  I'm concerned about my production going down because of a slower connection.  I know DSL and cable have comparable connection speeds, but I think DSL is significanly slower in transfer rate.


If I'm wrong, straighten me out.  Tks for all input.


Switching to radiology.......sm

I made the mistake a few years back of switching to a radiology account because it had a better schedule for me.  I had never done radiology, but I had the attitude that a lot of experienced, well rounded MTs do.  With such a vast knowledge of medical transcription.. how hard could it be?  Wow, was I in for a rude awakening!  Radiology is a language unto itself and if you think it's easy, you're wrong. It gave me a whole new perspective of Rad MTs.  So if you’re considering taking on radiology without experience or training, you might want to think twice.


no problem switching here

My office was consolidated into another one about three years ago and I never had a problem.  One day I had a different 800 number to call the office with and new clerks to talk to on the phone, but everything else was the same, i.e., accounts, etc.  Not everyone has a bad experience moving in with a new office.


Help...always worked in WP5.1, now switching >SM
to Word.  Any help appreciated.  Type of reference books for Word.  MT productivity Word books??? Thanks.
My one job uses it still though they are talking of switching - sm
over to regular WordPerfect one of these days...probably be years though as a slew of formats would have to be redone, macros, etc.
Switching to Digital
Can anyone tell me anything about switching to digital?  I only have one very small account of my own but the tape quality is awful.  With only 1 account is it even feasible to do so?  Thanks guys. 
switching companies
I need some input!  I've been offered a position with another company but I'm not sure if I should jump ship and take it.  There's not much difference in pay.  There's a bit more flexibility with hours.  Should I ask for time off from my current company and try the new company for a couple of weeks to see if it will be a good fit?  Should I let the new company know that I'm just wanting to "try" them out?  I know this probably all sounds unrealistic, but I don't want to go from something bad to something worse and have regrets and not be able to go back.  I've recently separated from my husband and have 2 small kids.  I'm not happy with my current company, but I want to make sure this new company will be a place I'll be able to succeed at.  I just don't want to make things worse for myself.     
switching fields
Many big nationals have every specialty now. If you work for one, ask them if you could just do rad and path. You might find path interesting but rad could be a tad boring.
switching MT fields
I've been doing acute care for almost 30 years, but I would really like to do radiology and/or pathology. What's the best way(s) to get into these fields?
Switching to radiology - help, pay, etc.

I am thinking of switching to radiology (for a change) after doing all other specialties for over 21 years.  I feel I can make the transition okay after a learning curve, as I have transcribed a lot of ortho, physiatry, physical therapy, etc.,which should help some.  Here is where I need some help.....   My offer was for 10/line gross count and right now I am working for 9/line, 65 ch, but I have no idea how this compares because radiology reports are different and a lot shorter, etc. etc.  I am used to making pretty good money since I have done this for so long and just want to make sure I am not going backwards in pay.  I definitely cannot afford that in this economy.  So for those of you who have experience in radiology can you give my your thoughts and ideas on expectations for this pay rate (obviously after my learning curve).  Thanks so much for any help!!  Also, feel free to e-mail if preferred.


Any advice on switching to med billing from being an MT?

I just can't seem to make any money working at home with the kids talking to me constantly with transcipriton so I am thinking about switching to something I don't have to listen to.  Maybe medical billing.  Any advice anyone? 


Thanks


Unsure about switching jobs.
I've applied to three companies over the past couple of weeks and gotten interviews with all of them.  I just don't know about switching jobs right now.  Obviously, there's a reason I want to leave my present company.  I just don't know if it would be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire if I switched.  There are pros and cons to each situation.  Until I actually do the work and try out their platform, I don't know if I could be more productive than I am now.  I don't want to be stuck on their most difficult account, which is exactly what happened at MQ and S in the past.  I've been on my current account for over a year now, so my expander is pretty full.  However, it's such a waste of time to pull up the templates and look up hardcopy doctor and patient information on every single report.  I do like the flexible schedule without having to work set hours, but I run out of work all the time.  I'm half tempted to cancel the interviews, but I could be throwing away a good thing here.  There's no way I could work two at a time to see if things work out either.  I guess I want the best of both worlds.   Any suggestions?
We're switching this week
I will get to keep the gas guzzler Dodge Ram and DH will drive my Hyundai Sonata.    $2.99 for his truck.  I use the lower grade, $2.79.  Is this ever going to end? 
Switching internet service
Cox just informed me that my monthly bill will be going up by $5 starting in October.  Does anyone use NetZero or can anyone recommend a reliable internet service at a decent rate?  My bill will go up to about $45/month. 
I have thought about switching to coding too, but sm
but someone told me that coding is going the way of MT too, being outsourced and such, so I am not sure it would not be a lateral move.  There seem to be lots of ads in Advance magazine for coders, so perhaps it is still a hot field.   The Andrews school offers an at-home training course, and also offered this web site for more information on coding as a career:  http://www.codernet.com

Hope this helps.  Good luck!




Try switching feet? For the life of me
I can't seem to get the hang of using the footpedal with my left foot .... no coordination there at all!

To the poster with foot problems, you might check with podiastrist ... maybe you have plantar fasciitis or a bone spur?
switching to unfamiliar dictators...
Absolutely...It's sooo hard, isn't it? I've been doing this for 15+ years on major ESL accounts and it kills my production to switch when my accounts run out of work.
Millinium RadNet? My Hosp is switching...any help? SM
We currently transcribe in Word from Lanier VoiceWrite and send via VPN.  I've been informed we're switching to Cerner Millinium RadNet the first of January.  The people inside don't seem too worried and don't know much about this system.  Does anyone have a clue for me?  I need to know what I'm getting into here.  Any and all help will be appreciated ! !
Advice needed - Switching from employee to IC

I have been working with a national company for 5 years and have enjoyed it but a friend called me recently stating she had a doctor who is despirate for a new MT and she recommended me.  I talked to the doc. today and she is very interested.  I have a meeting with the office manager next week to work out the details.  I have a few questions and would appreciate your advice:


1.  Doc. did not know what type of dictation system they use, but it sounded like a C-phone or DVI system.  Currently I do everything on line, is there a way to dial into a C-phone system through my computor's modem?  I know that this is probably wishful thinking, but it can't hurt to ask. 


2.  Do you draw up a contract?


3.  Are there any questions you would recommend I ask (we have already discussed pay and vaccation/sick time as well as turn around on the reports)?


I am a bit nervous about striking out on my own but the company I work for made a lot of changes last January and it just is not working well for me anymore.  


Thanks for your help,


Mariah


My hospital is switching to eScription - what can I expect?

The hospital I work for just told us that they are going to switch to the eScription platform.  Many of my fellow transcriptionists are afraid they will lose their jobs.  They think that because it is editing, the hospital won't need as many transcriptionists.  I have been a Transcriptionist for 20 years, doing mostly acute care, and I'm a little concerned as I have only been at this hospital for three years.  If you could please tell me what we might expect in general, I would sure appreciate it. 


Some other questions I have are these:


For those of you who have been in this position before, how was your pay affected by changing to eScription?


Do you like working on this platform and why or why not?  Does it make your job easier or harder?


If you use it at home and get paid by the line (which is one possibility our supervisor suggested might happen), did your line rate go up or down or stay the same?


I guess I'm wondering if I should start looking for a new job and trying to find out all I can about this platform before making that decision.  Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated.  I have read all the posts here about eScription, but many of them are very old, from 2005 or so.  Please help with current info and thanks so much!  I don't want to worry if there is no need to and I want to be prepared just in case there is cause for concern.


switching peripherals from desktop to laptop

if they have previously been used on that machine, does the machine have to be turned off before attaching them?  don't know what i'd do without you guys on this board, be lost in space i guess...


Cool!! Glad to help! Switching rooms does help a lot. nm
x
Losing expander by switching companies

If I decided to switch companies but am using an Expander program that is the company's software, I would have to start from square one with  new company. (There is no way around that, correct?) 


Not planning on leaving now but was just thinking that if that should become a consideration, my line count would drop big time until I could build all those expansions again.    Has anyone ever gone through that?  Do you remember how long it took to get back up to speed?


? switching monitors to flat panel sm
I have ordered a flat screen monitor from Dell and will be switching from a 14 inch dinosaur to a 17 inch flat screen on an Acer tower. I just wonder if I am going to have problems or does it "adjust itself" without problems. Need more desk space. TIA
Switching Around Accounts While Getting Paid for Production
Appalled, I understand what you're saying, but there's another side to your point that I think you didn't verbalize quite well enough for MT30+ to understand.

When the employer, who is paying you for production, or even the employer who might be paying you hourly, asks you to switch accounts frequently, the employer is also going to suffer. When you're not typing up to your potential, she's not profiting as much from your typing either.

Let's say the MTSO just got in over her head with backlog and needs more staff. It does take time to find and hire new staff. But if the MTSO doesn't do that AND QUICKLY, then the MTSO is going to be suffering from the learning curve of the MTs she's asking to pick up the slack in the meantime.

Everybody suffers when the MTSO doesn't staff adequately in advance for new accounts, not just the MT.

On the other hand, if the MTSO anticipates a new account and hires in advance, then everybody suffers again because they start seeing the No Jobs Available message from overhiring until the new account kicks in.

It's a very tricky business when you're taking on a new account, hiring new people to staff it, and trying to coordinate it all so that everybody stays happy.
I was just notified my hospital is switching to DQS, any tips or warnings (sm)
Also, what type of expanders can you use, if any.  I've been on DOS for so long and use Smartype.  I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.  Truthfully, any pointers you can give me will be greatly appreciated. 
Switching banks - DD question (Happy B-day to poster below!!)

I have two bank accts.  One is Wells Fargo where I have DD.  The other is with Wash. Mutual which I just opened as I want to quit banking at Wells Fargo.


Has anyone switched banks and requested DD to be placed on another account?  If so, is there a time lapse in between that is of any length?  (i.e., will they mail the check to me in between stopping one DD acct and before setting up the other?).


Guess I should just call HR but I know they are busy as it is payday.  Will wait until Monday.  Thanks if you can be of help. 


We're in the process of switching my FIL to cable from Direct TV.
It's just too complicated for him to figure out what channels he actually has and what are just black channels that he doesn't. The "guide" seems too complicated for us, or it could be that we're just spoiled at the ease of cable use. Either way, he finally is ready for cable and I can't get it switched as fast as I would like. Direct TV is too complicated in my opinion.
Switching your internet browser doesn't automatically
make you immune to ALL viruses. Firefox is a browser just like Internet Explorer. The Windows XP viruses come through your operating system, not your browser. Viruses can also come through your email program. Your ports can be hacked no matter which browser you use, too.
I would say a GI is the correct specialist and keep switching until you find one who helps you. So
//
Incompetent team leaders who keep switching rules and make you
switch accounts all the time.
But maybe mine is the only one that thinks she knows it all. What a witch!!
If you set the default font then you don't have to keep switching for autotext or Instant Text.
Both entries will slip right in with the right font. You should really use templates if you switch a lot so you aren't constantly changing it.
Have used Shorthand for years..am considering switching to Instant Text..need opinions..sm
and advice.  I have tried to research the differences but until you get input from people who have used one or the other, or better yet both, you just never know. Instant Text looks like it might be much more difficult to learn than Shorthand.  I know all my abbreviations so that is not a problem.  I also use large blocks of text at times only changing certain things and am not sure I can do that in Instant Text.  On the other hand, IT looks like it has a lot of potential and I might really like it and pick up more speed. I average about 300-325 lph now.  I have been doing this for nearly 30 years, using ShortHand for about 10, but always looking for ways to improve!  Any input would be very much appreciated!  TIA 
I've no intention of switching over just cuz they're a "money maker"
I'd rather do consults and clinic notes which I enjoy. To some of us, it's not ALL about the money.

I'd rather make a little less and enjoy what I do. *Shrug* Maybe that's just me, though. Someone else can have my seat on the OPs bandwagon, lol!!!
Kaiser switching to EMR and to be offering retrival of your medical records online. sm

 


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008DHVJ2/ref=nosim/104-6407180-5455101?n=551440


 


I totally agree, the company I work for is switching from IT to Shorthand :( yuck!
xxx
so many people was wishy-washy nowadays...love to see people make
a stand for what they believe in...

it is kind of wierd those statements have to be made in the first place but guess we are an ever-transitioning country and are still young. so many different beliefs yet not much tolerance.

I found your post respectful, and right on as to how you feel. it does not seem that difficult to sift through to read and respond to messages someone might not care for...
Just remember that it is not the people on this board who short changed their people and ONLY after
caught did they (after they were suied) make an effort to look good by sending out these checks. Now, think about this--had they done this many years ago when they short changed everyone, that would have been honest. Does it not bother you that only after they know they are under the gun that they are doing this to try and make themselves look good?

I used to work for MQ and I used to like what I did. I never can say I really liked the people that I worked with, but I really think they had some of the best accounts that I have ever come across in the MT industry. I loved working the major teaching hospitals that I did, but that certainly does not mean that I enjoyed being cheated out of pay.

So chill already. People have been cheated, were lied to, and only AFTER they got caught have they tried to return some of the money they robbed us of (as well as cheated their clients).

We all have reasons not to be happy with this company and you go off on us because we are complaining of things like small refund checks of a penny or a few cents or a few hundred dollars and NO WAY to even check to find out if this is correct?

I am sorry you are unhappy all of us thinking that there is still a dead rat in the cellar, but there is still a dead rat in the cellar and nothing will bring the dead rat back.

I would hold no love for a company that I know willingly cheated the very people who helped THEM make money out of their hard-earned money.

Go take a deep breath and think about that.
My people skills are just fine. I just want to hire people who want to work.
I've not been ugly, I've asked questions, legitimate ones.  Please tell me what is wrong with that.  This site is not just for MTs, it is for QA Editors, Supervisors, Service Owners, there's even sections for Billers, Coders, and Nurses.   
demographic info is not the only info ...sm
protected by HIPAA, as we all know. I saw that ad too and was surprised to see it. Any identifying info is considered Protected Health Information, including diagnoses, tests, etc. This MTSO should have known better than to ask for that.
rude people? I would take good pay over polite people any day
Besides that they have never been rude to me and I have been here for almost 2 years. What do you consider a bad account?

I know my account is a little tough, but I am used to it. I am tough!