Go for just ophthalmology
Posted By: sm on 2009-02-24
In Reply to: Where/how to start? - Michele Lapis
Your best bet would be to look for an ophthalmology office needing transcription services.
Part of the problem is that you are thinking of MT as typing, i.e., you believe you are qualified to do it because of your classes in machine transcription and business English, and because you typed letters as an ophthalmology assistant. While those classes prepared you to be a good ophthalmology assistant, they in no way prepared you to do medical transcription.
You might not be aware of it, but your doctors probably dictated more clearly for you than they do at the hospital, since they knew you wouldn't be able to understand them if they went full-out.
I can't imagine what kind of MT employer would be telling you your speed isn't fast enough. I don't know any which would even ask about your typing speed.
The other poster is right about the accuracy, though. You need to be at least 98% accurate--95% is often a failing grade on employment tests and most won't hire you with a 97%.
If you still want to do general MT, rather than an ophthalmology account, your best bet would be to take one of the complete courses from a school like M-Tec or Andrews. The tuition might shock you, but it will be recouped quickly once you're working. Grads of both schools get jobs almost without fail, so it's a good investment.
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ophthalmology
I too am a COA and am transcribing for internists!!! It seems what I find, is most ophthalmologists have their own Transcriptionist in house and do not want someone who works from home, hence I am doing internal medicine. I have worked for a company doing ophthalmology only, but pay is terrible. Maybe you can find something in your area. I think the area has a lot to do with it too. I am in the South East. Good luck!!!!
Ugh, ophthalmology? I never did get the hang of that...
I have never liked ophthalmology or gynecology; too many strange/new words for me!
What platform are you on? I know EditScript and Dictaphone allow you to search through reports and that is very helpful. If you are on something that doesn't have that feature, just e-mail/call them and tell them you would like more samples if available. I'm sure they'll understand and not expect you to just KNOW it all right off, especially with a mumbler! My very first report with my company was a horrible PA who no one likes to get. I told my "trainer" who it was and I couldn't understand a lick of what he was saying and she apologized and gave me a different speaker and then sent me her normal/template for the awful PA.
Don't get discouraged!!
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