August 9th, 2010
Just a few odds and ends.
Most bacteria is italicized.
We do not use contractions such as can’t or won’t. Type out the whole thing, cannot; will not, etc.
If the dictator starts a numbered list in the assessment, impression, or plan and goes to the next item without saying the number, go ahead and type in the number.
If there are two numbers in a row such as twelve 4-0 Ethilon sutures, always have one of the numbers in digit format and the other one typed out. This helps to avoid confusion.
If the provider states an abbreviation, then type it as such, do not expand out. CABG would be typed just like that. Do not expand.
Posted in Editing and Proofreading, Tips on Typing, Transcription Tips | No Comments »
August 5th, 2010
It seems to be a common misconception that women cannot get pregnant if they have just one ovary. This is entirely untrue. Granted, it is harder to conceive with only one, but it is possible.
So with that being said, do not rely on the lack of one ovary as your birth control method!
Posted in Anatomy and Physiology, Family issues | No Comments »
August 4th, 2010
In today’s fast-paced world it is not unusual to skip steps or skim articles to save time. In a lot of cases this is not a problem; when learning medical transcription it is.
Sometimes our students are in a hurry to move ahead or to finish the course ahead of schedule and while this is not always a bad idea, it can be during certain phases, especially if directions are not carefully read and followed precisely. Not only is being able to comprehend and follow instructions important during the schooling, it is very important when working as a medical transcriptionist as well.
So please, read everything carefully and FOLLOW all directions.
Posted in Study Tips | No Comments »
August 3rd, 2010
In some professions guessing or winging it is acceptable. This is definitely NOT the case when working as a medical transcriptionist. Lives can be at stake, literally. If you guess at a medication or the dosage you could be endangering that patient.
Guessing is never okay and is a sure-fire way to getting yourself in the unemployment line. It is not only lazy but dangerous. If you cannot understand a word or sentence you will list that on the log to be checked out by your proofreader and/or the dictator. Please do not guess.
A word to the wise!
Posted in Editing and Proofreading, Newbie Medical Transcriptionists | No Comments »
August 2nd, 2010
When first learning medical transcription a lot of our students are frustrated by their lack of ability to remember everything and end up feeling overwhelmed. The key is to just read through the materials and do NOT try to memorize. This is a totally different kind of study than you will have experienced in the traditional schools as adolescents.
The materials will eventually start to make sense, things will start clicking, and the pretty soon you will just “get it”. Our quizzes and tests are all open book, so really there is no reason to try to cram your brain!
Bottom line, slow down, read through your books, go back for reference whenever you want, and just know that it will all come together and make sense to you, in time.
Posted in Newbie FAQ, Study Tips | No Comments »
July 28th, 2010
Electrodesiccation: An electric current is used to destroy cancerous lesions/tissues and also to seal off blood vessels.
This procedure is used to minimize spider veins and to remove basal cell carcinomas.
Posted in Terminology | No Comments »
July 22nd, 2010
A common frustruation with students learning medical transcription is the sometimes conflicting information received. Students learn from their assigned books, the Internet, and other resources. Sometimes this information can be different but yet still correct.
Quite often there can be more than one right answer but usually just one preferred way. At Med Workshops we teach using various materials but also geared towards making sure the students are learning the preferred way for internship and the employers we will be placing them with.
Bottom line–flexibility is key!
Posted in Newbie Medical Transcriptionists | No Comments »
July 19th, 2010
However. Just a quickie lesson on the punctuation that goes along with this word.
The word itself is never alone. It either has a semicolon or comma. If it is the first word in a sentence, there will be a comma after it. If in the middle of a sentence then either with a semicolon or comma before and then a comma afterwards.
Posted in Editing and Proofreading | No Comments »
July 13th, 2010
How do I know when to use italics?
Most often when working as a medical transcriptionist, the only time you would italicize anything would be if it was a bacteria such as Chlamydia or Enteroccocus.
Only use italics for the singular form of the word, not for the plural form.
Posted in Formatting, Newbie FAQ | No Comments »
July 13th, 2010
Schatzki Ring. This is a narrowing of the lower part of the esophagus. It can cause difficulty swallowing. This narrowing condition is caused by a ring of mucosal tissue or muscular tissue.
This is named after the German-American physician, Richard Schatzke.
Posted in Terminology | No Comments »