ange42:

"Sticker Shock" is exactly the right phrase. I went through it eons ago at 13 when I got into photography as a hobby. I still have - and use - the books I bought over the years, as much of the technical information is still valid. The good thing about many of the reference books is that they do often have enduring usability. You might have to buy a new drug book about every two years but the paperbacks are a pretty reasonable price. A good illustrated medical dictionary is usually easily good for five years. A medical atlas,if you buy a good one, is good for a very long time, probably never requiring replacing. Books on writing styles and conventions are usually good for a very, very, long time, only needing replacement when changes in writing style are firmly established and therefore widely published. I would say that a new MT needs to be prepared to spend about $300.00 - $500.00 on books, maybe less and maybe more, depending on what you decide to purchase. I believe that this is a very small investment indeed for some basic tools for your profession. Of course,if an MT is operating as a home-based small business, books are just another business expense.

SOMara

[This message has been edited by SOMara (edited June 11, 1999).]

SOMara,
I'm still a student and trying to acquire a library of books I can use when I begin to work. Thanks for your input. What would be really helpful is some info from you and other MTs on a basic "library shelf", books you use, can't do without, have on your wish lists, etc.
What about a medical atlas? How necessary?
Is the AAMT style book the best?
What about software? You see so many ads. Do any of you use some kind of specialized software?
Sorry for so many questions, am in the soaking it up like a sponge phase.
Love the bulletin boards!
Ange

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ange42:

Must-have books for basic medical transcription reference: (in my opinion)

Illustrated and tabbed medical dictionary
Book of abbreviations and acronyms
Book on writing style
Medical Atlas of Human Anatomy
Drug index


Must-have Software: (in my opinion)

Purely personal choice for word-processing software. We have used WordPerfect for over 10 years. Other word-processors are pretty well all the same these days, differing mainly in levels of customization, macro language, etc.

An electronic medical dictionary that will integrate with your word-processor's spell-checker is also a must-have.

A database program may be needed for tracking names and addresses and inserting them into reports unless you are using some kind of on-line system with an employer or client. MS Office and WordPerfect Suite come with database programs.

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We have a page of the Top 10 books purchased by MTs through our site and are working on a "must-have" list just like the one above.

Medword.com's Listmania:

Medword's Amazon Listmania

Hope this helps.

SOMara

SOMara,
Just what the doctor ordered!
Thanks, thanks and thanks again. Looking forward to the must have list you're putting together. Going to the top ten list site now.
As always, you guys come through.
Ange

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SOMara,
Fascinating the quality of work you put in! Wonder if you have any tips on how to get work for an Off shore MT unit?

[This message has been edited by Bindu (edited 24 June 1999).]

Somara:

Do you know if there is such a thing as a book of medical slang? I just blew a word on an assessment because of a slang word.

I should have figured it out on my own but I guess I was basically brain dead that day. With everything happening at home and two kids that are ten years apart in age, it's no wonder.

Thanks again.

SamT
paise@earthlink.net

I think the study groud/chat is a great idea. I am also a student, about half-way through my course, and would love to interact with other students.

I will e-mail the link.


kmfields

I am very interested in joining/forming a study group. Let's see if we can start this. If it is already started, I'd like to joinl. Email me at kmfields76@att.net if you are interested.

kmfields