| |
|
|
 |
PAGE: The definition is self-explanatory. Each page of finished transcription counts as a billing unit. Variables that affect billing by the page include margins, font selections, and justification. In addition, a problem arises where one page may have a few lines on it while another one could be completely full. This result in poor correlation between the amount of transcription produced and the amount billed.
REPORT: The
definition is self-explanatory. The total pages
contained in one report of finished transcription
counts as one billing unit. Variables that affect
billing by report include margins, font
selections, and justification. While the charge is
a flat rate, the result is a poor correlation
between the amount of transcription produced and
the amount billed.
Let us answer your questions
now
MINUTE: The definition is every minute that the dictator spends dictating is a billing unit. While in theory this seems like a great idea because a minute of dictation is easy to define, there are a couple of problems that result from this. Different dictation systems produce different dictation times for the same dictation. This is because of the start and stop timers begin and end in different places on different dictation systems. Lastly, because authors dictate at different speeds, the same amount of dictation can produce very different amounts of transcription. All too often, dictators are interrupted while recording, conversing with co-workers, increasing the dictation time.
GROSS LINES: Gross
lines are also known as "visual line count". Every
line on a page that has text counts as a "line"
and every blank line (typically, but no always)
does not. Variables that affect gross lines
include font sizes, character styles, margin
widths, justification, and format. Most people
tend to like counting by the gross line because of
its relative simplicity. However, there is no
reliable method for directly comparing different
gross line counts between reports that do not use
the same fonts and margin widths. Gross lines are
directly related to the type of formatting that is
done. If an MT uses a lot of indents or tabs in
formatting the report, the gross line count will
go up without a corresponding increase in the
number of characters typed (savvy MT’s know how to
"goose" their line counts by formatting this way).
Also, sometimes gross line counts include "blank"
lines (although most commonly it is assumed that
blank lines are not included).
Get started now
with our free trial.
CHARACTER LINES: A character line usually consists of adding up the number of characters you physically see on a printed page and then dividing the total character count by some quantity, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65. Most of the time spaces (spacebar) are counted as a character as well as carriage returns.
Years ago, the American
Association for Medical Transcription defined a
line as "any letter, number, symbol, or function
key necessary for the final appearance and content
of a document." This definition created a world
wind of variation by many vendors, looking for
ways to count every single keystroke generated by
the MT, including keystrokes to run macros, spell
check, and open up word processing programs. AAMT
has since changed it's endorsement of the type of
line and maintains that it is just a
"recommendation." Character lines as a method of
measure continue to be a better measurement of
productivity as long as it is verifiable,
definable, consistent, and is a fair and honest
representation of the charge for services
rendered.
Sign up now to get
started. |
|
|
|
|
