Here is a list of common dictation commands and a description of their basic functions. This does not include pre-configured Application commands for controlling Safari, TextEdit, iCal, Mail, and others.

For additional lists and descriptions of commands, please check, MacSpeech/Dragon Dictate User Manual / workbook, or Quickstart Guide (all available under the Help menu in Dictate).

Problem:

While dictating using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, the following errors may appear when using select and say commands or making corrections:

• "Sendkeys_Cancelled"  or
• "Sendkey: Invalid Key" or
• "Com return an unexpected error code HOOKERR_NONOTIFYWINDOW"

Cause:

This issue may occur if Adobe Reader X is installed on the system or Adobe Flash update 11.3.300.257.

Solution:

Part 1: Disable Protected Mode in Adobe X:

To avoid this conflict, use the following steps to disable "Protected" mode within Adobe Reader X:

1. Start Adobe Reader X.
2. Go to "Edit > Preferences > General Tab".
3. Uncheck "Enable Protected Mode at startup".

Adobe Reader XI:

1. Start Adobe Reader XI.
2. Go to "Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced)".
3. Uncheck "Enable Protected Mode at startup".

Note: 

• Disabling the Protected Mode at startup should resolve this issue.  With Protected Mode disabled, some Assistive Technologies may not be able to read certain document content.
• If not, we recommend removing Adobe Reader X and installing an older version by going to
  http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions.

Part 2: Disabling the Adobe Flash Plugin (version 11.3.300.257) within the Web Browser: (Updated 8/07/12):

• Steps for FireFox:
• 1. Select the "FireFox" menu and go to "Add-ons > Plugins".
  2. Select the "Shockwave Flash" plugin and select "Disable".
  3. Close and restart FireFox.
• Steps for Internet Explorer:
• 1. Within Internet Explorer, go to "Tools > Internet Options > Programs > Manage add-ons > Show: All add-ons".
  2. Select the "Shockwave Flash" plugin and select "Disable".
  3. Close and restart Internet Explorer.

Notes:

• Disabling the shockwave flash plugin should resolve this conflict.  If disabling the plugin is not an option, please try reverting to a previous flash version.
• • Restoring to a previous flash version:  http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html
  • Flash uninstall instructions:  http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html
• The conflict with flash version 11.3.300.257 should not occur in Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12.

Dragon Naturally Speaking 12: Premium and Professional Compared

Here are the ways in which DNS Premium 12 and Professional 12 DO NOT differ:

• Both versions have the same speech engine and thus the same base accuracy (more on that in a moment)  
• They both have a plain English vocabulary, to which you can add individual words.
• You can have Dragon analyze your writing style in both versions.
• With both, you can make your own Text & Graphic commands to insert images or macro text.
• Both will transcribe recorded dictation.

Here are the ways in which DNS Premium 12 and Professional 12 DO differ:

• Professional just works in more applications.  For instance, in Professional, you can use Natural Language Commands in applications like Outlook, Lotus Notes and Excel, as well as Word and Word Perfect.  With Premium, Natural Language Commands are not available for as many applications: you have to learn to speak Excel-Language and Outlook-Language, and there's nothing natural about those.

• Professional allows the use of Voice Shortcuts for email and calendar, allowing you to send an email  to anyone in your contact list just by saying "Send an email to Brie Moulton," or schedule an appointment just by saying "Schedule a meeting with Robert Smith."  Premium does not offer these capabilities.  You will have to run down the hall and talk directly to Robert Smith to set up the appointment, and since you're there anyways, you might just as well talk to him then.

• In Professional, the Text & Graphics commands offer the ability to create Dragon Templates with Voice Fields in them, which allows the insertion of variable fields in macro text. Basically, it's like predisposing any and all navigation throughout your documents (mouse usage becomes unnecessary).  With Premium, you can't insert variables.

• The ability create (or add) multiple custom vocabularies to Professional (and above) generally produces higher accuracy rates than Premium, since accuracy does not rely solely on the speech engine.

• With Professional and above, your user profile can be available to you anywhere on your network via mapped drive, UNC path, or http.  It automatically synchronizes updates and adaptations centrally.  Premium does not have networking capacities.

• Dragon Professional 12 supports Citrix deployments, giving users access from thin clients.  But this capacity doesn't exist in Premium.

• In Microsoft Word, users can include un-transcribed instructions for third-party editors using "Voice Notations" - included in Professional and above.  For instance, you can invite someone out for a drink before launching into your patient data, and it won't show up in the chart.  With Premium, what you say is what you get.

• Enhanced tools for network management of Dragon user profiles, vocabularies and installations using a new GUI.  IT people with Premium in their offices have to run around and do one machine at a time.

• Smart Text & Graphics shortcuts in Professional and above let you instantly define the variable values in any boilerplate text, or have Dragon prompt you with variable value choices.  Sort of like a menu:  when you get to the appetizer section, you get a list that does not include chocolate mousse or margaritas, and when you get to the dessert section, the process strips out things like pulled pork sliders.

• If you ARE a programmer (or know one you can email, like the guy who made this website), you can speech-enable all sorts of things like forms and applications, using the VBA-compatible Advanced Scripting language.  Even the person who made this website can't accomplish that with Premium, despite having many other sparkling qualities.

• With Professional and above, you can save the audio portion of your dictation embedded in the document itself.  This allows third-party editing, or later editing by you if you have no peons to command.  With Premium, once you close the document, the audio is gone, gone, gone.

• Smart Commands allow you to change the meaning of a command depending on the context in which it's used. 

• Use the Macro Recorder to record your keystrokes and mouse-clicks, then subsume the actions under a single voice command.  Like, you could drive your office mates crazy by recording a macro that played a recording of "YMCA" every time you said, "Play my song."  Premium will not allow such misbehavior.

• Automate routine tasks:  use Step-by-Step commands to create voice commands one step at a time, even if you're not a programmer.  Very effective and very easy.

• Dragon Professional and above are Section 508 Certified, while Premium is not.  Thus, Premium is not a suitable choice for people with disabilities, and the Federal government will not reimburse you if you try to get away with it.

In short, if you are a casual computer user - for instance, a home user who doesn't type very well and wants to use Dragon for emails and letters, to surf the Web, and for instant messaging - Premium is probably the right choice for you.  If your work requires heavy computer use - i.e. you churn out a great deal of text, fill out forms, cope with a lot of email, need a specialized vocabulary, are interested in streamlining your workflow, are disabled, produce recorded dictation that someone else edits, or use an EMR or other professional software - Premium will not provide the level of integration or workload-reduction that you need and are probably looking for.  Also, any non-medical version will not work in an EMR setting.  You will need Dragon Medical Practice Edition for that.  

Backup User Files

There are two basic methods for backing up user files. Some use the built-in "Export" feature, others prefer to find the files and copy them. The User files can be very large -- over 1GB is possible. In most cases, this is because ".dra" files have accumulated. Those are not necessary for backup and can be deleted prior to writing the backup to CD/DVD-ROM, flash-drive, external hard drive or other media where space is limited.  Note: for Medical users, NaturallySpeaking11 is the same as Dragon Medical Practice Edition and NaturallySpeaking12 is the same as Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2. 

• Alternate 1:Export of a user is done by opening NaturallySpeaking, going to:
  • Release 11-13: Profile on the DragonBar, then Manage User Profiles
  • Releases 8-10: NaturallySpeaking on the DragonBar (or File if using the Tray Icon mode), Manage User
    Click the Advanced button, then Export. Select a place for the files to go.
• Alternate 2: Copy user files by finding the "Users" folder and then copying the folder(s) for your user(s). On a standard installation, these files are in the folders:
  • Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1: C:\ProgramData\Nuance\NaturallySpeaking9 (or 10, 11, 12 or 13)\Users
  • Windows-XP, Releases 9-12: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Nuance\ NaturallySpeaking9 (or 10, 11 or 12)\Users
  • Windows-XP, Release 8: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ScanSoft\ NaturallySpeaking8\Users
    
    On Release 7.3, substitute "NaturallySpeaking" for "NaturallySpeaking8"

One common note: Some of the folders (directories) to be backed up are by default "hidden folders."
To see these, you will need to change the settings of "My Computer" or "Explorer" to see them. In Windows-XP, go to Tools, Folder Options to make this change. This primarily covers backup. Restoration can take many different directions depending on the system status, what data is available, etc.

Moving User Files

There are two basic methods for moving user files from one system to another. Some use the built-in "Export" feature, others prefer to find the files and copy them. The User files can be very large -- over 1GB is possible. In most cases, this is because ".dra" files have accumulated. Those are not necessary for backup and can be deleted prior to writing the backup to CD/DVD-ROM or other media where space is limited.  Note: for Medical users, NaturallySpeaking11 is the same as Dragon Medical Practice Edition and NaturallySpeaking12 is the same as Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2. 

• Alternate 1:On the old system, export a user by opening NaturallySpeaking. Then:
  • Release 11,12,13: Click Profile on the DragonBar or from Tray Icon, then Manage User Profiles
  • Releases 8-10: Click NaturallySpeaking on the DragonBar (or File if using the Tray Icon mode), Manage User
    Click the Advanced button, then Export. Select a place for the files to go on a USB drive, network, etc. Then, on the new system, install Dragon but cancel out of creating a new user.
    
    Then:
    
    
    • Release 11,12,13: Click Profile on the DragonBar, then Manage User Profiles
    • Releases 8-10: Click NaturallySpeaking on the DragonBar (or File if using the Tray Icon mode), Manage User
      Click the Advanced button, then Import. Bring in your user files with the Import process. You will be asked to rerun the Audio Setup Wizard when you first Open the user on the new system.
• Alternate 2:Copy user files by finding the "Users" folder and then copying the folder(s) for your user(s). On a standard installation, these files are in the folders:
  • Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1: C:\ProgramData\Nuance\NaturallySpeaking9|10|11|12|13\Users
  • Windows-XP, Releases 9,10,11, or 12: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data \Nuance\NaturallySpeaking9 (or 10 or 11)\Users
  • Release 8 on Windows-XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ScanSoft\NaturallySpeaking8\Users. (On Release 7.3, substitute "NaturallySpeaking" for "NaturallySpeaking8")

After copying them, move the files to the new system in the corresponding folder after first installing Dragon NaturallySpeaking on the new system.

You should definitely transfer your profile and save yourself the time of retraining Dragon Naturally Speaking. Many people transfer their profiles if they use Dragon on multiple computers, if they get a new computer, or if they have one computer with more training than another.

Creating Voice Commands

Text Macro Writing

One can say "create new command," or use the Dragon bar menu Tools > Add New Command. The new command wizard will deploy. To write a global text macro select existing text on the screen and say "Make That a Shortcut." This will open the new command tool and copy the selected text into the content portion of the command tool. Alternatively Once the tool has deployed there are four basic steps to writing a global text macro:

1. Write a command phrase to launch the Text macro. It should be two or three words and not sound like a common phrase to prevent unintended launches.
2. Enter text content to be deployed when the command phrase is recognized. (If the "Make That a Shortcut" command was used the text should reappear in the Content window).
3. OPTIONAL --- Check the Plain Text checkbox -this will allow the text macro to take on the target attributes when launched (ie., if the text environment is Times New Roman 10 the text will appear in that font and size).  So, whatever text size/font/type your target document already has, this will make your macro appear exactly the same.
4. Click the Save Control.

Text Macro Writing with Text Variables

One can say "create new command," or use the Dragon bar menu Tools/Add New Command. The new command wizard will deploy. To write a global text macro select existing text on the screen and say "Make That a Shortcut." This will open the new command tool and copy the selected text into the content portion of the command tool. Alternatively Once the tool has deployed there are four basic steps to writing a global text macro:

1. Write a command phrase to launch the Text macro. It should be two or three words and not sound like a common phrase to prevent unintended launches.
2. Enter text content to be deployed when the command phrase is recognized. (If the "Make That a Shortcut" command was used the text should reappear in the Content window).  Locate the insert point wherever you need a text variable to appear, and activate the Variable Control
3. OPTIONAL --- Check the Plain Text checkbox -this will allow the text macro to take on the target attributes when launched (ie., if the text environment is Times New Roman 10 the text will appear in that font and size).
4. Click the Save Control.
   

Step-By-Step Macro Writing

These are used for activating screen controls like "Find New Patient" and writing voice commands to call the  'quick text' functions of Electronic Medical Records (EMR To write a Step-By-Step macro:

One can say "Create new command," or use the Dragon bar menu Tools/Add New Command. The new command wizard will deploy.

1. On the MyCommand Name line enter the phrase that will be used to launch the new command.  Try to make it two or three words in length; intuitively named; and distinct from normal language- many people use a separator word like 'macro' or 'text' in the command name, or "dot" if it launches a 'dot phrase'.
   
2. Change the command type to "Step-by-Step."
   
3. Set the first command step to "Type Text".
   
4. After executing the Insert control (to the right of the Type Text in the New Step box) a dialogue called Type Text Step will appear. Type the literal dot phrase into the 'Specify the text to be typed:' field and activate the Okay control.
   
5. Change the New Step to Keystroke and activate the Insert Control. When the key capture window appears hit the Enter key to capture this as the next step. As long as the command window looks like the example below use the Save control and you will have created a voice command that will launch the dot phrase.
   .

Additional Info: The Send Keys Object

Use the Send Keys Step dialog box to enter a sequence of keys (including CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT key sequences) that you want to be part of your command.

You can create a key sequence by either its keyboard representation, (such as "a," "b," "c," etc.) or through non-printing keys enclosed in curly braces "{}." Click the following button to view a table of reserved words:

The key in a key combination is preceeded by one or more of the following reserved characters:

• SHIFT: + (plus sign)
• CTRL: ^ (caret)
• ALT: % (percent sign)

Examples

• {CTRL+V} is ^V
• {SHIFT+TAB} is +{TAB}
• {ALT+DOWN} is %{DOWN}

Notes

• You can have a key sequence repeat by adding a number indicating the number of times you want to repeat that sequence. For example, to have the return key pressed five times, enter {RETURN 5} (be sure to include a space between the key name and the number).
• If you experience inconsistent results with a Step-by-Step command, try adding Wait steps of 100 milliseconds between each keyboard action.

Match Destination Formatting

To write a macro to use the "Match Destination Formatting" tool in Microsoft Word create a command using the Step-by-Step keystroke tool:

1. Put in the command name "Match Destination Formatting"
2. Change the Command Type to Step-by-Step
3. By default the New Step control will show Keystrokes. Click the Insert control or use Alt+R to activate. This will deploy a simple key capture window. Press the keys Alt+Shift+F10 (the hot key associated with activating a Smart Tag). Activate the Okay control. Reactivate the Insert control and press the "D" key on the keyboard, followed by the Okay control.
4. Use the Save control.

When a Smart Tag appears the command Match Destination Formatting will complete the execution of this function in the Smart Tag.

Go to Work Orders

The following step-by-step script can be used in Outlook 2003 to put focus on a specific folder. It can also be written as a variable macro which would allow the use of a list to reference the specific folder name.

1. With the MyCommands Editor in Step-by-Step mode, type in, "Go To Work Orders" in the MyCommand Name field.
2. Into the Steps field type or cut and paste the following:
   

   Send Keys "^y"
   Send Keys "%f"
   Type "WORKORDERS"
   Wait 50 milliseconds
   Send Keys "{Enter}"
   
   
   

3. Press the save button to save your command and close the editor.

Advanced Scripting Macros

The first Advanced Scripting macro comes from the examples available in the Dragon Pro Command Browser.

' This command shows how to refer to variables. If you
' say, for example, "sample script three elephants" it
' types the word "elephant" three times.

' 1to10 is an existing variable used in many built-in
' commands. samplelist is a variable created just
' for this command.

' UtilityProvider.ContextValue(0) contains the value
' spoken in place of 1to10.
' UtilityProvider.ContextValue(1) contains the value
' spoken in place of samplelist.


Option Explicit
Dim i As Integer
Dim j As Integer

Sub Main
        j = str2int(UtilityProvider.ContextValue (0))
        For i = 1 To j
                SendDragonKeys " " + UtilityProvider.ContextValue(1)
                SendDragonKeys "{Backspace}"  'to remove the s
        Next i
End Sub
Function str2int (num As String )
        Select Case num
                Case "one"
                        str2int = 1
                Case "two"
                        str2int = 2
                Case "three"
                        str2int = 3
                Case "four"
                        str2int = 4
                Case "five"
                        str2int = 5
                Case "six"
                        str2int = 6
                Case "seven"
                        str2int = 7
                Case "eight"
                        str2int = 8
                Case "nine"
                        str2int = 9
                Case "ten"
                        str2int = 10
        End Select
End Function

Outlook Calendar Macro

This is an example of advanced scripting using a double variable that would allow the user to put in both month and date with a single command to search through the calendaring system in Microsoft Outlook. It allows voice activated date dictation in the Outlook Calendar view.

Type or cut and paste the following into the Script field of the MyCommand Editor in Advanced Scripting mode:

Sub Main
        SendDragonKeys"{Ctrl+g}"
        If ListVar1= "January" Then SendDragonKeys"01/"
        If ListVar1= "February" Then SendDragonKeys"02/"
        If ListVar1= "March" Then SendDragonKeys"03/"
        If ListVar1= "April" Then SendDragonKeys"04/"
        If ListVar1= "May" Then SendDragonKeys"05/"
        If ListVar1= "June" Then SendDragonKeys"06/"
        If ListVar1= "July" Then SendDragonKeys"07/"
        If ListVar1= "August" Then SendDragonKeys"08/"
        If ListVar1= "September" Then SendDragonKeys"09/"
        If ListVar1= "October" Then SendDragonKeys"10/"
        If ListVar1= "November" Then SendDragonKeys"11/"
        If ListVar1= "December" Then SendDragonKeys"12/"
        SendDragonKeys"{" & ListVar2 & "}"
        SendDragonKeys"{Enter}"
End Sub

For Windows 8 or Windows 10 Compatibility: A "hot fix" needs to be applied to your Dragon Medical Practice Edition* installation in order to use the PowerMic with Windows 8. This can be downloaded directed from us, here: http://www.dragontranscription.com/Hotfix1.exe

*This is only for version 11 of Dragon medical Practice Edition (1).  No, Dragon Medical Practice Edition (1) is not compatible with Windows 10, and you should upgrade to the current version, Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2.3 (Dragon Medical 12.53.x) for compatibility.  That being said, in some instances, we have seen Dragon Medical Practice Edition 1 on Windows 10 with limited functionality.  Use the above HotFix if you are using a PowerMic II.   Feel Free to call us for a more in depth explanation of this.

If this is not a Windows 8 or Windows 10 issue, and you have troubles using an older PowerMic II with your operating system, appropriate drivers can be downloaded from Nuance/Dictaphone at:

https://isupport.nuance.com/OA_HTML/csksxvm.jsp?nSetNumber=13102

When talking about version numbers between Medical and non-medical versions of Dragon, it can be very confusing.  Why is the New Dragon Medical Version not called Dragon Medical 12?  

Nuance is a very large and complex company.  They are split between a Medical side and a non-Medical side.  The Medical side has changed the name of the product with the previous version Dragon® Medical Practice Edition from Dragon Naturally Speaking Medical 10.x. As a result, they have restarted the version number from 1.  This is even further confusing, as Dragon® Medical Practice Edition was never referred to as Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 1, and we are now at Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2.

This is also the reason for a staggered release of the Medical and non-Medical versions of Dragon over time.

This might help better clarify the name sequence:

Which versions qualify for a discounted upgrade price to Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2?

$599, with a promotional Price of $499 till June 30, 2013:

• Dragon® NaturallySpeaking Medical 10.x
• Dragon® NaturallySpeaking Medical 10.x Small Practice Edition 
• Dragon® Medical Practice Edition

$999, with a promotional Price of $899 till June 30, 2013:

• Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 10.x
• Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 11.x
• Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 12.x

As we tell all of our clients, Nuance only allows one to upgrade up to 2 versions.  This means if you currently possess Dragon® Naturally Speaking Medical 10.x or Dragon® Naturally Speaking Medical 10.x Small Practice Edition, you are strongly encouraged to upgrade now, otherwise you will pay full price when Dragon® Medical Practice Edition (3?) is released.  

What benefits are there to the new version of Dragon Medical? Should I upgrade?

It is definitely worth upgrading if you want access to everything Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2 has to offer.

In particular, if you are planning to use Windows 8 or Microsoft Office 2013 in the next 2 years, it is definitely worth upgrading now (even if you do not immediately install the upgrade).

What does the upgrade come with?

• Upgrade DVD to Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2
• Free Lifetime Technical Support from 1 Focus Medical Software
• Optional discounted hardware upgrades, call to inquire 

Read more about our Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 Upgrade.

How many computers can Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2 be installed on?

Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2 is licensed the same as its predecessor:

• 1 License = 1 user, on up to 4 computers.

What are the System Requirements for Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2 work on my computer?

System Requirements for Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2: http://www.dragontranscription.com/resources/system-requirements.html

Note: Be sure to FIRST use your Dragon disk -or- the Windows "Add/Remove Program" control panel utility to remove your Dragon NaturallySpeaking. If you don't use that first, you'll lose one activation as the removers don't restore the activation to the Nuance Activation server!

This is something we do after extensive trouble shooting, and there is no other option.  Always give us a call first before using the removers.  They will wipe any trace of Dragon Medical or NaturallySpeaking - this includes your user profile.  Always make sure you have made at least one backup of your user profile before using any of these.  To make a backup, see our other FAQ "How do I make a backup of my user profile?"

DNS 12 Remover

http://supportcontent.nuance.com/dragon/12/tools/DNS12Remover.exe

DNS 11 Remover

http://supportcontent.nuance.com/dragon/11/Dragon11Remover.exe

DNS 10.0 or 10.1 Remover (if you ever got it installed)

http://supportcontent.nuance.com/dragon/10/Dragon10.1Remover.exe

DNS 9.5 Remover

http://download.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/9/DNS95remover.exe

DNS 9.1 Remover

http://ct.scansoft.com/customerfiles/kbasefiles/5548/DNS91remover.exe

DNS 8 Remover

http://ct.scansoft.com/customerfiles/kbasefiles/4965/DNS8Remover.exe 

DNS 7 Remover

ftp://ftp.scansoft.com/pub/updates/naturallyspeaking/DNS7remover.zi

How to spell words letter by letter on my Mac

There are basically five competing technologies used for Wireless headsets.

Technology rating for Dragon for wireless (wired is always the best):
First: Body Pack Multi Band
Second: DECT
Third : WIFI
Fourth: Bluetooth
Fifth: Radio Wave

1) Body pack multi band headets and receivers come from the music industry. These devices have the longest product life and the easiest capability of switching frequencies. You wear a
transmitter on your belt or in your pocket. When changing exam rooms, you simply change
your receiver number (1 thru 8).

- RECOMMENDED headset: Shure BLX

2) DECT- This is the replacement or enhancement of WiFi technology. Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications), usually known by the acronym DECT. While WiFi was limited to 900 mghz frequencies, DECT has frequency hopping.

It actually finds the best frequency for you. This also allows for added security.
- Pairing occurs when you place headset in docking station (very easy)
- Allows for multiple docking stations. You can carry one headset from room to room.
- Headset works on both your computer for Dragon and your office phone system.
- RECOMMENDED Headset: GN Netcom/JabraPro4750, Plantronics Savi W440

3) WIFI – This is the oldest and most reliable WIRELESS Technology. WIFI is the same technology used when you connect your laptop to the Internet.

- Headsets that use WIFI have a 275 ft. area covered.
- When using Dragon, the quality is very close to a wired headset – you lose about 1 to 2 %
accuracy as compared to a wired headset.
- When using Dragon, you do not need to create a new “source”. All you are required to do is
to go through the 30 second “audio setup”
- WIFI headsets are automatically synched with receiver. You DO NOT need to PAIR it.
- Some models work with both computer and phone.
- The only 2 drawbacks are that they are usually more expensive, and they have a receiver/
recharger stand that must sit next to computer. These stands are 2 inches by 4 inches. They
are not great for doing “Rounds”
- WIFI is the Easiest technology to use.
RECOMMENDED Headset: GN Netcom 9350, Plantronics CS-50 USB

4) Bluetooth – This technology was traditionally used for mice, keyboards and printers. Bluetooth technology came into the headset market when they jumped into the cellular phone arena.

- Bluetooth headsets have a 75 ft area covered.
- When you Dragon, you lose 2 to 4 % accuracy as compare to a wired headset.
- When you Dragon, you must create another “source” for your user and do a bit more
training.
- When using Dragon, you must modify the “Options” tab to require one to say “click” when
clicking on items on screen. If you do not do this, Dragon will randomly click on buttons and
words.
- Bluetooth headsets must be “PAIRED”. This links the headset to the 2 inch USB dongle
receiver. Sometimes you have to PAIR the headset every time you restart computer.
Sometimes you only have to PAIR it less frequently.
- Bluetooth headsets are less expensive.
- Bluetooth headsets are more mobile. They merely have a 2 inch USB dongle for a receiver.
This is great for Tablet PCs and/or laptops especially for doctors doing “rounds”.

RECOMMENDED Headsets: Plantronics Calisto 2, Plantronics SaviGo

5) Radio Wave – This is the oldest technology but only recently applied to the headset and
computer arena.
- This technology is used for microphones that attach to your Lapel or hang from a cord
around your neck.
- While this a great technology, it is very hard to find a good spot on your shirt or jacket to
attach the microphone. In one position, you get excellent reception and accuracy and in
another horrible reception. I do not recommend hanging it around the neck.
- RECOMMENDED Headsets: RevoLabs Solo Desktop

The best answer is really just No.  

They are two totally different products, even though they share the same speech engine.  Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac and Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 both use the Dragon 12 Speech Engine (the latest and greatest from Nuance).

Don't get us wrong, we are huge Macintosh and Voice Recognition advocates, and love to explore everything that is encompassed in our fields.  But, if I were to demonstrate the two products, side by side, Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 for the PC would out perform Dragon Dictate Medical for the Mac every time.  Nevertheless, we are always happy to show you a demonstration of both of them.   

That being said, Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac is the best voice recognition for physicians using Macs on the market!  It’s ease of use and flexibility (i.e. vocabulary editor, application compatibility, features etc.) is not the same as Dragon® Medical Practice Edition 2 — but this is the best advancement since it's predecessor, MacSpeech Dictate Medical 1.5.x that we have ever seen.  

A few differences to note:

• The correction process in the Mac edition involves additional steps over the PC edition, and still proves cumbersome despite the large amount of research and design put in to it.  
• There is no capability for roaming user profiles (i.e. synchronizing a user profile across multiple networked computers) in the Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac. If you use multiple Macs (i.e. several exam rooms), you will need to export your user profile and then import to the other Macs often in order to keep them at the same trained level of accuracy.
• The Mac edition does not permit multiple vocabularies within one user profile.  A user profile must be created for each vocabulary required (i.e. general medical plus a specialty).  It does offer multiple audio sources, just like the PC version though.
• Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac does not provide a non-medical 'General English' vocabulary, enabling you to dictate non-medical dictation with any degree of accuracy; you will need to purchase the consumer version of Dragon Dictate for Mac and switch between the two applications if you wish to dictate medical and non-medical.

The ultimate skinny:  If you are debating between the two products, we highly suggest Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 if you have the ability to deploy PCs (Windows Computers) in your office.  Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac will be the best choice for physicians already using Macintosh's in their practice.  There are some options for running Virtual Machines on your Macintosh to emulate Windows and we are always happy to discuss those options with you.  If you are a 'Mac Geek,' then you will love Dragon Dictate Medical for Mac.  Feel free to call us and we can discuss the best solution for you.

There are a number of settings that we suggest within Dragon for optimal use in EMRs / EHRs such as eClinicalWorks, but those are only available to our clients.  We have to assess each situation differently, and our clients receive free technical support for life which allows us to help them.

There is a setting in eClinicalWorks though that we would like to make public knowledge:

Settings in eClinicalWorks

• In eClinicalWorks go to 'File' --> 'Settings' --> 'Local Settings'
• On the 'Local Settings' screen check the box 'Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software is used on this computer'
• Press OK to save the settings and close the screen

If you would like to know more about the Dragon Settings for optimization within your EMR, feel free to give us a call.

Plantronics Savi Go Bluetooth Headset
Noise-cancelling microphone with a 210 ft. range and up to 6 hours of talk time.

Designed for in-office professionals, this single headset system lets you seamlessly switch between calls on your mobile phone and those received through your PC – unlikely the intended use when using it with Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 or Dragon Dictate Medical for the Mac, but still cool. Wideband technology sharpens PC audio and delivers rich, natural-sounding voice transmissions, while the extended boom and noise-canceling microphone optimize communications in bustling office environments – the boom microphone is essential in voice recognition to get a clear audio sample. Available in over-the-head or easy-fit earloop styles and offering one-touch control over call answer/end, volume, and mute, the Savi Go with the Convertible wearing style optimizes your office mobility with Class 1 Bluetooth technology. Integrated PerSono Suite software delivers one-touch call switching and wide range of customization features.

• Plantronics Savi Go Bluetooth USB adapter enables plug-and-play connectivity to PC softphones.
• USB adapter supports Bluetooth headset profile in Dragon

The Savi Go headset offers up to 6 hours of talk time and up to 60 hours of standby time. It uses Class 1 Bluetooth technology, and can be paired with other Bluetooth devices.

Headset Specifications

• Battery Life/Talk Time: Up to 6 hours*
• Standby Time: Approximately 60 hours
• Power Requirements: 5V DC-300mA
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion Polymer
• Storage and Usage Temperature: 50F-104F (10C-40C)
• Class 1 Bluetooth up to 210 ft. range from headset to compatible device.
• Compatible with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones or Bluetooth devices supporting headset or hands-free profiles
• Weight: .8 oz. 
• Extended boom and noise-canceling microphone clarify voice transmission in bustling environments

*Performance may vary by device and user.

Before using the Plantronics Savi Go headset, it must be charged first. To charge the headset, connect the docking station to an appropriate charger (either USB or Wall Adapter).  Simply drop the headset in the docking station and, voila! The headset indicator light will glow solid red while the headset is charging, and will turn solid blue when the headset is fully charged. It is recommended to charge the headset for a minimum of two hours.

To power off the microphone:

Press and hold the headset button for 4 seconds and the headset will emit 4 descending beeps and flash red.

To establish the connection with the microphone:

Press the headset button once and the headset will emit 1 high beep. The microphone may take 1 to 2 seconds to establish the connection after the beep is heard.

To terminate the connection with the microphone:

Press the headset button once after the connection has been established.

To adjust the earpiece volume:

Press the headset button up or down (not inward) and the headset will emit 2 beeps when the maximum or minimum volume is reached.

Using the Plantronics Savi Go headset:

After the microphone has been charged and paired with the USB Bluetooth adapter (dongle), it is ready for use. To start using the microphone, turn it on by pressing the headset button for four seconds. The microphone will signify turning on by emitting 4 ascending beeps. Once the microphone is on, the indicator on the USB Bluetooth adapter will turn solid blue. To use the microphone, press the headset button once to establish the connection. When the connection has been established, the indicator on the USB Bluetooth adapter will flash blue. To stop using the microphone, press the headset button once to disconnect.

To add a new source for your user in Dragon NaturallySpeaking / Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2 user profile using the Plantronics Savi Go headset:

1. Launch Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 or 12, Dragon Medical Practice Edition 2
2. Click "Profile > Open User Profile…"
3. Then Click Source > New
4. Under Dictation Source, choose "Bluetooth Microphone" as the Dictation source.
5. Assign the user profile a name and verify the other options are set as desired.
6. Click "Next" to set up your Audio Wizard
7. If prompted to choose the sound system, select "Plantronics BT Adapter", then click "Next".
8. Continue to follow the New Source Wizard to complete the Volume Check, Quality Check and General Training if necessary.

Notes:

• The microphone must be turned on and connected to the USB adapter in order for the microphone to work with Dragon.
• If the "Volume too low" message occurs during the Audio Setup Wizard, give us a call so we can walk you through the process correctly.

How do I pair the Plantronics Savi Go Bluetooth headset with another device or the adapter?

The Plantronics headset and USB Bluetooth adapter are paired to each other at the factory.  However, if you wish to pair the headset to your Bluetooth enabled smart phone or directly to your Bluetooth enabled computer, follow the steps below.

1. To put the headset into pairing mode, you must first power the headset off by pressing the call control button (illustrated below).  You will hear 4 descending beeps when the headset powers off.

2.  Once the headset is off, hold down the call control button for 4-6 seconds.

3. Release the button when the indicator lights on the headset begin to flash red and blue.

4.  The device is now in Pairing Mode.  You should be able to pair it with any Bluetooth enabled smart phone or PC.

NOTE: To pair the headset to the USB Bluetooth adapter, continue with the remaining steps.

5. To put the USB Bluetooth adapter into pairing mode, Pinch the pairing/connect button for at least 2 seconds until the adapter flashes red and blue and begin pairing with your Bluetooth headset.

6. When both USB adapter and headset are in pairing mode, and within 30 feet of each other, they should connect.

7. The USB adapter will show a solid blue light when connected to the headset.

NOTE: Be careful when manually pairing the USB adapter.  Do not press hard.  Please pinch with both fingers rather than push on the adapter to avoid damage to this sensitive little guy.