Paying for Templated Transcription

Question: The transcriptionist charges us for each line even though there is a template on her computer that automatically creates whole sections of the note by punching one key. If they only have to type one key to print a template, is it appropriate for them to charge us for 11 lines of print?

Answer: Well, it sure doesn’t seem fair, but it’s up to you to negotiate the contract. Most transcriptionists do still charge by the line. Shop around. If you can find someone with a different policy, then confront your transcriptionist and ask for a change to the contract.

If you can’t find anyone willing to do it differently, you can still ask her, but you’ll know not to press too hard.

Consider what she might want that would make it easier for her to accept the change. More work? More lenient deadlines?