Axolotl versus Transcend
Posted By: MTinTX on 2008-08-22
In Reply to: They have a lot of accounts with varying work amounts and overall - Transcender
I just also have a job offer on the table from Axolotl too. I don't like that I have to work on holidays with Transcend, but I agree with you about VR, my wrists could use a break.
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OSI versus Axolotl
Made the change and can't believe the difference. I knew there had to be a better company, couldn't have been worse, and boy am I glad I made this change!
Webmedx versus Axolotl
It looks like you have two posts -- one for Webmedx and another for Axolotl. Below is what was posted on both of them on March 23, 2006. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for in your new company. For some people money is the top priority, while for others, benefits and being treated like a person instead of another piece of equipment are important. Maybe this information will help you decide.
I cannot guarantee this information is 100%, and anyone with more accurate information feel free to chime in, but I have interviewed with several companies over the past few months, and here are the notes I have taken on what was offered by Webmedx and Axolotl:
Webmedx Acute Care = probably includes ESL dictators
Axolotl Clinic Work = probably easier/better dictators
VR/ASR:
WMX = Starting to covert accounts to ASR
AX = Unknown
Insurance (Single): Axolotl costs more per pay period than Webmedx.
Pay Days:
WMX = 26 (every 2 weeks)
AX = 24 (twice monthly)
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance:
WMX = Eligible after 90 days
AX = Eligible after 30 days
Flexible Spending Account:
WMX = None
AX = Eligible after 90 days
401K:
WMX = Eligible after 1 year, with NO MATCH
AX = Eligible after 90 days with partial match
Eligible Tuition Reimbursement:
WMX = Unknown
AX = $2,000 per year
Working Holidays:
WMX = You are expected to work the holiday if it falls during your regular work schedule, unless you request it off in advance and there is enough coverage.
AX = Rotating. If it falls during your regular work schedule, they try to spread it out so no one is working all the major holidays.
Yearly Bonus or Pay Raise:
WMX = never heard of anyone getting a raise
AX = Anniversary $500 bonus (minimum)
ISP, incoming dictation snafu, or Acts of God preventing you from working:
WMX = Full-time: you have to make up the time or take PTO, preferably the same day
AX = Depending on the circumstances, you may still get paid and only have to work your regular schedule
Full-Time Status:
WMX = If you fall below 35 hours per week for three consecutive months (no matter what reason), they automatically drop you to part-time status.
AX = Unknown
MDI versus MedScribe versus SoftScript versus Transsolutions versus TransHealth. SM
I'm getting ready to start applying and these are the companies that I'm looking at. So give me the low-down. Good, bad, India?
Here are my criteria:
9 cpl or better
Does NOT send work to India
Good accounts with at least 50/50 of ESL versus American dictators
Consistent work flow - no downtime or time spent waiting for work
Upper management should be professional, positive, and encouraging.
Pay for lines WITH spaces.
Is there such a job out there or am I just dreaming? If there are other companies other than the ones I listed that would fit the bill, please feel free to let me know. I tested with TransHealth and I felt like I tanked. It was a hard test and I had to use the mouse to stop and start the dictation as it was online test and you couldn't download the voice files. So that made it a lot more difficult. One of the dictators was cutting himself off through the report and I had to leave some blanks. I'm very frustrated with this whole process of looking and testing. Are all the tests like that? Or are there companies that allow you download the test files and transcribe them using your pedal and software? Ugh! I am just so frustrated and discouraged.
Thanks for any helpf.
Precyse versus Transcend
Any info on recent experiences with either company would be much appreciated, especially interested in benefits provided by each - affordable or not. Thanks
Precyse versus Transcend
Thanks
Transcend versus SoftScript
I have job offers from both Transcend and Softscript, and have no idea which one would be better to work for. Anybody got any information that could help me decide?
Axolotl vs. Transcend
Which is the better company...Can anyone tell me? I'm torn between the two companies.
Axolotl and maybe Transcend. nm
xx
Webmedx, Axolotl, maybe Transcend. nm
.
Transcend bought MDI, so if Transcend sends work offshore, so does MDI. nm
nm
We heard Transcend is buying Keystrokes next. I'm not working for Transcend. No Way !
nm
If MDI-FL is owned by Transcend and Transcend admittingly offshores, sm
then doesn't that make MDI a company that offshores? That's like saying that one branch of a company offshores but another does not, so they are excluded from the offshore label. If MDI-FL is part of Transcend and Transcend offshores, that means that they do.
RE: If MDI-FL is owned by Transcend and Transcend admittingly offshores, sm
Your hypothesis is incorrect. MDI is a wholly independent subsidary of Transcend, therefore, they were not a part of the experiment to offshore to evaluate cost/benefit ratio that Transcend only tried for 90 days (I believe the evaluation process is not still ongoing).
MQ versus others
Neither do I......
SE versus IC
I thought they were the same, so I guess I am the one with the missing brain cell!
IC versus SE
I know the SS differences between the 2 but can anyone tell me is there any real advantage of being an SE versus an IC? Why did MQ do away with SE? Do you think this will be growing trend with companies?
RN versus MT
Take the R.N. course. I wish I had taken it at an earlier age. You will have a job that you can depend on with good salary. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Good luck.
RN versus MT
So true!!!
SE versus IC - sm
If you got 8 cents as an SE, what do you think this would calculate to in line rate as an IC - 9 cents? By this, I mean SE helps with your taxes but by how much would you estimate? Anyone know?
QA versus MT?
I was just offered a QA position. If I accept the position, it will be my first QA job. According to my calculations, I would only make about a dollar more an hour on average by staying a production MT than I would as QA with this particular company, who pays their QA staff by the hour. I am wondering, is being offered QA anything like a promotion in the industry, or is it more of a lateral move/matter of preference? Would love to hear opinions on pros and cons of QA Thanks!
BS versus DQS
I have used them both and produce about 150 more lph on Bayscribe.
MDI versus MDI-MD
Would appreciate clarification - Are these the same company, the one located in Gaithersburg, Maryland? Thanks in advance.
MDI versus MDI-MD
Thank you for your response. Do you happen to know if the one in Maryland is the one that people generally refer to as a good company to work for and one that and does not send work out of the US?
MQ versus Webmedx
Been and done MQ...now at Webmedx and enjoying my job again. Nice to feel valued.
SE versus IC. I know there is s simple
but I'm a math retard. If an SE made 10 cpl and an IC also made 10 cpl, and everything else were equal, then the SE is actually making more because half of the 15% social security tax is paid by the employer. So the SE makes 7.5% more than the IC, correct?
Now here's where I'm a math retard. If you take that 7.5% into account, what is the SE's *real* line rate? Sure, it's still cpl but when you figure the employer is paying 7.5% of the taxes then does that make the line rate actually more like 10.75 cpl? Or am I off on my math?
MT VERSUS MTSO
I have to agree with you that job hopping can look unprofessional. I have a bit of dilemma though: I am on my second job and either I stay and continue to be unhappy or risk a third try that may put me in a similar/worse situation. Here's the kicker though - My problem is not the company...it is my coworkers. I am discouraged by a lot of my fellow MTs' work ethic and the every-man-for-himself attitude. I don't mind sharing my normals with everyone. If it means they are more productive, helps them get more lines in and our account is in turn, why wouldn't I want to share? We have all been new to an account...why not be helpful and supportive? Here is the resume I would love to send out:
MT with 3 years experience in acute care; ESLs not a problem; reliable, will work the schedule YOU need, will be on time and stay for entire shift(imagine that); no children to bring to doctor/football practice/exhusbands house/school play; actually does research, has an extensive library of research books, and does not just toss a job to Quality dept for them to finish; NEVER cherrypicks or skips jobs; will not poach, working outside my schedule trying to get extra lines to pay for Xmas/kids braces/second mortgage, taking work from others; does not mind working over/extra when needed; does not have a endless stream of mysterious health problems - in fact, has only called in sick once in 3 years; recognizes the Quality department's value and that they are an essential part of the job I do; does not whine about hard dictators/OPS/ESLs/short reports/long reports; have taken Anatomy and Physiology courses in addition to initial training and still taking continuing education courses; sitting for CMT next month; helpful and supportive of my TEAM (for those of you who do not know, that is my coworkers and my employer); does not have constant, vague-sounding internet/phone/electricity problems that prevent me from working.
Here's a thought (not for the original poster, but for those the shoe fits) - how about thinking about what you have to offer a company instead of what you can get out of them? What do you bring to the table? Selfishness? Laziness? A baby hanging off of your hip, a slew of pathetic excuses, and a victim's attitude? No wonder you are not happy anywhere...you get what you give.
I will not send out that resume, obviously. Why? Because those types of MTs are everywhere. I cannot hope to find a place where none of that exists, not with the pool MTSOs have to pull from. Plus, it is not professional. The reason I did it here was to illustrate a point. People do not always job hop with the hope of improving their situation, many do it for bonuses or to find a place where they get the most and can do the least.
Want change? The responsibility for change and growth within this industry lies with the individual MTs.
IC versus Employee
As an IC, you can deduct at 100% all of your expenses. An an employee, you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 2% of your gross income (if you are married and filing jointly, it is yours and your sponse's combined gross income). In other words, if your joint combined gross income is $100,000, you can only deduct your expensed over $2000. That is a huge amount to have to not include. Check with any tax accountant or IRS regarding this.
Holidays versus PTO
I think it all depends on the amount of PTO that you accrue per pay period. Some companies allow you to accrue more, but then you are expected to use your PTO for holidays. Some may pay for holidays separately, but then you don't accrue as much PTO; it basically all balances out in the end.
IC versus employee
This is a muliple-part question--hoping someone here can help with some or all of them!
1. Does anyone have experience working for Shriners' Children's Hospital inhouse in Norcross, GA? Many ESLs, how are working conditions, etc?
2. I've been recently sent home from my small office practice (didn't volunteer!) and changed from transcription/med records clerk employee to IC; lost benefits. I think a little further on I'll have to get another inhouse job--remains to be seen if I can afford to live on this reduced income. Does anyone have solutions regarding health insurance for self-employed, single people? In my state an individual BCBS premium for someone my age is $300.00/month w/$250.00 deductible. (Yikes!)
3. How to tweak my (hopefully) next interview to reflect that in my last job I was told basically I wasn't a good "fit" for the office, even though they were happy with my work quality and quantity? In their opinion I didn't pitch in and answer phones quickly enough, schedule patients and take on copying duties cheerfully enough--in short, lacked a positive attitude, even though I DID do these extra duties politely. I'm nearly 60 years old--and don't do perky very well. Should I just explain this last job didn't suit my skills and personality?
Thanks for reading thus far--will appreciate your suggestions or input!
VR versus straight
Oh, I get pain 4cpl for VR.
VR versus typing
Do you make more money with straight typing or VR? Just a poll. I do both and seem to make more straight typing. You would think VR would be quicker.
VR versus typing
I make WAYYYYYYYY more money typing that VR. There is no question about that at all. On one particular account that I do I can type almost as fast as he speaks so that is a great moneymaker, but even on my fast talking doctors there is no comparison to doing them in VR.
SPI versus MedQuist
I tested with SPI yesterday -- no word yet on the results, but keeping fingers crossed very tightly! Anyway, got an E-mail from Medquist today but I see I lot of MTs complaining about running out of work and a high ESL range of doctors. Is MedQuist a place I should avoid? I haven't tested or applied yet -- just looking to get out of where I am working now. Not enough lines and just generally unhappy there. Thanks for all of your input! Was offered a job with DocuMed -- called to accept and was asked to type a few more files only to never hear from that company again. I guess I did some free work as I heard that I was not alone.
MQ versus Webmedx
Can anyone compare the hourly line rates between MQ and Webmedx for me? I'm usually around 250 and 300 per hour at MQ but want to find a company with a better reputation. Just want to know an average of what anyone can type at Wedmedx per hour.
OSi versus DeVenture
Hi. There used to be a lot of negative posts on here about OSi. What are you guys' current opinion on it?
Here's what I'm really contemplating: contacting DeVenture, who had offered me a job at around the same time that OSi did. Here's why: I got put in a program that would advance me to acute care kind of transcription. It did, but now I have to type for about 10 hospitals, thus I never can get good--or a good line count--at any ONE hospital's transcription. So--my cents-per-line rate in theory has gone up but there's no way I can make the kind of line counts I made when I was just doing clinic transcription.
Theoretically, I have a primary account, but there is never enough work on it. That's why I get work from 9 other difficult accounts instead.
Anyone else having this type experience?
Thanks a lot-
CC
MQ versus Webmedx
Anybody left MQ for Webmedx? Just curious about how they treat MTs as compared to the Q. I was also told they do not offshore - can anybody clarify?
MD-IT versus Amphio
Has anybody got any feedback on MD-IT. I am considering an offer from them and also from Amphion. I've heard some not so positive things about Amphion and was wondering if anybody knew anything about MD-IT....
hospital versus IC
If you are happy being an IC, stay there. I went from there to MQ and was happy for several years, but just quit MQ because of all the changes. If you stay your own boss, you obviously have much more control.
MQ versus Webmedx
I am wondering if anyone has left MQ for webmedx. Is it any better there. Another question, webmedx does not supply an Expander with their program, or am I confused. Just looking for anyone that might have switched and how they are doing with webmedx. Thanks!
US versus India
I have to agree, the qualityof the India MTs has been superior in many instances and some of the people who claim hey have 10-20 years experience must be flat out lying. I have seen lap coli in reports..in a urology report the patient is impudent, it is embarrassing to say the least.
Indian MTs versus US MTs sm
I QA'd Indian work for about a year and a half and for the particular ones I QA'd, they did not seem to grasp feedback. The same errors by the same MTs would come across again and again. Additionally, please remembers that most of the Indian MTs are sent to cream of the crop dictators and all that is left for the US MTs are all the crap. That combined with low rates, they try to do as much as they can to try to make money and pay the bills. Just my opinion; please don't flame!
MDI-MD versus Keystrokes
I just received a job offer from MDI-MD in Gaithersburg, Maryland and an offer from Keystrokes. I'm having a difficult time deciding because MDI is contractor/statutory employee, and Keystrokes is employee. Also MDI wants one weekend day and Keystrokes has a Monday to Friday position. I've heard only positive comments about MDI but conflicting comments about Keystrokes. The job profiles are so different that I don't know which to choose. I could try the MDI because they only give you five reports a day for a two-week training period (so I could keep my current position while I try MDI out). But I don't know how I could try both MDI and Keystrokes on the same computer, and then also stay with my current company (separate computer) and get my regular work done -- that's juggling three balls at once!!! Any suggestions about the way to go would be so very much appreciated.
MDI-MD versus Keystrokes
Do you have any thoughts as to which company is better?
To sm re: MDI versus Keystrokes
Would you please answer a few more questions if you don't mind?
1. Please explain what you mean by Keystrokes convoluted pay scale? (They offered me 8 cpl to start, minimum 1200 lines per day. I was told OT they do not want you working OT unless requested. No line incentive.)
2. Regarding MDI, I don't want to work weekends but was told you could work the minimum (700 lines) on your weekend day and that didn't seem to bad (a few hours of work and it's done). Does that seem realistic?
3. If you need to go away for a weekend or something comes up and you cannot work the weekend day you are scheduled, does MDI allow you to take it off, as long as you let them know in advance? Can you switch a Saturday with a Sunday if necessary? Do they hassle you or expect you to make up the lines during the week? I hate to think that I can never make weekend plans. It doesn't happen often but it would be nice to know you can.
4. How is MDI about taking time off for vacation, or if you need a sick day? I'm rarely sick but want to know what to expect.
5. I was told that generally, you can work as much as you want (although you do not get overtime), and that they do not restrict work. Do you agree?
Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me with regard to the above.
MDI-MD versus Keystrokes
Does anyone know if MDI-MD has a large amount of ESL. One of the first things the recruiter asked me was if I had ESL experience. Also, would like to know about Keystrokes ESL volume. I realize to an extent it depends on the account but any info would be helpful. Thank you.
MQ versus Webmedx
I have never worked for Webmedx but I spent several years at MQ and can tell you the company really went downhill since 2006. Do a careful background check on this company before making a decision.
ASR versus traditional
When I hired on part time with TT I was doing traditional. It was hard, so I asked for ASR. I'm learning. Probably won't make as much in ASR, but it's easier. The machine will learn the repetative parts of the report, but have to correct a lot on the rest esp. most of the docs don't say period and the machine doesn't know where to put it.
If you are an employee versus IC, then
the MTSO can control your hours. MQ did away with their ICs/SEs years ago. There may be tax breaks too, I don't known.
If you are an employee versus IC, then
the MTSO can control your hours. MQ did away with their ICs/SEs years ago. There may be tax breaks too, I don't know though.
IC versus employee
The IRS has strict guidlines as to what criteria you meet as an IC versus an employee and rest assured both the person and the company will BOTH be fined. There is definintely one answer the IRS does nto accept and that is I didn't know. As an IC you are considered a business and you better know your business or you will get burned by compaines as well as the IRS.
1099 versus W2
An IC receives a 1099. You will see your total earnings under the section called Non-employee Compensation.
I totally agree with the other poster who said you should see a tax specialist, and I don't mean H&R Block. Ask friends and family who they would recommend. Don't just choose someone out of the phone book.
I'm also recommending that you get into the habit of deducting the money to pay your taxes with every single check you receive, unless you're really good with leaving your money alone (no matter what) and can pay your taxes quarterly. Also, a lot of people have different recommendations on how much you should set aside for your taxes. It can be anywhere from 20% to 30%, depending upon where you live. Discuss this with your tax specialist.
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