Fighting back. SM
Posted By: Leadfeather on 2005-08-13
In Reply to: one question... - MTMT
Certainly I don't have all the answers, which is why it would be nice to get some positive input going on this issue. We're not stupid people, and if we think it through and work together, we can come up with something.
I think a mass exit of good MTs would have the effect I have already stated, which is born out by at least one post below. How fast do you think a company could transition to a production base overseas? Not fast enough in my opinion. Sure they might get it set up, but even offshore elements don't have gobs of people trained and just sitting on the side lines waiting for reports to transcribe. They are like everyone else, they have to recruit and train to fill the need as it arises. I don't think it would all come together fast enough to prevent major account losses. And as the accounts go south, so will the need to send work out, as there will be less work to send. And what about the end result the clients (hospitals, etc.) will be getting back? There's no doubt that a huge percentage of it would be poor quality. And if the good MTs have left because of refusing to be treated bimbos who stand willing to put the noose around their own necks, who is going to do the editing and polishing of these reports, and they will need to be polished. I think it would throw a wrench in the whole works, and I don't think companies could cover the base fast enough to prevent big losses. In any event, this possibility that you raise is not like we're not facing it already. My point is we should at least start doing something besides just standing here watching our livelihoods go down the tubes. I can't guarantee the results of taking this kind of action would be totally what we want, but I can guarantee that not doing something will lead to the sure death of our profession.
As for those who would say to shut up and just be grateful, I say they have their heads buried in the sand, and so what they have to say isn't going to do them or me or anyone else any good. The jobs they would tell us to be glad we have will soon be gone, which is exactly the point, so hang what the negatives would have to say. We can't afford to be influenced any longer by people telling us it can't be done. Maybe it can't, but it for sure can't if we just stand around and do nothing.
Yes, technology is here to stay. Nothing wrong with that. The companies investing in it can still make their millions off of it, but it doesn't have to be at our expendability. What I'm saying is to refuse as an industry to willingly help them make the transition knowing full well that, as a direct result of our cooperation, we will soon no longer be needed. Hence, the position I have adopted being one of, if you (the doctors) want to use it, then get it right on your own. I ain't gonna' help. On the other hand, give us the technology, and I'll show the doctors, the hospitals, and the companies we work for the production and accuracy we all want to be part of while preserving our ability and right to make a living. As far as medical doctors learning to fill out templates, they're not there yet, which is why we need to take action before they are. By not there yet, I don't mean they're not doing it to some degree now, but the technology is still not what it will be some day, which means they still need us. Someone has to produce the finished product. What I'm saying is we should refuse to do so as long as it is obvious that doing so is the same as loading the gun and putting it the hand of the one who intends to shoot us with it.
Where to start, therefore, is here, and the when is now while we are still needed. Once we are no longer needed, we will have no chance. Our strength and hope lies in the fact that this work has to be done or the doctors don't get paid, which means action taken now will hit them right where it hurts, in the pocket book. Patient care documentation is becoming more and more important to others outside of the medical profession, and I don't think inaccurate and poor quality of reports will ultimately be tolerated.
It's going to be a hard bullet to bite, and those at the leading edge are going to have to be the ones to chomp down first. That's why I'm saying to bail now while you can. The first ones out will be the ones that get the positions that are available now. Those that wait to take action may find themselves on the sidelines for a while until the full impact has a chance to take hold. But, they and the rest of us are going to be sitting on the sidelines for good in the future anyway, so the only way to look at it, in my opinion, is stop putting off the inevitable and take the step now while there is still a chance to make a difference. If the company I'm with ever indicates that they intend to burn the work force that they now claim is their backbone, I will be gone in a heart beat, even if it means learning those all-imporant 7 words, i.e., would you like fries with that, sir?
I'd rather serve somebody a hamburger at minimum wage that help the other guy get rich at my expense. It ain't gonna' happen.
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Yes, I am fighting back. Thank you!!
I have called the company also and will call until I get someone in charge. I sent her my personal check stubs and that is what I am most upset about. If she could not match my pay, why ask for my personal check stubs and offer me the position. Receive my check stubs, keep them, and then say she could not offer me that pay? She stole my check stub information in my opinion and I am steamed. I feel violated.
i think we are all fighting
over 64 and 66. Too many MTs, too little jobs to go around.
Fighting outsourcing
Just wondered if anybody else has tried to fight to stay a hospital employee & fight against outsourcing???? I am putting together a petition for transcription & going to get doctors to sign it & send it to the CEO of the hospital. I hate to do that but I feel I must fight for my job!
fighting outsourcing
Good for you! Our hospital, too, is being outsourced soon. We asked about this and was told the physicians didn't have a say. Hopefully in your case it will make a difference!
Another nosy one fighting with me over nothing! You women (?)
jump in threads and fight with the wrong person!! Aren't you embarassed? Can you follow conversations in real life? I doubt it! I'm not talking about computers or anything - I'm on Busy MTings side, really. We're having a fine conversation, in case you hadn't stuck your nose in the full thread!! I'm not the bozo worrying about whose computer she's using and that nonsense. AND YES I WORKED FOR SPHERIS!! HORRIBLE! JUST ANOTHER MONSTER NATIONAL! And I work for MQ - YUCK. But it pays the bills, though that is another story all together!  When you nosy posters who jump in a thread decide to jump in and bash, why not pick an intelligent fight with the correct person? You make no sense and look like more of a jerk than you obviously think I am!! Sorry, too, not a blonde! Black as the Ace of Spades - wanna fight about my hair??
Fighting low wages: Has anyone ever considered trying to (sm)
organize MTs throughout the country? It seems like, judging by what I read in MR forums, that part of the problem is that when people first come into the business, they have no idea of what their hard work is worth. Regardless of the fact that hospitals want to pay the lowest possible price for transcription, the only people who should be settling for less than 10, 12 or more cents/line are ESLs in India, etc. American workers should be standing up for American wages. Yes, there are some companies who will say, Fine, I'll contract with India. Believe me, you wouldn't want those companies as employers, or to work for hospitals or clinics that operate that way. Heck... I sure wouldn't put my care in the hands of a doc that uses offshore transcription services, that's for sure!
SO, what I'm saying is, there must be some way to bring MTs from all areas, and of all experience levels together (OUTSIDE of AAMT, which has been in large part responsible for alot of the problem!), and organize for a decent living wage and health benefits. If all of us were to stop working for 3 days, 1 week max, do you think that work would all suddenly be sent offshore? I don't think so. Some might, but then again, it's a good way to week out the undesirable clients & employers.
I think we our often our own worst enemy when it comes to wages. If we continue to accept less than what we're worth, then that's all we can expect to earn.
Also, I'm surprised that some entrepreneuring MT company hasn't cashed in on all the newbies and in-school MTs out there who just want experience and a chance. Imagine if one of the larger, more respected services were to open an MT SCHOOL as well. They would receive an income from instruction fees. MTs could gradually cross over from student to trainee. MTs could earn extra money as teachers. (And should be paid well for it, too.) The company training the MTs would have first pick of the best and brightest for work in their own company. Beyond that, there would be more money to be made when it comes to referrals.
The healthcare industry needs to be more educated in the fact that transcription is a vital part of their work, and how well their reports are done is a direct reflection of their competency. If you look at how much money is wasted in these establishments on FLUFF -- excess management, inept management, some community programs, and in some cases excess in building glitz and glamour, one has to wonder why they feel transcription is a less-valuable service than those provided by their janitors, groundskeepers, or food service personnel.
One way to fight the low-wage problem is to continue to lobby for an end to offshoring of personal information, not only in the healthcare industry, but in ALL American industry. NO personal data: phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. should EVER leave American soil without the express written consent of the owner of that data.
Another way to fight low wages is to do as much research as possible on prospective employers. Remember, they are not just interviewing you, you are also interviewing THEM! Go with the best-paying company you can find. If you are new to the field, that will be harder, but in your case finding the best learning environment is your best bet, and then work hard at getting proficient enough to be able to LEAVE a low-paying employer ASAP for a better-paying one.
In terms of being an IC, I know it's difficult to deal with people undercutting you. But once again, don't forget that when someone turns down high-quality transcription and goes with the lower-quality provider, simply because of a couple-cent-per-line difference in cost, the way to look at that client is Good Riddance! I used to have my own, non-MT, service-related business. I had two ways of weeding out the undesireables:
One was a waiver of liability. If they squawked about signing it, or started picking it apart like they were big legal experts, then I knew right away they were a future legal liability. (Of course, that is less of an issue with MT... I don't know of MTs that make clients sign waivers! It's just a 'fer instance.) But the best way to weed out the cheapskates and nit-pickers was to charge a slightly HIGHER fee than my competitors. I offered a higher-quality, more personalized service than my competitors. So I stood firm on my prices. And you know what? There are clients who will actually LOOK for the higher fee, knowing that if you can command and get a higher fee, you are probably a better service provider.
Also, steer clear of new clients who want a special deal or discount right off the bat. They will NEVER be satisfied; give them an inch and they'll take a mile. I believe that discounted rates are EARNED, not given out on demand. A long-time client who is honest, pays on time, tips, is slightly flexible, etc., who gives you steady, reliable work that is easier to do, should be rewarded with a deal. But that deal should only be between you and them, and not broadcast to other clients.
Some of my BEST business clients turned out to be people who at first pooh-poohed my fees, and went with the cheaper provider. Quite a few of them came crawling back on their hands and knees later; sadder but wiser, and more than willing to pay what I charged. And often they had such a big mess that needed to be straightened out (usually caused by the cheaper provider) that I initially had to charge EXTRA, on top of my normal fees, to straighten it all out! These people often came to be my biggest TIPPERS, as well! 
I think we have all been conditioned to believe we are lucky to have a job at all, and we need to start rethinking that. MT's need to stick together, network, lobby against offshoring and unfair pay, UNIONIZE if at all possible or beneficial, and be far more VOCAL. The normally quiet nature of most MTs and their behind-the-scenes work usually works against them when it comes to fair labor practices! Those of us with many years of experience & skill need to TURN DOWN job offers that are insultingly low.
Anyway, that's my take on the el-cheapo employers & clients, and the low pay they think we'll get down on our knees and thank them for! 
Happy 2007!
Not fighting. Just talking quality.
If you can't discuss issues, go back to typing.
FOUR SEASONS TRANSCRIPTION...PAY YOUR MTs.. Poor BrokeMT has been fighting you for months.
Just pay her. If her bank truly rejected her DD numerous times, then why wasn't she sent an actual paper check. Companies like this need to be run out on a rail. You give MTSOs a bad name.
Hope Transtech is NOT still hiring, because we are all fighting for work right now OVERHIRE big time
Be careful right now, because TT has much overhired, promising something big coming up, but nothing seen by the MT's yet, just LOW WORK load.
I worked in QA for Transcending back in 2000-2001. They were paying hourly back then. SM
The accounts weren't too horribly bad. The reason I ended up leaving was because slowly but surely they began to inch closer and closer to paying QA by production. When I first started, the quota was something like 30 reports a day. We simply had to make sure that we QA'd all reports that were close to being out of TAT first and then do the rest. Then, my supervisor left and they hired a new one who immediately called a big teleconference meeting and said we had to up production to 60 reports a day. Then, they started counting lines. Which was fine because they were still paying hourly.
Next, there was an MT who used VR software because she was blind - yes blind. Again, when I first started, I was told we had to edit her entire reports because she used the VR software and we had to make sure that everything was correct and made sense. Then, we are told only check the blanks. I wasn't comfortable with that and I continued to completely proof every word. Then I was called on the carpet not because I wasn't meeting the production quota, but because I was ONLY meeting the production quota. I told them I was proofing all of the MT's work that used VR, I was told that no one ever told me to proof every word of the VR reports and that I needed to fill in blanks and move on. When I voiced my concerns, I was told that was my job, to fill in blanks and I should move on and strive to product above the standards. Next thing you know, rumors abounded about changing the QA staff to being paid on production. So I left.
There just seemed to me to be too little concern for quality and more emphasis on quantity and I just didn't want to be part of company who would take money out of my pocket just to line their own and that's what they were doing by putting QA on production. I also am not comfortable with the job of QA being thought of as a blank filler. There is much more to the QA profession than just simply filling in blanks.
I don't know if Transcend ever did start paying QA by production, but I could see that the idea was being floated there. Maybe there was a enough protest that they didn't change from hourly.
Good luck to you!
Phoenix Medcom- Another apply a few months back, ask to take a test and never heard back??
I applied a month or two ago, received an email from someone asking if I would take a test and said she was getting ready to go on vacation for a week, so I hurried and immediately and told her I'd love to take the test. I never heard back. I waiting thinking she went on vacation and would contact me when she got back to do the test but nothing...very strange..Just wondered if this happened to anyone else.
Has everyone heard back from Keystrokes yet regarding the email we received a while back?
Just wandering why I haven't heard any response yet.
I sent them an email back in August and never heard back sm
Is this company on Long Island? I checked out their website and even tried calling once. Were you successful in contacting them? All i know is that the company is owned by some doctors.
Hopefully, you will hear back. Unfortunately, I immediately heard back from MD-IT
but somehow with over 16 years of experience, I blew the test. I was soooo disappoionted and yet pretty stunned. I am by no means perfect but I haven't flunked a test in years. I expected it in my early years but not this far down the road. I was so confident and they will not tell you which part you did not pass and why so it really just blew my mind. I must have been in shock for like two hours after I got the email. Oh well, someone will want me....hopefully. I was thinking about OSi but I don't think I could take another rejection if I never heard back.
I had the same thing happen, went back to MQ, went back to KS and could not be sm
happier. I am on a different account then the first time and it is as if it is a different company. I have a great lead who leaves us alone most of the time but is there when I need her. It showed me that you can have a different experience within the same company.
I have to say that in the few weeks since they have the new office, it is much more organized probably because there are a lot of people there all the time. I had the pleasure of speaking to the new HR manager who was HR at a hospital, got my questions answered about insurance as I am going to full time and had a live voice pick up the phone.
Not all change is bad. This is one company that has changed for the better.
I was reading about the back up help. I would like also to have some back up work.
 I am not getting anywhere near 12,000 lines this go around. My goal is 12,000 lines each pay period.
Back away from the hoops!! Back away!
I worked for them about 6 months - same mess to get hired - FBI check is right! It was unreal. I was so excited, though - they promised me the moon, and I really thought I had found my new home after centuries with that other company who shall not be named. What a disappointment, to say the least. All around horrible experience, and I would NEVER recommend them. Certainly they were not worth the hoops at all. Total waste of effort.
Back to ya!
--
Thanks for getting back with me!
x
Has anyone gone back
to Transcend after receiving letter asking you to come back? If so, how are things this time around?
I'm not looking for a pat on the back and
I know it is like that everywhere but I'm sick and tired of cleaning up after this person, getting phone calls begging me to fix this or that because they can't count on this other MT; I mean the list goes on and on. I know that in this field flexibility is everything but I'm also not bending over and taking it anymore, I'm flexed out!
They got back to where
Get off of her back!
This was a simple question. If you don't have the answer, don't post. No get in the shower!
Wanna play?
We can BACK IT UP
As a Medquist or MQ employee, and I have seen many on this board, we have legitimate complaints about what has been going on.
The REAL FACT here is that many of our offices are closing or have closed, we have been transferred to the Amherst office, we have no work, no one wants to discuss it and many other issues. There are problems and this is a FACT.
RUN and don't look back.
They are BY FAR the worst company to work for. Pay, even though it is direct deposit, was never on time. Sure, they offered to pay for you overdraft fees, but it took forever to actually get your pay. And they would never tell you in advance that it was going to be late so you could avoid the problems. Plus, they had horrible supervisors that did not know what they were doing. Always were IM you and causing you to lose time while wanting to chit-chat....They had some good accounts but lost them due to being unprofessional and other reasons that I do not know. Stay away! Horrible place!
RUN and don't look back!!!!..sm
I was an employee with them. I can sum it up. If you don't mind not knowing when you are going to receive your payday (even though it is direct deposit) then they are a great company. Honestly, they are horrible. They are the most unprofessional company I have EVER seen and been employed by. It was not just one instance of pay arriving late, but I quit at the third time in a row. And they did not warn you ahead of time....they mentioned it the DAY that you were supposed to be getting your payday, and they did not do that until so many people raised such a stink over it! Plus, the so-called supervisors are a joke. They do not know what they are doing and are the most foul-mouthed individuals I have ever seen. PLUS, they keep IM you ever few minutes to where you cannot get your work done. They had an EXCELLENT account and lost it due to so much unprofessionalism because they could not get their act together. Please, run and don't look back...otherwise, you will just be looking for your paycheck that doesn't arrive until weeks later....
Well, they can come back now!
This is a message on the main page...
MTStars has been staunchly against the offshoring of American Private Health Information, but realizes that MTStars must evolve with the ever changing views of conducting business in the global economy. The hands of time cannot be turned back on the widespread transfer of information globally and as of January 1, 2006, MTStars opened itself up to include the global environment.
Back up help.
If anyone is interested, I have an oral surgery account that I need back-up help with every once in a while. This will be p.r.n. Very easy. 0.07/65-character line with spaces. Will need wave file player and MS Word.
Back-up help
I would be interested in helping you out when you need it? Would you be interested in helping me? I need back up help for a clinic account (2 docs) on occasion also. Do you happen to have a call-in line of some type?
Sue
Exactly! We should be the ones doing the back-
ground checks on some of these companies, right? Unbelievable! Just such a total waste of time, $$, and real ego killers some of these outfits. Its a shame...
Would never go back there
nm
Me too, went back into QA.
Unfortunately though many other recruiters are not MTs, makes sense right? LOL
I came back
I thought the grass was greener, but it was not. I left because I thought a little higher line rate would help my situation. The work was not steady so the higher line rate meant nothing. I called my Medware team leader and since I left on good terms they hired me back and I am so thankful. I like working afternoons so I have the morning to get things done around the house.
RUN AND NEVER LOOK BACK!
I, unfortunately, had the worst experience of my MT career working for Focus for just over a month. They drove me insane, so I quit after only a few weeks. Someone else said that they only talked to one American person the whole time they worked there, and the same goes for me, and that was someone in HR at their office in Massachusetts. Their tech support, QA and account managers are the worst. You can never understand a word they are saying. I even got yelled at one time by one of the techs in India because I was disturbing his work by asking for help when their software locked up my entire computer and I completely lost a 5 page report and never got it back. They kept telling me that my quality was below par, yet at any other company I have always been between 98 and 100%. In fact, the company that I started working for after I quit Focus (and I am still at) took my off full review a month early because I was doing so well. They will belittle any American MT and make you think that you are the worst they have ever seen.
They got back with me the same day, but
I still wouldn't recommend them. They represent some of the same companies that post ads here and the $$ is no different, so you basically just end up testing twice, whereas you can contact the company yourself and test only once.
Yes it was on here and it has been quite a while back
.
comes right back to THEM! (NM)
.
Come back and tell us how you like
xx
I just went back to MQ
Never thought I would but they offered me 0.075 more per line than I used to get there! For the past four months I struggled with a company using the Scribe platform, which I feel is 10 years behind the times and very slow. I missed DocQScribe and VR. I was also being micromanaged by QA at the new company which never happened in my 17 years of transcribing. The people were very nice, but couldn't stand the nit-picky critique, especially when it didn't follow the BOS or basic modern grammar. I didn't want to lose my good habits.
And you are?? Go back to bed.
x
Thanks and right back at you!
nm
Thanks! right back at cha!
x
and oh my back at you LOL
I understand perfectly about investments. I understand about the difference between small time investors and the big boys. BIIIIIIG difference. I am a small time investor, perhaps you are too. If you were one of the big boys I doubt you would be here. 
look in the back of your CPU...
or laptop. If you have them, they look like a set of metal-looking pins sticking out -some have a total of 9 pins, some have 15. This is where you would plug in your compatible foot pedal.
Yes, they are on the back....sm
BUT..........that does not mean that they work...duh!
How can so many MTs do this job and NOT know anything about their computer?
I think I'm going to back out (sm)
It's just too weird sending all that personal info to an unknown entity. At first I didn't think it would bother me, but then when I got the email talking about fingerprints and stuff, I ran it by my boyfriend. He said it could be a very cleverly crafted identity theft ring (far-fetched but nonetheless a possibility). I dunno...it just feels WEIRD, for lack of a better word.
Glad I'm not the only one who thought it was kinda bizarre to send that stuff off.
Do they get back
to people? It does not seem like it.
You won't get your former job back unless: SM
1. You did clinic notes for the least amount of money possible.
2. You are very close friends of former supervisor.
I would say forget it. CEO just steped down and I imagine other sad changes are on the horizon.
Yup, I went back...
left in March of this year, went back a month later, right smack dab into my old position and same supervisor, no questions asked and my supervisor saying she was glad to have me back, all benefits reinstated except was told I'd now be paid a set amount per account, a bit less than before. Of course now with the pay scale being turned upside down with speech rec (till they get the bugs out and we adjust, ha-ha), most everybody's pay is being affected, near as I can figure. I was down $100 this paycheck, others say as much as $200. It's a different ballgame right now.
I will NEVER wish I had this job back! nm
tro
Please come back and let us know how you like it! NM
x
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