Fighting low wages: Has anyone ever considered trying to (sm)
Posted By: Soon to be food-stamp-bound on 2007-01-04
In Reply to:
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!
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PLUS, a plumber sets his own hours and wages! As far as MT wages,
x
i think we are all fighting
over 64 and 66. Too many MTs, too little jobs to go around.
Fighting back. SM
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.
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.
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??
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.
What is considered
an average salary at today's rates for someone with 20+ years of experience who can do all types of medical reports but prefers to do op notes?
I had once considered them too
at the end of last winter when I was getting ready to change companies, but I ended up going with Keystrokes instead, and I am really glad that I did! I can't believe some of the things that Deventure has done lately. It just makes me sick. Do they have no ethics?
have you considered
or are you crosstrained? I know it's not always like this be right now for instance the account I work on is very backlogged...Glad to here someone else is happy with them though!
I think anything after 12 pm is considered
second shift, like 3-11, 1-9, 2-10, something like that. When I fill in on afternoons, I usually work 1-9. Hope this helps.
Believe what should be considered
is that not all ICs have the same arrangements for payroll deductions, for instance, one company I know of takes out for Soc Sec, Disability and state tax; only federal tax is left up to the employee.
Have you ever considered
maybe you're not a good MT? I mean, I'm not getting my wages cut every month and in fact I'm making great money. Maybe this just isn't for you? It's okay, it isn't for everyone.
You use your own computer, FT is considered
6000 lines per week, 1200 lines a day and part-time, I forget? Call and ask would be your best bet!
Actually, Andrews is considered one of the best
Definitely in the top two. Their graduates are very highly sought after. If they charge more, it's because they are very well worth it. If you do a search for Andrews School, you will see this is true. They are definitely not one of the rip-off schools out there.
Considered this company first, but now
I think there are too many company plants or pets posting for it to be real. Sorry. This board does not normally have people volunteering at will to ask all the pertinent information about a company with ready-made answers in all categories. Sounds like a few ploys other companies used and those companies were terrible.
TransTech- what is considered
x
Are lph also considered? I heard
that Spheris also required their MTs to be up to a certain speed by typing (or editing) a predefined number of lines per hour in addition to the daily lines and number of hours requirement. I wanted to apply to them once, but figured if they ran out of work all the time (which I read), I would not be able to meet their preset requirements. Maybe some other companies have this requirement to stay employed, so did not apply.
TT, what is considered 1st shift? What is 2nd?
x
have you considered an air card?
Check with Sprint, Verizon and some of the other cell phone carriers. I got a USB air card through Sprint, and the connection is great!!! However, there are several factors that come into play with these, including how far you are from a cell phone tower, but at least with a USB card, you could utilize it with a laptop or a desktop as long as you have an available USB connection. Hope this helps.
All things considered...
You have no right to pass judgment on MQ MTs who complain. You don't do ASR and you don't visit the pool often (and when you do it's 3 hospitals vs others 25). You are not in the same situation as most MTs at MQ. If/when you go through these changes and hardships, by all means judge away. Walk a mile...
What would be considered good pay for
an MT working a nat'l, knows the basic 4/multi-speciality, 10+ years experience? I was just offered a job for 9 cpl (65 character line/spaces paid), no bennies. Is that good/bad/ugly? Should I hold out for more? Opinions needed. THX
Has anyone ever considered that not everyone is cut out to be a great MT? Not everyone sm
can do every job. I personally would not be a good teacher, because my patience and dedication are not in that field. Unfortunately, I realized that 3 years into a teaching career.
To make money in this field, you need to be fast, accurate and focused. You need to be able to sit down, work for 8 hours and produce a certain # of lines or reports. Not everyone can do that, but it is not a bash on those who cannot.
Just because someone has been doing something for a long time does not mean that it is the perfect choice for them. There are options out there that might be better for you.
Doing something for a long time, no matter how hard you practice, does not always make you good at doing that. If that were the case, everyone that takes piano lessons can be a professional musician or every girl who takes ballet for many years can be a prima ballerina. Unfortunately, not everyone can be good at everything.
Trust me in this: If you look in your heart and find what you want to do and are good at, you will be a happier person and work will no longer be painful, whether that be as an MT, a teacher, a musician, a SAHM, or a circus performer. You have to find what works for YOU and being miserable every day suggests that it might be time to make changes.
Life is too short to be so unhappy. Talk to your husband and figure out something that can work for everyone. I am sure he does not want you unhappy all the time.
I've Considered That
I have several musical instruments as I have 3 now grown kids and I used to play in community band myself. I considered it, but there's only a 30 day limit on getting them back, and the amount they offer is supposedly about 1/4 to 1/3 of what you would get if you sold them outright, so I am worried that if I don't have things squared away in 30 days, I stand to lose $2000 worth of instruments (and sentimental value), not exactly priceless but still unlikely to be replaced soon, for $500-600. I suppose I could start with the one that would be missed the least (the flute) and take/reclaim them one at a time as necessary/able.
Have you considered medication?
For your Joan of Arc complex?
Have you considered keeping the job you have
while working for a new company, that way you can decide if you like the new one before jumping all the way in. Your old job can be your safety net. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you!
QA wages
Anyone out there have any idea of how much a QA person should make per hour working at home?
Low Wages
When I got my VERY FIRST job transcribing, it was for a national service, and the pay was 7 cpl. It's been nearly 10 years since then - The pay for MTs has not gone up at all, and even worse, it seems to be DROPPING!!
wages
Yes, I totally agree. We need to unionize.
My wages are more than that
and like I said, you must be slow not to be able to make at least $20 an hour and yes, I can add.
about my wages. My wages and sm
my job are just fine. Yes we are allowed to have freedom of speech so I have mine too.
Wages
Since this board has become a they pay what? board, let's talk about pay. In 1992, I was working as a receptionist and got paid $10.00 an hour. Today, I looked in my local paper and saw ads for receptionists for $8-10 an hour. Hasn't gone up much in 17 years! I worked as an administrative assistant for $14.00 an hour in 1994. Today, they are paying anywhere from $12-15 an hour. I worked in-house for a hospital in 1999 doing medical transcription and got paid $15 an hour, plus a bonus for going over my daily lines. Today, our in-house hospital is paying $13-15 an hour. The local Sears store is starting their sales reps at $7.50 an hour TODAY. My first work at home MT job was almost 10 years ago and I started out at 8 cents a line for straight typing. Pretty much standard today.
I really don't understand the constant complaining about wages on this site. VR is terrible, I agree with that, BUT it isn't terrible for an experienced MT. What it has caused is a way for NEW MTs to compete with the experienced ones. If you work on eScription or a similar platform, the program really can learn the doc, therefore allowing a new MT to learn while on the job. So, us experienced MTs are working right along side someone just out of school for the same pay. Oh well!!! I make $120 a day on VR in 8 hours 0.04 cpl (around $16 an hour), I have hit $160 if I work a couple more hours. So I am still making the same as if I worked in-house and I get the benefit of working from home.
Please stop the complaining already. This job is not that hard. When I first became an MT, the job was hard. Well, 10 years later it is a piece of cake and I would rather make my $16 an hour any day then go work at Sears for around 7 bucks an hour.
Am I the only one getting tired of the constant complaining about pay and jobs going to India? Gag!
MT wages
What is the point of your post...to irritate already upset MTs? I think people are angry that their wages have decreased so much. I would be okay if mine stayed the same, but I am currently making 1/3 of what I did 10 years ago and working twice as hard.
You compare our job to a Sears employee making 7.50? Well I would like to see that employee type medical records.
That would be OK. They didn't want you doing more than 40 hrs a week as it's considered OT. nm
.
12,000 lines per pay period to be considered SE...nm
nm
Well, I make 10 cpl, which is considered maxed out
by most all companies - so I am at the ceiling of my earnings - I do 1200 lines per day, and if I only work 5 days a week, that $600 a week, and those are full solid 8 hours. I used to get paid by the page, and it was an honest size page. Over the years, the parameters kept changing - we never saw the final report, but I swore if I did see my company's version of my page, it would be the size of a bath towel! So while my page rate eeked up a nickel or quarter here and there, the size of the page ballooned out! Or the margins. Then when we were forced to cents per line - which is when I swore I'd quit this business - the same thing happened over time. I used to make 11 cpl, but it was a short line! Now the characters in the line keep getting longer, and the ambiguous things like headers and footers and patient info don't count as pay, and my salary loss is the result - there are lots of us out here in the same boat. So while it is great that you are making $30K your first year in, does it make any sense that those of us who are lifers are making the same as you? It doesn't. Yet I stay here because first of all it is my love, and I still choose being independent and working from my home. I could never change that - but its a sorry trade off. As others have said, it is a sad industry where when you become a master at your trade, you made literally the same as an apprentice. Again, I have applied and interviewed at probably 40 MTSOs. All were great to me and begging me to join them, but not one could offer anything near even the 10 cpl I am making now.  All blaming, of course, the market and the cheap labor offshore, high cost of overhead, etc. My company has explained how my work should be easier now, what with all the technology they have developed, but you know what? I actually don't find that much of a difference with all the bells and whistles. I still love to type in boring old Word and use even their Expanders without any problems.
1099s are not considered late until after Jan. 31.
m
Well that is not really considered family plan
A family plan is husband, wife, and children. If it were just one spouse and two children, it would be cheaper. You have to also consider your co-pay. $700.00 a month with co-pay of $10.00 and drugs for $20.00 tops (most cost us $5.00) is very good. East coast may be different though. The $700.00 comes out of two pays ($350.00) each pay per month and is before taxes. Not so bad especially when I hate clinics! I'd rather pay out-of-pocket then go to a clinic. Sorry, just how I feel. Gotta pay to play I guess... LOL
I considered them at one point as well b/c of Hayseed...
Even have a folder on my email with our communication, but I respect our Red Gate Farm girl and they just dropped down very far on my list. Shame on THEM...
Thanks for your info. I had considered doing PT flex with MQ (sm)
to sort of cover my bases, but I have such a good feeling about Webmedx and I want to go into the situation open minded and refreshed and free to put all my effort into the new position.
I too will be on the Enterprise side I think, at least I know I am using their computer.
Thanks again. Soon-to-be-coworker.
considered not concerned.. I think I am asleep..
,
what's considered full time
What's T-C? Is it Transcend?
It is considered derogatory in N. America. nm
Congratulations on that! I have considered going for my master's, too,
but I am worried if this is the right time especially in the area I live. Good luck to you :)
Wrong, my dear, this was considered a
profession at one time and one that I was proud of. More than anything else, I think what brought the profession down were women so desperate to work from home so they could stay home with the kids, that the salaries dropped and the problems rose. Years ago it was a lot better.
Have you considered anger management?
Softscript...anyone know how many hours are considered
P/T and F/T with this company and required lines. Thanks in advance :)
Average QA wages
Here are some known QA wages, starting out.
OSi - around $13.50
Transcend - around $13.50 - $14.00
Spheris - Mostly start at $12 - $13
MQ - $12
Sten-Tel - $12
In my opinion, a good QA should get 16-19, true, but that is just not the industry standard. It is lower than that.
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