From the Owner of Edge Medcom LLC
Posted By: Dan Edge on 2007-12-10
In Reply to:
I posted this letter as a reply to some comments about my company here: http://forum.mtstars.com/company/v/1/57082.html. I wanted to post it again as a new topic to bring it to the top of the list. Thanks.
---------
Greetings All,
I'm Dan Edge, the owner of Edge Medcom LLC. I am a new business owner who is learning the transcription industry, along with learning the ins and outs of running a successful company. I am always open to learning more about how I can improve my business. My thanks to those who have highlighted my strengths along with my weaknesses (http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=492264&PID=2179276#2179276).
With that in mind, I would like to respond to some of the comments I've received on the WAHM and MTstars message boards.
-Regarding pay:
I based my starting rates primarily on two factors: 1) My experience working for another transcription company (which paid transcriptionists less than I do), and 2) The high turnover rate that is seemingly inherent in the industry.
Based on discussions with other transcription companies and with transcriptionists, my rates are about the median in the industry. I know companies that pay less per audio hour, several that match my rate, and several that pay a little more. For the transcriptionists who consistently make significantly more than what I offer, they are usually working directly for a doctor or hospital, i.e. they are not working with an intermediary transcription company that must make a profit of its own. Many transcription companies are beginning to outsource work to India, which makes it difficult to remain price-competitive.
I have been open to negotiating higher starting rates for transcriptionists who bring a lot of experience to the table, and I am very happy to increase pay after a subcontractor has proven to be dependable over a few months.
-Regarding checks:
I may make accounting errors from time to time, but it is extremely rare that I don't pay within the 30-day net time period. Any time a subcontractor asks me about a payment, I check it out immediately, and resolve the issue if there is a problem. Earlier this year, when cash flow was more of a challenge (as it is for any young business), I delayed paying my own paycheck for three weeks so that my vendors would get paid on time. That is how I do business.
-Regarding communication:
I have always been a believer in solid communication, and I make a big deal about this when I bring on someone new. I provide my cell phone number to transcriptionists and make myself available pretty much 24/7. That said, there are certainly ways I could improve in this regard.
One poster commented that communication has improved of late, and I note that this coincides with my taking back over the production department. I brought on a production assistant earlier this year, and things did not work out as well as I had hoped. She is no longer working with me.
-Regarding my rude, abrupt, and terse manner:
I can only say that this comment is ridiculous. I am probably among the most polite, most benevolent people you will meet. I consider the subcontractors to be my friends and co-workers. One of them is even coming to my wedding next April! I treat transcriptionists with the respect they deserve as fellow business owners.
However, along with this respect comes an expectation of professionalism.
The *only* times I have expressed anger to subcontractors are the instances when someone has committed to completing a job, then utterly failed to communicate and failed to fulfill their commitment. I've had cases where I've given someone a week to complete a transcript, and then they tell me at the last minute that they didn't do any of it (or more often, I don’t hear anything from them at all, ever again). I had a recent case when a Transcriptionist (who I'd worked with several times before), after having five days to work on a transcript, after finally turning it in late and incomplete, after flatly refusing to finish it, with no apology or explanation for why it wasn't finished -- she had the gall to complain about her pay for the job.
I can gratefully accept the criticism that my wages are uncompetitive. But I can't help but think that some of the unqualified (and unfair) negative comments about my company are coming from the flakes who screwed me over, then got upset because I would not stand for their unprofessionalism. These are the kinds of folks that work toward giving your noble profession a bad name.
Again, I appreciate the (honest) criticisms of my company, and I will take them to heart when moving forward in ’08. I encourage any of you with questions to email me at dedge@edgetranscription.com or call my office at 845-517-4000.
Sincerely,
Dan Edge
President
Edge Medcom LLC
www.edgetranscription.com
This letter is posted to both the WAHM and MTstars forums.
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From the Owner of Edge Medcom LLC
Greetings All,
I'm Dan Edge, the owner of Edge Medcom LLC. I am a new business owner who is learning the transcription industry, along with learning the ins and outs of running a successful company. I am always open to learning more about how I can improve my business. My thanks to those who have highlighted my strengths along with my weaknesses (http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=492264&PID=2179276#2179276).
With that in mind, I would like to respond to some of the comments I've received on the WAHM and MTstars message boards.
-Regarding pay:
I based my starting rates primarily on two factors: 1) My experience working for another transcription company (which paid transcriptionists less than I do), and 2) The high turnover rate that is seemingly inherent in the industry.
Based on discussions with other transcription companies and with transcriptionists, my rates are about the median in the industry. I know companies that pay less per audio hour, several that match my rate, and several that pay a little more. For the transcriptionists who consistently make significantly more than what I offer, they are usually working directly for a doctor or hospital, i.e. they are not working with an intermediary transcription company that must make a profit of its own. Many transcription companies are beginning to outsource work to India, which makes it difficult to remain price-competitive.
I have been open to negotiating higher starting rates for transcriptionists who bring a lot of experience to the table, and I am very happy to increase pay after a subcontractor has proven to be dependable over a few months.
-Regarding checks:
I may make accounting errors from time to time, but it is extremely rare that I don't pay within the 30-day net time period. Any time a subcontractor asks me about a payment, I check it out immediately, and resolve the issue if there is a problem. Earlier this year, when cash flow was more of a challenge (as it is for any young business), I delayed paying my own paycheck for three weeks so that my vendors would get paid on time. That is how I do business.
-Regarding communication:
I have always been a believer in solid communication, and I make a big deal about this when I bring on someone new. I provide my cell phone number to transcriptionists and make myself available pretty much 24/7. That said, there are certainly ways I could improve in this regard.
One poster commented that communication has improved of late, and I note that this coincides with my taking back over the production department. I brought on a production assistant earlier this year, and things did not work out as well as I had hoped. She is no longer working with me.
-Regarding my rude, abrupt, and terse manner:
I can only say that this comment is ridiculous. I am probably among the most polite, most benevolent people you will meet. I consider the subcontractors to be my friends and co-workers. One of them is even coming to my wedding next April! I treat transcriptionists with the respect they deserve as fellow business owners.
However, along with this respect comes an expectation of professionalism.
The *only* times I have expressed anger to subcontractors are the instances when someone has committed to completing a job, then utterly failed to communicate and failed to fulfill their commitment. I've had cases where I've given someone a week to complete a transcript, and then they tell me at the last minute that they didn't do any of it (or more often, I don’t hear anything from them at all, ever again). I had a recent case when a Transcriptionist (who I'd worked with several times before), after having five days to work on a transcript, after finally turning it in late and incomplete, after flatly refusing to finish it, with no apology or explanation for why it wasn't finished -- she had the gall to complain about her pay for the job.
I can gratefully accept the criticism that my wages are uncompetitive. But I can't help but think that some of the unqualified (and unfair) negative comments about my company are coming from the flakes who screwed me over, then got upset because I would not stand for their unprofessionalism. These are the kinds of folks that work toward giving your noble profession a bad name.
Again, I appreciate the (honest) criticisms of my company, and I will take them to heart when moving forward in ’08. I encourage any of you with questions to email me at dedge@edgetranscription.com or call my office at 845-517-4000.
Sincerely,
Dan Edge
President
Edge Medcom LLC
www.edgetranscription.com
This letter is posted to both the WAHM and MTstars forums.
Edge Medcom LLC
My name is Dan Edge, and I am the owner of Edge Medcom LLC. I would be happy to answer whatever questions you may have and provide more information about my company.
You will likely not find much information about Edge Medcom on the web because it is a brand new company. I worked for another transcription company before starting this one, and I felt strongly that I could do a better job. One of the problems at this other company was that they weren’t paying the transcriptionists enough, and weren’t treating them well besides. As a result turnover was rampant, the quality of the product declined, and we didn’t have sufficient staff to handle the amount of work coming in.
I am addressing these production issues with Edge Medcom. I want to attract and retain high-caliber Transcriptionist professionals by 1) Screening applicants diligently and thoroughly, 2) Offering a higher rate of pay (based on my research of the market) and 3) Treating them with the respect owed a professional small business owner (which subcontractors are, in fact). In return, I expect expertise, dependability, and loyalty.
I received a flood of resumes from my first ad on MT Stars, and at this point I have filed the positions I need. However, I’m sure I will need more as my company grows, and I endeavor to earn a positive reputation in the eyes of professional medical transcriptionists.
Dan Edge
President, Edge Medcom LLC
dedge@edgetranscription.com
Edge Medcom
RUN the other way. Not only is pay too low, quality of recording horrible, expectations of TAT impossible to meet. Owner very rude, abrupt and terse. My observations from a very short association with this company.
Anyone work for Edge Medcom or
Edge Transcription out of Monsey, NY? They posted on the Job Seekers board, and I'm interested in getting some more info. about them. TIA!!
Comment regarding Edge Medcom
I am pretty sure I am the MT that the owner of Edge Medcom was referring to in his posted comment. What he failed to mention is that he was never billed for the work that was done, even though 40-plus pages had been typed. After 5 days of laboring over the poor quality audio, I was basically working for nothing at that point. How many of us would like to work for nothing and struggle to boot? Yes, I did complain about my pay at that point and yes I did refuse to finish the job because I made barely anything on that job. He also failed to mention all the excellent quality work he received from me up to that point. After over 20 years as a transcriptionist, I am very weary of pounding the keyboard for companies with substandard audio with the $$ basically coming out of my pocket. Mr. Edge, early in our business relationship, made mention of what he makes from a seminar transcription and it would seem to me he should be able to pay his transcriptionists better. I guess it comes down to the old adage of you get what you pay for. Thank heavens I will be out of the transcription profession in the near future to one I can really make some money at!
Has anybody applied with Edge Medcom? I just saw their post on...
the other board. It got me curious. Just wondered if sparked anyone else's curiosity?
Anyone know of Edge Transcription?
Hi. Has anyone here worked or is working for Edge Transcription?
MQ has the slight edge but KS isn't bad (nm)
This is a double edge sword and I ,too,
agree that the posts are way down since the new policy took place. While I agree with taking steps to control the trolls and other nprofessional comments, many are now afraid to really say anything of the slightest critical nature so perhaps some things about certain companies which should be revealed, now will not be, thus failing to give the heads up to MTs who need to know the real truth about companies who are not really the best to work for. As far a getting an alternative email address to avoid having all sorts of emails possibly being sent to our main email, that seems a bit inconvenient and still remains the fact that nasty emails will come in either way. I have read the board all week and there is really not much new here anymore. I, too, will probably visit here a lot less often, as it seems many have decided to do.
The email said the owner as she is the owner of the email software package. sm
We got the list from AHDI. If someone does not wish to be on our email list, there is a link to click on at the bottom of those for opting out. We immediately remove those that click the link.
We also have a few mailling going out. Same thing - if you opt out of the email program, we will remove you from all contact.
We need transcriptionists for many new accounts and have ads on here and other sites, as well as several magazines. We are going to need over 100 MTs in the next 3 months due to new accounts and more work on existing accounts!
P Medcom
When I worked for them, they did not pay for spaces.
Phoenix MedCom
I have been an MT for over 25 years and have worked with Phoenix MedCom since the day they started. I have worked with the owners and some of the staff for well over 10 years before they opened up this company. I worked for MQ for less than a month when MQ bought out the old company and would never again. At Phoenix the staff is the best, you can work 24/7, pay is great with bonuses, and there is plenty of work.
Phoenix MedCom
Came to Phoenix after working for 2 large nationals and wouldn't go back for anything! Pay is good, even w/o spaces (headers more than make up for it), accounts are great, staff are helpful. Best place I've found in years!
Phoenix Medcom
Is anyone out there currently working for Phoenix Medcom? Is your experience with the company good? I know they don't pay for spaces, but do the headers and footers REALLY make up for it not being paid for spaces? What type of platform do they use? Is it user friendly? Thanks so much!
Phoenix Medcom
Thanks SO much for the information! They sound great to me; you've helped me to make my decision.
phoenix medcom
I was told by a recruiter they pay by the 65-char line without spaces.
Phoenix MedCom, Inc.!!!
xx
According to Phoenix MedCom's
own web site, Operative reports comprise approximately 80% of our volume. Do they now have clinic work??
Phoenix Medcom
What does anyone know about this company? Anyone working for them/has worked for them that could give me some info? I've been offered a position with them; they pay 10 to 11 cpl, but would like to know something about them from someones who's there or has been there. (Sorry, I can't seem to find any information in archives.) Thanks!
Phoenix Medcom
Nope, no shift differential. I told them I want M-Th or T-F, daytime hours, and they agreed.
phoenix medcom
Great company, I have been with them for over a year
Phoenix MedCom
I took the 2 years ago. It was the worst test ever!! I didn't think it would ever end; it was CRAZY long! I did pass it; however, I ended up going with another company.
Phoenix MedCom or MDI?
Has anyone here worked for either of these companies? If so, did you like working for them? Any advice would help. Thanks!
Phoenix MedCom.
I have been with the company since they started. No complaints at all. Lots of accounts.
Phoenix MedCom
They paid me $15.00 per hour for my training.
Phoenix MedCom
Does anyone work for Phoenix MedCom in NY? They just hired me and sent me tons of paperwork to download which took over a half ream of my paper and I haven't even started the work yet. Does everybody get this much? Confused. amj
Phoenix Medcom
I was wondering if any one has input on Phoenix Medcom. I sent my resume and they sent me back information. I am just looking for good/bad from anyone that has worked for them or still does.
TIA
Pheonix Medcom
I just got an offer from this company. I was wondering if anyone works for them if they could give me some input on how they are to work for.
TIA
Phoenix Medcom
I would recommend anyone to work for Phoenix MedCom. They just recently had to let me go, but that was not their fault. They had worked with me extensively to try to get/keep my line count up, and unfortunately for me, I have a psychological disorder that makes it hard for me to do this. PHOENIX MEDCOM is a VERY good company to work for. Yes, sometimes they have to be hard-nosed but that's for the good of all. I don't know what ESL dictator the poster was talking about, but I found their dictators to be good ones!
Answer their emails, take their tests, you'll be happy you did.---Karina S.
Pheonix Medcom
I have been working with this company for a short time, only a week but they are wonderul people. They give feedback in a timely manner and do not insult your intelligence. They have not threatened to lower my pay or state that I am unprofessional. They go out of their way to help. I am very happy here and hope to stay for many years.
Phoenix Medcom
I worked for them twice with the last time being just a few months ago. Yes, they don't pay for spaces, but it isn't difficult to get your lines. They can be hard-nosed about some things, but that's their right as owners. :) If you do the job, they pretty much leave you to yourself. I don't hesitate at all to recommend them.
Phoenix MedCom
Can anyone tell me about Phoenix MedCom? Pros and cons? Thanks a bunch!!
Phoenix MedCom
go to www.phoenixmedcom.com and check us out. Set your own schedule.
Phoenix MedCom
Hey out there! Does anyone have any experience with Phoenix Medcom? Thank you!
Phoenix MedCom - sm
I believe they do NOT pay for spaces. Is this still true? They say competitive line rates but 9-10 cents without being paid for spaces is NOT really good pay.
Anyone know anything about them, recently?
Phoenix MedCom
Unfortunately, yes, they do not pay for spaces, and pay is 9 cents a 65-character line to start.
I have been working for them for the past 3 months. I had to carefully weigh my options. I choose to work for them for the 9 cents per line without spaces for the following reasons:
1. They are a great company to work for. The people are polite and helpful. No game playing. They respond promptly when you need them.
2. They leave you alone to work. They don't bother you at all.
3. Work is always available. Unlike other companies, you do not run out of work. It is a rare case if you do run out.
4.You work Monday through Friday on your own very flexible schedule. You do not have to work weekends, but you can if you want to, and provided you meet your agreed lines for the week, you get a higher rate for the weekends.
5.Their work is easy. Very few difficult doctors. You can use your ShortHand program, auto text, and template some work, which will bump up your lines.
Phoenix Medcom
I worked for them a few years ago as an IC and was paid 9 cpl but that was without spaces. Maybe now they count the spaces? BTW, I really enjoyed working for them but had to get a job with insurance.
Phoenix Medcom
 Very good company to work for. Really nice group of supervisiors, pay is always on time, fairly good accounts. Good feedback. Flexible M-F work.
Phoenix Medcom
Does anyone out there have any experience with the co Phoenix Medcom - good and bad
thanks
Phoenix Medcom
Anyone familiar with this company. Are they good to work for? They have an ad on MTStars job board and was thinking of applying. IC status only. How is their cpl rate for an experienced transcriptionist? Do they pay for spaces, etc. Pros and cons, please.
Thanks.
Phoenix MedCom
For anyone who has experience there.... like/dislike/etc.
Phoenix MedCom?
Does anyone currently work for them? How is their QA system...do they basically leave you alone unless you're looking for feedback? I'm thinking about applying but want to make sure. They seem nice. I know they use Emdat/Inscribe.
Thanks!
About Phoenix MedCom
I have been working for them for about 7 months. They are a very professionally run company, very organized. Since I have been with them, I have run out of work only 2, and that is only because I did not have a backup account, which I could have asked for. Work schedules are flexible. You work Monday through Friday, and if you wish, weekends. They leave you alone as long as you are doing a good job. The only thing that you have to know is that they don't pay for spaces, and that is unfortunate because it means a 15-18% drop in your pay. Until I can find a company that will pay for spaces, and is as organized, professional, and great to work for, I'm staying with Phoenix MedCom.
Phoenix MedCom
I was looking back in the old posts and noted a question and also a statement about LD requirements. Phoenix requires a flat rate plan, for which they reimburse their ICs for acute care/Lanier work. They need a DSL or cable line for their internet work. Also, the INTERNET work DOES pay for spaces; the program for transcribing on the Lanier accounts does not pay for spaces, and the rates are adjusted accordingly. Our MTs who transcribe on both platforms/programs say they make approximately the same hourly rate on each. I hope many of you will try Phoenix out. I think you will like a company formed, owned and operated by MTs.
Phoenix Medcom
Is there anyone out there that works for this company and who can tell me how you do pay-wise with not being paid for spaces?
Phoenix MedCom does
There is a bonus structure based on volume starting with 12K per pay period and going up to 24K per pay period.
Try Phoenix Medcom
Fantastic company too
http://www.phoenixmedcom.com
Phoenix Medcom
/
Phoenix Medcom
Phoenix does have other accounts which do pay for spaces which is doctor specialty work. As per the previous replies, Phoenix is a wonderful company to work for and have a very supportive staff who work closely with you from the start.
Phoenix Medcom does nm
,
Phoenix Medcom
Does anyone have any information on this company. Good to work for? Work steady? Anything would appreciated. Thanks so much!
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