I'm with you and hoping this is not gonna be the next trend...
Posted By: cindyoh on 2009-07-24
In Reply to: I'll tell you how its taking work - night/weekend working 60 hrs to get 40 hrs
I'm a confirmed second shifter for many years and for many reasons and recently started at a different company, doing Sun-Thurs evenings. Long story short, have been there 2 months and frequently run out of work on my Sunday night, and I'm infuriated (and maybe naive, have rarely in 30-odd years run out of work and especially not the first day of my week). Of course that means I have to make the work up, so I do that on my Friday off, though I take care to do it after 3:30. Needless to say, I deeply resent working on my day off. Like you, I say this is sacred and my wrists need it, and I'm a good employee. I'm biding my time to see how this all pans out; I may see if I can negotiate something different if possible. I was one of five new people hired on this account, (hopefully not an overhire, things are fine other than this). Anyway, NO, it just ain't right to in effect force us to compete for jobs in this way.
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It seems that this became a trend
with a lot of companies several years back, with companies beginning to give psychological/personality evaluations to help determine a candidate's suitability for a particular position/company setting, etc. I was not an MT at the time, and have not yet encountered this since becoming an MT. I think it is a bit costly, but for companies who do it, I believe their financial return is expected/gained in less employee turnover and finding a good fit for the company *family*. This began around the time a lot companies started throwing around all the Quality Assurance business (again, not MT/QA, but the whole customer service QA and considering colleagues within the same company as *customers*. The company that I was with at that time was a fairly small company, but they spent a pretty penny on having people come in to conduct several meetings regarding this.
That seems to be the trend
Either payroll is correct and the management is bad, or management is great and payroll sucks.
That seems to be the trend lately sm
However, at MDI, we only have set days that we are to work and we were given the choice of Sun-Thu or Tue-Sat. No set hours, though, just a 24-hour window to get your counts in. Gotta love it!!!!!
ANOTHER NEW TREND
One more thing that has not been mentioned here. I would like to see dictating clinicians be given more mandatory training and subsequent responsibility for the quality of their dictations. It is about time that we stop accepting bad dictation habits as status quo and something that we have to accept as normal. I'm talking here about the usual bad habits, which include, but are not limited to, fast talking, slurred speech, eating while dictating, carrying on unrelated conversations with others while the tape is still running, talking while yawning, talking over background noises, etc., etc. Oh, and one more thing. Inform the dictating clinicians that many of us are long-distance and not familiar with their local geography, nicknames of local doctors, first names of which Dr. Smith or Jones that he or she is referring to, etc..
Disturbing trend
Ms. Shapin, I know nothing about your company, nor would I criticize you or your company since I don't work for you. I empathize with your responsiblities as a business owner having been one myself. What is gravely disturbing to me in your post is a glimpse of your mindset about the offshore worker. Your view of the offshore worker is similar to disturbing trends by many other business owners who flock to third world countries where there is no protection for the worker, where there are no labor laws, where there are no standard work ethics. Yes, these people in third world countries are hungry for work. They will work any hours, any days, and be extremely grateful for a few pennies. They have no protection, and until they become tired, and worn down, they will serve their bosses well. One day though, American companies will become so dependent on workers from third world countries. These workers will become more intelligently aware of human rights, that they too, will someday voice their concern for the same things we want here in America - decent pay, job security, the ability to take some reasonable time off from a very, very demanding occupation, benefits, etc. Ms. Shapin, I would be careful about praising a worker from a third world country who is so hungry to rise up from poverty. It serves you well now. You, me, and so many others, have the same human wants and needs. Think about it. If there was more decency from businesses and corporations about workers' rights, ethical practices from all sides, and a fair way to meet the same goal, perhaps you would not be attacked. The American Transcriptionist is just having to fight for every penny these days, fight to have benefits from a job, fight to work decent hours, fight to keep afloat. We all want the same thing. Decency.
Downhill trend
Not that many years ago, only ITs had to supply their own equipment.
It's sad that the large companies expect MTs to foot the bill for all the equipment, especially with the trend of giving MTs less and less of the profit pie.
I mean, when was the last time an MT got a cost of living increase? Or profit sharing payouts? Or any of the other perks of being part of a successful, profitable business?
A carpenter that is self-employed SHOULD pay for his own stuff. An MT who is an EMPLOYEE should not. Simple logic.
Do you think physicians have to buy their own MRI machines? Do you think police officers have to buy their own squad cars?
The transcription profession feels like a sinking ship. I pity people who are only now getting started. The hey day of this profession is long gone. (Sniff. Sigh.)
A trend beginning...
About 6 months ago, Keystrokes and Transtech were the 2 best companies going on...and now 6 months later, we are reading all negative about the both of them. Go figure. It all comes down to finding the right company for you.
So maybe this is the beginning of a new trend - sm
in American Transcription? Turning it back into a REAL job again! If what this site says is true, I'd be surprised if this didn't become the best MT company and most sought-after employer in the Northeast. I know I'd rather have MY records transcribed at a place like that, and not in Bangalore or Manilla. I wish them every success, and that that other MTOSs will follow suit!
A trend emerges
So it seems that those who like VR are the ones who started out in-house and were there for a long time. Then they were switched to VR and made an easy transition. Well, good for them! But that's not most of us and if you jump into a VR account cold, it doesn't go so smooth. Plus you spend as much or more time on it than you would if you had transcribed it yourself. So if VR is the future, then pay me for my time. And not 3 cpl. Otherwise, I will and am finding something else to do and all of my years and expertise will not be utilized as they could have been.
This is the trend for all companies now. sm
Paying substantially less, 50% or so, for pre-transcribed (voice or speech recognition) jobs is now the trend.
Since the industry giants/leaders do it, I don't see it ever changing.
And why should it? Everyone accepts it and does it. Therefore, they don't have to pay more.
It is sad.
It seems to be the new trend - many companies hiring
inexperienced people or clerks (if you will) to manage MTs. It's definitely now all about money, folks. Never thought I'd see the day where folks would take approximately 10 bucks an hour, be paid salary, and work 60 hrs a week, but they are! You have to hand it to them though, this will definitely build up their resumes for the future. Can you imagine who will be managing the industry in say ten years? For once I AM GLAD I'm old. lol
Their trend is to keep their posts on top over weekends
Their pay is low, so people with a lot of experience never get replies to their applications. They want fresh meat, thus the multiple posts. I think people are figuring out that they aren't all that in the MTSO world. Personally, I would applaud this site for asking them to limit their posts to no more than twice per month, but that would be taking money out of the mouth of the board owners (no offense intended here - business is business and I understand that). It is just getting to the point that seeing these ads are making me stay away from that board and look at jobs on other sites.
The trend is passing of indian MTs as US
I am not saying in this exact case and/or company, but many times over this has happened. Buy up the US based company and use the good US MTs to edit the crap and save big bucks on the Indian MTs. Clients don't know it is happening, but those that inadvertently find out will drop them...sometimes.
Again, not every company has done this but MANY have. I understand the fears, and i would never work for any organization that offshores or supports that in any way.
EHR Deinstallation Trend Hits Phoenix
Publish Date: 7/30/09 - By Allison Tsai
Source: Medical Economics
Though the Phoenix area has seen a high adoption rate for electronic health records, it also is the first region to experience a “deinstallation” trend, according to a HealthLeaders-InterStudy report.
The trend to cancel EHR contracts, especially prevalent among smaller physician groups, is a result of training, functionality or affordability issues, and highlights the need for an affordable solution, according to the Phoenix Market Overview report.
The rapid adoption of EHR technology in Arizona stems from a 2005 executive order by then-Gov. Janet Napolitano, requiring that all healthcare providers install an EHR by 2010. The top hospital systems in the area, Banner Health and Catholic Healthcare West, along with several others, have installed EHRs, but are struggling with the same financial constraints as the small physician groups. EHRs require a significant financial investment in addition to expensive upgrades, according to the report.
Long-term benefits of the technology include reduced transcription costs, lower chart and file storage expenses and the potential for reduced premiums on malpractice insurance, but in areas like Miami, where the recession is threatening the profitability of hospitals, EHR installation has been slow due to lack of funding for such projects.
Chris Clancy, a market analyst with HealthLeaders-InterStudy, says Phoenix may be the first area to experience the deinstallation trend due to its aggressive adoption of the technology, but will likely not be the last. In addition, physician shortages in Phoenix make it difficult for doctors and staff to carve out time for EHR training, Clancy says.
In response to Disturbing Trend posted by MTness
Bravo! Where I have no opinion either way about Ms. Shapin or her company, this attitude is what is killing America. Our daily needs cost more because of our hungry politicians and situations created by these type of businesses who feel that off-shore people are grateful for the opportunity to work for an American company who they know is taking advantage of them. I do not know if any of you recall, but a few years ago in a hospital local to our area, one of the Indian doctors shared what the American MTs were making compared to what a relative was making in India. This MT was enraged and threatened to release countless numbers of medical records of American patients on to the internet if her needs were not met. Not much information was given in followup and probably compressed by foreign diplomats. This is one of the major issues of outsourcing.
I agree with you, all we want is the right to survive in OUR OWN COUNTRY.
This seems to be the trend now. I have had to change jobs 3 times this year
due to this very fact. I'm at my third one now, and it is still happening. I've decided to just work 2 jobs. One part time and the other supposedly full time, but it is like a part time. The only reason I am staying at the third is because, I need the insurance, and changing between jobs before the 90 day probation has landed me without insurance, as I have had to change jobs before the 90 days are up.
Transcend's positive posts stay here cause negatives are deleted! That's the trend!
You cannot rely on honest referrals on this board, especially the archives. They are edited and deleted forever. Just as the negative posts on the Transcend forum "magically" disappear once discovered...Don't be so naive, unless you're the one "editing"!
I did notice that one job posting stating exactly that, haven't followed the trend closely, thoug
thanks, I'm gonna try that! sm
Hope it doesn't ruin my day!!! 
what cha gonna do if we don't???
nm
What cha gonna do?
Are you serious?
How old are you. I mean I am only 21 but you sound like youre 13 or something.
That's not gonna go over too well, I think.
She won't see it as helpful. She's upset. It can be quite catty on here but some are just too sensitive. 
I don't think I am gonna take it....
I think that is too low. I was not aware what VR payed. I have never done it and have no friends who do so I thought that was too low but needed to hear from someone who knows.
gotten, ain't, gonna--so what?
All that, and you couldn't even give OP the answer he/she was looking for. SHEESH!
OF COURSE, there are gonna be ones who act
has not been good. I should say my working experience has not been good as that is the only experience I have had. But it is what it is and that is all I can base my opinion on. However, I share my opinion with MANY MTSO and those in management, the ones that deal with these buisness people on a daily basis.
Sorry but if they are gonna slam on someone, they should at least
make sure it sounds right. It was funny though. It had me on the floor and not completely in an insulting way..JUST FUNNY.
It's gonna get worse SM
When someone posted below who cares about construction workers that pretty well summed up the problem in general. Everything is about 'me.' Our America is on its way to becoming a Third World Country. Watch the news sometime.
Yup, and it's gonna come back and
nm
wow, and i was gonna apply with them
/
Not even gonna argue, as I can tell 100% from
your dialect that you are Indian. So, you don't understand our US point of view. I do not want to work for an Indian owner, a Japanese owner, or an owner from Mars who has, in their own written and published mission statement, to eliminate the US MTs, as they are inferior to Indian MTs. Not my words, CBay's words, and I don't care if they came from Santa Claus, or Mr. Hoffmann, or Tony Soprano. I ain't gonna work for someone who wants to eliminate me and my coworkers. Buh Bye.
who ya gonna call?
Isn't it against the law for payroll checks to have a delay of over 10 days? Does anyone know who you contact for help? It's mind-boggling that you are expected to provide high-quality, reliable work and get it done...STAT...and then wait and wait for compensation.
I'm probably gonna get reamed for asking but
How precisely does one lose money doing ASR? Is the work not consistent enough to get used to the dictators?
Please, do tell. I'm about to start VR work at Transcend (on BeyondText) and I'm just wondering what I'm in for.
You're probably gonna get more than me...:(
I've been at Oracle long enough now to know that the recruiter is a lying sack of excrement! I left my previous job because of low/no work and accepted a job at Oracle (OTI). The recruiter said over and over how busy this account was and how they're needing somebody bad, etc etc. I've been out of work for 3 days now. In fact, this is not at all unusual because ever since I started I run out of work 4 days out of 5 and that's with 3 accounts. I feel like such a failure for even trying to do this job anymore. I just don't know what it is with these companies?
sure gonna give
it one heck of a shot! I think they want us to think the physicians don't have any say so either but heck if the physician's refuse to dictate there then they will see that they do have a say!
Yep, I think MDIers are gonna get it
This whole thing is right out of the MQ playbook. Get ready to get hit!
MT'S are not gonna like this post
Even though I am on your side, fighting the same things as you, I have a slightly different view.
I don't paint all MTSOs with the same brush, first of all. They are not all fire-breathing mega corporation monsters reaping in huge profits at the expense of their work force. Many are just barely making a profit themselves.
Besides, unlimited profit is what capitalism is all about. Don't expect the mega corporations to limit themselves too much - they are mandated to make as much profit as they can for shareholders. And they shoulder all kinds of legal burdens with the clients they contract with that MTs don't have to be concerned about. They DO have real expenses.
Another point is this: Sometimes we just have to wait up and smell the coffee. The industry IS changing - lots of speculation about *where* it will end up, but this much is clear: They have been training a new work force to do this work (not just offshoring) for a very long time.
It's the old supply and demand construct: When MTs were scarce, our position and talent was more appreciated in actions and in pay. Now the industry has an abundance of good to great workers so employers have more choice and that competition is part of what's driving down wages and opportunities.
So I have read the writing on the wall - diversify *now* while there is still work at current wages because there is a real likelihood with technology, offshoring, and workforce that wages (overall) will continue to be stagnant or even go lower.
But screaming at the MTSOs on the board may make one feel better, but it won't change reality one iota.
Now I have go punch my punching bag and take some prozac.
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Who are they gonna give all the bad dictation to? (sm)
I really should start showing on my resume I've only worked for 3 years. Maybe I'd get the good accounts for once.
So what did I do before that? Oh, I guess I didn't need a job. Maybe they'd stop slinging me all the sh**.
I was gonna reply because I work for them...
but I don't know if policies and coverage rates vary from state to state. Here in Maine, I think the state has something in place that limits how many insurance companies can exist...messed up but true. Maybe that's what the person meant by going to the voting booth? I honestly have no idea.
I have to buy the family plan, even though it's just my husband and I, and man, even though the company chips in a bit it is very pricey...if it goes up again the next cycle, I'm probably gonna have to drop, as it already costs over 1/3 of what I make, but I try not to think about it because it makes me poop blood. Again though, I deeply believe this is due to the corruption of the State of Maine, and not DeVenture.
Someone gonna speak up at the meetin at OSi?
10 cpl just "aint gonna happen" nm
/
I think I'm gonna go ahead a bite...
 I turned in my Keystrokes paperwork today for a RAD account starting Monday. It looks like most of the problems are with acute care accounts with more positives on the RAD accounts. I'm not worried about OT/paid holidays because I have an actual IC job with plenty of work if/when I want it. I'm just hoping that being this RAD account is new, there will be enough work to keep me qualified for medical. I see others who just posted recently are new hires also--good luck to all of us!
TY. I'm gonna give it a shot...
Just turned in my resume. Thanks again for the info!
I'm gonna give it a try..can't hurt!
On the front page of the Long Beach Press Telegram in Long Beach, Calif. today is the start of a series that is going to run every Sunday for the rest of the year. They are going to share the experiences, some challengiing, some encouraging, of our friends and neighbors this is regards to the slowing economy, unemployment, etc. Also today was a letter to the Editor that basically said If you want to fix the economy in the U.S. then quit outsourcing all the jobs overseas. Jobs here = consumer confidence and spending.
I am going to give it a shot and see if I can get a story about the MT field and how what is happening in MT is NOT related to EMR. The EMR President Obama wants is a MR that is accessible via a computer (EMR) (and HIPPA accountability for privacy) but no where have I seen any reference that the reports that are included in that MR are supposed to be coming from a Third World Country with no HIPPA accountability. The focus behind the EMR is having access to your medical records if you have a medical incident away from access to that infamous paper chart in your doctor's office or prior paper hopsital records that can not be rapidly accessed. I am not against the concept of EMR but I am against the concept of trying to get by with lumping it in with other functions end up eliminating jobs in the U.S. They are our medical records and all components of them should remain in our country. If I am able to pull it off and get a Sunday dedicated to MT and EMR, I will post the link to the article here. Anyone who wants to assist in writing an article give me a shout-out.
Whatcha gonna do when all your MTs quit, TT??
Hogwash!
Gonna miss your posts GP sm
I have to agree with you, there are way too many hateful people on this board. I've never seen a bigger bunch of spiteful souls in my life. Sorry to see you go.
That's too bad..I was hoping you were.
To equate a business not hiring remote employees from a particular state with not hiring a particular race of people is ridiculous. You do know there are laws regarding interstate business, right? Do you think they view Californians as a race and they just don't like you so they won't hire you? You would get nowhere with a lawsuit.
They were hoping you would not
:)
I keep hoping...
I have put alot of personal investment into my primary acct. Perhaps others can just pick up a new account and go with it. I am not that way. It takes me anywhere from 3-4 months to really get to know the docs especially when they come up so infrequently that only over a long period of time can you pick them up.
But right now, I am forced to deal with multiple new accounts. Like everyone else who is there, you never overcome your learning curve to maximize production and QUALITY!
But from the few things My supervisor has said, I think it is going to get worse before it gets better. The turn around times for all reports have become so real time that I will never see any pooling of my primary.
Example: This afternoon my supervisor wanted extra people to work tonight because some reports were going to be out of turn around (I mean how can they when there less than 24 hours old?)and the number of reports in my account was 15.
That is what I am hoping.
2 years ago. I am fixing to call and hopefully things will go well. If he asks, I won't lie.
I'm hoping 3.8 will be last. I'm looking at this as
xx
I was hoping
someone would say that, since people have recently posted that we (MTs) are always being negative, but if you are stressed about how you are going to pay your bills then.....also one of them suggesting we find another job.....believe me I am trying to finish school, but it's kind of hard, because some semester I can't get the money to pay for school because you never know how the work is going to flow.........
sorry for being so,negative lol I mean realistic.....
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