I've had my own non-MT business, before, and when -
Posted By: See message on 2008-06-02
In Reply to: Think about the other side - The Other Foot
penny-pinching clients (most of whom were wealthy, I might add!) tried to intimidate me into lowering my rates or else they'd go to another source, I told them to do whatever they felt they needed to do, because what they WANTED to pay for my services still did not affect what I HAD to pay for my overhead. What I WANTED to pay, and what I HAD to pay, were two different things. (Some of these clients, even though my biz was not MT, were DOCTORS, too, I might add.)
Meanwhile, I had clients who knew my work was worth what I charged, and in addition to being the best to work for, they were also the most likely to tip. So whenever price-raising became a necessity, I knew the drop-outs that wanted to search for a better deal were usually the problem clients I didn't have time nor energy to deal with, anyway. Give 'em a deal, and you always end up losing money. They usually require more time, more hand-holding, more explaining, more effort to collect from, and they usually want the sun and the moon, and they want it YESTERDAY.
I also had some clients leave and go with someone cheaper, only to come crawling back on their hands and knees when they tried the competitor's service and realized it wasn't such a good deal, after all. There is a lot of bluffing and posturing that goes on in business, and those who are willing to lose a little initially in order to stick to their principles, usually come out the winners in the end. Those who allow their clients to call all the shots end up trying to please everyone, but in the long run please no one.
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I've been in this business 12+ years
now - worked for five companies before this one - never been happier. Work is steady. Pay is above average and always correct and on time. Lots of communication and feedback. It is a good place for me - I plan on retiring from here.
Well DUH - I've had a successful business for many
people who don't want to deal with the headaches of having their own accounts, one of those headaches being not being paid for an extended period of time, come here and complain about the difference between what the company makes and what they are paid.
I've been in the business 20 years and it is
NEVER slow this time of the year, especially when the beds are full because of the flu. I think maybe some MTs are working extra to pay off Christmas bills so that there may be less work for others.
I've been in another service business for myself -
in the past. When the time comes to raise prices, everyone gripes. But if your skill is above that of the competition (in MT case, US vs India), it's worth asking more money for.
Will you lose clients? Of course. Some, anyway. I did. But you know what? The ones I lost were always the worst clients - the ones who wanted everything yesterday, and wanted a special low fee on top of that. They were the hardest to deal with, and often ended up costing me money to work for. Losing them was a blessing, because then I had openings to take on better clients.
Not only that, but the truly GOOD clients, when told I were raising my prices, sometimes actually said, 'You're still not charging enough,' and even tipped on top of my fee for service.
So this fear people have that you can only stay in business (ANY kind of business) by undercutting the competition and cutting corners is unfounded, and does nothing but hold them back.
I've been in this business 20+ years and never
been asked for a background check and if they want to run one they can pay for it. It is a scam.
I've been in this business since 1978, sweetie
x
GREAT post. So true. I've been in this business
for 30 years, and never ever had more than an hour or 2 with no work. Not acceptable and doesn't happen to me. I work my behind off, am fantastic at this, and not 1 employer has ever done that to me, and probably never will. Just like you said, if I hit no work, I call and straighten the situation out. Don't ask questions about the account, about what MT can or can't transcribe it, just state that no work is not gonna fly with me, and I am always treated with respect and instantly given work, which I also thank my bosses for. Give and take - it goes both ways. I'm there when they expect me, and I'm there when they need me, and we're all happy. Can you imagine some MTs getting ANGRY at you? Again, another scream or throw up reaction from me. Some of you MTs really need some psychoanalysis, if you know what that is...obviously your income is NOT a necessity, and this is probably a job for you and not a career. You get out of MTing what you give and what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. Expect to be treated like garbage, expect slave wages, expect no work, expect disrespect, and you'll get it, and it seems like many MTs are looking for this! Thus the continual postings asking about companies we all know STINK. There is no other explanation - you want to be kicked to the curb and probably put little effort into your life across the board. Such a shame.
Do you feel better now? !! Business is business, most of it should be confidential. Why post on a
x
Trying to build his business? He's been in business over 15 years!!!!!! sm
I also had a hard time, nearly impossible actually, getting paid. The owner does this on the side; he is very involved with other things.
If you don't know what is confidential, you have no business being in any business.
This is confidential information and should not be divulged. It is one of the biggest problems a co can have. If you have to ask...well I won't be able to explain it to you
What good does it do? They've lied, they've betrayed us.
They've taken all they are going to take from me. I am not going to waste any more time being angry. I hate the way things ended, but I refuse to accept the blame for any part of it because I know that was a lie too, even though they did try to blame the MTs. I know part of the problem was quality issues, but QA wasn't to blame for that either, although they have been.
It is time to pick up and move on. I think mgmt will reap what they sow. For those who worked on the main account Webmedx is still hiring, though the best time slots have already been taken.
What the heck? I've never heard that in the 8 yrs I've worked here. sm
Go back to your STM or over his or her head.
Since you've brought it up, I've stopped SM
giving the negative info because every time I have in the past I am called a disgruntled ex-employee or told that my experience has no relation to what the company is like today.
I won't repeat the information I've given in the past, anyone can find it on searches. I've decided to just let the people have their experience with the company and that experience will validate everything I've ever said about those people.
The same people own and run that company--they may have new names doing the management, but it still runs the same way.
You've got it ~ you've hit the nail on the head....
I can Google until dawn and still not find John Smith in NY - you know the neurologist... Cut me a break! I've now learned to ask my online company for a list of referring physicians (since none of the accounts are in my state) and also ask for websites for the hospitals, but I still don't take more than 5 min of my own time to find referring physicians. I send it right through with a verify cc:...
As far as making an educated guess, I would only do that if it was my own account and I know the dictator well. For the online company, it is their responsibility to make that educated guess as it is their client, not mine. I leave that up to the company to make assumptions; this way it is on their back, not mine when it comes to the legality of the report. Ultimately, the physician is responsible when signing that report or there should be clause on those reports that state dictated but not read. If that clause is not there, then it is the physician's responsibility to know the content, not the MT. An MT can only transcribe what they hear and really should not be making educated guesses on anyone since we live in a world of sue-happy patients and their malpractice insurance is so high. If there is a question, it needs to go the dictator to resolve.
JMO - been doing this for over 20 years. 
I've been a QA 15 years and I've never heard
of any company only paying for the actual Keystrokes of the blank. You would literally make less than minimum wage that way. Waaay less.
I've come here for as long as I've been...
...an MT, for the same reasons all of you do. I don't scan the boards looking for false accusations, but when something comes up that does involve me, I would like the opportunity to defend myself. That's all...
Are they still in business?
Were you currently working for him?
It's really none of my business because I
don't work for MQ, but it looks to me like they need some kind of formal verfication for whatever reason that you received the letter. Perhaps to prevent any future actions on your part by stating you already had received notification in the form of a letter? Do you know if the phone call was recorded or not? Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but this sounds so awfully underhanded and sneaky to me.
It is none of their business (sm)
and there are certain questions they are not supposed to ask employees. What other ways can they invade your privacy? I would look elsewhere.
OSi has not been in business for 10 yrs. Who are you trying to
xxxxx
This is about all she does to run a business.
Business 101 sm
You are supposed to have a budget set up for payroll and taxes ahead of time. Every other week is the norm in regular business. Companies penalizing ICs or employees because they have lousy contract terms with an account is unethical.
This business. sm
Duh! I guess I don't. Just supported 2 children all by myself until they left for college with my MT wages. Nope, sure don't know anything about this business which has kept me employed for 25 years.
I don't have to know what Andrews is, I learned the right way - on the job.
Ya know, I have been in the business as
long as you have and worked in every aspect of MT including management and the slackers do exist, but they exist from any country. That's just an excuse for outsourcing or low pay. If you have slackers, get rid of them and leave the ones who work hard alone, but pay them a decent wage.
This kind of bull just literally makes me ill to read and it justifies nothing.
business
Just wanting some opinions about what people think of companies that have been around for 5 years and how to weigh the pros and cons to leave a company if the one that has been around less would pay better? thanx!
I own my own business
big mouthed fool! Go back to bed!
Is JLG still in business or have they gone under, too? nm
s
Bad business
 Yes! I agree. I tested today for another job and accepted something else part-time. As soon as am sure about the new job I am washing my hands of this GA company for good.
That is really nobody's business.
If the girl has transcribed errors more than likely from my experience it is due to POOR TRAINING on (OP) or Rad MT's part. If she was such a good trainer or whatever, the girl wouldn't be making errors! Sorry, but sometimes ya' gotta' step back jack and look in the mirror! There's plenty of companies looking for radiology MTs. Furthermore, the girl probably never got a bad vibe from (OP) Rad MT OR SHE WOULDN'T BE ASKING HER FOR A JOB REFERENCE ya' think????? 
ITA. Not sure how they are still in business. nm
Should go out of business
Hopefully, they will not stay in business long. I had a friend who worked for them and just resigned. They are HORRIBLE! They are a disgrace to our profession.
Probably 99.9% of them. We are in a 24/7 business. nm
x
Unfortunately they are still in business
Talked with someone I know who actually still works for them... the person said she was busy, but struggling getting paid again. Did my own research, found they are doing advertising in Canada. May have to go off shore soon to get an MT that will be willing to type for them. Pretty sure the investigation by the State of PA is still going on. They are not out of the woods yet. Just hate to see anyone get caught up with them. The care nothing about their MT's. Not too sure who and who not has not been paid yet.
Are they still in business?
I say enthusiast because they have been a hot topic that keeps me interested locally and nationally on what they do next...In that regard, I notice their web page is paid for up to 2009 but apparently has been under construction or not found depending on the page you try to enter on.
I also know that all of their ads on various sites are still up, but they would not bother to pull them anyway - making me very curious- does anyone still work for them - did the tax man, labor board, and lawsuits finally catch up and put them under.
Would over to know - I could use a reason to celebrate.
It should be none of their business
I think a person's credit report should have nothing to do with a job in this industry. Just another excuse they use to kick you when you're down! If your current job is not paying your bills, isn't the smartest thing to do to look for a better job? Penalizing you for that is ridiculous and unfair!
Bad Business
You know, I applied to a position right here on this board, took the test, and just got turned down. I know I did a great job. It was the easiest stuff I have ever transcribed. For some reason, the recruiter wrote to me and said my test did not warrant the type of Transcriptionist they were looking for. It makes me sick. I currently work for 2 other places and do over 60,000 lines per month, with rarely a remark from QA. I have over 28 years' experience and am a dedicated and hard worker. I actually am in a foreclosure situation and am willing to put the time in for 3 full time jobs. I will find the right third company, but what a shot that was!!! I work 7 days a week and know I can fulfill them all with at least 12000 lines each per pay period, 2 weeks. What do you think? Just trying to save my house!!!!
bad business
I don't think so!!! I know what you mean though. I recently worked for a big company and they abided by BOS unbelievably so. Hey, I can appreciate that and I learned a lot and follow every bit of feeback I get. I love it actually. I think it is just a case of false advertising really!!!
If you have been in this business a while you know
it is feast or famine. The company can't give you work they don't have. My company had clinic and acute care accounts. Unless there is work leftover from yesterday there will be little work today and even less tomorrow if the clinic MTs work weekends. My company pays holiday pay. You could take PTO if no holiday pay, or you could anticipate the holiday and the lack of work and work extra when there is work.
I do acute care work and we're on OT, even this week, though by Sunday and Monday it might be a little slow.
I can understand your frustration though.
You know what? I am an MT who has been in this business
for 10 years, and I have gone through my ups and downs, had a house, built a house, lost a house, had 2 kids, could not afford macaroni and cheese to put on the table, had to go on state assitance.
So, yes I do know what it is like to starve and not be able to pay bills. Yes, I am a Transcriptionist who DOES want to work and who needs to work. For over a year, I was with a company who promised me work as a statutory employee. They did not deliver. Every time I would try and talk to them about it and tell them what was going on, I got another excuse. Those excuses did not put food on MY table or pay MY bills.
It just really pisses me off when MTSOs promise one thing and then another happens. I have a very good work history, used to own my own business and am making less now than I was 10 years ago because of offshoring. It should not be this way. I have the experience, do not cherry-pick, work my hurting fingers to the bone and for what? To be replaced by someone who cannot even speak English and has no knowledge of the general English language let alone medical language?
You really do not know what you are talking about as far as Americans not knowing what it is like to be hungry or wanting to work. Maybe you were one of those MTSOs who promised everything and then did nothing.
Going out of Business?
The gossip on the grapevine I am hearing is that they are going bankrupt??????? Anyone else hear that? That is SCARY! Now I'm scared I won't get paid my last check! Wonderful.
I have had my own business . ..
I have had the misfortune of having to collect money from doctors who have it but don't want to pay it. However, this has plagued me even into working for someone else on the internet. I am thinking about going back into business again . . . hmmm you have made such a great point.
I would not do business with anyone
who worked off the books. If they have a lack of ethics and honesty in one area, they doubtless have it in other areas. Be careful. Watch your back.
How do you keep in business if you
constantly have work out of TAT??
Are we all in the same business?
I've just read a lot of the comments and it made me wonder if most of us have forgotten how to communicate without taking offense at every little thing. Come on folks, we all work hard and would like to see this particular career become more than it is right now. I think I understand what the original poster was trying to say, but obviously it did not quite go over as it should. Now that being said, let’s all take a deep breath and stop with the Xanax talk...lol...Heck there have been days and doctors and companies when I felt like I needed to be on Xanax. The only way you find out anything is by asking a question. Let's be more respectful about how we post and word our post. Now, have a good day all.
That's the way it is in this business.
I have been doing this for over 20 years, and I make the same money I made 20 years ago. Incredible, but true. So much has changed, none of it to the MTs advantage.
This is what MT business has done to us.... sm
Made us nasty ... I never saw so many nasty postings as on this MTstars. Go to the politics board and you will be horrified, but the COMPANY board is a close second.
its not just in the MT business either, its
just about anywhere you go anymore.
Hubby complains about this stuff all the time at the hospital where he works. Stupid supervisors and management that sell their souls for the almight dollar and the employees be dam##$!
They actually have been in business...
Since 1997 and I have worked for them for 6-1/2 years. You are right about the absolutely no benefits, but I will trade that ANY day for the independence and not being chained to my computer 8 full hours a day. As far as vacations, I have only noticed them taking one vacation per year since I have been working there. How many vacations they take though does not affect me in the slightest bit.
In war and in business
(sometimes they are identical) you need to know what hill you're willing to die on.
The OP can either establish boundaries early on and learn also what hill the boss is willing to die on, or she can surrender the first battle and become a slave. The boss has won the first volley and she knows it. Do you think she'll be more or less reasonable next time? You don't have to yell or be disrespectful, but you do have to take a firm stand, otherwise you walk around with a ''kick me'' sign on your butt.
Every MT in this business needs to get...sm
their heads out of the clouds. Stop looking to the future. There is no future transcribing. Between EMR, the Indians, and VR this profession, which maybe once upon a time may have been a good way to earn a living, is not anymore. I have been transcribing for 14 years and have worked for just about every company from Edix to L&H to Medquist and then some. What I know so far is that this business is the epitome of lying, cheating, stealing, and scheming. I have seen companies hire 50 people as QA and then 2 weeks later fire every one of them for absolutely no reason. I have been hired as an account manager with a salaried paycheck and have the company refuse to pay me because they said I didn't work enough!! I have gone completely bankrupt. I am getting out ASAP!! I have had enough. Regarding the postings on MDI, all of you who are furious as hell have every right to be and what you think might happen, absolutely, carved in stone like death and taxes, will. Not Transcend or MDI gives a rats *ss if you leave or stay. You will all continue to fight for lines and paychecks, all the while they will be laughing all the way to the bank. I have been reading the posts over the last couple of months about no work at MDI. I worked for MDI and I was completely broke for 8 months because there was no work and, if there was, it wasn't for long. I begged for additional accounts and was told no because, get this, my line counts weren't up. I, with a passion, hate this profession and every manager, supervisor, and everyone else on up who take home big fat paychecks at my expense. I remember those e-mails from Dorothy. I can just imagine how hard she must have been laughing at writing them, all the while saying to every higher up in the company, wait until the sucker's get a hold of this e-mail! I can't wait to say goodbye forever to this profession. Boatloads and boatloads of luck to those of you who stay in this. YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT!!
This is business. This is $. You are not their BBF.
nm
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