I can understand keeping tabs- but I work for them
Posted By: Bunch of baloney below on 2009-01-22
In Reply to: let me 'splain it, Lucy (sm) - anon
and if I take a bathroom break, get a drink of water, etc., etc. I don’t hear about it. I can only think if you are gone from the computer for a period of time, say 30 minutes and leave a report on, sure they can know. I don’t worry about the foot pedal coming up and down and them counting because I always try to have it on and fast forward. I know they know what you have worked on, your line counts, and like that, but if you take a bathroom break, come on now!
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Yeah, the accounts keep close tabs SM
on who is typing their work at my company and I know for a fact they have demanded that certain people not be allowed to type their work, so I know that does happen. It also used to happen in the hospital I worked.
As much as I feel for you having a rough time, in business (and this is a business) there is really not much room for error here and these companies can't keep people who continually make errors - otherwise the account goes bye-bye and the company has to replace it with another account, not easy to do these days.
What I read was that they opened a center in India BUT were adding work for them and keeping their
domestic work force as well.
Workin, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that one of the suggestions will work for you too. nm
nm
I do not understand. I work for three....sm
different companies, all on Dictaphone Word Client and all of them count lines differently. One company I fight to even get 150 lines an hour, if I can even get that, the other one I am doing up to 300 lines an hour, and the third company I usually make around 200 lines an hour easy. I do the same type of work for all three, the dictators are about the same, but what is the deal? All the companies use the same software, but they are completely different in how they are counting lines. Any one else find this? It just does not make sense to me. 
I can understand that if the work is low. While you need to make
up lines, it isn't fair to others to not have work on their shift either. Depending on the workload for my accounts the work is only low about 1/2 day on Mondays and then there is lots to go around, which is when I try to make my up lines.
I don't understand - she wants you to work a certain 8 out of your 12 hr window? (sm)
I tend to work about the same schedule each day, but if I have something come up like Dr. appointment for my mom or something I am truly grateful for that 12 hour window. Have NEVER been told to stick to a certain schedule within that.
I guess I don't understand either. As for holidays, I CHOOSE to work them sm
my kids are grown and gone. They like to come for Thanksgiving, but not Christmas. I have a choice, sit around and pout over it Christmas Day, or work...knowing that what I am doing means another woman who has little ones at home can be with them. I feel like I am making a difference.
I am working July 4th, always have. I'll work Labor Day too, no big deal, although it falls on my Monday off and I won't get comp time, however, I am going to treat myself a nice meal out that week so I don't feel put upon.
I feel EXTREMELY lucky to have a full time job with benefits, regardless of working holidays, a part time job where they don't care when or how much I do (though I try for 500 to 750 a day even though their full time is only 800), and I have been offered a PT QA position in addition to these. I can eat and pay our $4+ a gallon gas. I can pay my bills and most importantly, I can be saving a huge amount of money in case something changes economically and it will.
Grow up and understand this is part of this industry. People don't take holidays off from being sick, injured or dying.
who tried keeping me down....sm
First, I got rid of the husband who consistently tried keeping me down and shooting me down, and my sanity comes first, in 1991, and then in 1997 I made up business cards, and every Thursday (my only day off) I solicited another medical center. I sold myself and only walked into the offices of which work I wanted to do. I got 5 doctors and surgeons that first year. I went down to 2 MDs/ surgeons (one went into receivership which is a form of bankruptcy and 2 witches I dumped) , and so in 2000 started *moonlighting for MQ*......and still working for MQ and have 4 surgeons.
But every single Thursday I went and solicited another center in my area(s). And if I ran out of work again today? I'd do the exact same thing. *S*
Best of luck to you......*S*
I'm keeping it...sm
But I won't use their uninstall software. I'm computer saavy enough to figure out what to uninstall on my own and that will leave on everything I need. They aren't getting off that easy.
just one more way of keeping us all
and make sure nobody's work is worth giving them a raise. rather ingenious when U think about it, albeit unethical.
Actually they are keeping
companies are offshoring and laying off or cutting pay, Transcend continues to grow it's US MT workforce and retain pay rates. There is a reason they are in the ranking they are.
I don't understand it. We've been consistently running out of work primary and secondary the
I quit.
Thank you. I have been keeping a notebook
but have to email jobs, not fax, daily so thought it would be easier to do in a word document. Did not know about the Alt+tab, that should be of great help! Thanks again!
I had trouble keeping up with my
The QA department wants to proof everything before you get paid, therefore what you typed may not be what you get paid for. I couldn't ever figure out how much I was going to receive. People were real nice, accounts good, but there was room for dishonesty in line counting in my mind.
TT time keeping?
Do you punch in and out during the day for breaks, lunch, etc. Do they have a built in time clock on their system or do you keep a manual log and if so how exact do you need to be. Do you make a note of every potty break, etc.? Do they use these minutes against lines to figure your LPH rate like MQ does?
IMO, MTSO may do this as way of keeping MT in
x
You are right!!! thanks for keeping it real
KK
I have been keeping a list ... SM
I am sure these are not all the Escription companies, but this is what I have noted over the last couple of years.
Transcend, TTS, MVTS, Superior Global, Deventure, Proveros, Focus, DeVenture, AlphaMed, Sten-Tel, Medical Ink, Chase, Lee Perfect, Spryance, Milner, Central Transcription Services, On Point Medical Transcription.
Keeping it fresh
Okay, now don't everyone jump on me here. I've read the posts and I know the hardships we all face every day, BUT how do some of you keep it going after all of these years. I mean sometimes I think that if I have to type one more report I'm going to go nuts. Some of you have been in this longer than me at 15+ years. I have to do this another 15 years! I live in a remote area so I can't just go get a job anywhere. Some of you have done this 30 years. What keeps you going?
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!
What is the problem? Are you having trouble keeping up?
nm
Thanks so much for the info, Fran, keeping it under my hat!! NM
nm
Keeping TT benefits question
TT says that we must work 80 hours in two weeks to keep our benefits. Obviously I know this and am scheduled to work 80 hours in two weeks. However, when running out of work is an every other day thing now, can they take away your benefits if you work say 72 to 75 hours? I know they tell us there is always work at night or on your one weekend day off, but I picked my Tue-Sat schedule for a reason - because I have a life outside of work and don't have time to work nights or my days off!
It's not you. It's the Universe keeping you safe
My mom always said, If it's for you, you will get it. There is something better right around the corner. Good luck to you!
Good Luck Keeping Your Job at Heartland!!
I think I have had enough! Yes, I admit, I currently work for Heartland and truly thought they wanted a domestic team. I didn't think much of the managment changes and truly thought we (domestic MT team) would be okay even if HIS was sold, well think AGAIN!
We are being fed a load of crap from the new President (Dennis Paulik)!! The below was sent to me annoynomously. I think that all US-based MTs for HIS should up and leave! Why wait, obviously, he has "other" intentions that don't include us - the USA TEAM!!!!!!
Heartland Information Services, Toledo, Ohio, which employs 1,400 to 1,500 foreign transcriptionists in three cities of India, may help explain why. Dennis Paulik, Heartland's vice president of sales and marketing, says that HIPAA standards are applied to all transactions, including anything outsourced. The company leases private, transoceanic lines, so all transactions are encrypted from the time the information leaves the hospital, to the moment it is dispatched from Heartland's U.S. offices to a transcription center in India, until processing is complete and the medical transcript goes back to the hospital.
Paulik says he hears time and again that there aren't enough U.S. transcriptionists, and that those who do still work here are an aging population--the average trained American transcriptionist's age, he says, is about 59 years. It's one reason his company was formed, he says.
"You're going to have a growing need, and fewer transcriptionists," Paulik says. "It reinforces that point that people have just got to go overseas."
Not many..but I got mine for the satisfaction of having it. Keeping it current is my pleasure..
nm
sounds like Medquist keeping track of all times
my company does not do that
Anyone know whether Transcend is keeping the same insurance this year or changing?
thanks 
Then we ALL need to start keeping track of our hours and anything that falls
below minimum wage - we need to start reporting these companies - don't care if this is caused only because of a decrease in starting VR or whatever causes it, no work, downtime if not paid, EVERYTHING included. I do believe that might get the MTSOs attention. They can't fire us all. Looks like India MT situation might be in trouble so the MTSOs should be very cautious that perhaps they can't rely on offshore forever in the future.
My 1 cent (keeping it low so opinion doesn't get offshored).
I agree with a lot of the other people. I will say, though, that I would be A-OK just working on Word since I'm assuming getting a the DocQScribe set up for a bunch of people might be cost prohibitive, at least at first.
Also, since you are talking hospital transcription, that is going to mean 7 day a week coverage. If the need arises, I would rather see rotating weekend coverage rather than requiring everybody to work every weekend.
Also, while cross-training is great for vacations, sick days, heavy work, it would be terrific to be able to get an account and not have to chase the work across 6 different accounts in a crazy MT version of musical chairs. I guess that would mean not over-hiring.
It may be unpopular, and it's probably easy for me to say because I've been at this for so long, but since we don't really establish seniority at a company, I would love to see some sort of reward for years on the job. I think I bring more to the table than someone with 2 years, and it would be great to be rewarded for that.
I'm sure I'll think of more...it's been so long since anybody asked what could make my job great that I had given up even thinking about it!
so, keeping in mind that decent means acceptable standard,
nm
What about keeping a timesheet? Is that required since you just meet a line count? SM
Do you have to keep track that you worked at these certain hours each day, or do you just log on and work and meet your line count and not care what time it is?
Have to agree ... keeping the lights turned on, food on the table, and sm
a roof over my head is pretty good motivation! Plus, I do not want to exist. I am single, but I want the same things my married friends have with 2 incomes. Since I haven't found the seeds for my money tree yet, I work. As I mentioned below, I have been an MT for 30+ years, but I have worked the last 10 years or so at home, and it is MUCH different than having to get dressed up and drive over town. Working on a Saturday or evenings or anything is not so bad when you can sit wearing a t-shirt and shorts and have your doggie curled up under the desk.
There is NO Medical Record keeping in India for hospitals/physicians.
//
I understand your point, my point is why can't MTs and QA work together..
being QA doesn't mean you are above everyone else, you are just an extra set of ears...and why do so many MTs take offense to QA??? That is my point...you made have had bad experiences in the past with QA but not all QA are bad...
What I don't understand is this-
But I still don't understand
They never have anything positive to say, except about themselves. I guess we don't need to ask anymore questions after we come to that conclusion.
So, let me understand (sm)
That this is your first career/job out of high school and you are getting 8.5 cpl for clinics and they are mentoring you? Did you hire in at that? How long have you been there to be offered QA with such little background in MT? (no offense) I have 10 years experience and they are talking 8 cpl to me. Hmmm.....
I think we can all understand
The typo police don't have to come out every time. Get a life. We all work with words all day long and when you get on here, you might be a little tired. Give 'em a break.
I don't understand it, either. sm
It'd be great if MTs came here and supported each other. This is NOT a great field to be in, IMO. We should be banding together as sisters (and brothers) in the same boat.
I wish the monitors would institute a zero-tolerance policy toward people who deliberately harass someone here like this person or people were doing to Metrochick.
Don't understand
I couldn't afford to stay in business if I paid people for NOT working. I can understand if the computer is down or if there is a problem, but just because there is no work, a company would go broke. Can I bill the doctors if they do not dictate a day? How can I pay you if I cannot bill a customer for work? This work has always been up and down -- feast or famine my father used to say. But through the years -- now over 20 -- I have learned to save for the lean times. Like I said if the problem was on my end due to machinery malfunction but if docs don't send in the dication how can I pay you for something I cannot bill out to them?
I Understand more now
I understand more now of what you are saying. I agree with you more than when I first read your post. It is so hard to juggle in this job market. There are so many pieces that fit into the cpl you charge the client, the transcriptionist, supplies, QA time, software, etc. that is it very hard for an owner to make much and when an account is down for the day to pay those people that should be on it while it generates no income is double hard. It is really hard to strike that balance of being staffed correctly for both the busy and slow times of the year. A lot of it is out of my control. You are probably with a larger company that can afford to pay you for 8 hours of work and generating income from only one. They count that into their overhead. I have only 5 accounts of 2-3 docs, have 2 part-times and am the QA, owner, Transcriptionist also. But on those accounts that my gals type, I make only 25 to 30% max on what they type which a lot of times generates out to only $7 to $9 an hour for doing pick-up, pick-up, delivery, printing, etc. That is why in 2006 I am going to probably cut back to doing only what will keep me with a decent income to pay my bills and I do not have to worry about having enough work for the gals, doing the running, etc. My guilt is high when the docs are on vacation or it is a slow time and the gals have no work but I cannot cut myself short either. Enough rambling on, - I do understand more and I think that if your company is not paying you for the time, they know they have overstaffed themselves to cover those times when the need is heavy and thus I would probably look for another company that staffs more evenly. Sorry I rambled on so much.
The way I understand it . . .
they are instituting what they're calling a pilot program to sort of test the waters of offshoring work by starting to send a small percentage of work overseas in order to be competetive with their contract fees. No, I don't think they're doing it yet, but it is obviously going to happen at least to a small extent in the near future. We have to accept this as the trend of the future because it's happening everywhere, like it or not.
What does this mean for MTs? I don't understand.
?
Understand. Thank you!
x
I understand!
That is why I love it when they post unqualified applicants need not apply!
I can understand...
I worked for an Iranian doc in office and there was a woman there that'd worked for him for about 13 years. He would call her at 3 am because he thought of something he wanted to tell her (she was also an MT). He did this all the time. As far as I know she's still there because he pays so well.
I understand all that.
The point is that besides the tons of different work types there are VERY different account specifics from hospitals all over the country. I am well versed in different work types; that was not the issue. The issue was all the different account specifics that changed on a weekly basis to boot. It became where we had no primary account. How is that productive for them or for me?
I understand that...
That is my exact point that the PTO accrues so slowly that how do they expect you to use this for your maternity leave!! Actually right now I earn less than 4 hours every two weeks and I can't accrue any because I have to use it for holidays and when there is no work unless I want to work all through the night after I have just sat all day waiting for work!! Do this make more sense... I was just told I wanted to be a maternity rider when that is not the case. All I came on here to do was to try to find a better job with more PTO then maybe when I do have a baby I can take two weeks off with it at least...at this rate I will have to come right back to work like two days after I pop a kid out! I never wanted to get into a XXXX match with anyone over maternity leave, but that is what it has turned out to be!!!
I know, don't understand it either!
there really is no proofing while you type. Proofing is going back and proofreading a document after it's done. Doesn't everyone technically read the words as they type??? And with all that going on at once, you miss things. On the other hand, I do not blame MTs who do not proofread the documents at the end, definitely less production and hence less money. I'm going to tell you a secret...lol..I just started skimping a bit on that myself. If I have a small mistake, oh well. I need to make a living here! :)
No, you don't understand.
My account with them DID pay for headers and footers and I always randomly check my line count against the ESCRIPTION (not Editscript) metrics of the company. This week it is off consistently and in talking with the company was told the client does not want to pay for headers any longer ???? so without letting us know, we are suddenly not paid for completing demographics. I simply wanted to make sure others were aware of this as this evidently can happen anywhere at anytime and no one at the company may feel compelled to share this info with the MTs.
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