I have to provide good argument here, though.
Posted By: please sm on 2008-04-15
In Reply to: India - every now and then - MTSO
That is no different than the MTs (new or even experienced) who have poor medical terminology, poor grasp of the English language, etc.
For the newbies who don't know the difference -- maybe in a test they do but when transcribing they don't get it -- between a hemorrhage and a hemorrhoid in the brain. For the experienced MTs who have never understood that pleural is lung, plural means more than one.
I've seen great work by US MTs and by offshore MTs, alike. I have also seen the most horrifyingly low-quality work from US MTs and offshore MTs alike.
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good argument for doing away with
being paid by the line. There's no way you can get top speed and top quality...one of the two will have to suffer.
Yes, I've seen similar embarrassing work. It's awful, & yes, it was probably done by someone who racks up billions and billions of lines per pay period, which I certainly don't.
I'm not sure I've ever understood why we are paid by the line. I suppose the argument is that this would be abused & exploited by MTs who want something for nothing & that instead of seeing it as an opportunity to do research & whatever else is necessary to produce a quality document, it would be an opportunity to work as fast as possible and use the rest of the time to eat bonbons.
Is this realistic? Are there really MTs who would do this, or is this just the stock justification for cpl?
I can't think of another profession that is paid this way. It turns us into sweatshop garment workers, not educated professionals who are one of the strongest links in the chain of patient care.
Help me out here. What are your thoughts?
What good companies provide computer, etc. without charge for that equipment?
Do you know of any companies that provide computer, with or without cost to the MT?
Can anyone provide a name of a good smaller company to work for that offers decent benefits..
I want to get away from the "nationals". I know there are smaller transcription companies out there looking for a good MT.. Hopefully someone will have some good advice for me.
That's a whole different argument...nm
x
Not to start a whole new argument, but sm
It seems awful strange that I know of at least 4 people that have left Transcend in the last 2 weeks or so from the same account because of lack of work all the time on either primary accounts or secondary accounts and now they don't have an ad posted, like they usually do to fill them back up fast. Hmmmm, maybe they finally realized that they overhired!!!
Ad hominem argument -- sm
I'll admit I had to look that one up. I'm not too proud to say I've probably resorted to an ad hominem argument at some point and time, but now at least I'm more aware of it.
agree 300%--no argument here
it's just all about power and money
no argument here, I just wouldn't...
have called it TOTALLY IC.
I am totally IC--no schedule, no line requirement. But, I am not lazy, I need to eat and pay bills, and us ICs don't want our company to lose the accounts. Therefore, I commit myself to 1000-1200/lines per day whether it be split or straight shifts, and I try to commit myself to 4-5 days/wk.
You had an argument about her professionalism?
your bounds by discussing something like that with her? I mean, after all, it's her company. Is it really your place to talk to her about her professionalism when you work for her?
And when you say she fired you - did she say you're fired? Seems fishy to me that she'd email in an hour about work if she really did fire you. And she doesn't have to fire you, she can just say she no longer needs your services.
That was the most well-spoken argument for
I agree 100%, as well. I know some people think that unions brought down the Big 3 automakers, but that's not so. Even their most well-paid line workers with the best bennies don't come anywhere close to what the Fat-Cats up in their designer-furniture-appointed, corner top-floor offices were (and still are) getting. For mismanagement. They aren't building the cars America wants, so they're buying Toyotas, Nissans and Hyundais instead.
When I tell people who are not in this business what an MT has to know before anyone will consider hiring her (or him), both medically and computer-literacy-wise, and then what they're expected to work for, their jaws hit the floor.
I was inhouse for many many years, but was eventually forced out, as although no one will admit to it yet, that office is job-by-job sending its work outside, and will most likely have nothing but a skeleton crew of workflow managers left before the end of next year. They couldnt be honest about it, either. They drove the top-rated, older MTs out with abusive treatment that actually made some workers physically ill. Others left an office that they realized to be a dead-end road.
So these days, many of us are working at home because that's all that's left of MT. Which is the best thing that could've happened to the most unscrupulous of the MTSO's, as not only do they not have the overhead of having to house a officeful of MTs, but they now have an 'invisible' workforce that has little to no contact with their coworkers, and often little to no contact with the office (unless of course, heaven forbid, they make an error).
I think lots of MTs know we need a spokesperson in our behalf, as we are basically an isolated bunch, swept under the rug by the healthcare industry and MTSOs alike. What unions have brought to workers like us in the past has been a VOICE. That's something few, if any MTs have these days.
I also think that after talking about this for years, thinking about it, being told it can't happen, but wishing that somehow MTs could be unionized, with our country's new leadership and thorough shaking-out of business-as-usual for the banking, stock, and auto industries, the time has finally come.
If ever an industry needed regulating, it's ours. And we're all but powerless to do anything as individuals; we have to join together for the strength to stand up to the unfair treatment we've endured for so long. We need a VOICE, and that's what unions are - they are the worker's VOICE.
We need more attention focused on the healthcare and insurance industries in this country, and that in turn may start the ball rolling in terms of bringing MT and substandard pay into public and legislative view.
I think people need to know that those of us interested in unionizing aren't talking about being over-paid, or over-compensated in any way, shape or form for what we do. All we want is a fair shake.... a decent day's pay for an honest day's work.
I'm willing to bet many of the nay-sayers on this board are possibly MTSO trolls. Those who are 'grateful' for their lousy 6 cpl jobs, or who say that it's all we deserve, are most likely the same types who think that when a woman is raped, it's her own fault.
And that's exactly what's happend to the MT industry. Gang-rape by AAMT in the beginning, and now by AHDI. By wealthy business-types who buy an MTSO not because they give a darn about healthcare, or their workers, or even know anything about medical transcription, but just because it's a good 'investment' -- to buy low and sell high, and make even more money.
(As for norma rae below, who says 'It's not 1970'; well, actually in a lot of ways it IS 1970. Do you make much more than you did in 1970? (I sure don't). Less, perhaps? Are we in a recession? Yup. Are we fighting a pointless war abroad? Yup. And are women treated as less-than-human in the workplace? Yup.
Yeah, nowadays they can't legally make sexist comments to us, force us to sit in a cigarette-smoke-filled office all day, or ask us to make coffee. But they're still sticking it to us wage-wise. Why? Because they CAN. Because we LET them. Because even in the 21st Century, many woman still believe they're 'lucky to have a job - ANY job' - and will grovel and lick the feet of anyone who tosses them a few cents and a scrap of meat. Or rapes them and tells them they 'want it'.
If ever there was a ripe opportunity to get a medical transcription union going, it's NOW. As this dismal year finally draws to a close, I hope lots of you will reflect on how much you know, and how long and how much work it took you to learn it. Reflect on how many hours you sit in front of that computer. 10 hours? 12? 14? 18 hours a day? All so that you can make that line-quota you're expected to be able to produce in 8 hours? How much overtime SHOULD you have been earning, but didn't get paid? How many of you have a poor healthcare package, or no healthcare at all? How many of you lost any hope whatsoever of being to retire - not just later, like 70, 80, or 90, but EVER? If we're going to have to work the rest of our lives to pay for all our country's 'bailouts', it would be nice if there were half a chance that our jobs will:
a) Still be here 10-20 years from now, and
b) Pay enough to be able to live on.
I understand both sides of the argument...
But I believe that a lot of the posts are from management. They really should not disguise themselves as MTs and try to trick people. Just let the truth be what it is, and if you do not like the truth, then do something at your company to change it. All the effort that is being put into posting on this forum by management from various companies should be put into different programs, incentives, or maybe just a nice word or two to their transcriptionists to try and make the companies better. I value this forum and believe that MTs need a place to communicate these things to one another to possibly prevent someone else from going through a bad situation. I do believe that some MTs do need to let it go sometimes, but when you know that it is management posting to try and prove you are wrong, that just makes you more determined to prove you are right. Just my opinion so don't jump all over me.
Your argument loses all steam when you get to
For Pete's sake! Simple - no problems, just don't sign it! You state they're likely to sign since they've been thru the trouble of testing? Sheesh! We all know that taking the test is the magic door to finding out what the job is all about. Otherwise, all details are a big secret. Only way in is if you know somebody first. So, you take the test, find out the pay blows and you say NO THANKS and move on. Glory, glory, glory - hallelujah! Amen!
Some of these posts are revolting. No argument here.
*
Sorry, you're weakening your argument big-time. nm
for your lack of discipline in saving. But for legal purposes, they should be taking the taxes out.
Gees just mentioning arguring started an argument
Just not worth it. It's all about respect....and maturity.
No argument about AHDI sucking an egg, but I suppose it is just personal sm
preference. When I started transcribing 35 years ago or so, I had never heard of AAMT or anything like it, but the people in the Medical Records Department (which of course his now referred to as HIM -- why keep things the same if you can change them constantly for no rason) who transcribed the reports were called transcriptionists. The machine I used to access the dictation was called a transcriber.
Of course, it is no big deal and I shouldn't get so hung up with labels. I worked briefly for an Indian company (felt like I was sleeping with the enemy but that's another story), and they called us transcribers … ugh.
MDI-MD (not FL) could provide what you need. :nm
Yes they do provide PCs
You must meet production goals which you have to do anyway. The pay is good with a lot of different types of incentives. My accounts are good with moderate to low ESLs and I'm not running out of work. I didn't need the computer but an MT I referred does use a TranTech PC. Overall great company, smart move on my part.
They provide everything.
They send you everything to include the tower, monitor and foot pedal. You have access to technical support 24/7, as well as management and editors.
By law she has to provide you with a
xx
They provide everything
you need except your type expander. You can request the dictionaries, and if they have any licenses, then the IT man will download it for you. Otherwise you may have to provide your own. I never had trouble with payment. Good luck!
don't they provide equipment...sm
even if you are an SE. I know I worked as an SE for them before, and used their equipment. So, why were you providing your own? 
Yes...Thanks for any info you might provide. nm
nm
Regarding benefits, they provide
health insurance, life insurance, and PTO. I am returning to KS after having left there a few months ago to go back to MQ. Big mistake, as we all know. When I was at KS from April to August, the benefits were okay, but I am told that as of Jan 1 they are going to be really good. They are changing insurance carriers to a much better company and are in the process of supposedly putting together a benefit package, which includes the former benefits of life insurance, health, PTO, etc as well as an incentive package. I start back with them on Oct 31 and I can't wait! I should have never left in the first place, but I guess we all make mistakes in this profession.
I think all companies should provide a PC...
With any other job in an office they don't say You'll have to buy your own computer! :)
They will provide the C-phone - sm
foot pedal and headset. You pay $15 each pay to lease the c-phone.
They do provide a computer...
don't know about their insurance, tho.
They provide a lot of heartache too
xxx
Does MDI-MD provide a computer? NM
x
What companies provide PCs?
I am not sure if they provide a computer...
but they do provide the software that you will need. They are an AWESOME company to work for, at least that has been my experience (I am currently employed with them on the dictaphone platform), and they do offer medical/dental/vision, sick pay, vacation pay, holiday pay, and maternity leave. It is based on your line count x the minimum lines they require per week then divided by 40 hours, to come up with your hourly pay...for example, if your line count is 0.6/per line (just a figure I am throwing out to give you an idea), then multiply that by 5000 lines (which is the minimum lines required per week) equals $300/wk divided by 40 hours equals $7.50 per hour. That is what your holiday (+ lines for the day if you work....so double time of sorts), vacation, sick leave, maternity leave, etc. would be based on...hope this makes sense. (Sorry if any typos, it is late, and I am tired but wanted to reply....I hope I have at least helped!)
Yes, they provide computer.... sm
When I got pregnant, this was with a different company and a different insurance plan (not transcription related) 8 years ago, but I did get maternity leave that was paid. I don't think our insurance at Webmedx has maternity leave, but it does have short-term and if you are out of work 14 days that kicks in, so that may apply for maternity leave as you take FMLA, I think. I am not totally sure, though, on our insurance or how short term disability works, but that is what I was told before when I inquired. If out of work 14 days, short-term kicks in at a percentage of your regular pay. You can get more details when you call. :) Good luck to you. Just know that when you search you will find what you want. Hang in there.
They provide computer, but there is no sm
rental fee for it. I think there may be a deposit tho. Not sure about that.
Yes they provide computer - sm
and you have to use theirs. It's a great deal though, you get a brand new Dell computer with flat screen monitor, foot pedal, etc. It's strictly for work, nothing else can be loaded on it and no one else can use it. Helps to make sure you are maintaining a HIPAA environment and they provide full 24/7 tech support - it breaks - they FedEx or UPS a new one ASAP. No rental charge either - I think there may be a deposit now though. It comes already loaded with all the software and VPN client stuff.
They provide shorthand and sm
you have to have high-speed internet connection. Even with that, the last few days the platform has been iffy. They like to blame it on the internet, but they platform is the problem. Cuts out constantly. Lots of downtime.
don't provide unless hired.
If you are definitely taking employement I would provide it but you don't have to, to be considered.
MDI-MD does not provide computer.
x
Does TT provide the computer? NM
xxxxx
Do they provide equipment?
Also, do they have IC positions?
Is it possible to type clinic work only?
They do provide computers, but there is a
charge per pay period, I think about $9 or so. You cannot use the new Window Vista. Everything else they will download if you use your own computer. I took a pay cut to go there but am very happy, and they do have bonus incentives. The accounts are pretty decent. Staff is extremely friendly and cooperative.
They will provide pedal if necessary
.
They used to provide the puter, don't know about now. nm
s
provide me E-mail id
can anyone else provide me E-mail address of PACE TRANSCRIPTION & MGT. SERVICES, INC., EAST LONGMEADOW, Massachusetts
their website says they provide PC
I happened to be looking on there today and I believe I read that.
MQ does provide equipment
x
Does TT provide the computer? nm
xxxxx
They don't provide work, though.
Stay away from this company! They offshore most work to India and the rest goes to ASR. You can imagine what is left for the MT to try to make a meager living off of. Go to Webmedx - not only do they provide equipment, but they hire only American MTs and they VALUE their MTs. If you are looking for job satisfaction, go to WMX.
These used to provide equipment
Medquist (NJ), OSi (GA), Transcend (GA), Amphion (WI), Transtech (TX).
The only help I can provide relates to (sm)
working night shift. As a MT, I am sure you are educated regarding our circadian rhythm. If you have worked a number of years doing 9-5, it's going to take a few months to get acclimated to night shift. Also, you may find yourself watching daytime t.v. rather than sleeping -- it can be addicting. Last, but not least, lack of sleep affects concentration and memory -- 2 key factors that need to be functioning at their very best while transcribing. Lots of coffee helps, but can rebound on you, as do sleep aids; prescription or OTC, the latter being the last resort. Good luck. Hope everything works out for you.
If you are a VLC grad, I can provide you with
.
Do they provide a computer? nm
nm
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