Lots of variables.
Posted By: AnnuderMT on 2009-09-17
In Reply to: Would you ever work for 7 cpl - 65 character count - question
I do tend to agree with the poster that a lot of it has to do with the type of work. Like her, I had an account that paid 9 cpl but because of the nature of the work, I was lucky if I could break 125 lines/hour.
I recently chucked it for an account that pays 8 cpl, have my weekends back, sit down, do my much easier work, and walk away...no more sitting at the computer from morning to midnight hoping to get enough money to get a living line count. I'm getting line counts in five hours that it would take me 12 to get at the 9 cpl place.
I will also point out that a lot depends on what company it is. Some of the same people saying that there was no way in hello they would work for 7 cpl, yesterday said they would work for even less for a small mom-and-pop American company to help get it going.
So, in a nutshell, if it was one doctor, one account, plenty of work, free-form schedule, for a small company, yes, I would do it for 7 cpl.
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Sounds good to me, but lots of variables. Employer stability, for one. nm
x
Lots of promises, no follow through. Lots and lots of internal sm
problems. She is recruiting heavy right now as she has a CHANCE at getting a big account back. Even if they get it back, they'll blow it again from poor management.
There are just too many variables...
in this business to answer these types of questions. Line rate, platform, work types, experience, definition of a line, employee versus IC, etc. It's like comparing apples and oranges sometimes. I've personally known MTs to earn anywhere from $5 an hour to over $50 an hour. $1000 a week is NOT impossible.
Too many variables to say --
When I worked for MQ, I was on 2 primary accounts that were SR. The dictators on these accounts were pretty good and I generally got 300 lph, sometimes more or less depending on the dictators. MQ paid 70% of your line rate for SR and paid for spaces but not demographics. Some companies only pay 50%. A lot will depend on the platform, the dictators, your SR rate of pay, what the company pays for (ADT, spaces, etc), and how many accounts you are on, in addition to what your general MT capabilities are. Generally speaking, I type about 200 to 250 lph.
You might get a better idea if you state which company/platform you are talking about. 
There's a lot of variables
There's a lot of variables
Especially if you're a relatively new hire, you're probably just getting up to speed on the account they hired you for and so they may not have the personnel to change that right now. As to adding it as a secondary, they're usually pretty good about doing that as long as it's in the same 'difficulty' level. They're not real keen on having the top tier transcriptionists getting paid at the top of the scale for typing no-brainer stuff. But your best bet is to talk to your supervisor. It may be that the spot you have now can be easily filled by anyone, and if you've got skills that would work well with what sounds like a new account coming on-board, they may be more than happy to switch you over.
Of course, like everything, be careful what you ask for.
Depends on SO many variables.
I have seen 6-8 cents for a 65-character count line for acute care. There are many variables here. It might be more with incentives, if you can attain them as a newbie. I am sure others will weigh in with what they know. Good luck!
There are HUGE variables
Formulas that MT companies give as average are usually based on average work that a MT is well versed in - which companies do not always make available to MTs then act surprised. Duh. Connections, software, familiarity, accents, account types, etc., etc. are huge variables for production and should be considered. Left on the same work for awhile I used to be capable of producing 2,000-2,500 lines, but that changes if my work is changed or if I'm put on a subspecialty I'm not familiar with. It's why companies that have people on a zillion accounts and are not rewarded for it have unhappy MTs. People making huge counts are usually people who are happily typing away at familiar work. Been there, not there now, and am miserable and burnt out.
Again, there is no average. Too many variables. As for
work it out with your client or clients or find someone to cover for you. Or you can have them find someone to cover for you, but if that person is faster, nicer, or better in some way in their eyes, you run the risk of losing the work. I always provide backup if any extended time off or just work double the next day after a single day off.
You can set forth your TAT, but if the client doesn't like it, you won't get the work. I typically ask what kind of TAT the client expects and if it doesn't work for me, I don't have to take their work.
Perhaps just finding a place other than MQ would solve your problem better, though. Having your own clients doesn't always equate to more money. You might get a better per-line rate but there's a lot more involved so you end up working more hours, etc., as stated below, and don't always end up on the profitable side.
With all the variables as to what could be lurking
that dictated minute, your guess is as good as mine. Do you have an offer? If so, what is it? Is this for an IC job? PT? FT? No real way of knowing uness you take the plunge, do the dictation and see what you come out of it with. IMO, sounds like more smoke and mirrors.
Variables in cost of living
Some states sound good, but then check out the taxes - real estate tax, personal property tax, sales tax, cost of heating/cooling, transportation, license plates, insurance, etc. A lot of it balances out in the end. Some states have outrageous license plate fees, (I paid over $600 for my car last year). I also get a personal property tax bill each year for everything including my dishes and silverware. State income tax is out of sight. Cost of heating in winter is unbelievable. I have to have 2 sets of tires for the car, 1 for winter, 1 for summer. I have to have 3 complete wardrobes for the weather changes.
Something is missing here. Please answer a few ??ing variables here. Please sm.
I'm not affiliated with Landmark, but have perused enough archives to see that not paying their employees is not a common practice with them. The majority of posts regarding LM are very positive. No MTSO has 100% positive info, especially on this forum.
I'm not taking sides here, but to quote a poster below, there is a lot of missing information.
There are always two sides to every story, which is the reason for my questions.
1. How long were you employed with Landmark?
2. Have you returned any and all of their equipment?
3. Is nonpayment why you quit? If not, did you give the customary 2 wks notice?(Not that this justifies holding back pay, just trying to find ALL the answers.)
4. Were you in breach of contract in any way?
Whether your statements are true or not, they are still considered slanderous/libel. You may want to be prepare yourself in case you need to back them up.
Good luck!
Part of the problem with variables, and where we are today -sm
is because of how isolated we are, not only from the managers in the hospitals and MTSOs who don't have to see and get to know the people whose incomes & healthcare they're grinding down, but also because other than boards like this, for the most part we're isolated from each other. I'd venture a guess that of however many MTs there are working in the US nowadays, only a rather small percentage read this board or ones like it, and it's nearly impossible for MTs to function as a single, large entity that would get more respect from hospitals, MTSOs, and even our elected government officials.
I don't know if it's actually possible, but I still carry the hope that someday, somehow, this powerful communication tool, the Internet, can be used to once again get MTs what they deserve - even if it's just a small portion of the financial pie. The more money the employer makes, the more the employee should made, as they are the cogs driving the wheel, and it's the squeaking wheel that gets the grease.
Do they count spaces? If not then it would be a lot less. Find out what the variables are from your
Good Luck. Had the same problem with a job I had to leave. I got half the lines I used to. Now with another job same thing, just a little more than half of what I used to. Still looking for a company with the fair line count (65 with spaces, headers, footers, etc). Tired of looking but still trying. Good luck to you.
Many variables affect work load
Sometimes I have run out of work. Sometimes my accounts are swamped with OT, while other accounts are caught up. Some platforms have more work/accounts than others. Some specialties are overstaffed, some are understaffed. Its pretty much the same at other companies. Its just that people speak in absolutes on this board about their experience. You have to take it all with a grain of salt. I have come to understand that everyone's situation is so different that maybe we all should put a disclaimer that my situation is this and not make blanket statements using words like always and never, nor argue with one another about who's reality is valid - they all are.
I totally agree, your story is mine and lots, and lots of others, please
believe me when I say Keystrokes has been honest like we used to have in this profession. If I can help one Transcriptionist avoid what we have, this will all be worth it. I worked parttime for Keystrokes at the time I was fulltime with ____ and quit, 2 years later I begged them to take me back after once again my paycheck was cut in half, and they did with open arms. I don't mean to run down anyone but a lot of these transcription companies are getting obscenely rich while paying below minimum wage to transcriptionists, playing with dictation and after working for a couple of them you know who is honest and who is not. Sorry I came down so hard but the reality is there are single mothers out there that I bet cry themselves to sleep not able to give their children a decent life because it is easier to steal from us. When companies have millions of dollar to pay for other transcription companies, open transcription schools in other countries, ect., ect., you know there is a lot of money in it. That is all I am saying.
I don't think we work at the same place, but I have been working lots and lots of hours.
Very thankful to have a decent job.
Too many variables to count. A lot depends on shift, accounts, what types of work you do. (sm)
I can be totally out of work on my 2 accounts and pull up backlog report and see some accounts have OT offered.
Every company has some employees totally satisfied with amount of work and some who run out totally.
Like I said, many, many variables to be figured in.
Lots and lots of recent stuff in archives.
It's all the variables that can make it difficult - lousy software, mangling ESLs, inaudible dic
s
Lots and Lots of info about them in the archives. nm
Lots and lots of work. You will love
XY?Z
Lots and lots of posts in the archives.
Lots and lots of info in archives and several
posts just down the page. Open your original post and near the bottom click on the blue see related posts and you'll get the most recent posts.
Lots lots, cuz I prefer
the OP/PR notes over any report......
Call them. I have lots of work, had lots of work
during the holidays too. I don't know who routes the work, but one of the office people is on vacation this week. I occasionally have to call to get work depending on what hours I'm working, but I have never not gotten work when I've asked for it.
lots of ESL
This company works on VA and other accounts. The accounts have LOTS of ESL MDs on them and they are HARD ESL MDs too....the accounts are truely not worth the pay!!
lots of ESL's do not do it
You will never get out of the program and a certain mentor will grade you only on ESLs and you will not get out.
Lots of changes still going on there.
//
lots of ESL...sm
They are a pretty good company to work for. Pay is on time. The only thing is all the ESLs...and different doctors every day....really messes up your production, as normals are impossible.
LOTS of ESL
ESL - Chinese, Indian, Russian, Hispanic, British and many really awful english speaking newbie residents in the process of training.
Yes, you can have (and may often need) the 12-hour window. Workload is not consistent, had to ask for secondaries before I was there 3 months; when OT is approved other people come charging on there and take all the work. Overstaffing appears to be a problem (though not a huge one yet).
I hope you can avoid the RadNet program, which atrocious and you are expected to be the unpaid go between for Webmedx techs and client techs, neither of which will own the problem. Main platform, Enterprise, is slow and often slower. Expect to have to drop what you're doing due to system freeze-ups and reboot a couple times a day.
The supe is very nice.
lots of lines on DQS
I've been on DQS about 2 months. I am averaging about 280 lph. I have been an MT for 1-1/2 years. I make use of InstantText and I set up a standard for almost every doc I come across. It can be done.
Lots of calculating there each day.
nm
Uh, lots of red flags here. I'd be looking elsewhere.
nm
lots of ex-mq mts go to that board and
she might read there 2
other on that board may know who she is 2
what's ur problem with it?
Lots of information.
Google it. There are many hits for E-Dictate.
lots of work
I got bored and tired of MQ not ever having any work, and I have found 2 part time positions that allow me to work whenever I want so long as I can get the required lines within a certain time frame. So far, I have worked for one platform for one month and the other for 1 day and already I am averaging more lph than with MQ. Think DocQScribe stinks maybe? Then add to that the time it takes for that stupid Etime logging baloney. I can't believe it took me this long, but it seems pretty plain to me.
You will get lots of replies of
keep in mind that is an average and includes everyone from the newbie to the ones that have been doing this for years. There is so much to take into consideration including whether the work is done for a national, whether you have your own accounts, work hourly at a hospital/clinic, etc. It does sound average to me for what its worth.
I have lots of work on my
If you don't already have a secondary...ask for one.
lots of ESLs
Probably everything you said. I have lots of work.
Lots of companies overhire probably because they need the work done and there are always a few MTs who have issues and don't work regularly or don't do their committed lines, so they hire more to make up for it. It is possible they may be offshoring too. You can ask about the company here and if they are offshoring someone may know. Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do about either situation.
lots of work?
So which company is it you work for that gives you lots of work?
Lots of changes there right now, not good. nm
.
Lots of work.
Software productive and becoming more so as enhancements are made to the program.
I should have said just ask lots of questions
especially which exactly which account you'll be working on and what is the percentage of ESLs. There was 1 hospital that was the 80% ESLs, and the other 2 I worked on didn't fare much better. I'm not saying stay away, just be well informed when you interview.
Lots of boards on here. ..
Guess I'm confused. . .I asked this question on the Gab Board and someone suggested that I ask it on the Company Board.
There are lots leaving and not just
mgt. I think some MTs leaving will not be on a voluntary basis either. Last time work got this slow they let a lot of the ICs and part timers go and that was right before Christmas time. With work being so slow, wondering how long they are going to keep paying insurance benefits when a lot of people are not making the line requirements anymore.
They do have lots of work. That is plus.
x
Lots of macros
Don't forget to macro your English phrases - wtp=with the patient, adtth=admitted to the hospital, etc. I have thousands of these.
Make up a system of that works for you - and don't be afraid to put a word or phrase in 2 or 3 different ways in your Expander - i.e., give it 3 different names.
I have found that some terms that I can't remember I just type phonetically and left the macro do the spelling for me. This is especially helpful with the syndromes and diseases that are rather rare. I use tooey for Tuohy needle.
Also, use the expander for all your drugs; that way you will never to worry about whether they are generic (not capitalized0 or brand (capitalized). Just type them in lower case and your expander will take of the capitalization.
Terms and drugs that are hyphenated or have capital letters in their names should be in macros as well. Any time you have to reach to use the Shift key, it disrupts your rhythm and costs you money.
Concentrate on one thing at a time and soon you will have a huge macro file to work from. First week, do your drugs, next week, syndromes/disease, etc.
Lots of maintenance going on lately, plus
recent ExText upgrade, always Ichart maintenance, service maintenance, little server glitch, recent downtime. It is unfortunate that we do not know what is going on, but I guess it is none of our business . . . just business.
In my experience there are lots of ESL
psych dictators and they are really bad. It makes you wonder how they are supposed to home someone with mental issues when you can't understand half of what they say. The absolute worst dictator I've ever had was an American psychiatrist. Okay now that I said that you can probably be very productive because you can use macros and there isn't a lot of medical terminology so if you are weak in that psych is for you. I enjoyed psych at first for the most part, but after awhile it got to be very depressing. I started 20+ years ago at 6 cpl so 6 cpl now seems like a slap in the face, but if you don't have a lot of experience that is about all you can expect.
I hope I didn't confuse you.
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