MedQuist newby frustration
Posted By: Lisalinda on 2009-07-30
In Reply to:
I have been with Medquist for appx 4 mos now and can't get to the line count they want me to have, which only is $6.55 an hour. I cannot live on this hourly wage. I came from a larger hospital in my area and did very well with line count with using text inserts for our benefit and made double this and more. I believe I am utilizing everything that I have here to be faster but don't know why it isn't happening. I am very frustrated when I look at other companies and feel that it will be the same thing if I took a new job . I enjoy working at home and have been here for almost 4 years. Am I just wasting my time in this field? I feel inadequate and feel as I have wasted time and money to go to school for this. Can someone give me some advice?
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newby
Welcome to the wonderful world of medical transcription!
Reply to Newby
Say Kitty - you definitely are a newby. Maybe after a few years of doing medical transcription you will change your tune and understand why some really nice MTs turned so nasty.
I know your frustration!
Is this company out of Pittsburgh, PA?
Frustration
I am just frustrated and needed to vent, and I am sure somewhere someone else has gone through this as well...
Here goes..
My company has been low or out of work several times this pay period. We first get email after email asking us to please flex our hours and then we get an email asking us to not take work quickly so that we can share among the team the work that is there.
I am okay with flexing once or twice during a pay period, but this has been several times now and I frankly set my schedule because I can't work other times... because I have things I am doing then. It makes me kind of annoyed that they assume that no one has anything else to do and can just change time around willy nilly more than a couple times in a pay period. I asked for a third account and got the run around, but obviously they have too many MTs on the account most of the time or something.
The second thing irritates me because although I understand the team mentality I am not getting team pay and I feel like if there's very little work than I want what I can get my hands on to have the money for my family. I feel like why should I worry about other people not working as much as I would not want them to be worrying about me. Its not our responsibility as MTs to provide each other work as the expense of our own families. Now if we were being paid as a team, then I would only take a couple jobs and leave the rest for the other team members. I also get irritated at this because there are a bunch of people who never show up until the end of the pay period and no one seems to do anything about them.
Am I upset over nothing or would you guys be upset too? In the past couple months I have seen my account go from 70/30 VR to 90/10 VR too, so I am losing money on those reports I used to type. I asked for an account where I could type and was met with no information whatsoever. The only thing they wanted to do was change my queuing for other worktypes, except I work 4 hours part time and by the time I get through the editing stuff, the typing stuff is either gone already (I don't know how those people get their queues where they can get the typing reports) or I have to leave because its the end of my shift and I have other things I need to do.
Anyways, just wanted to let that out as I am really frustrated.
Frustration with VR
It's like Dr. Phil says, people treat us the way we allow them to treat us.
I was in the same boat, refused to do it any longer.
MedQuist board is now set up. See Medquist link to the left.
MedQuist board is now set up. See Medquist link to the left.
Link is also below.
Okay, just a little frustration showing ...
Don't let it get to you, if you can help it. Life goes on. Good luck.
QA question due to frustration
I was just informed by my QA person that she feels all my reports for the past pay period should not be marked and averaged in, but only the reports with the hardest ESLs. Therefore, I will never make a good score. She said by only counting the ESLs that would give her a better ideal of where I am at. I think this is unfair and all reports should be graded and averaged together during a pay period to give me an accurate score. There is no need to talk to anyone further according to her because in order for me to get to the next level, I must pass her daily grind to make me a better MT because she did not have this opportunity when she started out. I am very appreciative of the job I have and will shut up and follow her advice, but I still think all reports should be counted.
I understand this frustration
I am frustrated just at doing 95% VR and not making any money. I don't have any quality issues and no one has ever said anything to me about quality, so I don't know about that. When I started, I had editing and transcription about 60/40 and it seems like its now 95/5. Some of the doctors shouldn't be on VR, but my emails fall on deaf ears, so not only do I lose half my pay, but I have to pretty much retype the whole 20 minute report. Its pretty frustrating. I have even asked for accounts where I could type again.. but again, deaf ears. To me, VR is trained monkey work and I am not a trained monkey. I take great pride in my knowledge and my abilities. Every report I open (and I am not exaggerating) would be easier and faster to type from scratch and would be better quality than VR presents to me preediting. I think its sad that people post thinking what the VR produced is comical.. to me its frustrating and highly irritating. It might truly be one thing if it was one or two corrections and we could whiz through the reports, but its not and the sound quality is just not up to par on most reports. The people are great. I love the staff that takes care of me, but after that I have really lost a lot of feeling about them. I do know one thing, VR is not for me.. and especially not at that pay. its just downright insulting honestly that we get paid so cheaply to really do so much work on each report.. its like they rob out of my pocket and its disgusting. If VR is the future of this business, I won't be involved because my knowledge and my abilities are worth more than pennies each pay period. I have really yet to top my transcription pay from my old company on a paycheck. Its sad too because they are making us not want to be there and they are going to lose some of us. I found a straight transcription company and I am going to work for them. I have to recover from this VR blight and find the love of the job again. Its really quite a shame!
I feel your frustration
Our situations sound eerily similar, I'm lucky to meet quota each paycheck and most of the time do not. I was finally emailed today by FN telling me once again to be patient because it is a slow time and they cannot control how much the doctors dictate. They have huge numbers when sending out census on the accounts but NJA when you login. It's very confusing as to where these jobs are or who is getting them because I surely am not. I'm sorry to hear you're in a similar situation, as I know how frustrating it is.
I understand your frustration
I would gladly take two PT jobs if I can't find FT...at least it would be better than the per diem stuff.
Anyway, you have to think of it at the business perspective, they have to setup accounts, provide some technical support, adjust time schedules, and many provide benefits even to part timers. All of that costs a lot of money and if you are only working part time you are not making as much money for them as the full time people. Full time people require less overhead than part time so they make more money for the company...it's all about the bottom line.
I started a gaming business in town, sold it a few years ago, and I can tell you I cringed every time someone came in that wanted to work part time. The costs were enormous and the payback was almost nothing...it actually cost me money to hire someone part time rather than gaining money. Of course that was very small scale, the larger companies don't lose as much hiring part timers, but the principle is the same.
Good luck finding PT work, believe me, I know the struggle!! :)
I understand the frustration! sm
The rest of my family works far less hours and makes more money than I do. The icing on the cake is they ask me how to spell words and edit things when they have to type up something. I do not have time to do anything like they do nor do I have the money. I end up feeling like the poor loser of the family, especially since I could probably do better at Walmart, working less and making more money.
I understand your frustration. But sm
if experienced MTs are starting out 8-9 cpl, you don't expect newbies to start out for anymore do you? This is the problem. When you first start out working on production and making a living is nearly impossible if you haven't worked in an office. I have tried to explain this but everyone wants to argue the point and tell me why they should have so much more money, benefits, etc. etc. This is the way it is. I don't know what the answer is since folks are saying there aren't that many in-house jobs.
Schools are lying to the newbies and giving them unreasonable expectations. But, when I post about that, I get torn down there too and told I don't know what I am talking about.
Again, the best situation is for a newbie to work in an office! You may have to search for a long time to find the job but I certainly would NOT do my first job at home working on production!
I understand your frustration. But sm
if experienced MTs are starting out 8-9 cpl, you don't expect newbies to start out for anymore do you? This is the problem. When you first start out working on production and making a living is nearly impossible if you haven't worked in an office. I have tried to explain this but everyone wants to argue the point and tell me why they should have so much more money, benefits, etc. etc. This is the way it is. I don't know what the answer is since folks are saying there aren't that many in-house jobs.
Schools are lying to the newbies and giving them unreasonable expectations. But, when I post about that, I get torn down there too and told I don't know what I am talking about.
Again, the best situation is for a newbie to work in an office! You may have to search for a long time to find the job but I certainly would NOT do my first job at home working on production amount!
I feel your frustration. I have had the same experience. nm
NM
I certainly feel your pain/frustration
i do work for Keystrokes after many nationals. It sounds like you had a clinic account and with 20 years experience that would be horrible, I have 17 and no clinic experience and I certainly don't want to do clinic work or look up doctors, so I am on your side.
I think Keystrokes really leans to the experienced MT who does not require much guidance, but believe you me I would not be on an account where you had to find doctor's addresses. After working for them I quit for pie in the sky - emailed Lee to take me back. You probably should have been on an acute care account - you can always go back, I did - I am finally making some money after 5 years of almost desperation.
I feel your frustration, that has been me, but I think for me with 17 years acute care experience, and being on EX-Text, I am making money for the first time. I worked on Meditech years ago and made money but that was gross line with the system being in the hospital, I don't know now.
Try again unless you are happy where you are. Lee took me back with open arms.
I was told (and all my experince was in hospitals for the first 7 year) that it takes at least 5 years before your nose is out of the books constantly. Sounds like you were on the wrong account.
Hang in there, it is horrible starting new with any company and then find out you don't fit or you were steered wrong.
Frustration working at Transcend.
Anybody out there still employed with Transcend, who is frustrated right now???? Well, I am for sure. Seems no matter how hard you try or how much effort you put into correcting the errors in report, they still complain about quality. Maybe it is this way everywhere, I don't know. I am just really frustrated, especially because their pay is pretty bad. Only 4 cpl for editing jobs. I spent all day doing editing jobs and I figure I made about $40 that day. Wow, then I can plan on making about #200 a week or so. I have tried so hard to stay the course and keep hoping things will get better, but so far they are not.
Anybody out there want to add a comment.
Frustration working at Transcend
It is a shame to see such a great place to work become so bad. It was fantastic 3 years ago but since VR has taken over the employees are dropping like flies. They are going to be left with very few employees - is anyone left there? Would the last person out please shut the door!
Frustration working at Transcend, same here
I am in the same boat as you. I have been working for them for almost 2 years and was promise a pie in the sky salary when I started. I haven't even been offered a raise yet. I get very discouraged because I work as hard as I can and even work extra on my days off. I wish they had a mentoring program to help others learn how to make the $900 per pay period that they require for you to be a full-time employee. From what I have read in the labor laws production workers are suppose to get paid the difference to make up for what they are not making, as far as minimum wage goes.
I understand your frustration and appreciate your posts
because as always there are 2 (or more) sides here. the fact of the matter in my opinion it does take a lot more effort and time to make the same amount of money in VR and will never make up for all we have lost as a whole...
great for some MTs (and I agree with you, the minority) have embraced VR and are doing great, but I still believe the majority is struggling and frustrated, and then are expected to live up to the statistics of those who have mastered it.
it is nice to finally have someone who has mastered VR post some legitimate tips because mostly people like to keep things to themselves (I can understand that too I guess). I rarely get responses to questions about how I can produce more, or when I ask for tips and tricks on VR - it is mums the word, haha. it is a secret usually.
I do agree also with your post though as far as there are definitely MTs who get preferential treatment in regards to work flow etc and I will never believe different. there is no accountability whatsoever and people with the control can assign themselves or anyone they please whatever work they want.
"who do know the difference between venting a frustration and turning into an ugly mob of pitchfo
Shades of Young Frankenstein, ''A riot is an ugly ting ... and it's zhust about time we had one!''
Medquist
//
Medquist is getting really bad
Been there for a long time (years and years) - am looking for another job now. They don't care about their employees, only their accounts. The pay is horrible and you almost never get a raise. Management only cares about management - not us lowly peons.
MedQuist.
MedQuist.
MedQuist
I did not like MedQuist's platform at all. All of the info required to be filled in was ridiculous (wouldn't have been so bad if they paid for the keystrokes). Also, I was switched between 4 different accounts during the first week. I was told during the interview that I would have one main account and a backup account.
Another complaint I have is that whenever I called the office, my calls were not returned. I had to just keep calling until the manager was available. I just did not have a very good first impression of them. Luckily, my previous employer took me back.
I would recommend anyone switching companies to try the new company out before turning in your notice. Sometimes you don't know how good you have it until you almost lose it.
I think it's only fair to say, though, that if I would have had a stable account and had a chance to get used to the doctor names, local cities, clinics, etc., I may have had an entirely different impression of MedQuist. Don't put too much weight into one transcriptionist's impression of a company. They may have 'easy' accounts.
I also have noticed that sometimes, the less qualified you are, the easier work you get, the more money you make. 
MedQuist...
I work for the Ohio MedQuist and have had exactly ONE radiology account in the entire eight years I've been with 'em - I've never even HAD a secondary account. Needless to say I feel like these docs are old, old friends (and a few hated enemies) and the work is always there, easy docs, cutting edge technology and they leave me alone and don't bug me. Give 'em a try, I say.
MedQuist.
I work for MedQuist and make $25/hr. doing radiology - I've done exactly one account the entire 8 years I've been with MedQuist and have never run out of work. The doctors are great, they don't bother you and allow you to do your work and pay on time. Seems kewl to me. Radiology pays quite well there.
MedQuist.
Despite all the negative press and opinions, they are still probably the best - since they are the biggest they can afford to pay more, work always plentiful (at least in radiology) and they don't bug U to death (U don't have to clock out to go to the John). At least that's how it is at the Ohio Medquist - don't know about other branches but assume they are similar. There ARE perks to being with the biggest, I must say.
MedQuist
MedQuist uses DocQscribe!
Medquist pay
Anybody who works for Medquist, I am wondering what they pay?
MedQuist pay
0.850..I work at Midwest office..but we're supposed to be starting that scale pay thing in October which I know nothing about yet
MedQuist!
They want only the very best for their employees - we're like one big happy family!
The DQS is NOT with Medquist.
Thanks
MedQuist.
MedQuist. nm
MedQuist
nm
VR and Medquist
Yeah, and if MedQ has anything to say about it, we all will be in the soup kitchens pouring up our family the needful food they need to survive on while the homeless shelter people protect us from our bill collectors!!!!!!!!!
Medquist
Medquist should never be on a list of 10-top companies to work for!
MedQuist! nm
MedQuist
Any info on working for MQ now? How about its QA department?
Medquist sm
I love working for Medquist. I think they are probably one of the better companies, if not the best. I have worked for other companies part-time along with Medquist. The other companies just didn't measure up to Medquist, in my opinion. I thought about leaving after 01/01 because of the changes. I stuck it out and things have gotten a lot better.
Some people love it. Some people hate it. The best thing is to compare other companies and pick what is best for you.
MedQuist
Full medical, dental, vision, life; options of long/short-term disability, supplemental life insurance; 401K; FSA; holiday pay (1.5 x base rate if you work it); ability to advance to higher tiers (higher base pay); daily incentive; shift differentials for evening/night work; difficulty factor pay; discount program to purchase references -- payroll deducted in $25 increments; PTO (up to 20 days off); equipment provided free; 24/7 help desk;...I could go on! Hahaha
Medquist
I'd personally stay away from Medquist as yes, for me, I run out of work on a consistent basis it seems now. Can't complain about ESL docs, not too many.
MedQuist
Thank you!
Medquist (nm)
x
Is "Q" Medquist?
.
Medquist. nm
x
Medquist
Worked both last year
medquist
Does anyone know the time line for hiring? I am scheduled for a phone interview and just wondered what the next step would be? Any info on Medquist as far as good or bad to work for?? Thanks
MedQuist
All I can say is watch your step. I work for Medquist and I can tell you they are leaving in huge masses. If you want no communication with anyone, no communication with QA and no communication with your managers then the Q is for you. You cannot get any kind of line count because you have no primary or secondary accounts anymore it is just one giant pool of whatever comes down the pike. You spend so much time reading the standards for that account, trying to find doctors in that area, trying to find places that they dictate and then try to understand the doctor you can kiss your production good bye. If you make more than 2 major errors on your reports then your bonus is bye bye too. Your bonus is almost impossible now because it is quarterly and you have to have perfect QA and you are constantly on a different account. There is no way you can make any money at all. They set this up this way and a lot of people like me are in tears as to why? I would really, really think before I went to MedQuist. If you being broke, being alone with no help and no communication, lots of change of accounts no two docs the same no two facilities the same and having to meet a production that is impossible to meet now then go for it. I am sure there are a lot of jobs now. A lot of folks have jumped ship. I am still on it and hoping it changes but in the mean time I am going broke. I will get called on the carpet soon because I have not met my production. I just hope you like this sinking boat and I will make room for you. We can go down together.
Medquist
I am in Oregon and am isolated from other MTs. I would like to leave MQ -- anything they can do to decrease our salaries they will do. But I don't know where to start. Are, in fact, alot of people leaving MQ?
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