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Some good thoughts about Spheris

Posted By: Beentherebe4 on 2005-11-10
In Reply to: Spheris - S.H.

I worked for Spheris for a number of years.  I'm going to try to give you some positives, as I agree with you, that there is enough negative stuff on this board.....How successful you will be will depend upon what account(s) you are placed on, what platform you work on (they have several different ones), your supervisor, and of course your skill level.  It is possible to do good and make a decent living and be happy with this company, as with all companies, but I know that your success will depend on a lot of factors, many of which are out of your control, unfortunately (meaning, the  platform and account).


Be positive and treat each day as a new day.  Good luck to you!


 


 


 




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IC for good...just my thoughts

Totally biased opinion but I already have my stuff set up the way I want.  Can't do that at the hospital.  I don't know what you were offered hourly and bennies, but i suppose if it was really good i would consider it for part-time.  I am spoiled rotten regarding hours and my little home office.  I did consider going in-house at a hospital at one time, but as another poster said, they could choose to outsource at any time so it is risky either way.  If you have established clients, I would keep them.  If you just need the bennies a lot of hospitals (I assume) would still offer them to part-time though your contribution might be a bit higher. 


 


Any thoughts on Medgarde, good or bad? nm
*
Oh wow - good luck to you all. My thoughts are with you
x
Spheris supes/QA are good, insurance not good; they offshore
nm
Is there anyone out there who has something good to say about Spheris?

Can someone tell me anything about Spheris? Good/Bad? (nm)

.


Spheris, good and bad

Working at Spheris CAN be okay, it honestly depends on who your boss is.  On some divisions, MTs have to back into up to 10 accounts, while on other divisions, they might only really have to work in 2-3.  I do have to say, though, that Spheris has gotten so big that it almost seems like you are just another number and that you don't matter to them.  I worked for quite a few years there and left on good terms, but I don't think I would want to go back to them with the way things are now.  You, however, might like working there.  If you do go to work at Spheris, please just go in with your eyes wide open and don't let them jack you around.


Spheris good/bad or otherwise??
Any information on this company??? Currently 20 years experience as MT.. looking to change companies, unhappy with present !!
Spheris - Good or Bad
Can anyone give me some current info on Spheris?  They had an add in my local paper today, supposedly for accounts in the Lexington, KY area.  Are there any current Spheris people out there willing to give a little info on the these accounts or just the company.  Any advice would be appreciated.
Spheris - good, bad or okay? nm
Thank you.
Spheris...not a good deal!
I can tell you this, even if I COULD transcribe 200 lines per hour, which allows no time to look anything up, there's not enough work! I've been there for not quite 3 weeks, and since being turned loose on production pay only, EVERY SINGLE DAY, the account I work on runs out of work. There's not enough work for me to make enough money!
Here's some good news about Spheris...

They made the Inc. 500 list of the Fastest Growing Companies In The US for 2005. THAT'S something positive for ya!


Good news about Spheris
It just means they are following in MQ's footsteps. Buying people out. Just because you are on the list of Fastest Growing Companies does not make you a good place to work for. They are getting too big too fast.
Spheris, not so great. HS was good.
Hey halfpass...I was there for over 5 years.  I know where you are coming from...I was with HS prior to the buyout myself.  Sad to see how things changed.
Spheris is good to work for.
I worked for Spheris for a while.  I thought they were very good to work for.  I have no complaints.  They were very flexible on my hours when I needed it. 
What is the word on Spheris? Are they good to work for? sm
Would like to know pay range for experienced MT, monthly deductions for insurance, etc...run out of work?
Spheris is not a good company to work for
I stayed with Spheris for as long as I possibly could, and pleaded with them for more work. I was without work more than I was with work. It was a nightmare. They have very poor communication and I ended up in a big hole because of them. They tell you one thing and then do another.
Spheris a good company to work for or maybe
Transend?   I current work for MQ and even though I like my job, I am not too sure if it will be here seeing as all of our work is being sent to our friends in India.  I was wondering about Spheris.  I was going to apply to them about 3 years ago before I got my MQ gig... Would you say that they treat their  employees fair and not bounce them from account to account?  Do they change their employees schedule like crazy?  I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and maybe answer me back... lol!  I am a single mother so MONEY is really important right now.  My bills arent but 1700.00 and you would think that I would be able to make it... but NOPE!!!  In fact I am in the hole!!!!
What company is good in your opinion if Spheris is the worst? (nm)
nm

Thanks
Spheris pays for training. It used to be pretty good. Don't know what
xx
So are all you Spheris posters able to make pretty good money there? .... sm

I have more than 25 years in this business, and I have always just steered clear of this company, but I either need to change who I work for or I need to supplement. 


I see they have production incentives, which I like.  I'm guessing you all like their system, if you are happy there.  How about their benefits - are they affordable?  Do you think their base pay is fair?  Are they flexible at all when it comes to you working your hours?  Are you happy with your account(s)?  Thanks for any specific info! 


I hated it there, they sent good accts to India (spheris global). nm
xxx
been with spheris 4.5 years, easy platform, good clinic account
nm
I still feel like a team player of Spheris, as the shackle scars are still on my legs! Spheris was

Micromanaged to the microsecond, or ms!  Horrible. And part of a team?  Total opposite - part of a team as in prison.


Don't imply you're worried at all. Just stating fact that Spheris does NOT allow a Spheris MT
work concurrently for MQ - no exceptions.  MQ, on the other hand, does not have the same feelings as Spheris.  Just all I had to say so that MTs aren't misled into thinking they can do the same "legally". Even went to the ropes on this issue with Spheris, as I was professional as well, and wouldn't share info, etc. The point they raised was that MQ is their direct #1 competition, and if I was typing for MQ and doing great work, that was in direct conflict of interest with Spheris' best interests.  Guess which one I obviously stuck with!!
Thank you, Spheris recruiter! Anybody wanna place a bet that there are lots of Spheris
HELP WANTED ads on the job board?? So funny!! Out of the blue, Spheris, we love you!! Lets all run and apply NOW!!
just my thoughts on it. . .
I'm glad we have somebody to take a second look since we live in a litigation-crazy world and, let's face it, most of the time the doctors aren't going to spend much time reading before they sign. Still,it seems these days our pay is based more on our ability to put all the commas and semicolons in the right place than our experience and knowledge of medical terminology. All I say is give priority to the important stuff and don't over-penalize for the petty things. Maybe some of the QA people are English majors, but most of the MTs aren't.
My thoughts...
You may only get to actually transcribe 3 jobs per day while you wait around for feedback. Once you graduate and are put into the expereienced team, good luck! Most shifts they offer are 3rd and the managment well I've found nicer people at the DMV.
My thoughts exactly. Seems like the ones sm
who have no work or similar complaints are the ones with the most misspellings and grammar dysfunction in their threads. And this is English!! Makes a person wonder what errors are made in medical terminology. It's better to have it pointed out by us than by higher authorities at the workplace. With all the offshoring done now, we all really need to tighten up to keep our jobs here.



My thoughts are... sm
That they actually have too many employees, not enough work to go around! Other than that and the requirement to have unlimited LD, they are great to work for with a very friendly staff.
thoughts
You sound like management. People stay with a company for many reasons. There is no company that is perfect. Someone asked for information and people gave generalized information, positive and negative, not with rose colored glasses. It's better to get some honest thorough answers than some generic snide remarks.
thoughts
The work is hit and miss. Sometimes they are begging for help and other times there is no work available. They shuffle you around from account to account. They have picked up more accounts, but this seems to have created disorganization. The quickest way to get any response is with IM or a phone call.
My thoughts .....sm
This is not an opinion strictly based because I work for Shapin, this is in general....

Yes, we all deserve the best paying rate. But with the economy the way it is today,it just plain ole' sucks! Its not the companys fault because they can't pay top dollar, I blame the economy. We cant even get a decent waged job outside of the home...

Also, I would rather take a lower pay and deal with a company that is very understanding, friendly etc.. Rather than dealing with those holier than tho MT's and QA's. Its not worth the headache anymore... And I at least know, that if something comes up, (personal/emergency) I know that Shapin will be understanding to the situation and I dont have to worry about being yelled at the next day for not being able to commit to the job etc ..

Now, as far as the whole outsourcing matter goes, whether we like it or not, it is there. It's everywhere. We cant do anything about it... Are we supposed to shut off our phone because our CS reps are Indian?? Now before I get bashed for bringing this up, I just want to say that No I am not in total agreement with it, but obviously they are here to stay and we cant get around it....

Thats pretty much my 2 or 3 cents.
my thoughts
I think we pass but when they see how well we did and how many years experience we have, the say we did not because they know we want/deserve good pay which they do not want to pay.  Just my thoughts.
here's my thoughts
I know I'll be shot down in flames for it but, here goes! :)

First, I think base pay should be premium with generous incentives for production, night/evening work, weekend work, specialties, and difficult dictators/accounts.

Second, I think there should be an absolute standard for employers: They scream they want quality and production at the same time. The only way to get this is to hire well seasoned, experienced MTs who have the production capability. I believe all students graduating from MT courses should have to work inhouse in a hospital or clinic (if that is all they want to do) before working from home. It takes too much time and energy to train them. The course is just more of an outline of what they'll need, to make them familiar with what they will see/hear in this work. It does not educate them and prepare them to be even entry level in most cases (I know what I'm talking about - I see entry level new hires).

Third, I think MTs should take notice and realize that not one single company is in business to give us jobs. It IS a business and it must be run that way. The hospital/clinic/physician is our client and we have to serve them. If MTs do not want to do that and work with their employer, they should simply work for themselves.

Fourth, I think MTs should actually take a professional attitude to heart. All of the message boards are full of the most hateful, catty, snotty, judgemental, whining people but they want to be recognized as professionals. We don't appear to be a professional group because we are not acting that way, speaking that way.

Last of all, we need to realize that the MT industry is not the only one changing -- all businesses are changing. It will not go back, it will not reverse, it will not turn about. We have to learn to adapt, change, and make ourselves necessary for the future. Doing the swollen chest/head routine won't get it. Complaining won't get it. Threatening to quit or unionize won't get it. Making a dedicated effort to be better at our work, difficult dictators and all, WILL get it.

Fire away! I've put on my fire-proof clothes and am leaving the building! Won't bother me.

JMO
My thoughts
I am not a butt kisser. You can do everything right and it still does not get you anywhere in this business. Been in clinic and IC. It is the same everywhere unless you are climbing the corporate ladder, which I am not and do not intend to.
Exactly!!! My thoughts exactly (sm)
That is what I am trying to say in postings above. It is OUR GOVERNMENT and BIG BUSINESS creating this issue, NOT American quality.
TRS Please Let me know your thoughts..

Okay, I am a newbie and I have taken a leap of faith to go with TRS, I have been on and off this board and see that there are some wonderful AND experienced MTs on here.  Any info you can give me on what you know about this company would be great!  I am a military spouse and we have recently gone from a two income house to a one, we just spent 5 years in Germany and we bring back a 2 yr old, a 1 year old and one on the way :)  Because of this I decided to go down the MT road for a second income to be able to stay at home.


Any information would be greatly appreciated!!  I am really just wanting to know I am going in the right direction.  I know there are plenty of 'better' companies out there, but I need to get my feet wet before they will touch me.


All comments are welcome!!!  Thank you for your time!!


V/r


Michelle


Second thoughts re KS

This week I was offered a job with KS on a new hem/onc account starting soon, which will use the Allscripts platform.  I actually did accept their offer, but after doing so, I am having second thoughts.  The company I am working for now has been very nice to me, but the hem/onc account I am on is a very difficult one with a lot of different dictators.  The new account for KS would not have half as many dictators.  The cpl rates are very close, but I am not sure I want to go through all that new stuff of learning a new platform, new dictators, etc. Has anyone else out there ever decided to stay with the company they are with even though the new account being offered would be much easier.


Would like to get some opinions regarding this.  Has anyone else decided to stay with their present national and not take the new job offer?  TIA


Second thoughts re KS

I posted a message on 11/17 regarding having second thoughts about going to work for KS.  If you did not see that message, would you please read it and tell me what your thoughts might be.  I need more feedback before making my decision.


Your opinion is appreciated.  Thanks.


second thoughts about TT

I have accepted a position at TT.  Now I am having second thoughts about leaving MQ.  I was so impressed by all the wonderful TT talk a few weeks ago, plus at the time being miserable at MQ so I applied.  Now my MQ work is getting better and now reading this post, I am getting nervous.  Worried about working 8 hours a day on the weekend, plus what if the work is worse than at MQ??? I am just getting nervous about the change, I hate change.   Just needing to vent, thanks.


Don't have second thoughts

Don't listen to the bipolar people on this board.  I swear ... one day everyone is praising TT ... next day bashing them.  These people are on a constant hormonal pendulum or something.  I have been at TT for 2 months now.  Aside from the insurance going up (and I'm willing to wait this out), I have been thrilled with TT and love the account I am on. 


Is TT having a few communication issues the moment ... perhaps.  They are growing very, very fast (sometimes you have to take the big accounts when you can get 'em).  They are great people to work for.  This will all even out ... they just need a little time and patience. 


People are crazy on this board.  One bad day and they want to throw it all away.  That is just not how life works.  It is like they are looking for an excuse to walk out the door ... anything.  Like the MT who totally misread an e-mail about when to page after hours.  She didn't even read it thoroughly (or correctly) and she is on here blasting TT left and right saying she is quitting. 


People act like they will just leave a job, start another tomorrow, and life will be dandy.  Changing jobs is stressful, and there is always somewhat of a loss initially whether it is PTO, waiting for insurance, or just taking time to learn a new account, creating normals, learning the names of the referring docs in the area, learning city names, etc.  This all takes time (which means money for us). 


 


These people who have a few e-mails that go unanswered or don't get answered as quickly as they should need to realize the GROWTH TT is experiencing, which is a good thing.  Have a little patience or bring your concerns to your supervisor. 


 


TT is an excellent choice.  I hope you enjoy your new position.  I certainly have. 


My thoughts sm
I have used both Bayscribe and Extext. I use Smart Type, can use InstanText, but like the ST much better (I am faster and more accurate). Extext is a Word client, Bayscribe is an internet platform.

I had trouble with capping the first letter of each sentence with Bayscribe. IT would not do it for me THERE no matter what I did. ADT info is easy to find relative to other platforms, but Extext is somewhat easier than Bayscribe. For ME, Bayscribe had too many slots that I had to put the mouse on and put my cursor there. I hate using my mouse and I feel it slows me down significantly. On the plus side, you get a line count of a document just as soon as you send it. That is wonderful, but the companies I worked for on it didn't pay me on that line count, it never matched. I didn't work for MDI at all, so I am sure it is different there. They have an excellent reputation and the companies I worked for do not.

Extext, if you know it, that is a plus. You won't spend any time fighting its ins and outs. I have to say that EXT is much more user friendly in the document. You can't number in Bayscribe, not the way you can in EXT, which is what you see is what you get.

The most I ever got in an 8-hour day on Bayscribe was 850 lines. The most I have gotten on EXT for that time was 1900 in more like 9 hours. Productivity was better FOR ME.

You are an individual and you have your own thoughts and needs with regard to a platform. This is MY experience. Now, if you really dislike EXT, go with the other. If you don't mind it, I'd say that was a better bet for you. Bayscribe is unweildy as far as I am concerned.
My thoughts exactly..
my husband started out 24 years ago with his company at right around minimum wage and has worked himself to a six figure income by HARD work, working overtime when asked, putting forth more than the guy in the cubicle next to him and not whining about it and being a valuable employee. Sure, he could lose his job tomorrow, that's why we don't live like we make a six figure income. I was fortunate enough to marry a man who has a terrific work ethic and his income shows it. We pay our fair share of taxes and then some; we have a right to complain about it. We are tired of supporting people who can't, won't or don't know how to take care of themselves or better themselves.
My thoughts......
If you only have 2 years experience, a hospital may be exactly what you need. I started out in a hospital position, fresh out of high school. There is someone sitting there, who can answer all your questions. And I agree with the other poster, when you are typing in an area you live, you just know things, like doctors, places, stores, etc. Maybe you can do both. Good luck.
My thoughts on this

Say I'm happy at my job.  I come across someone asking questions about my company in general, so I take a quick minute to answer.  That person emails me privately, asking a zillion questions.  I try to answer their questions to the best of my knowledge, rooting through my manuals for answers, looking up my production figures, etc.  This takes me a good long while to answer all their questions thoroughly, and throw in a few extra facts that I think of in the process, trying to present an accurate view of the company, pros and cons.  I know my company is offering a $500 bonus for me AND anyone I recruit - so we both get a bonus if they mention my name.


You're saying I should not mention that bonus?  I should take time out of my busy schedule to help a stranger, and then I'll get accused of greed if I mention we can both profit from our correspondence?  Wow, that's gratitude! I guess I'll just ignore any private emails from now on and refuse to help anyone.


Some thoughts
Is this top person you are dealing with the owner or just management. If it is not the owner, go over the person's head (to the owner if necessary) and discuss what is happening. Maybe that person would put a stop to it.

Have you spoken with other top employees to see if this is happening to anyone else? It seems odd that the company's pay/benefit program is such that it is not worth it to them to have top producers. You would think that is what they would want!

If there is BS going on, maybe you can find some proof if you fish around a little bit and have some sort of legal recourse.

Good luck and let us know what happens. I wouldn't just walk away yet. Maybe this can still be corrected.
Your thoughts
have the same problem on the weekends with them
My thoughts exactly...sm
And when we are told something, it's at the last minute, no kind of warning. I don't think it's for sale. I think the managers are told to keep their mouths shut. I can't believe I still work at Spheris.
My thoughts exactly, thank you
xx
thoughts
First, only you know how important it is to have equipment provided to you. Other than that, i'd go with the 2nd offer. Because if you are doing work types that you are not that great with, you will be going a lot slower and probably making less money anyway. Plus, you may be less happy doing you job because of the difficulty/stress factors involved. Now if you really love a challenge and would prefer that over being bored, then you may chose the former offer. Good luck!