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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

This is the trend for all companies now. sm

Posted By: Oldie But A Goodie on 2009-09-10
In Reply to: Landmark - Daniel Lazaro

Paying substantially less, 50% or so, for pre-transcribed (voice or speech recognition) jobs is now the trend.

Since the industry giants/leaders do it, I don't see it ever changing.

And why should it? Everyone accepts it and does it. Therefore, they don't have to pay more.

It is sad.



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It seems to be the new trend - many companies hiring
inexperienced people or clerks (if you will) to manage MTs. It's definitely now all about money, folks. Never thought I'd see the day where folks would take approximately 10 bucks an hour, be paid salary, and work 60 hrs a week, but they are! You have to hand it to them though, this will definitely build up their resumes for the future. Can you imagine who will be managing the industry in say ten years? For once I AM GLAD I'm old. lol
It seems that this became a trend
with a lot of companies several years back, with companies beginning to give psychological/personality evaluations to help determine a candidate's suitability for a particular position/company setting, etc. I was not an MT at the time, and have not yet encountered this since becoming an MT. I think it is a bit costly, but for companies who do it, I believe their financial return is expected/gained in less employee turnover and finding a good fit for the company *family*. This began around the time a lot companies started throwing around all the Quality Assurance business (again, not MT/QA, but the whole customer service QA and considering colleagues within the same company as *customers*. The company that I was with at that time was a fairly small company, but they spent a pretty penny on having people come in to conduct several meetings regarding this.


That seems to be the trend
Either payroll is correct and the management is bad, or management is great and payroll sucks. 
That seems to be the trend lately sm
However, at MDI, we only have set days that we are to work and we were given the choice of Sun-Thu or Tue-Sat.  No set hours, though, just a 24-hour window to get your counts in.  Gotta love it!!!!!
ANOTHER NEW TREND
One more thing that has not been mentioned here.  I would like to see dictating clinicians be given more mandatory training and subsequent responsibility for the quality of their dictations.  It is about time that we stop accepting bad dictation habits as status quo and something that we have to accept as normal.  I'm talking here about the usual bad habits, which include, but are not limited to, fast talking, slurred speech, eating while dictating, carrying on unrelated conversations with others while the tape is still running, talking while yawning, talking over background noises, etc., etc.   Oh, and one more thing.  Inform the dictating clinicians that many of us are long-distance and not familiar with their local geography, nicknames of local doctors, first names of which Dr. Smith or Jones that he or she is referring to, etc..
Disturbing trend
Ms. Shapin, I know nothing about your company, nor would I criticize you or your company since I don't work for you. I empathize with your responsiblities as a business owner having been one myself. What is gravely disturbing to me in your post is a glimpse of your mindset about the offshore worker. Your view of the offshore worker is similar to disturbing trends by many other business owners who flock to third world countries where there is no protection for the worker, where there are no labor laws, where there are no standard work ethics. Yes, these people in third world countries are hungry for work. They will work any hours, any days, and be extremely grateful for a few pennies. They have no protection, and until they become tired, and worn down, they will serve their bosses well. One day though, American companies will become so dependent on workers from third world countries. These workers will become more intelligently aware of human rights, that they too, will someday voice their concern for the same things we want here in America - decent pay, job security, the ability to take some reasonable time off from a very, very demanding occupation, benefits, etc. Ms. Shapin, I would be careful about praising a worker from a third world country who is so hungry to rise up from poverty. It serves you well now. You, me, and so many others, have the same human wants and needs. Think about it. If there was more decency from businesses and corporations about workers' rights, ethical practices from all sides, and a fair way to meet the same goal, perhaps you would not be attacked. The American Transcriptionist is just having to fight for every penny these days, fight to have benefits from a job, fight to work decent hours, fight to keep afloat. We all want the same thing. Decency.
Downhill trend
Not that many years ago, only ITs had to supply their own equipment.

It's sad that the large companies expect MTs to foot the bill for all the equipment, especially with the trend of giving MTs less and less of the profit pie.

I mean, when was the last time an MT got a cost of living increase? Or profit sharing payouts? Or any of the other perks of being part of a successful, profitable business?

A carpenter that is self-employed SHOULD pay for his own stuff. An MT who is an EMPLOYEE should not. Simple logic.

Do you think physicians have to buy their own MRI machines? Do you think police officers have to buy their own squad cars?

The transcription profession feels like a sinking ship. I pity people who are only now getting started. The hey day of this profession is long gone. (Sniff. Sigh.)
A trend beginning...
About 6 months ago, Keystrokes and Transtech were the 2 best companies going on...and now 6 months later, we are reading all negative about the both of them.  Go figure.  It all comes down to finding the right company for you. 
So maybe this is the beginning of a new trend - sm
in American Transcription? Turning it back into a REAL job again! If what this site says is true, I'd be surprised if this didn't become the best MT company and most sought-after employer in the Northeast. I know I'd rather have MY records transcribed at a place like that, and not in Bangalore or Manilla. I wish them every success, and that that other MTOSs will follow suit!
A trend emerges
So it seems that those who like VR are the ones who started out in-house and were there for a long time. Then they were switched to VR and made an easy transition. Well, good for them! But that's not most of us and if you jump into a VR account cold, it doesn't go so smooth. Plus you spend as much or more time on it than you would if you had transcribed it yourself. So if VR is the future, then pay me for my time. And not 3 cpl. Otherwise, I will and am finding something else to do and all of my years and expertise will not be utilized as they could have been.
Their trend is to keep their posts on top over weekends
Their pay is low, so people with a lot of experience never get replies to their applications. They want fresh meat, thus the multiple posts. I think people are figuring out that they aren't all that in the MTSO world. Personally, I would applaud this site for asking them to limit their posts to no more than twice per month, but that would be taking money out of the mouth of the board owners (no offense intended here - business is business and I understand that). It is just getting to the point that seeing these ads are making me stay away from that board and look at jobs on other sites.
The trend is passing of indian MTs as US
I am not saying in this exact case and/or company, but many times over this has happened. Buy up the US based company and use the good US MTs to edit the crap and save big bucks on the Indian MTs. Clients don't know it is happening, but those that inadvertently find out will drop them...sometimes.

Again, not every company has done this but MANY have. I understand the fears, and i would never work for any organization that offshores or supports that in any way.
I'm with you and hoping this is not gonna be the next trend...
I'm a confirmed second shifter for many years and for many reasons and recently started at a different company, doing Sun-Thurs evenings. Long story short, have been there 2 months and frequently run out of work on my Sunday night, and I'm infuriated (and maybe naive, have rarely in 30-odd years run out of work and especially not the first day of my week). Of course that means I have to make the work up, so I do that on my Friday off, though I take care to do it after 3:30. Needless to say, I deeply resent working on my day off. Like you, I say this is sacred and my wrists need it, and I'm a good employee. I'm biding my time to see how this all pans out; I may see if I can negotiate something different if possible. I was one of five new people hired on this account, (hopefully not an overhire, things are fine other than this). Anyway, NO, it just ain't right to in effect force us to compete for jobs in this way.
EHR Deinstallation Trend Hits Phoenix

Publish Date: 7/30/09 - By Allison Tsai


Source: Medical Economics


Though the Phoenix area has seen a high adoption rate for electronic health records, it also is the first region to experience a “deinstallation” trend, according to a HealthLeaders-InterStudy report.


The trend to cancel EHR contracts, especially prevalent among smaller physician groups, is a result of training, functionality or affordability issues, and highlights the need for an affordable solution, according to the Phoenix Market Overview report.


The rapid adoption of EHR technology in Arizona stems from a 2005 executive order by then-Gov. Janet Napolitano, requiring that all healthcare providers install an EHR by 2010. The top hospital systems in the area, Banner Health and Catholic Healthcare West, along with several others, have installed EHRs, but are struggling with the same financial constraints as the small physician groups. EHRs require a significant financial investment in addition to expensive upgrades, according to the report. 


Long-term benefits of the technology include reduced transcription costs, lower chart and file storage expenses and the potential for reduced premiums on malpractice insurance, but in areas like Miami, where the recession is threatening the profitability of hospitals, EHR installation has been slow due to lack of funding for such projects.


Chris Clancy, a market analyst with HealthLeaders-InterStudy, says Phoenix may be the first area to experience the deinstallation trend due to its aggressive adoption of the technology, but will likely not be the last. In addition, physician shortages in Phoenix make it difficult for doctors and staff to carve out time for EHR training, Clancy says.


In response to Disturbing Trend posted by MTness
Bravo! Where I have no opinion either way about Ms. Shapin or her company, this attitude is what is killing America. Our daily needs cost more because of our hungry politicians and situations created by these type of businesses who feel that off-shore people are grateful for the opportunity to work for an American company who they know is taking advantage of them. I do not know if any of you recall, but a few years ago in a hospital local to our area, one of the Indian doctors shared what the American MTs were making compared to what a relative was making in India. This MT was enraged and threatened to release countless numbers of medical records of American patients on to the internet if her needs were not met. Not much information was given in followup and probably compressed by foreign diplomats. This is one of the major issues of outsourcing.

I agree with you, all we want is the right to survive in OUR OWN COUNTRY.
This seems to be the trend now. I have had to change jobs 3 times this year
due to this very fact.  I'm at my third one now, and it is still happening.  I've decided to just work 2 jobs. One part time and the other supposedly full time, but it is like a part time.  The only reason I am staying at the third is because, I need the insurance, and changing between jobs before the 90 day probation has landed me without insurance, as I have had to change jobs before the 90 days are up.
Transcend's positive posts stay here cause negatives are deleted! That's the trend!
You cannot rely on honest referrals on this board, especially the archives.  They are edited and deleted forever.  Just as the negative posts on the Transcend forum "magically" disappear once discovered...Don't be so naive, unless you're the one "editing"!
I did notice that one job posting stating exactly that, haven't followed the trend closely, thoug

TransTech and Medware, are these companies considered large, medium-sized or small companies? (sm)
TIA
Yikes.. That is only inline with companies like Focus and such. "Real" companies pay their MTs
decent rate.  I make over 5 cpl editing. So, if I got that slap in the face, I'd be outta there.
Do the research...most companies, and not just MT companies, do not pay for maternity leave...
we get time off but not paid...and I really don't even understand the point of you posting this...
How do you know which companies are Nationals and which are smaller companies.
Is there a list somewhere? I'm new to this.
By "most of the companies", I meant MORE than MT companies.
clarification
Sten-Tel is the platform. Different companies use it, pay and how companies run are different. nm
:P
Nobody said MT companies were not for profit companies. (sm)....
As MTs we are an important segment of what it takes for the company to thrive, but we are still just part of the whole structure.

Not trying to be argumentative, just think sometimes we get that "I'm the quarterback" attitude and forget that we can't get anywhere without our line men.
Companies that outsource to other companies?
Anyone know of any reliable companies that will outsource to American companies and pay a decent line rate? I am amazed at what the companies charge and then want to offer in this business anymore.


2 companies with that name. Was this the NJ job? nm
.
I have been through a lot of companies and
they are all the same.  I just found that out not too long ago.  I am with a company now that everyone cheers about.  They are just the same as everyone else.  Nothing to cheer about IMO.  This business has gone downhill fast.  Sad.
What companies, if any,
. . .

. . . hire and actually promote professionals who have forgotten more than many MTs know, have years and years of experience, work when needed, don't rock the boat, and produce excellent work?  At my company, the editors and managers usually have just a few years of experience as an MT, if any, and many have no management experience.  Some managers have never even seen a typed document.  That doesn't make sense.  What companies give one a chance to actually grow with them?  Any of them?  How do the promotions go to those who took an on-line class and have been an MT for 2 years?  Kudos to anyone who could answer this . . . Bewildered 


He said that some companies do that, but
usually when they do there is a reason for it, so told me to keep an eye out for future class action lawsuits or that sometimes they use it as a means to withhold severance pay, etc.  IMO - basically it's a CYA letter.  Atty agreed.  But again, IMO, why be worried about a CYA letter if you have nothing to CYA for?  Any company that wants ex-employees to sign a release from future lawsuits is definitely not up for nomination for Employer of the Year, that's for sure and just one more bit of proof that it isn't the MLSs at fault.   I'm not concerned about it, but I'm sure as heck not signing it either.  I just think it's hilarious that a few Transcend groupies come out of the woodwork ready to blame the MLSs that left as if they weren't the GOOD transcriptionists and that's why they left.  Seems to me if they weren't any good they wouldn't be able to get hired anywhere and so would want to stay put where they know they have a sure thing.
Some Companies...
Charge you per report for their useless template. What a rip off...
QA Companies
Anyone who works as a QA; I am curious as to what you think of the company you work for?  Good or bad.  Looking for a new QA position and would like some information on the companies.  Thanks.
Here are some companies
First Choice Medical
QT Medical
JLG - some accounts still on WP.
TeleType

That is all I know of right now.

Good luck.
Some Companies Pay Less
Some companies, especially small ones, lure you in by starting you at less and tell you that once you're off probation in a couple of weeks your line rate will be raised a couple of cents.  Months later, despite quality work and that pitch-in attitude during backlog periods, you're still making 6 cents a line.  A lot of good begging does....What a joke these companies are...........
Any companies out there?

with:


1.  ENT, cardiology, family practice or internal medicine work.


2.  Require a minimum line count of 500 lines a day with the option to do more.


3.  Word based with a 24-hour TAT and have direct deposit with assigned docs/accounts?


Are there any companies out there using DQS except MQ? (sm)
If I were going to try to work 2 companies at the same time until I could decide I thought it would be easier if they used the same program.  This old dog is getting too old to learn too many new tricks at once. 
That would be companies. If you
want to make it in this biz, you have to learn to spell!
Are any companies besides MQ using VR right
x
Not sure of any companies (sm)
I've worked on it for hospitals.  I am not aware of any MTSO's that use it.
companies
Diskriter has some ChartScript accounts.  A lot of hospitals use ChartScript also.  I used it with my in-house job.  Very productive platform. 
None of the companies do! That's the name of the
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
There are probably less than 5 companies
(and that is probably stretching it) that don't offshore.  I've interviewed with probably 8 companies the last 6 months, all either offshored or had less to offer me than QT.   I immediately turned down all the companies that offshored (that I knew did anyway) and all the others I turned down because it would have been a significant cut in pay.   We have a no frills lifestyle as it is so there isn't room to take a cut in pay. 
With all the companies looking for MTs
I don't understand why you are thinking unemployment.   I think you have to be unemployed xx days before you are eligible anyway.  
Which companies use - sm
ftp sites?
Thanks!
Not all companies
are like that.  That is unreasonable.  We do not expect that of our employees.  If you work both Sat and Sun you have 2 days off during the week. 
MT companies, do any of you......

have MT work available that does not entail heavy ESL dictators, like every single report?  I cannot make an adequate living on those types of dictators day after day into the night, and sometimes even into the next day.  I have 5 years experience with a lot of experience.


Just trying to understand what they want put down as far as their dictations is very, very tough, and I am losing my health as a result of having to kill my ears, straining to hear them, and trying to understand what they are saying at all.  I have no problem with some ESL, but I am having a very tough time with every single report being dicated this way by ESLs.


If you have a low ESL ratio, would you please contact me?  


I desperately need work.  I am an excellent worker, and have no money for my bills. 


I would really appreciate hearing from you.  Thanks.


Publishing e-mail addresses inside posts is not allowed.  Thank you.  Goldbird


They are two different companies
nm
Not always, some companies pay
for experience and proven skills and you don't need a CMT. For me, having a CMT didn't always make a difference. Depends on the company. You can always make that 1/2 cent more somewhere else if you shop around. Some MTs without CMT make 10, 11, 12 cpl. I do,however, feel CMT is good for keeping up skills and with so many quality problems in the field I often wish it was a requirement! On the other hand, I knew a nurse who sat for and passed her CMT (the written part was probably a breeze for her) and couldn't transcribe to save her life! LOL!
As with most companies, there is
The average range is from 7 to 9 cpl. The line rate depends on many factors.
Most companies...
I suggest you don't go judging me since you don't even know me. For your information I have been working as an IC for over two years for a local company and I can work whenever I want and do as many lines as I want. If I don't work I don't paid. It's as simple as that. I also type over 1,000 lines a day so I am very reliable and my work is at least 99% accurate. My Turn Around Time is less than 24 hours. I just found this list and I was expecting people to be kind and courteous and not so judgmental.
Several companies came together to SM
form Spheris. There are several platforms out there. I work on TWS. If this is platform you are hired for, DO NOT USE DIALUP. I have nothing bad to say about it or Spheris in general, only, well, ask if you will use TWS.