Very true. I've also found 20-30 years in SM
Posted By: QA on 2008-12-24
In Reply to: and just because you have been an MT for 20 to 30 years doesn't mean you are good at it... - MtMommyof2
makes a person resistant to any kind of advancement in technology. I've seen MTs of 20+ years who don't even use an Expander because they don't want to learn anything new. Then they complain that they can't make any money.
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I say that because it is true. I've been doing this for 20 years, sm
but 2 kids through college and yes I made more 10 years ago than I do now. If I don't feel like I'm being compensated I move on.
Glad that's true for you for 8 years. Not true for many. I love the company, but I do run out of
as do many others. Wish I were as fortunate as you.
I found just the opposite is true (sm)
With most companies (outside of medical transcription), being an IC means that you work when you want, for as long as you want, with no set schedule. In medical transcription, these companies use IC status to get around having to pay benefits and deduct taxes, and they STILL require you to work a set schedule, even as an IC. I can't speak for all transcription companies, but that has been my experience. They want you to be classified as an IC, so they don't have to do taxes and pay benefits, but they still want to treat you like an employee.
And it is true...I am so glad I found them! nm
x
I've found that cos. doing this will, SM
if you are making NO mistakes in your work, let you off full QA quickly (like second or third day). Having a limit like that should be no problem to a good transcriptionist.
I've not found that to be the case.
In fact, most companies I've worked with do everything they can to make a new MT feel welcomed and that they are going to be successful. Why would a company start a new person with the worst of the work? Doesn't make any sense. I ran a service for 11 years and would never have treated a new MT like that!
I've found Acusis to be a
great bunch to work for. Pay is direct-deposit, ALWAYS on time. Work slowdowns don't happen too often. Very friendly mgrs. that are approachable and never abusive to employees. QA is for the most part friendly, as well. When overtime is offered it pays a higher rate. Their oral/written test was no problem, but the typing test was pretty hard, not because of tape quality or ESLs, just very up-to-date procedures & terminology. Still, I passed, so it's by no means impossible. Pay could be a little better, but that seems to be the problem with all companies these days. They do offshore, but that seems to be a separate entity from the US-based part of the company, almost like it's 2 different companies. Anyway, my experience with them is currently a good one.
Think I've found a way to get out of MT and become wealthy. sm
I'm going to start a health care insurance company, charge exhorbitant premiums, and then not pay for anything. Look out Barbados, here I come. 
I've found it works quite well
to tell them if they want to spend the next 5 years working for minimum wage, if even that, have no life outside their job because the way things are today, they'll need to spend 24/7 in front of the computer and train themselves to wake up immediately when and and if a job pops up, then this job might be for them. They lose interest fast enough, no more questions.
Not my experience. I've only found a few
companies that require weekend days. Luckily, the majority of them out there have better sense than that & know how to hire part-timers who are looking for a second job for weekends/evenings.
Two should be fine. I've found that most places don't even
s
I've found their pay bottom of the barrel.
I worked on site for many years. I've been doing this for 10 years... sm
I've worked on site, at home, for small MTSOs, for nationals, for hospitals. I've been paid per line, per minute, and per hour. I've been an MT and a QA. I have ALWAYS worked weekends and ALWAYS worked nights for the shift differential because MTs can't survive on 6 or 7 cents a line. At least I can't and I type 105 wpm.
I've BEEN dedicated from day 1, sister, so you are barking up the wrong tree.
I've had a lot of bad ones...finally found one that's pretty good sm
It is a struggle though!! I have worked for several that stunk up the place!! LOL Been cheated on line counts, etc. My best advice is to see if there are any companies near you, smaller, home-based MTSOs who have fewer employees. A way where you can actually get to know your employer. I found one not far from my house who advertised on Craigslist and she has been pretty good to work with.
I've been a QA 15 years and I've never heard
of any company only paying for the actual Keystrokes of the blank. You would literally make less than minimum wage that way. Waaay less.
I worked at TC about 3-1/2 years back. I found everyone to be helpful and friendly. sm
The pay was pretty good and the account was easy. I just had some sound issues and got a better offer elsewhere. Does PY still work at TC? She is a great lady and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her! I'd say to anyone looking to give TC a chance! They are one of the better companied out there; small by mighty!
Haven't found a great place yet . . ., was with last company three years.
Just new this internet thing.
Ok, you've got me, it's true
Yes, I started the thread and asked a question, then confused the issue further by going off on a tangent and not answering my own question. I'm misspelling words in some posts and not in others. I'm even posting as you and attacking myself. And to add to the confusion, I'm signing my posts with a name that I use everywhere else on the board just to throw people off.
Have a nice day. Really.
no - it is true I've heard of it also nm
::
I hope it's a rumor..I left MQ for KS 3 years ago..I finally found a place I love (sm)
so I hope the rumor is not true!
That's just not true. I've hired and fired MTs over the
In fact, in most cases, the CMTs were the least flexible and unable to take constructive criticism. Some didn't even pass the test. At first, I was quite shocked by this but I grew to ignore the initials. Therefore, to me, those intials do not cause you to stand out. Some CMTs were grandfathered in without ever taking an exam, and to my recollection, the exam even changed at one point, so not all CMTs are on equal ground with equal knowledge. Therefore, it does not accurately portray excellence, just tells you which ones took AHDI's test. That's it.
That may be true for some but I have been at MQ 6 years sm
doing radiology and always had work.
Don't think it's true, but in years of using it, there ARE
s
I've always heard if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. n/m
x
I've heard they don't offshore anymore. Don't know if true.
nm
GREAT post. So true. I've been in this business
for 30 years, and never ever had more than an hour or 2 with no work. Not acceptable and doesn't happen to me. I work my behind off, am fantastic at this, and not 1 employer has ever done that to me, and probably never will. Just like you said, if I hit no work, I call and straighten the situation out. Don't ask questions about the account, about what MT can or can't transcribe it, just state that no work is not gonna fly with me, and I am always treated with respect and instantly given work, which I also thank my bosses for. Give and take - it goes both ways. I'm there when they expect me, and I'm there when they need me, and we're all happy. Can you imagine some MTs getting ANGRY at you? Again, another scream or throw up reaction from me. Some of you MTs really need some psychoanalysis, if you know what that is...obviously your income is NOT a necessity, and this is probably a job for you and not a career. You get out of MTing what you give and what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. Expect to be treated like garbage, expect slave wages, expect no work, expect disrespect, and you'll get it, and it seems like many MTs are looking for this! Thus the continual postings asking about companies we all know STINK. There is no other explanation - you want to be kicked to the curb and probably put little effort into your life across the board. Such a shame.
Yes it is true and if you were there 2 years ago as you claim
as well as the "not so flattering" picture of her that was in the company email newsletter at around the same time. Nice try though.
Even after years of doing this, it's NOT true for the majority of MTs these days. Look at how man
s
Not true - been doing clinic work for 8 years
and while yes, there are things such as px and other things you can make macros for, my docs say a lot of different things based on who the dictation is going to and what the problem is, also personal things pertaining to that patient. I have found OP notes have more of the same things in them than clinic notes and can make you more money.
If your facts are true, make them public. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain.
How can you be putting your head on the chopping block when you are anonymous here?
Details have not been given in your posts. Please show us ALL the details.
Why would you be putting your head on the block by pointing out supposed anomalies in the raise structure?
Any recruiter can give out that information because it's the same for everyone. Any MLS can go to the website and see it. I have it here in front of me. I would like to see you defend your statements, because I'm not seeing the proof here.
Why would you be putting your head on the block regarding incentives?
Any recruiter can give out that information, if it exists. That information also can be seen in the job boards and on the website, as it's public knowledge. I sure don't see any out there, nor have I for months.
Why would you be putting your head on the block regarding enticements?
You say they are readily viewed on job boards, but yet you can't give details. Any recruiter can give that information, too, as they post the ads on the boards. They can also be seen on the website. However, looking back over a lot of weeks of posts on various boards, I don't see one "enticement," so we're going to need YOU to point them out to us.
If the enticement is the pay structure, then you're benefitting the same as everyone else. If the enticement is the ads, well, you get the same opportunity for shift differentials, the same CMT pay, the same benefits, the same production incentives, don't you? What don't you get that you deserve?
Also in regard to enticements, I've got to ask for clarification on a statement you made:
"...look at past and future ads on MT Jobs, etc."
Do you have details on what the company is offering in the future? If so, let us all in on it so people who don't work at Transcend know what to wait for.
Finally, no one should need to email you, because all of YOUR information should be made public IF IT EXISTS, and you shouldn't fear making it public, IF IT'S TRUE. Having people email simply allows you to privately promote your version without having to publically defend the truth of of your claims.
If you can't back up your claims, then please concentrate on making the best out of your own situation, okay? It's not right to make statements that can't be supported with facts. It doesn't help the company and it doesn't help you. If you're a loyal employee you should be trying to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Maybe you could offer your assistance on the quality council.
Not true. I worked at Transcend for years and things have
For years people at Transcend were very friendly and the only time things got really heated on the forum were over personal opinion posts like politics and stuff. Not any more. More and more people are to the point of not knowing what to do with this company anymore. People who have been there years and years have quit or are quitting, and I think most of the peers that are happy are relatively new and haven't seen the downward spiral. A friend of mine quit a while ago and said she got a letter about a month after she quit asking her to sign a release saying she wouldn't take Transcend to court or be party to any claims relating to her employment with Transcend. If things were that hunky dory they wouldn't be so scared that they need to ask people to sign waivers when they leave.
With MQ for about 10 years after they ate YOG. With Webmedx now. What K posted rings true for me.
I'm not wild about my STM, but that person is a definite step up from the Q. E-mail me if you'd like. Work is plentiful on the acute care, Enterprise side. OT is available frequently. No place is perfect, but they have decent incentives, although the PTO is a little bleak. Best of luck.
True. Most have less issues than the Q, though. I worked there 10 years before switching.
Webmedx definitely beats them. You can trust management at any of these larger places anymore.
I've been doing it for 4 years now. There are many
options available. Lots of campgrounds have some type of connection. Sometimes they just have a central jack for dial-up, sometimes they have connections at each site, though there may only be xx number of lines for the entire campground so that you are still limited with on-line time. I found that even in this day of technology some dial-up speeds are really, really slow and it may take 4 hours to download a day of work. A lot of campgrounds now are going to WiFi, especially in the bigger cities. If you have a wireless card and the campground is a hot spot you can access their network (usually for a fee) and get high-speed access from your RV. You can use your cell phone, which I have done in a pinch, but we often traveled where there was absolutely no signal of any kind like in the Black Mountains of SD. There are wireless cards called air cards and this will allow you to access an open hot spot while doing down the road, though most hot spots are not open networks so you can't rely on that 100%. Places like B&N and Starbucks are hot spots for a few. You could access them from the parking lot so if you are traveling from point A to point B, you could just stop to rest or have a coffee and download at the same time. You can also use satellite. With satellite as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky you can get access, even in the middle of a field with no electricity (as long as you have a generator/inverter). You can get a system similar to what you would have in a residential situation and set it up every time you move or you can have a system installed on your roof that makes it much easier for about ($5000 and $99/mo). Downloads are not always high-speed and if weather conditions are severe you might not be able to get a signal or keep it, and uploads are much slower than downloads. We have utilized all of the above at some time or other. I had Earthlink as my ISP and they have lots of local access numbers and an 800#. Only twice in the 9 months we lived on the road full-time was I not able to get a signal of some type (before we got out satellite).
I recommend getting a campground directly from Trailer Life. You can find it at probably any parts/service center or dealership for campers and may find it at B&N. The don't list all campgrounds, because you have to pay for a listing, but there are campgrounds all over the U.S. listed and they list amenities, such as if pets are allowed, if they have internet access and what type of access, etc. This will help you make decisions about where to stay. You can also go on-line before leaving and print out a list of B&N and Starbucks and the like that have hot spots to use in a pinch. KOA campgrounds should all have some type of access, but they are more expensive and I don't think they are as nice a campground as some others.
If you don't already, you will want direct deposit setup and have all your bills setup to be viewed on-line, so that if you don't have to worry about having your mail forwarded so often or about paying bills on-time. I had all regular payments automatically drafted and bills like credit cards I paid on-line.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
I've been an MT for over 20 years now.
Others who have seen me type say they've never seen anybody type so fast in their life. My typing speed has been described as truly amazing by others. There's no question that I have true natural ability when it comes to being an MT, so my knowledge or abilities are definitely NOT the issue here.
For years now, I have purposely worked for many of the companies out there in order to evaluate differences between line counts. I've done every kind of work there is too (Basic 4, ER, radiology, etc...). I'm a very well rounded MT.
I've found that MDI gives the absolute lowest line counts. I was able to average anywhere from 250-400 lph with all the other companies I worked for and this was after only 1-2 weeks of working with them as compared to working for MDI for years and knowing the account up, down and sideways!! So when I see people like you posting they average 300-350 at MDI, I really question this??? Also, I never had to pay long distance for anybody else either. Most other companies offer an 800 number or went internet files a long time ago.
I'm sorry you can't stomach the many negativities your company has, but in my experience, there's way better out there and I'm entitled to my opinion.
Merry Christmas :)
I've been doing this 20 years and still need
reference books and need to research. If you are putting out a poor quality product and you know you are there is no excuse. You should be proofing your reports or going back and relistening. I'm sorry life is rough, but that is no excuse for poor quality work. I don't work for KS, but I think you are wrong in putting the blame on them.
I've been an IC for 13-1/2 years and it's
bites me in the ass, it's the social security tax.
I've been an IC for years, While it has its sm
drawbacks, it also has its advantages.
A drawback is having to buy my own health insurance and having no other company benefits such as paid time off. Any time I'm not pounding the keys when I'm supposed to, I'm not making any money.
The main advantage is that I can draw up a contract with a company for hours/production that realistically fit ME! The easiest thing to do after this is stick to my commitment and schedule and things usually balance out.
Another advantage is being able to deduct expenses, reference books, computer, at-home office, some utilities, phone, gas/car if you pick up and deliver, etc. This means extra tax forms which cost$, but that's part of having your own business.
Don't forget, though, to stash away the taxes that the company would have matched for social security, etc. This is the self-employment tax.
And don't forget to save receipts for any business-related items, income coming in, etc.
As another poster said, gauge your taxes on what you made the year before if that is typical of what you usually do.
Don't be late with your quarterly estimated taxes as that will bite you in the buttocks as a late fee come tax prep time. By this, I mean that by January 15/16 (the date of the fourth quarterly payment for the year before), you should have sent in all you think you owe for that year.
Talk to a tax specialist and get the best advice. It's a bit complicated, but that's THEIR job. You just need to transcribe, pay your estimated taxes on time, keep track of expenses, and save receipts for tax day.
I find it helpful to keep a folder for the year and just plop IC-related receipts, etc., in it as they occur.
not the OP, but I've been there 4.5 years
nm
I've been with them for 4 years..
and I'm very happy there. They've gone through some management changes recently, but I think it's for the better. They've changed their pay structure also which has meant an increase for some people - in all honesty, though, not for everyone. I did take a pay cut because of the way my particular account was set up but I'm making it up pretty easily. The benefits are great. Next year on my 5th anniversary I'll be getting 3 weeks vacation. That's separate from personal and sick time by the way. I love my account and make good money with it. I posted below (or by now on the previous page!) with more detail, and so did a Transolutions supervisor. If you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to see if I can answer them. Otherwise our recruiter will be glad to speak with you. Good luck!
I've been doing it for 7 years. No
different that using a desktop. I do use an external keyboard the majority of the time.
I've been there almost 2 years now and
(guess I shouldn't call myself newer TT'r any more?) I haven't run out of work very often, or for very long. Oh, sure, over the holiday it was a little low, so I just took some much needed time off.
Other than that, the work has been as plentiful as when I started. I have a primary and 4 secondary accounts, but I'm rarely on my 1st seconday very much, and forget the other 3. I haven't seen a report from them for months! My primary keeps me very busy.
If you've been at this 20 years you (sm)
should know by now that in order to get the real skinny you're not going to get it from the recruiter, but rather the wounded. Yes, some may simply be disgruntled, but those are usually easy to weed out. When there is a pattern, you have to take some of that information into account when making your informed decision.
A recruiter is nothing more than the car salesman. His/her livelihood depends on bringing that MT in and unfortunately in some cases, he/she will do anything to accomplish that. To a recruiter, the MT is just a piece of their paycheck. Where is the incentive to tell the truth and answer honestly? Heck, they probably feel like many MTs do, disrespected and underpaid. I'd think after 20 years you'd summize that?
I've been doing this for 15+ years
that the same thing is said over and over and over again about this business. I do it in my spare time now and if I had to do it over I would NEVER have become an MT. There are MTs on this board who have been in the profession alot longer than me and they cannot believe the amount of pay ( OR LACK OF MONEY) to be made and how things are going downhill. MTSOs want more of our time for less money. Of course, I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know.
I've done that for quite a few years
I have 2 resumes; one for MT and one for regular jobs. I list my MT skills first, equipment/programs I know how to operate, and only jobs pertaining to MT, plus my education. It doesn't go over 1 page.
My second one, I leave off all the MT info. References are available upon request, but I do not include them with the resume.
If you have a lot of companies on the resume, I would suggest only listing them with the starting and ending month and year. Your skills/work types should be in the skill section. It's not necessary to repeat it.
I used to be a resume writer and my clients all had good luck landing the jobs they wanted, but that was a problem. They got the job they wanted, so I was essentially cutting my own throat. He-he-he.
I've been there 2 years myself
...and I'm never going anywhere else! The BEST MT company ever!
I've been there for 10 years sm
Although the pay is low, the platform is super easy and no one bugs you; they just let you work. They have been through a lot of changes in 10 years, but I have also and they have always been willing to work with me.
I find the dictators super easy for the most part; however, I have worked on some of them for 10 years so I know what they are going to say before they even say it. There are a couple of ESLs that are a challenge and one who is American that is worse than the ESLs. There seems to be plenty of work on my account during the day but I do type mainly the ESL pool. The people in the office are very nice to deal with as is the owner. Obviously, I think they are great because I have been there for a LONG time. :o) Hope this helps.
I've been an MT for 40 years and
I have done this dance before. Here is what you do:
1. Inform your MTSO that your pay is not contingent upon when SHE gets paid. Your agreement is with HER and not her creditors. 2. Tell her that if you are not paid within five (5) days of this request you will do the following: A. Put it in the hands of your attorney for action and collection. B. Notify the Fraud Division and Small Business Division of your State's Attorney General. Ask her if she does, in fact, have a valid business license. C. Tell her you will make a written report to the Better Business Bureau and any other consumer-service bureaus that exist in your area. I have see all too many MTs get sc***ed only because they allow it. Remember the old saying, YOU DESERVE THE KIND OF TREATMENT YOU WILL ACCEPT. Meanwhile, do not transcribe one more line. Further, you should warn her that this needs to be a one-time event and if it occurs again, you will quit. I trust you have a written contract or memorandum of understanding with her. If not, send her one, including a clause that states your pay dates are not dependent upon her getting paid by her client(s). You are not helpless. Start advocating for yourself. You can do it.
I've been there 3 years and I think they might have sent (sm)
a notice once...but the other 2 times I had to call or e-mail the person in HR and ask them.
I've been an MT for 36-1/2 years,
and never bothered with certification--until I went to work for a company that actually rewards the credential--1/2 cent per line raise for passing the RMT, and another 1/2 cent for the CMT. They also have free prep courses for both exams, AND they reimburse the cost of sitting for the exam if you pass it. So what's not to like? I took the RMT the first moment I could, passed it, got my raise (and my reimbursement) and in a few months I will join the study group for the CMT, and go for that as soon as I am eligible.
But for the first 36 years I had no use whatsoever for the credential. If one is not rewarded for it as we are at my company, what's the point?
I've been there nearly 3 years now and like it a lot (sm)
Try to get a backup account when you are first hired, unless there is absolutely a ton of work on your primary. I went through quite a dry spell with my primary account being very, very low. I finally got a good backup account. But even when things were bad there I knew they would work with me to get me more work so I hung in there and stayed with it and now I have plenty of work. They are one of the best companies out there. Good Luck!
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