What you need personally to cover your bills should be the deciding factor. And what you MIGHT earn
Posted By: has too many variables to know for sure. nm on 2006-06-14
In Reply to: What is considered good pay $500.00 weekly and up or can I make more once I become more - Dana
m
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definitely a deciding factor there. I am already stressed
with my current situation and huge cut and turned down a few other offers b/c high ESL would be MORE stressful, so good to know. thanks so much for the heads up...are you a TT?
It's called bills, bills, bills.
Have kids, work early mornings and evenings on the weekends and still get to spend time with them. During the week early mornings, 5 hours while they are in school, then again after they are in bed. You do what you have to in this economy - and really at all times. Never did work 9-5 on M-F.
This is healthcare. Most of us work with hospital accounts and the hospitals are open 24/7. Shifts at the hospital are 7-3:30, 3 - 11:30, 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Don't see very many 9-5 M-F shifts there, do ya?
Need help deciding sm
I'm considering working for 3 different companies, and I have no idea which one I'll pick. The choices are Phoenix Medcom, Futurenet or Keystrokes. Any opinions?
Deciding
Does flexibility matter? From what I understand Phoenix MedCom is great for that.
More often than not it is NOT the MTSO deciding
The CLIENT decides on using VR as they want their transcription costs to go down. I would think that rarely does an MTSO try to convince clients to switch to VR...
I'm in the same position deciding on platform....
I think I'm moving to Bayscribe but currently am at a place using ExText. Wondering if I should stay put where I am or make the move. I suppose each has its pros and cons so it is hard to know what to do.
deciding between transmed or wmedx
thanks to the input from so many I think saved myself a big head.
Deciding between Webmedx and Phoenix -- sm
If there are any current Phoenix Medcom or Webmedx MTs out there who would be willing to answer some basic questions for me via email, I would be greatly appreciative. I am trying to decide whether to consider FT employee position with Webmedx or IC position with Phoenix in conjunction with my other IC position I currently have with MDI-MD.
Please email me, and thank you in advance!
the key factor would
be do they consistently have an abundance of work?
Luck is a factor
but are MT companies all so bad? If you have been at 10 companies in 10 years, and all were bad, that is very bad luck and I feel for you. I've been with only 1 company for the 2-1/2 years I've been doing MT and have had no problems with them. Good account, good supervisors, good pay, occasionally run low on work, but rarely. I get very nervous reading that so many companies out there are horrible. Actually a lot of people think my company is horrible from the posts I read here, but it hasn't been for me. I'm going to be nervous if I have to look for a new job.
There must be a personal talent factor to it. SM
So many say they lose money, I'm another who definitely makes more editing, i.e., significantly more than double the line count, but then I'm not a fast typist, so shifting a lot of the emphasis from fingers to reading and editing decisions works for me. Now, if only I had fast fingers, too...
It's that 'ol GREED factor, again! - no/msg.
x
you didn't factor in what you would have spent
working in an office - clothes, shoes, gas, vehicle wear-and-tear, driving in bad weather, lunches, travel time (what's your time worth to you), make-up (I only wear make-up when I'm going out), laundry (I wear my sweats twice before washing), office donations/kids selling stuff, manicures/pedicures, pantyhose (I count that separate from clothes cuz it's a PITA to wear).
Then there's all the stuff you miss out on cuz you're working - kids' school programs, ball games, dance recitals, on and on.
I'd love to make more than 9 cpl, but the truth is a lot of us don't even make that. You have to weigh the good with the bad. I'd rather make a little less than have all the stuff above to deal with. I never got in this biz to become a millionaire. I got it in to be home and I wouldn't give that up for a few extra bucks!!!!
Some things to consider that factor into line rates. sm
There are two sides to this. The larger companies like MQ, Spheris, Transcend, Keystrokes, et AL have a lot more accounts and more volume so they make their money on volume and can pay more. They also have more overhead than smaller MTSOs and need payroll people, recruiters, benefits people, etc.
But here is what no one considers: If I pay someone 0.09 per line, I have to pay taxes and unemployment on them. My portion is 15% between SS and unemployment. Benefits such as PTO and the portion I pay for insurance and 401K (there is a fee to the employer to have someone run it at the company that you have your 401K with), etc cost me approximately 22% more. So actually, 9cpl + 37% = 12.3cpl. Add the cost of doing payroll, bank fees, liability insurance, etc. and there is not a whole lot left over. Most hospitals will not pay more than 13cpl, some 14cpl. My break-even is 13.2 cpl. This is normal; I talk to many MTSOs at MTIA meetings and on my own. The big ones above are the only ones that make a lot of money, but their companies produce a lot of lines every month.
Do I make good money? Yes, but I put in a lot of time getting accounts and keeping them happy, doing the juggling act to keep my employees busy on good accounts. Payroll takes time, recruiting takes time, sales take time PLUS a lot of accounts take a lot of day-to-day work.
I am not complaining about being an MTSO, I just want you to know that there are two sides to everything and the industry changes prevent us from paying more than 7 to 9 cpl. Factor in offshore driving our costs down and those companies that undercut everyone, and small MTSOs may go the way of 8-Track Tapes.
I see the industry going to just 10 companies or so and hopefully they can stay in business too with speech recognition, offshore and everything else that comes along.
Sure, factor it in, but no one knows what the future holds and MTSO has no control over those
:+
Agree. It' hard to use that as a rule-out factor nowadays.
Where you live doesn't factor in when you work with nationals.
When you work on-line, companies will pay the same regardless of whether you live in NYC or in some small town. I live in a small town and I am nearing $40,000 as an IC for 2 national companies. My pay is not based on where I live or my cost of living, rather on my production. I am paid 8 cpl, but because I use an Expander and can transcribe 250 lph, I make a decent wage.
This is only my third year as an MT and I have been with one of my companies for a year and a half and the other one for 8 months, so it doesn't take years and years. I did have to change jobs a few times though until I found the right companies and the right accounts that I could make money on. Some of the accounts I worked in the beginning had so many ESLs and the platforms were so slow that I knew I could never make any money there.
well believe what you wish. I do know what I earn
and I have no reason to lie about it. I made almost $70,000 one year as an MT so it is not as much as I made as an MT, but it doesn't kill you like being an MT.
My benefits are also fully paid, which also adds to the bottom line.
I can earn PTO if I exceed
the specified line count each pay period. I am eligible for the dental/vision insurance (which I took), and the FSA (which I did not). I will also be eligible for the 401K after a year. So far, so good.
One way could mean that you could earn commission by
giving your employer or former employers client information to this type of person and if they landed a client then you would be paid the commission. It is a very unethical way of doing business and it is not condoned on this site.
I think $14 is low. I earn $18 an hour
and have been paid over $16 for the past 5 years. I realize many do not make that much, but if you have lots of QA experience particularly in difficult areas such as ESLs and ops, all work types, etc., one should not take less than $16. I work at home with benefits.
Thank you! My thoughts exactly. I earn more
than that but if I could not get it, I would not do the work.
I agree with that - you do have to earn it
I am with a great company, and I work my tail off. I absolutely love what I do for a lot of reasons. I was introduced to this by a neighbor years ago and found the whole thing very interesting. Working at home is a huge bonus, so I got the education and experience. I have had a couple of experiences where I have left a job and most of that was simply due to not having the work. We rely on my income and I think that a lot of our fellow MTs really do want a when i feel like it job. Then again, those people just make the diligent hard workers look that much better!
I am not an old timer by any means but I know MTs with double my experience who are constantly offered low wages simply because they have built a reputation and/or tested poorly.
I get paid very well and the company knows that. I am an IC but I work every day consistently. When extra help is needed, I do it. This board really is just like walking into a hospital -- you can immediately tell the difference between the nurses who went into it because they are caring and want to help others and those who went into it for the money. You can tell the MTs who went into it because they find the work challenging and want to contribute to good patient care and those who simply wanted something convenient for them.
MQ looking to earn a living
With ASR making money is getting tougher and tougher. Years of transcription experience counts for nothing here.
When I saw what I was going to earn this year, I
d 2
CPL here. No limits set on how much I can earn.
rt
Cover yourself
I would call and email Human Resources and confirm that they are aware of your last date of work with the company. This way, if they have heard that info from your supervisor, they will start the ball rolling.
I cover
myself with 2 services. One I'm an employee with excellent health benefits, fantastic PTO, and other perks. The other I'm an IC. I work about 45 hours a week.
I'm in central PA but am single so living off of $30k wouldn't work for me.
I wouldn't even consider an hourly gig.
cover that
My contract is only for 1 year. It renews each year. Once upon a time, I had my own service and contracted with the government for a while. They teach you very quickly how to guarantee you're a contractor :)
I think it's horrendous the posts like the one above who don't care that they are in an illegal situation as long as it doesn't rock their boat. THis is why I have no faith that this JOB will ever be elevated to a profession.
Companies have to earn loyalty (sm)
Besides, all prospective employees go through a background check. It's not like these MTSOs are completely in the dark. I cannot believe (or can I?) that some companies ask for people's screen names to monitor stuff they say on a message board. If they're that petty and paranoid, there's good reason for it, and I betcha dollars to donuts it has *absolutely* nothing to do with MT attitudes. If anyone is spilling inappropriate information here, there's a moderator to take care of that.
BTW, now that I'm happy with my company, I am loyal. In fact, I'm so positive that when *I* post on here about my job, people often give me this oh, stuff it, Polyanna attitude. 
The only thing that could possibly get me to leave is the promise of all that money getting my own accounts would bring. I don't think I'd like to deal with all the hassle involved, though...but if someone had a Powerpoint presentation to convince me it was easy as fallin' off a log, I'd be very interested!
Any companies out there in which one can earn $500 per week or more?
Just curious
See the TransRAD ad for 7 cpl? No one can earn a living on that! If you see this
how many hours did you work to earn $126? - nm
.
Your bank should cover you for the
fraudulent use of your card. In the meantime, please file a police report on your daughter's friend. The ATM should have photos of her. Good luck to you--that's awful.
YUCK, ought to about cover it.
x
Everybody take cover! Here's comes the TT bashing again. nm
/
Cover letter
I have been offered 7 jobs in the past year so take my advice for what you will.
The sentence: Please consider this letter as my formal application presenting my background, education, and experience. I would take it out. Your resume outlines your background, education, etc. This sentence is just fluff.
Rather than saying over 4 years, make it 5 years. Lots of companies want 5 years, and if it is only a matter of months difference, it won't matter.
I would include more types of imaging and take out some of the medical terminology, labwork, etc. They are more interested in your radiology background and expect you to know anatomy, etc.
This sentence: I am highLY self-motivated and produce excellent work, both in quality and quantity. Anybody can say that, and it sounds liked canned text. Do you have a QA score to back it up? How many reports do you average an hour? More specifics than a general statement.
This sentence: May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? Don't ask. Tell them I am very interested in this position and look forward to hearing from you. Then give them a phone number and email to contact you.
Good luck
You really don't need a cover letter.
Send your resume. We are smart enough to figure out the rest. Most times a cover letter heads straight for the trash. Who has time to read it? Unless a company specifically asks for a cover letter, don't bother.
Yes. I earn almost $40,000 working 32 hours a week. nm
nm
I don't believe it - I work there too, have to earn my money - but I love it there.
Well I do earn a pretty decent salary
and I am not talking anything under $50,000. I have heard of some of you recruiters who earn $30,000. I would not do it at all for that. I know one woman who earns $58,000 as a recruiter. I know another who earns $42,000. I know another who is paid per head and I won't do it because that forces you to hire anyone.
For what I earn, yesI will keep an open phone line to an excellent potential employee.
I agree with tt112. Let them earn living at the
Oh yeah, I forgot. A lot of other countries don't hand jobs to offshore entities at the expense of their own countrymen. Btw, what country are YOU from?
Do you find that you are able to earn a good income with them?
Do you have ample work, or do you often have to resort to MT work to fill the time?
Yep, me too. Cant pay my bills and sm
I started screening my phone calls because bill collectors are calling now. Work for a national that overhires with absolutely no work for months now, started a pilot program sending work to India, and only pays 1/2 the regular line rate for crummy VR editing. 
Cover letter possibly?? nm
nm
At our company, we all work together...MT's cover for each other
if you don't do that, the only other option is a float person. Then when you want extra work - it's not there. So we work together to cover each other's vacations, sick days and other mini-crises. I sure wouldn't expect an MTSO to be superwoman and be able to cover an influx of dictation plus an MT who needs the afternoon off, after all!
Cover yourself w/that arbitration page!
You should not sign that arbitration agreement. That's making you give away your legal rights and allowing them to get away with breaking the law should they choose to do so.
However, if you MUST sign it, put CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT above or below your signature. That way, you are covered if it ever comes up that you have a suit against them; they aren't giving you a choice in the matter, and if you don't agree to their robbery/theft of your rights, you won't have a job.
Not all hospitals cover all specialities.
I don't think that was a silly question to ask.
cover letter-need feedback/help
Hi all-
My hospital recently outsourced its rad transcription. I was able to get on the with the company that took over, but ended up taking a 50% cut in pay! I am in the process of sending out resumes in hopes to find PT/prn (preferably IC) work to supplement. While I can write a rocking resume, I am absolutely terrible with cover letters. I have drawn one up (based on examples from the net) and was hoping that I could get some feedback (content, format, grammar, etc) from my fellow MTs. Any help would be great! I am fully open to any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Please see the letter below and thanks in advance for your help!
Dear Employer:
In response to the open medical Transcriptionist position with your organization, I am enclosing a resume for your review. Please consider this letter as my formal application presenting my background, education, and experience.
I have over 4 years experience in radiology transcription; and I am well versed in the areas of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, labwork, and surgical procedures.
I have considerable experience in transcribing all types of medical imaging procedures, including Interventional Radiology and Mammography. I am high self-motivated and produce excellent work, both in quality and quantity.
May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Encl.
The reason they charge a fee is to cover
cost of equipment. Most don't charge a monthly fee, but a deposit that is spread out. When you return equipment in good working order you get a refund. There are some people who have accepted a position, gotten the equipment, and then immediately quit without returning equipment, so this is a way for company to try to eliminate that. Some companies will send you a foot pedal or a C-phone at no charge, but you are expected to return them if employment terminates.
You cover for each other in times of crisis? sm
I did not even realize we were allowed to talk to the other regular MTs, even though team leads have told me that other MTs have been in the same boat and I am not alone. I have often wished I could talk to the other MTs that I actually have something in common with. I only talk to the team leads, so I know they cover for each other, but as far as talking to a non-team lead for support or questions or friendship I thought they tried to prevent that? Now I really feel out of the loop.
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