Wrong, my dear, this was considered a
Posted By: My thoughts on 2009-08-01
In Reply to: cover that - stillmting
profession at one time and one that I was proud of. More than anything else, I think what brought the profession down were women so desperate to work from home so they could stay home with the kids, that the salaries dropped and the problems rose. Years ago it was a lot better.
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WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! We turn down work because so many hospitals are sm
calling wanting a company that keeps work in the USA. The trend was stronger a few years ago before it all came to light about poor quality, the woman in Pakistan who threatened to post medical records on the web, 911, etc. There are hospitals who look for US-only and they are the MAJORITY not the minority. Definitely seeing the tide turn on offshore from an MTSO perspective, both MTs and customers!!!!!
You are wrong! Here is the ad. I got it too. There are no words spelled wrong and the caps are pa
This is pasted from the bottom of the email blast.
Why are you trying to stir up trouble? Keystrokes does not send ANYTHING offshore.
Here is the email blast from ILHIMA. The KS logo is at the top but does not paste here:
Rapid Turnaround, Guaranteed Accuracy, Measurable Cost Savings, U.S.A. Only, & Personal Service. These are our Five Stars of Excellence Promise. Find out what they can mean for you today. Email Pam.Gingrich@KeystrokesMT.com today!
What is considered
an average salary at today's rates for someone with 20+ years of experience who can do all types of medical reports but prefers to do op notes?
I had once considered them too
at the end of last winter when I was getting ready to change companies, but I ended up going with Keystrokes instead, and I am really glad that I did! I can't believe some of the things that Deventure has done lately. It just makes me sick. Do they have no ethics?
have you considered
or are you crosstrained? I know it's not always like this be right now for instance the account I work on is very backlogged...Glad to here someone else is happy with them though!
I think anything after 12 pm is considered
second shift, like 3-11, 1-9, 2-10, something like that. When I fill in on afternoons, I usually work 1-9. Hope this helps.
Believe what should be considered
is that not all ICs have the same arrangements for payroll deductions, for instance, one company I know of takes out for Soc Sec, Disability and state tax; only federal tax is left up to the employee.
Have you ever considered
maybe you're not a good MT? I mean, I'm not getting my wages cut every month and in fact I'm making great money. Maybe this just isn't for you? It's okay, it isn't for everyone.
You use your own computer, FT is considered
6000 lines per week, 1200 lines a day and part-time, I forget? Call and ask would be your best bet!
Actually, Andrews is considered one of the best
Definitely in the top two. Their graduates are very highly sought after. If they charge more, it's because they are very well worth it. If you do a search for Andrews School, you will see this is true. They are definitely not one of the rip-off schools out there.
Considered this company first, but now
I think there are too many company plants or pets posting for it to be real. Sorry. This board does not normally have people volunteering at will to ask all the pertinent information about a company with ready-made answers in all categories. Sounds like a few ploys other companies used and those companies were terrible.
TransTech- what is considered
x
Are lph also considered? I heard
that Spheris also required their MTs to be up to a certain speed by typing (or editing) a predefined number of lines per hour in addition to the daily lines and number of hours requirement. I wanted to apply to them once, but figured if they ran out of work all the time (which I read), I would not be able to meet their preset requirements. Maybe some other companies have this requirement to stay employed, so did not apply.
TT, what is considered 1st shift? What is 2nd?
x
have you considered an air card?
Check with Sprint, Verizon and some of the other cell phone carriers. I got a USB air card through Sprint, and the connection is great!!! However, there are several factors that come into play with these, including how far you are from a cell phone tower, but at least with a USB card, you could utilize it with a laptop or a desktop as long as you have an available USB connection. Hope this helps.
All things considered...
You have no right to pass judgment on MQ MTs who complain. You don't do ASR and you don't visit the pool often (and when you do it's 3 hospitals vs others 25). You are not in the same situation as most MTs at MQ. If/when you go through these changes and hardships, by all means judge away. Walk a mile...
What would be considered good pay for
an MT working a nat'l, knows the basic 4/multi-speciality, 10+ years experience? I was just offered a job for 9 cpl (65 character line/spaces paid), no bennies. Is that good/bad/ugly? Should I hold out for more? Opinions needed. THX
Has anyone ever considered that not everyone is cut out to be a great MT? Not everyone sm
can do every job. I personally would not be a good teacher, because my patience and dedication are not in that field. Unfortunately, I realized that 3 years into a teaching career.
To make money in this field, you need to be fast, accurate and focused. You need to be able to sit down, work for 8 hours and produce a certain # of lines or reports. Not everyone can do that, but it is not a bash on those who cannot.
Just because someone has been doing something for a long time does not mean that it is the perfect choice for them. There are options out there that might be better for you.
Doing something for a long time, no matter how hard you practice, does not always make you good at doing that. If that were the case, everyone that takes piano lessons can be a professional musician or every girl who takes ballet for many years can be a prima ballerina. Unfortunately, not everyone can be good at everything.
Trust me in this: If you look in your heart and find what you want to do and are good at, you will be a happier person and work will no longer be painful, whether that be as an MT, a teacher, a musician, a SAHM, or a circus performer. You have to find what works for YOU and being miserable every day suggests that it might be time to make changes.
Life is too short to be so unhappy. Talk to your husband and figure out something that can work for everyone. I am sure he does not want you unhappy all the time.
I've Considered That
I have several musical instruments as I have 3 now grown kids and I used to play in community band myself. I considered it, but there's only a 30 day limit on getting them back, and the amount they offer is supposedly about 1/4 to 1/3 of what you would get if you sold them outright, so I am worried that if I don't have things squared away in 30 days, I stand to lose $2000 worth of instruments (and sentimental value), not exactly priceless but still unlikely to be replaced soon, for $500-600. I suppose I could start with the one that would be missed the least (the flute) and take/reclaim them one at a time as necessary/able.
Have you considered medication?
For your Joan of Arc complex?
Have you considered keeping the job you have
while working for a new company, that way you can decide if you like the new one before jumping all the way in. Your old job can be your safety net. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you!
Yes my dear...
Simply divine intervention, I guess. I should also mention that since I got the $3 raise (which will be promptly taken away in January) they have been routing all the longest reports, foulest dictators and general pond scum to moi. I used to churn out 150 reports a day but since my "raise" am lucky to slog thru 90 or 100 (on a good day).
MQ doesn't fool me in the least - I was born in the morning but it wasn't THIS morning!
PS: Thanx 4 your sympathy (and orchestral overture! LOL). 
Dear me2, how did they cut the
pay in half, was it because the system was so bad everyone's production dropped or was it because they actually cut everyone's CPL. Just curious. I want to go into this with my eyes wide open.
Dear No Name
You forgot to put the apostrophe in wouldn't little miss perfect. I am sure she didn't find anyone to pass the test.
Of course I don't, dear.
You can't tolerate being opposed and you can't tolerate being agreed with. What exactly can you tolerate, other than the sound of your own voice?
Sure, dear, whatever you say...
Dear Fat Cat
Can you email me the name of the company you are happy with so that I can apply?
I just lost a great account we worked on for several years. There was a takeover by a corporation and they dumped the service I was working for.
you my dear, are probably...sm
one of those MTs who do NOT depend solely on YOUR income to live. I busted my behind trying to make money with VR, and THAT IS NOT realistic unless you work 20 hours a day.
If it works for you, that is great....but most MTs i have spoken with who LOVE VR,.....are the ones who really and truly do NOT have to worry about money or in this MT thing just to have something to do make mad money on the side.
Dear FED UP
The exact same thing happened to me, but my company started with the letter D. I was scheduled to be working on/and or set up on a certain date, but 3 weeks went by and no one knew what was going on from the HR manager to the transcription manager to the missing in action tech person. A supervisor decided she would do it herself and downloaded the software on my computer. Then the QA person, started training me, but was adding and taking materials out as we went along in training. Then, I was told I needed to have UNLIMITED LONG DISTANCE, that they would only pay for if it was through VONAGE, anthing else, I would have to pay for out of pocket myself. To add further insult to injury, the old, outdated, dictaphone C-phone they sent me would not program or the commands were incorrect and I just had it. I QUIT THAT DAY WITH AN EMAIL.
Oh dear!
Taxes not going to the government? Whatever shall we do about that?
Well, in point of fact, all my taxes are going to the government, I am simply the one who has to keep track of them, since there is no withholding. I get a 1099 every year, which I file with my taxes. Are you sure you are not confusing IC with earning money ''under the table''?
The only thing that could vaguely qualify me as an employee is the ''ongoing relationship'' line in the IRS definition of employee. But since I sign a contract from year to year, and since either party can break it with proper notice, I interpret that to mean I am an IC. If they decide my services are no longer required, I don't qualify for unemployment. I am happy to forfeit even that for the freedom to come and go as I please.
I do not require group health insurance, as I have it through another source, so I cannot think of any reason in the world why I would want to be this company's employee rather than an IC. If I want a day off I can take it without going over some company-imposed limit on time off within a certain period. I can really pound the keyboard if I need money, without violating some overtime hours restriction. I feel respected and I feel appreciated. I am considerate of their needs - to a point - but I am my own boss.
Can you seriously believe that all we need to do is everybody become employees making 10-plus cpl with full benefits and hospitals won't seek to cut their costs however they can? I feel that with so many of our jobs going overseas, the IC option is one factor that keeps employing US MTs viable. If you can do without company benefits, and thrive without company restrictions a TRUE IC job is great.
Like dear old dad used to say........... sm
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas.
There are MTs on the Chartmatrix side of the Web who have already expressed their opinions about the changes that are upcoming as well as their experience with the software, and those opinions are not very glowing. Combined with the out of work situation and the overhiring situation, I can't see how this change will benefit the MTs in the least. Maybe the high producers, unless they have reached the top tier, will be happy with it, but the average to lower producers are going to suffer a real loss in income, no doubt about it.
Just curious, what did you hate about the Web?
That would be OK. They didn't want you doing more than 40 hrs a week as it's considered OT. nm
.
12,000 lines per pay period to be considered SE...nm
nm
Well, I make 10 cpl, which is considered maxed out
by most all companies - so I am at the ceiling of my earnings - I do 1200 lines per day, and if I only work 5 days a week, that $600 a week, and those are full solid 8 hours. I used to get paid by the page, and it was an honest size page. Over the years, the parameters kept changing - we never saw the final report, but I swore if I did see my company's version of my page, it would be the size of a bath towel! So while my page rate eeked up a nickel or quarter here and there, the size of the page ballooned out! Or the margins. Then when we were forced to cents per line - which is when I swore I'd quit this business - the same thing happened over time. I used to make 11 cpl, but it was a short line! Now the characters in the line keep getting longer, and the ambiguous things like headers and footers and patient info don't count as pay, and my salary loss is the result - there are lots of us out here in the same boat. So while it is great that you are making $30K your first year in, does it make any sense that those of us who are lifers are making the same as you? It doesn't. Yet I stay here because first of all it is my love, and I still choose being independent and working from my home. I could never change that - but its a sorry trade off. As others have said, it is a sad industry where when you become a master at your trade, you made literally the same as an apprentice. Again, I have applied and interviewed at probably 40 MTSOs. All were great to me and begging me to join them, but not one could offer anything near even the 10 cpl I am making now. All blaming, of course, the market and the cheap labor offshore, high cost of overhead, etc. My company has explained how my work should be easier now, what with all the technology they have developed, but you know what? I actually don't find that much of a difference with all the bells and whistles. I still love to type in boring old Word and use even their Expanders without any problems.
Fighting low wages: Has anyone ever considered trying to (sm)
organize MTs throughout the country? It seems like, judging by what I read in MR forums, that part of the problem is that when people first come into the business, they have no idea of what their hard work is worth. Regardless of the fact that hospitals want to pay the lowest possible price for transcription, the only people who should be settling for less than 10, 12 or more cents/line are ESLs in India, etc. American workers should be standing up for American wages. Yes, there are some companies who will say, Fine, I'll contract with India. Believe me, you wouldn't want those companies as employers, or to work for hospitals or clinics that operate that way. Heck... I sure wouldn't put my care in the hands of a doc that uses offshore transcription services, that's for sure!
SO, what I'm saying is, there must be some way to bring MTs from all areas, and of all experience levels together (OUTSIDE of AAMT, which has been in large part responsible for alot of the problem!), and organize for a decent living wage and health benefits. If all of us were to stop working for 3 days, 1 week max, do you think that work would all suddenly be sent offshore? I don't think so. Some might, but then again, it's a good way to week out the undesirable clients & employers.
I think we our often our own worst enemy when it comes to wages. If we continue to accept less than what we're worth, then that's all we can expect to earn.
Also, I'm surprised that some entrepreneuring MT company hasn't cashed in on all the newbies and in-school MTs out there who just want experience and a chance. Imagine if one of the larger, more respected services were to open an MT SCHOOL as well. They would receive an income from instruction fees. MTs could gradually cross over from student to trainee. MTs could earn extra money as teachers. (And should be paid well for it, too.) The company training the MTs would have first pick of the best and brightest for work in their own company. Beyond that, there would be more money to be made when it comes to referrals.
The healthcare industry needs to be more educated in the fact that transcription is a vital part of their work, and how well their reports are done is a direct reflection of their competency. If you look at how much money is wasted in these establishments on FLUFF -- excess management, inept management, some community programs, and in some cases excess in building glitz and glamour, one has to wonder why they feel transcription is a less-valuable service than those provided by their janitors, groundskeepers, or food service personnel.
One way to fight the low-wage problem is to continue to lobby for an end to offshoring of personal information, not only in the healthcare industry, but in ALL American industry. NO personal data: phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. should EVER leave American soil without the express written consent of the owner of that data.
Another way to fight low wages is to do as much research as possible on prospective employers. Remember, they are not just interviewing you, you are also interviewing THEM! Go with the best-paying company you can find. If you are new to the field, that will be harder, but in your case finding the best learning environment is your best bet, and then work hard at getting proficient enough to be able to LEAVE a low-paying employer ASAP for a better-paying one.
In terms of being an IC, I know it's difficult to deal with people undercutting you. But once again, don't forget that when someone turns down high-quality transcription and goes with the lower-quality provider, simply because of a couple-cent-per-line difference in cost, the way to look at that client is Good Riddance! I used to have my own, non-MT, service-related business. I had two ways of weeding out the undesireables:
One was a waiver of liability. If they squawked about signing it, or started picking it apart like they were big legal experts, then I knew right away they were a future legal liability. (Of course, that is less of an issue with MT... I don't know of MTs that make clients sign waivers! It's just a 'fer instance.) But the best way to weed out the cheapskates and nit-pickers was to charge a slightly HIGHER fee than my competitors. I offered a higher-quality, more personalized service than my competitors. So I stood firm on my prices. And you know what? There are clients who will actually LOOK for the higher fee, knowing that if you can command and get a higher fee, you are probably a better service provider.
Also, steer clear of new clients who want a special deal or discount right off the bat. They will NEVER be satisfied; give them an inch and they'll take a mile. I believe that discounted rates are EARNED, not given out on demand. A long-time client who is honest, pays on time, tips, is slightly flexible, etc., who gives you steady, reliable work that is easier to do, should be rewarded with a deal. But that deal should only be between you and them, and not broadcast to other clients.
Some of my BEST business clients turned out to be people who at first pooh-poohed my fees, and went with the cheaper provider. Quite a few of them came crawling back on their hands and knees later; sadder but wiser, and more than willing to pay what I charged. And often they had such a big mess that needed to be straightened out (usually caused by the cheaper provider) that I initially had to charge EXTRA, on top of my normal fees, to straighten it all out! These people often came to be my biggest TIPPERS, as well! 
I think we have all been conditioned to believe we are lucky to have a job at all, and we need to start rethinking that. MT's need to stick together, network, lobby against offshoring and unfair pay, UNIONIZE if at all possible or beneficial, and be far more VOCAL. The normally quiet nature of most MTs and their behind-the-scenes work usually works against them when it comes to fair labor practices! Those of us with many years of experience & skill need to TURN DOWN job offers that are insultingly low.
Anyway, that's my take on the el-cheapo employers & clients, and the low pay they think we'll get down on our knees and thank them for! 
Happy 2007!
1099s are not considered late until after Jan. 31.
m
Well that is not really considered family plan
A family plan is husband, wife, and children. If it were just one spouse and two children, it would be cheaper. You have to also consider your co-pay. $700.00 a month with co-pay of $10.00 and drugs for $20.00 tops (most cost us $5.00) is very good. East coast may be different though. The $700.00 comes out of two pays ($350.00) each pay per month and is before taxes. Not so bad especially when I hate clinics! I'd rather pay out-of-pocket then go to a clinic. Sorry, just how I feel. Gotta pay to play I guess... LOL
I considered them at one point as well b/c of Hayseed...
Even have a folder on my email with our communication, but I respect our Red Gate Farm girl and they just dropped down very far on my list. Shame on THEM...
Thanks for your info. I had considered doing PT flex with MQ (sm)
to sort of cover my bases, but I have such a good feeling about Webmedx and I want to go into the situation open minded and refreshed and free to put all my effort into the new position.
I too will be on the Enterprise side I think, at least I know I am using their computer.
Thanks again. Soon-to-be-coworker.
considered not concerned.. I think I am asleep..
,
what's considered full time
What's T-C? Is it Transcend?
It is considered derogatory in N. America. nm
Congratulations on that! I have considered going for my master's, too,
but I am worried if this is the right time especially in the area I live. Good luck to you :)
Have you considered anger management?
Softscript...anyone know how many hours are considered
P/T and F/T with this company and required lines. Thanks in advance :)
Dear Lord, lol
C'mon, people, lighten up.
Okay, one of the reasons I posted on here was because I DIDN'T want to sow seeds of discord within the company and cause trouble there. I wanted to know if I was alone in my perceptions, if I had been too hard on Transcend or if there were others who felt the same way, if I was alone.
I talked to a member of the quality council about it, who actually felt similarly in some ways, and there was only one other person I trust enough to talk to about it in detail with through email. I thought if I talked to anyone else about it, I'd be causing trouble, and I thought maybe she and I were alone.
As I said previously, I see where I could've done some things differently, and Transcend could've too. Both sides of an argument usually contain truth, there are rarely any innocent "victims."
No, I will not post specifics because it might discourage new people who haven't had the same experience as I did and perhaps my experience was unique to me and a few individuals for whatever reason, which again, was the same reason I didn't post on the forum or email others and ask.
If anything, the cheerleaders now are making me MORE comfortable with my decision to quit by their behavior on here, not less.
If you could perhaps see another perspective other than your own and allow for the possibility that just because YOU see things that way doesn't mean everyone does, then you might learn something useful, learn from others' mistakes or the company could learn from its mistakes, that's what I'm going to do with this.
It appears that others are trying to control the negativity out of everyone, like Stepford Wives, instead of listening better and learning from our mistakes, which might make us all more productive as individuals and a company; however, this behavior is evidence that that will never happen, so I standby my decision to quit.
Thanks for helping me out with that, and it wasn't the negatives that did it, it was the beating-a-dead horse cheerleaders who are misjudging why people are afraid to talk about their concerns.
If it's positive for you, that's all that matters. Boundaries, people. Why are people taking it so personally if Transcend is insulted?
Dear Mrs. Lincoln:
See post by ADMIN: That's right. Back up your claims with facts, not with lunatic remarks.
Post a Reply] [View Follow Ups] [Company Board] Posted By: Administrator (sm) on 2005-09-20 In Reply to: Absolutely . . . sm - me
Step up to the plate and post in more of a professional manner. Otherwise, it serves no real purpose. MTStars was not created for people to come only to post their personal smear campaign.
Dear unhappy, is that IC or FT
is that MDI Maryland or what. I can't seem to find their web site. I would also apply. Not too happy with the way MQ is headed. I am happy you got your raise. I do feel sometimes the lines are jiggled a little bit, but not sure.
Dear Nervousnelly
I just wanted to say that I have had some ins and outs with KS. I worked for them full time for about 8 months. Then I left after some issues with pay, not getting paid, bad checks and also a company-wide pay decrease. However, I did go back after being assured that these issues were straightened out. Upon my return, I saw that nothing had changed and that I had been knowingly mislead. Since that time, there have been continuous negative threads about KS. I also knew an MT that was still working there after I left. She stayed for quite some time but had many problems while she was there. The main issues, no matter what the circumstances, always came down to being lied to. The owner and others in positions of authority did nothing but tell half-truths. So, please consider this when making your choice. Please do not discount all the negative posts as being a disgruntled ex-employee or the same person. Save yourself some heartache and find another company.
No, what is embarrassing (2 r's, dear) (SM)
is how any of you believe one thing on this board, period.
Any person in the world can post anything they want. You have not a clue whether these posts are from individuals or all the same person; whether they are even an MT or not; whether they ever worked for a company or not.
It is embarrassing (again, 2 r's) that no one has the good sense to realize that reputations are at stake and since companies are the only names that can be dropped, they are the target.
If companies could post names of problem MTs and MEs, this board would triple in size for the blackballing going on.
You want the anonymous protection to come here and hurl slurs at someone you are upset while keeping your own pitiful work ethic and quality and production tightly under wraps.
I really thought MTs had a higher IQ than this. Certainly, as women, I hoped there was more character and integrity than to behave so wrecklessly - all because you THINK you have total anonymity here.
wake up, my dear...sm
one of my hospital accounts had their radiologists buy a very nice expensive Dictaphone VR program because they saw it in action at the next hospital. Within 30 days --not even kidding-- all the radiology work was done by the docs without even editing by MT's. Took the 3 full time MT's and put them on H&P's. One of the dictators is a stubborn old Indian but too bad, so sad, they made him do it anyway.
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