i think we are all fighting
Posted By: sm on 2007-04-16
In Reply to: They only lost the - Not bringing home the bacon.
over 64 and 66. Too many MTs, too little jobs to go around.
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Fighting back. SM
Certainly I don't have all the answers, which is why it would be nice to get some positive input going on this issue. We're not stupid people, and if we think it through and work together, we can come up with something.
I think a mass exit of good MTs would have the effect I have already stated, which is born out by at least one post below. How fast do you think a company could transition to a production base overseas? Not fast enough in my opinion. Sure they might get it set up, but even offshore elements don't have gobs of people trained and just sitting on the side lines waiting for reports to transcribe. They are like everyone else, they have to recruit and train to fill the need as it arises. I don't think it would all come together fast enough to prevent major account losses. And as the accounts go south, so will the need to send work out, as there will be less work to send. And what about the end result the clients (hospitals, etc.) will be getting back? There's no doubt that a huge percentage of it would be poor quality. And if the good MTs have left because of refusing to be treated bimbos who stand willing to put the noose around their own necks, who is going to do the editing and polishing of these reports, and they will need to be polished. I think it would throw a wrench in the whole works, and I don't think companies could cover the base fast enough to prevent big losses. In any event, this possibility that you raise is not like we're not facing it already. My point is we should at least start doing something besides just standing here watching our livelihoods go down the tubes. I can't guarantee the results of taking this kind of action would be totally what we want, but I can guarantee that not doing something will lead to the sure death of our profession.
As for those who would say to shut up and just be grateful, I say they have their heads buried in the sand, and so what they have to say isn't going to do them or me or anyone else any good. The jobs they would tell us to be glad we have will soon be gone, which is exactly the point, so hang what the negatives would have to say. We can't afford to be influenced any longer by people telling us it can't be done. Maybe it can't, but it for sure can't if we just stand around and do nothing.
Yes, technology is here to stay. Nothing wrong with that. The companies investing in it can still make their millions off of it, but it doesn't have to be at our expendability. What I'm saying is to refuse as an industry to willingly help them make the transition knowing full well that, as a direct result of our cooperation, we will soon no longer be needed. Hence, the position I have adopted being one of, if you (the doctors) want to use it, then get it right on your own. I ain't gonna' help. On the other hand, give us the technology, and I'll show the doctors, the hospitals, and the companies we work for the production and accuracy we all want to be part of while preserving our ability and right to make a living. As far as medical doctors learning to fill out templates, they're not there yet, which is why we need to take action before they are. By not there yet, I don't mean they're not doing it to some degree now, but the technology is still not what it will be some day, which means they still need us. Someone has to produce the finished product. What I'm saying is we should refuse to do so as long as it is obvious that doing so is the same as loading the gun and putting it the hand of the one who intends to shoot us with it.
Where to start, therefore, is here, and the when is now while we are still needed. Once we are no longer needed, we will have no chance. Our strength and hope lies in the fact that this work has to be done or the doctors don't get paid, which means action taken now will hit them right where it hurts, in the pocket book. Patient care documentation is becoming more and more important to others outside of the medical profession, and I don't think inaccurate and poor quality of reports will ultimately be tolerated.
It's going to be a hard bullet to bite, and those at the leading edge are going to have to be the ones to chomp down first. That's why I'm saying to bail now while you can. The first ones out will be the ones that get the positions that are available now. Those that wait to take action may find themselves on the sidelines for a while until the full impact has a chance to take hold. But, they and the rest of us are going to be sitting on the sidelines for good in the future anyway, so the only way to look at it, in my opinion, is stop putting off the inevitable and take the step now while there is still a chance to make a difference. If the company I'm with ever indicates that they intend to burn the work force that they now claim is their backbone, I will be gone in a heart beat, even if it means learning those all-imporant 7 words, i.e., would you like fries with that, sir?
I'd rather serve somebody a hamburger at minimum wage that help the other guy get rich at my expense. It ain't gonna' happen.
Yes, I am fighting back. Thank you!!
I have called the company also and will call until I get someone in charge. I sent her my personal check stubs and that is what I am most upset about. If she could not match my pay, why ask for my personal check stubs and offer me the position. Receive my check stubs, keep them, and then say she could not offer me that pay? She stole my check stub information in my opinion and I am steamed. I feel violated.
Fighting outsourcing
Just wondered if anybody else has tried to fight to stay a hospital employee & fight against outsourcing???? I am putting together a petition for transcription & going to get doctors to sign it & send it to the CEO of the hospital. I hate to do that but I feel I must fight for my job!
fighting outsourcing
Good for you! Our hospital, too, is being outsourced soon. We asked about this and was told the physicians didn't have a say. Hopefully in your case it will make a difference!
Another nosy one fighting with me over nothing! You women (?)
jump in threads and fight with the wrong person!! Aren't you embarassed? Can you follow conversations in real life? I doubt it! I'm not talking about computers or anything - I'm on Busy MTings side, really. We're having a fine conversation, in case you hadn't stuck your nose in the full thread!! I'm not the bozo worrying about whose computer she's using and that nonsense. AND YES I WORKED FOR SPHERIS!! HORRIBLE! JUST ANOTHER MONSTER NATIONAL! And I work for MQ - YUCK. But it pays the bills, though that is another story all together!  When you nosy posters who jump in a thread decide to jump in and bash, why not pick an intelligent fight with the correct person? You make no sense and look like more of a jerk than you obviously think I am!! Sorry, too, not a blonde! Black as the Ace of Spades - wanna fight about my hair??
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!
Not fighting. Just talking quality.
If you can't discuss issues, go back to typing.
FOUR SEASONS TRANSCRIPTION...PAY YOUR MTs.. Poor BrokeMT has been fighting you for months.
Just pay her. If her bank truly rejected her DD numerous times, then why wasn't she sent an actual paper check. Companies like this need to be run out on a rail. You give MTSOs a bad name.
Hope Transtech is NOT still hiring, because we are all fighting for work right now OVERHIRE big time
Be careful right now, because TT has much overhired, promising something big coming up, but nothing seen by the MT's yet, just LOW WORK load.
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