with your attitude no wonder you cant keep a job "crappy American docs"
Posted By: no name on 2005-08-15
In Reply to: ex-TH'r - mt
What makes them crappy????
They may not talk as clear as you would like, but maybe they are a darn good doctor because either they care or they are educated enough to help people.
No one said you have to talk clear to be a doctor. No one said we would have "perfect doctors" to transcribe for. They are everywhere.
"Good MTs" can work for the ESLs, the slush mouths, the docs that talk while eating, etc. That is what this job consists of. We all have to do it.
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A good mix. I don't mind ESL docs. I think that some U.S. docs are worse! nm
nm
Trust me.. I have come from a lot of "crappy" jobs that is why it was so refreshing to hear so
excitement over the possibility of another job.. one that may be a great hidden treasure. I just think it is great when people never lose that newbie enthusiam even after some not-so-great experiences. I admire you totally and best wishes.. I hope this is the job you have looked for..If so, sign me up LOL
Could be because all they can get from the docs is 11 cpl....nm
x
ESL docs
Im having a very hard time with all the discussion that I see on the boards regarding ESL doctors -- I have been in this business 20+ years and it takes time to develop an ear to be able to understand ESL doctors -- if you have a friend who is an MT, have her on instant message and ASK what the doctor might be saying -- there have been times too, with her and my experience where she has played her stuck spot back and I heard as clear as a bell what the doctor was saying -- unfortunately, the schools with their training don't do ESL doctors and this is the reason that 99.9% of the companies wont hire without experience - PLEASE resign yourselves that ESL docs are going away unfortunately
with ESL docs, you just never know..sm
You could have great ESL dictators, and at .09/line, you would be paid at least close to what a good Transcriptionist is worth (still not enough as our wages are pitiful now). On the other hand, if you have really terrible ESL dictators, that .09 could easily become comparable to making .05/line if you have to slow down to understand the doctor. With ESL's, you really don't know until after you have made that commitment. However, as a previous MTSO, I would never give one person all of the crappy dictators. Rather, I tried to distribute the work evenly to give everyone a fair shot at a decent line count. Good luck in your decision. Try bargaining. Tell them you feel ESL doctors are worth the extra compensation because often times your hourly production is decreased because they do not dictate proper English sentences, mispronounce words etc, and tell them you believe the work is worth .10/line and you will strongly consider the position.
Docs
who eat, slurp, roll hard candy or lozenges in their mouth, sniffing their nose constantly all while speaking....especially the eating while dictating drives me CRAZY! It is just like having a rude person standing right next to your ear eating smacking his food. GRRRRRRRR
the docs may not NEED it but its sm
not for you to decide. If thats what they want and you do their work, then you do it or you don't work. I don't like it either, but they don't dictate their reports to suit the lifestyle of your or me. I don't understand why people can't see its the profession, you aren't going to change it. you need to get a new profession.
As far as the grocery clerks and weekends, etc. etc. They don't all call in sick and not work. Years ago when some of these supermarket chains were union, they made good money and those people worked their hind ends off, weekends, nights, holidays the whole bit. I know because my hubby is now drawing retirement from one of the chains. Seems to me we have a whole generation of younger folks that don't want to work but like the other poster said, they just want to p*ss and moan!
Rotten docs
Dear Doctor:
While I have a great deal of respect for what you do, you aggravate me.
Please, when you are addressing a letter be courteous enough to include the CITY and the STATE, and if you spell something don't spell ROAD for me, because, trust me, I learned how to spell road in the second grade!
Don't make me search for 15 minutes to find something your lazy ### could have read off the chart, because I only made 14 cents to type that letter, and my time and skill is worth more than 60 cents an hour.
And while I am venting, how about you say pheochromatoma, instead of feo, if that is what you mean. Don't be so lazy my job is 100 times harder.
If thats all they can get from the docs, get a different account!! There are more out there
I'm tired of these companies expecting IC work for 8 cpl, have a set schedule and thats even when I'm offering to do ops mainly!! Thats disgusting. I can just as easy do the basic 4, have a set schedule and not have to pay my own social security and taxes! Dont take it!
No ESL docs, no op notes (as far as I know) SM
They are mainly consults, soap notes, some radiology. You use their templates and get paid for headers/footers.
I don't know if everyone makes the same, but I make 8 cpl (55 characters per line) without spaces. I compared it to the normal 65 characters per line with spaces, and it is equivalent to 8 cents per line with spaces. So, not too bad...just average I guess.
But the dictators are really clear and there are a lot of samples. I think the work is pretty easy. I think it makes a really good p.r.n. position.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :)
Chickadee
You need to realize that about 80 pc of the docs sm
practicing acute care in this country are ESL. It is what it is.
I like them a lot better than the native English speakers, who slur words, like to play with the language. ESLs learn one way to say it, and they say it that way every time. You just have to get used to it.
TransTech and ESL Docs
Well, you know...ANYONE who wants to continue to be a Transcriptionist had better become proficient in ESL docs. They are here to stay. If you had YOUR own business you would take the accounts to. I can do them. I moan a lot of times when I see a particular doctor's name come up for me to transcribe for, but it's all just part of the job. Like I said, better get used to it as there are more and more foreign doctors every day. I transcribe and I get paid and I don't feel cheated ONE bit.
All the decent docs have
TransTech did a big hiring blitz back in October last year for a new account, but the account almost immediately started going to VR, so the doable dictators left in a hurry!
The jobs that get sifted towards the MT's out of VR machine, thus, are the very difficult dictators that should be warned about their dictation habits.
The ExSpeech (editing platform) is very awkward and time consuming, so it is a catch 22 for the MT's. ExText has a good spell check and is easy platform to learn.
TransTech does not allow the MT's to check/verify our lines in the manner in which, in my opinion, we should be able to do. The CTRL I function does not give even a close line count and our pay stubs do not show it either -- just the word *piecework*. We can go to iChart; however, it does not show an immediate line count nor the jobs or line count per report -- only a total line count for a period of time per TransTech's counting method. It is a lot of trouble to go to iChart to get an immediate line count each time you choose to check your pace. We should be able to do this right from the platform/software that we are working in, IMO.
It seems our lines have been much harder to obtain in the past several months -- I suppose more to the dictators shuffled our way from VR, than anything that Transtech is doing with the line counts. I can't imagine them messing with our line counts in any form or fashion, as some companies have been accused of doing.
VR is the way of the future in order for the companies to be more profitable for themselves, so this is what we have to look forward to -- those of us who remain in the MT profession.
They use their own software. You get docs
s
all those horrible docs got you
Schizophrenic? You're like one of those people who sit in a bus & just starts telling and calling people names with no thought. All bark, no bite.
Number of docs
Are there any companies that assign a certain number of doctors? I have too many to EVER make a good line count.
Docs using PC's instead of charts sm
The younger docs are now carrying laptops into the examining room, no more charts. My husband and I had extensive, large charts (which we earned through serious stuff) and now they have been replaced by the young staff coming in with a laptop, no more charts. I was not brave enough to ask at my last visit but I will this visit, Where are our huge charts? Mine used to make comments about the large chart and too many papers. I wanted to say, Do you ever read any of those reports? Very curt, very non-caring attitude, told me last time had had input all my allergies (which are serious) into his computer. I am really worried as my husband and I have been through a lot. I think they could very easily print a H&P from there if you went into a hospital. Two of my clients used to do open heart surgery and they would ask me to print out a H&P from the chart just before the surgery. Some of those people they had not seen in years. I explained that I would not do that as the patient could have developed an illness since last seen. You gotta thank computers for replacing us. Between outsourcing and electronic medical record, we are becoming distinct as the dinosaur. Just IMHO from this area anyway.
When I was inhouse the rad docs liked it
And at that hospital those same docs were pushing for VR. Most of 'em liked to goof off for hours wandering the halls telling jokes, then wanted to read like mad when our MT staff was down to a couple night people, and whine that we didn't get it all typed for them to sign off before they went home. So I think its fitting its going to bite them in the butt.
assigned docs
On my account, I have one doc that I am assigned to. My main priority is his work for that day. If other MTs are out or busy, I can be asked to help them out. It is hit or miss. Last week I did 10,000 lines (my hands were killing me) just helping out for the MTs on vacation.
The other account I work on is a pool, so I go there when I am done with my assigned work. This week, my doc is out and I am only working in the pool. It is backed up and getting further behind, and it is mostly very short jobs (20 seconds), so I much prefer my other account.
I understand there are some new docs coming on, so hopefully this will pick up.
I love having a few assigned docs since I get to know their style and makes my job much easier.
There is pretty much an even mix, but my ESLs are better than the US docs.
I am very happy with my account, my pay and the way I am treated.
Exams is what I mean. Docs are stretching
reports/exams out so long, I wish I was being paid by line.
Spheris is paying between 1.35
and 1.45 per exam.
Was getting 11 cent a line before but home-based hospital
employee. Much better.
I am PT. I do 600 lines/day. I share one of my two docs with
another person and it works out well. Key advice: Let your lead know if it is too much. They would rather know early than miss deadlines. I learned the hard way but now with sharing the one doc it is perfect.
NEVER whined about the hard docs...
I was offered by them when there were a lot of certain docs up they would assign me some different ones to break them up, but...I have not asked them to do that. So don't assume....
If a lot of MTs, hosp. personnel, & docs are on all
s
If you hear docs discussing it,
I'd be very cautious to work for them. Chances are, they're going to fly through that dictation faster than a speeding bullet. You might be better off with an MTSO that pays by the minute rather than a private office.
If docs would spend 5 seconds...sm
spelling another doctor's name, which they believe we're automatically supposed to know how to spell, it would save a lot of grief. But MTSOs are quiescent about this, even though they know it's a hardship on us...what the heck, it's not THEIR time. Don't want to spell a doc's name... their 5 seconds is worth more than 10 minutes of my time looking it up. Tough!! Blanks are in. Let THEM fill it in.
That is docs who think you can read their mind.
Sorry, needing a little QA on my post here!
A flyer for individual docs:
*If you're like most doctors, you never read dictated medical reports, anyway! Yours, or anyone else's! So why pay through the nose for something you'll never look at?*
*At AchooQuist, we understand the needs of busy docs like you.... men and women who laugh in the face of malpractice suits. That is why we've tailored our MT services to suit your busy, careless, greedy lifestyle.*
*When you joint the AchooQuist team, you'll pay what YOU want. (next-to-nothing). And you'll get exactly what you pay for.*
*We GUARANTEE it.*
If you go to the docs, be prepared to lose your job.
Although how much can that matter if you are not being paid anyway!!! I personally have never had this happen to me, but I can see where it could cause major problems on many levels (especially if you have automatic bank withdrawals). I would have to consider - Is it the client's fault? Is the company not managing money correctly? Does this happen often?
It is your employer's place to investigate this problem with the client, not you. I would strongly suggest that you not go directly to the client unless you have reached your limit with the company and no longer wish to be employed by them. Have they actually broken their contract agreement with you. If so, then I say it is every man for himself so to speak.
just edited a few docs & almost 1/2 was missing
Ditto. I have 3 docs (ortho) and if one is not there or on vacation sm
I either help on other or take the day off. We always know in advance, and I plan around it. I have high volume with them, so if I miss part of a day because one of my docs is out, I catch up on errands as it does not affect my pay much.
Pay always on time (direct deposit) but was incorrect rate a few times. Took a few days to be corrected but it was and now it has been fine other than those two that the rate was wrong.
Maybe you could ask them to limit your docs and/or specialties until you get more familiar? nm
x
Can anyone recommend a company who allows you to type on just 1-2 docs M-F? SM
Pays every other week or twice a month, on time. At least paying 8 cpl and with an MT-friendly platform.
Thanks guys!
Even with the best VR system, there are a significant number of docs...sm
nurse practitioners, med students, etc. who would never succeed with any type of VR system unless they first learn how to speak properly, first grasping command of the English language, and secondly learning proper grammar. There are many of these medical professionals who cannot even form a proper sentence not to mention be trusted with working on a VR system. I bet my 6-year-old granddaughter could be more successful with VR than many, many of the medical professionals I have typed reports for over the years. Yes, VR can be very successful, but it depends on the operator!
Nice person, but docs stink
if it is the same that it used to be the dictation is bad and the sound quality is awful. I think that it is a rerecording. This was years ago though.
Does anyone know how to find out what the nationals are getting paid from the docs? (sm)
I would LOVE to be able to find out what the doctors are paying these national companies for their work. I have heard so many times, that the transcriptionists have to take a pay cut because of the economy and because of outsourcing. And personally, I do not see how any of us can work for less than what we are getting now.
Is there a way to actually verify what these nationals are charging the docs, maybe calling around and getting quotes is the only thing I can think of. Does anyone have a better idea. I would LOVE to get ACTUAL QUOTES and see how it compares to what we are getting. Any ideas?
Go ahead and revolt - do you think that docs CARE? SM
or the public cares? No - and the companies will use that as an excuse to send the remainder of American MT jobs offshore.
And before someone says you're a SUIT, NO - I AM AN MT who doesn't like it any more than you do.
Scenario: No work. Docs not dictating. You are an employee. What does that do to your
If you are doing no work, well, any formula to extrapolate your "down" rate of pay is still going to equal zip.
And if you go on vacation? what does that do to your "down" rate of pay? If you have no sick leave and you can't type, what does that do to you "down" rate of pay?
If you have no PTO yet and you are down for weather, computer problems, etc. if you are an employee, are you kicked to SE? What happens to your insurance?
These are all questions you need to get hard answers to and get answers that are palatable. And get them in writing.
Dawn, I agree with you girl! All my good docs...
have also been kidnapped by the cherrypicker gang!
I thought their "niche" was being able to do all those awful NYC hospital docs? Used to be lik
s
Agree with above, not to mention all the docs' names they refer to
xxx
Why such an attitude
So take that? Are you sticking your tongue out too? I certainly hope you find some serenity somewhere. You must still be working for one of those "rotten companies" if you are complaining about their pay schedule.
Your Attitude Says It All
It seems to me by the tenor of your posting that maybe you have an attitude problem. I have been a medical Transcriptionist for almost 30 years and have seen people like you come and go, mostly go. Did it ever occur to you, that maybe you were the problem?
Your attitude
You wonder why you don't get raises or bonuses? Take some time and think about it. You are just plain nasty. Just do your work, follow instructions from your manager and take personal responsibility, Psychic network? Sounds like you're all too familiar with it. Maybe youre watching too much of that instead of working, or maybe chatting on line in the chat rooms, dissing anybody you can for your poor performance. Take responsibility for your work, you own it. Don't turn it back on anyone else. Maybe youre one of those ones that think a tad bit more digoxin is not gonna harm a thing, or maybe if a diagnosis is just a tad bit off, no harm done right? Get off your psychic network behind and get with the real world.
We all get to have attitude ..
To save ourselves from embarrassment we should probably try to make it a good one .. ;-)
Attitude
Ain't that the truth! I try to keep a good attitude, but sometimes people just knock that right out of you.
That attitude towards others
is uncalled for on this or any other board
RE: attitude is everything..
I'll be sure to tell my ex-coworkers you said that; I'm sure they'll have a whole new outlook on their situations when I pass on that little piece of misguided 'advice' from you. Maybe if you removed those rose-colored glasses for a minute, you might actually see the many, many people who used to enjoy their jobs, worked hard every day, didn't say anything negative about SPi and then were summarily fired on a conference call without warning. Or maybe those people who logged in to work only to find they had been canned - again without warning - should change their attitudes. Or how about people who were let go because they couldn't meet the standards that were then lowered when those jobs were given to offshore workers?
If you're lucky enough to still have an account you love, count your rare blessings. Then go ask your supervisor if it's one of the accounts that they're right now changing over to voice recognition, or taking away from US employees and transferring overseas, or getting rid of because it's not profitable enough.
I appreciate that you have a good attitude and, yes, being negative all the time and/or for no reason is not a good thing. However, the people you're reprimanding and insinuating should just quit their whining and be happy like you are frequently now have to worry about where dinner's going to come from, whether they'll lose their house, how long they'll be on antidepressants since they lost their jobs at SPi, etc.; that's all due to SPi. And those are just a few reasons people are venting on this board and elsewhere. They have a right to release a bit of frustration and not feel so thankful and blessed right now, thank you very much. That does not mean they have bad attitudes.
And while I'm up here on this soap box, I might as well correct another error you made. A LOT of the people you're referring to did NOT have a choice in the matter (see above about the firings - and those are just two examples). Yes, there are people who quit, but many of them that I know were virtually forced to do so by the circumstances they were forced to work under. And others were told they'd better move on before they got fired. I personally know people in QA, MT, tech support, supervision, and management who have felt the ill consequences of working for SPi specifically.
I'm glad you're happy at SPi, and I'm not suggesting you shouldn't be or even that you're wrong in your idea that attitude can make a difference; it certainly can. What I am saying is that not everyone has had the good experience with SPi that you seem to have had; in fact, you may even be in the minority, believe it or not. And you should be aware of how condescending your message sounded. You might have a good 'attitude' but you certainly don't have good manners.
Attitude is everything...
I have personally been with SPi four years. We have gone through a lot of changes. What company doesn't? It is really unprofessional and concerning when you see negative posts about SPi. I started as an MT (15 years experience already), and I now work in QA. I love my job! Attitude is everything! People choose to have a good or bad atittude. People also choose where they wish to be employed. Could go on and on but won't. The positives for which I choose to stay with SPi consist of working an account I love and am committed to, direct deposit every 2 weeks (they have not missed one, can't say that for some others); and awesome benefits package for all employees. This company is here to stay. It is financially strong and structurally solid. I'm sure everyone has heard the saying, If you can't say something nice....then don't say anything at all. It really is a bad reflection toward those who choose to be negative. Life is too short! : )
attitude is 90% of everything
I know, attitude doesn't pay the bills. but with the right attitude, you will be patient for an hour or two if work is slow, or talk to your liaison about any concerns, and i per my experience, he/she will do all they can to work with you to overcome any obstacles. I researched this job/company before i started and in 33 yr of MTing, i've never been happier. Again, it depends on what you are looking for in a job, and the attitude you have. Don't let the naysayers worry you.
NO, IT'S YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS MTs..sm
What we take offense at is the general overtones of contempt of MTs by QAs on this threat and the transcription industry in general. The QA is above having to look anything up because now most are paid on production. Well, what do you think the MT is being paid on? We don't get paid to look up Dr's name, unfamiliar names, terminology, etc., only what's actually down in black and white. QA is asked to perform this job because it is assumed she has more experience with a particular doctor in that hospital, medical term, etc, that's why she's a QA instead of MT.
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