you make some good points but may I just ask
Posted By: curiousMT on 2008-12-23
In Reply to: TIME TO BE HONEST WITH ONE ANOTHER; NO ONE ELSE WILL - UnionNOW
what is the point of posting all this information? Most companies post upfront at their sites how much they pay, and there are always those who make more for some reason or another than others. What is the data for, just curious...
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You make good points. SM
I agree with you. Just experience does not make a good MT and some newbies are excellent and careful. If you have 20 years of experience with no mentoring and substandard training, you probably make dumb mistakes and are not aware of it. Everyone makes mistakes but some seasoned MTs make way too many. Keep up the good work.
You make some very good points.
However some attorneys are ''of counsel'' to firms while not actually on staff. Maybe they are brought in on a case that needs their particular expertise. So while they work with the firm on specific legal cases, they are not actually employees of the firm, but are paid much like contractors.
Just noodling some ideas here:
My neighbor is a painting contractor who hires subcontractors. He finds the clients, signs the contracts, arranges for the subs and has overall responsibility for seeing that jobs are done satisfactorily and dealing with the client. He collects the money and pays the subs, who are are providing services that are a key aspect of his painting business. (Though maybe we could say his business is actually a sort of broker, selling the jobs and providing the crews).
He has used the same subs for years, so there is an ''ongoing relationship,'' though these guys can and do work for other contractors. He loosely supervises these crews as far as maintaining quality and terms of the contract, making sure they use proper materials, don't do damage, etc. The subs provide their own equipment. Through him, the client specifies the color and type of paint to be applied. So in a way he does tell the subs ''how to do the work.'' And in a way he tells them ''when to work'' because the contract loosely specifies when it is to be done - not an hour-by-hour schedule, but a time frame in which it must be finished. When something goes wrong - a sub screws up in any way, the buck stops with my neighbor. He has to make it right with the client, then take the problem up with the sub.
Ruling that these painting crews must be employees of a single company would be unworkable, since the flexibility of hiring them when/as needed is crucial to the process.
Now compare this to a typical MTSO. They find client hospitals and sign them to contracts. They hire enough subs (us) to do the actual work. They specify format, maintain quality and TAT. We provide out own computer and reference materials. Our computers must have the proper technical specifications in order to handle their work, but they do not tell us what brand to use or where to buy it. Our software must be compatible with their system, but in many cases we just sign onto their server and use their program. They collect the money and pay their subcontractors.
Seem to be pretty similar scenarios to me. The whole construction industry is based on contractors hiring subcontractors in various trades for specific work, only when there is work.
You make a lot of good points. Listen up, MTSOs.
nm
What difference does it make who it is? He/she has some valid points. sm
While we are hashing through our own problems and such, sometimes (myself definitely included), we many times forget to consider what the other person is going through.
Many good points, they just have to be right for you. sm
Good account for me. Took a bit to catch on to the second one, but I love it there. Treated fairly, tested at nite, and was contacted immediately the next day. Pay always on time, supervisors are nice, love IM's for questions or help, instead of phone tag and waiting forever for e mail.
All places have good and bad, you just have to find the right fit for you.
Good points. SM
Newbies are not necessarily careless or ignorant. Anyone can be a bad MT, experience or not.
They had a lot of good points--
but there was one bad point (I won't elaborate on it any further than that) and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to try again.
All have good points,
Best thing about Medware is XXXX . She will go overboard to make sure you are happy. Best thing about Amphion, people are friendly and nice. You won't make a lot money, though. Best thing about Spheris... I'm still thinking.
Please do not post names. Thank you. Goldbird
good points, but.........
Maggie had some very good points, but what about companies that you do work as scheduled and then no pay! I am a very hard working MT and have worked for companies like that! Also what about working for companies that ships the work to India and you have to sit in front of your computer almost all day and through the afternoon to hope you get enough work to pay your bills and sometimes things change so quickly (no heads-up) you are just caught. Also with voice recognition, we are paid less, have to produce more and basically depending on the physician, some of the reports we have to type because voice recognition does not, recognize many of the words the physician is dictating. Also what about the companies that lie straight out, just to get you to work with them.......and there is no work! I work my but off, almost every holiday, and every weekend (I am making the sacrifices now) so I can pay my bills and I go to school full-time because this industry is going downhill fast and the fault lies with both sides, for the MT who slacks and to the jobs that don't pay on time, treat us like crap, lie, etc.......
Good points
Those are good points. I never really thought about it, but I have worked for a couple of MTSOs and this is the first one where it is just so....quiet basically. I guess I should be thankful that no one bothers you unless you mess up or you are just called to be informed that if there is a lot of work they give you a message to let you know if you want OT you can have it. But, I feel almost isolated. It's not that I even want to contact any of the other MTs, but I think it would be neat to be noticed if someone's birthday or anniversary date at the company, and just some odds-and-ends info put in there. One company I worked for even had something called the 100 club or something like that, where if you made 100% QA score for either the month or could have been payperiod they put it on the newletter and you were paid a bonus. I missed it a couple of times with a 99.9 :( but it was just fun to see those.
Good points...
It's true that many facilities/MTSOs consider working at home and having a day shift perks. There are many people working in various industries who telecommute and many of them are treated much better than MTs. I think as MTs working from home the 'out of sight, out of mind' rule applies.
I agree that transcription is an important part of health care as a whole. I read that some 159 end-users rely on our transcribed documents for anything from patient care, to statistics, to reimbursement and funding. Can you imagine the cost at all levels when these documents are riddled with mistakes? Not only does it affect patient care, but it affects all of the above uses of these documents.
Some good points...
But the bottom line is that each person is responsible for themselves. We cannot change how the facility operates or what management is paid. If the consumers (patients) rallied together and demanded quality, then, and only then, would change take place. But MTs do not have to be a part of that cycle by creating low-quality documents. It is never okay for any MT to decide to personally let quality slide because they don't like how the facility is run or because they are unhappy with their rate of pay. If they are unhappy, then they need to find a different job. The patient does not deserve to suffer because of this. Should the way the facilities operate change? Yes, but that will never justify producing bad documents. Our entire healthcare system needs reform, but that still doesn't justify an MT sitting somewhere not doing his/her job correctly.
Good points
I've been in the business a very long time myself and with many of the things you described above.
When the SUITS figured out there was $ in transcription, the industry started its slow spiral downward. Not to say good service is a thing of the past, but there is no doubt that it has suffered, because as usual in a capitalist society, a corporation is INTENT on making as much $ as it can - in profit.
The balance started to shift AGAINST MTs when the bigger companies forced the smaller ones out - limiting opportunities. At the same time schools were churning out half baked (and sometimes fully baked) MTs, and the VR machine was constantly being tweaked.
So it comes back to the old supply and demand model: to some degree we have to realize that MT work is certainly not the first job description to be affected by changes/progress in technology
OK I am tired so this likely makes NO sense so I stop now.
all companies have good points and all have bad
I have been with DSG for over a year. I have worked for other companies as well. Every company had their good points and their bad. I think it is just what you are looking for in a company. DSG pays on time, their line rate is decent, there is plenty of work (except during the slow times, but everyone goes through those) communication is always open. I have never had sound issues. There are good dictators and bad dictators, along with ESL dictators. Overall, they are decent and the MT Supervisor for DSG is the best I have ever met.
VALID GOOD POINTS....but...
revolts, change, etc, will NOT happen unless there is momentum created by mass involvement. Scattered about, in our homes and various facilities, many MTs do not even know of this board, would make it very unlikely for us to organize to effect a change. Have you ever tried to get people to take a stand? Many years ago I did. I went out on a limb, got everyone in the jobplace behind me (and that was all in one physical place mind you!!) and soon as the top brass got a bit serious sounding, they all, repeat, ALL, ran backwards. There I stood looking like a fool, and almost lost my job. Its very hard to organize, nevermind maintain other's courage to pursue the goal.
Give me the good points on your MQ offices - sm
No flames! Give me the good points on your MQ office that you work for i.e. leave you alone, great platform, no schedule necessary, nice people, easy to learn, nice work, etc.
Thanks!
Why do so many of you recommend Amphion? Good points, please? Thx. nm
l
Good points, I agree completely.
/
Any good MT knows that what you make
per line is just one part of the equation. Do you have enough work? How are your lines counted? Bottom line is how much you make per hour. They have a tiered pay plan if you are FT. They have line rate incentives for both quantity and shift as well as CMT incentives. They will pay for your CMT if you pass the test and contribute yearly to your CECs I believe up to $150 a year. That is reason in itself to at least think about it.
Not 2 good - I make 25 cpl. nm
Gotcha!
Good ones make way more than the best MTs, too!
xx
A good MT can make more than that by
x
Does experience make a good MT?
I am so confused right now. I am a newbie trying to get a foot in the door. I finally was accepted in a mentor program for a national. In the mentor program you must reach 516 with 98% accuracy before you are allowed to become full time. I am unable to make the line count because there is never enough work. I am happy for this opportunity, but I feel because there is never enough work, I will never make the line count. I have been offered a full time position to do operative reports and discharge summaries. I am doubting my abilities and do not know if I can do the operative notes. Should I go for the full time position or do I need experience before I am a good MT? How do you know you are good enough to take on a job doing operative notes. I want to go for it because the mentor program never have enough work to meet my goals, but what if I am not good enough yet? helpful advise is appreciated. Thanks
LOL. And with whom? Only good MTs make that much, not recruiters.
x
You make a good point..
You know what, you're right. An experienced GOOD MT will hit the ground running and not need their hand held. I'm sure an experienced, good MT is worth their weight in gold and SHOULD be paid more. There should be a way to do that, and if all those companies out there that are crying because they can't get experienced MTs would compensate in a way that is perceived as more fair, people would be beating a path to their door. The only thing that bothers me is the assumption that all MTs with many years experience are good at what they do. I've seen with my own eyes that this is not the case. Some of them don't seem to even know proper English usage. Why should that person be paid more just because they've put in X number of years? I guess it just reminds me too much of the labor union seniority systems that protect and reward the mediocre. I didn't mean to offend anyone with my post above; just wanted to give another perspective. If I were sitting where you are, I'd probably feel the same way. The MT profession has been eroding for years, and it's got to be tough on those who were part of the good old days of being an MT when they felt reasonably rewarded for their expertise.
Does anyone who uses MediTech make good $ ?
I've checked the archives, etc., and mostly MTs have said it's cumbersome. But is Meditech such that after getting used to it you can make good money, $20+/hour? I know it depends on the account, but just wondering.
You make a ver good Point.
The stuff that I have read was from 2 years ago, alot can happen in two years time. Every company has something wrong with it in someone's opinion. I just saw a lot of bad remakrs about it. Maybe it will be more of a positive experience for me.
Yes, and make sure the training is good, and
if you are going to Meditech, make sure your word Expander will work and it is a good spell checker. IMO
LOL! I couldn't have done it Must have been a really good job for them to make you do that
You make a good point
You were able to get some recogniton because the doctor knew who YOU were and the quality that you put out. That doesn't exist much anymore. I think THE major factor contributing to the decline of the MT profession is depersonalization. As employees of MTSOs, we are no longer individuals, but part of a big MT machine that cranks out dictation. The true consumer of the MT product, the doctor, has no contact whatsoever with the person who transcribes the report. That means that there is no recognition for the excellent MT; they are mixed in with all the substandard MTs and the doctor never knows who is typing the report. He gets back good, he gets back bad, and everything in between. Basically, the only reward we get these days is our own pride in doing a good job. Unfortunately, that doesn't pay the bills.
You make a good point -
I think you're spot on ~ each of us has different needs and different capabilities. Some companies get bashed just because they weren't a perfect fit for someone and some companies are really are validly not so good to work for.
I've been with SoftScript for nearly 7 months and I have nothing bad to say. I had about 12 years experience and a few years away - things in this business changed drastically during that time. Softscript gave me a really fair go. I worked for Medquist before for many years and did a short period of time with Spheris, but went back to Australia. I was doing VRE with them ~ that was weird, but not their fault.
Some people can't be satisfied with anything ~ I'm happy knowing I have a job and the people are really nice.
Just my dollar's worth (2 cents doesn't go anywhere anymore)
Does anyone really make a good living doing VR??? sm
I currently work for one of the larger MT companies that is mostly VR, platform isn't bad, but just not able to get my line count up. I was curious if it just me or if there were MTs out there who were doing good on VR and glad they have made the switch. Thanks. 
Good luck and make sure you have a
x
What do you think would make a good MT gift? sm
Just curious because as a former MTSO, I went crazy trying to figure out something that would please most MTs; no matter how hard I / we tried, there was always a contingent who were unhappy!
PS - I agree that a donation to AAMT in your honor was a cruddy gift!
Used to make good money
My income has dropped by $20,000 in the past 2 years working at Spheris, and from what I understand new hires get paid even less.
Its sad that we dont believe MTs can make good money at this job....
In the past 7 years that I have been an at-home IC (left my hospital job), I have made no less than $50k and this year, will hit my all-time high of $62K. There are still good accounts out there, with great dictators that pay .10 to .11 cpl and if you are fast, with great macros and expanders, you can still make $40-$50/hr. Experience and reliability are what get you top dollar and there are companies willing to pay. Its sad we doubt those that make the good money. Maybe there is a tad bit of jealousy there!
What is considered good pay $500.00 weekly and up or can I make more once I become more
experienced?
You hear bad and good - it is what you make of it - if it fits your needs, try it out!
s
Sounds like you can make a good living, just can't
There's quite a difference.
I don't struggle. I make good money.
But then again I have been doing this for 21 years, work for a national at nearly top pay. Not sure why the ones who are complaining do it. Well...actually I do think I know why SOME do it. They got fooled by the false advertising of MT schools. Work at home and make $50,000 per year. Yeah right. Not right out of school, nope! That would be the RARE case. And even being able to work from home right away would be difficult IMO. I learned SO MUCH from my coworkers during those first 10 years when I worked in office and in house at the hospital. All of that on the job experience made a big difference when I went home to work. Had I started working from home with just my MT school education....I would probably hate it too.
Good suggestion, but that would make too much sense.
nm
I make far more money on VR. I also get paid a good SM
line rate for it, so that helps. I am paid 7 cpl for VR.
I love the platform and make good $ on it. SM
I do believe it has to do with the accounts though. I've used it for 4 hospitals and have made great money, both VR and straight typing. VR gives me more than double the lines of typing but I do think it is an acquired skill. Learn the shortcuts and use them. It is also only as good as the team training the VR.
On the other hand I've used it on a clinic account and the lines were just not coming in like they do in AC. A very heavy, 90%, ESL verbatim account and I lasted all of 2 weeks on that account.
I'd say I do about 90% VR and 10% straight typing and all in all I'm impressed with the accuracy of the VR.
Nice does not make for good pay check.
Ditto, Ditto. sorry to hear that you had so much down time and not able to make any money. Well hope for the best with your new company.
Make your own nest. Find a couple of good
accounts, multiple companies if you have to. Work on them every day just to stay on top of it. I used to bend over backwards to try to help where needed, but all I ever got was kicked in the head, so now I just do my routine. When they start appreciating people, (and not just an occasional 'oh how wonderful you are' when they are backlogged and know you can do a lot of work), by some type of recognition like a raise or promotion, then you can go back to being the nice guy.
Of course, depends on your line rate, but $700.00 is very good for MT right now. I can make over
that if the work is available, and I put in more than 40 hours. I think to make $1000.00 you need to have lots of expansions and dictators with which you are familiar, IMHO.
Did the MT interviewing with Transcript USA make contact yet? Anything good
s
You were given too many specialties/accts to make any good money.
s
Keystrokes clinic MTs, do you make good money?
IME it's hard to make good money doing clinic when paid by the line; some of the notes are only two sentences long. Just wondering if it's any better at Keystrokes, i.e., good combination of short and long notes.
I thought that cpl seems a little too good. Without spaces would make sense. Not
sure how much you really make per line without spaces.
Hasty and Recruiter does not a good combo make!
Many are bad enough when they aren't hasty, with the evasive answers, with us getting a reality check from what we were promised and what really is once we've committed ourselves to the company. I wouldn't take the job myself. I don't trust a hasty recruiter. Something sounds fishy. A more reasonable answer would be that he/she would get back to you with answers, not just skirting the topic. Not good. If the recruiter doesn't know the details of what they are recruiting for, that's not the sign of them representing a good company.
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