"Just had to give my 10 cents worth"
Posted By: Snow Bunny on 2005-09-30
In Reply to: Everyone must pay their dues....we experienced MTs sm - Old Exp. MT
Here's a dollar.
I'm paying you in advance for the next nine accurate statements you make. 
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My 2-cents worth....
In my opinion, any time you transcribe in only 1 specialty, you only have to focus on only ONE area. It might be boring but your productivity will increase. While working for a big national, you could have 100s of dictators. In a hospital setting and with only one speciality, the number of dictators is fewer and therefore you become more accustomed to their dications. You should be able to create "macros" "expansions" or whatever your system allows for repetitive dictations. Good luck.
Here is my two cents worth,
This is my opinion...you need to say, I am working between this time and that time and try with everything in you to stick to it. Finish at your appointed time and then spend some time with your family. Your husband needs to help you on his days off; that needs to be a part of the "deal."
Maybe you could make more money if you didn't have to worry about keeping your house clean... could you ask for a housekeeper once a week?
I have 5 kids and it was very hard to get myself organized for a long time...and to be honest, it is still not easy by any means. I find that my whole life runs better if I do stick to a schedule the best I can (stuff does come up though). I lay out their clothes the night before and think about what they will eat neatly and quickly for breakfast. I try to make the next day run as smoothly as possible.
Since yours go to a babysitter three days and are home when hubby is, he really needs to help with them during your set work hours, and then you could take time afterward to do something as a family or as a couple, or maybe he needs some alone time too. He needs to keep them out of your "space" so you can get finished, just as if you were working in an office outside the home.
When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy...so take some time to plan how you want your life to be on a daily basis. Strive for it. Everyday will not be like you plan, but you will feel more like you HAVE control when you TAKE control. You cannot do it all on your own and no one should expect you to. I have felt that very same way many times, but there is only one Tami and she can only do what she can do in a 24 hour period, nothing more. Just make the best of every day so you get to spend time with your family because that is what it is really all about anyway!
Just my two cents worth!
Have already sent my 2-cents worth
on the subject. Found this address for him: oreilly@foxnews.com
I stress heavily the security aspects of having all our personal info floating around Indiastanippines. Anyone who posted a comment under TravelinMT's newspaper article might want to send O'Reilly a variation of that. I'm all for pouring on the heat and letting everyone possible know about this. Sent Glenn Beck the scoop a couple of days ago: me@glennbeck.com.
Vive le revolucion!
My 2 cents worth
The other posts are spot on about AHDI selling us down a river, but most of the hospital jobs that allow you to work at home as an employee give preference to CMTs in the application process, so if you are looking for a position like that instead of working for a national you might want to consider getting it. It all depends on your employment goals. Good luck!
accounts - plus my 2 cents worth
I started doing part-time when working at a hospital as an Admin Sec/Assistant as docs were unable to find decent transcriptionists. Went to full-time as my hubbie was a trucker and gone a lot and started in 1989 full-time. At first did brochures/flyers to offices, subcontracted to local companies. Then they started coming word of mouth. I have not added an account for 5-6 years as have had enough but recently one of my favorites passed away and so will be adding another after Chrisitmas. Have thought about expanding more with more IC's but I really have trouble finding people that are dependable and realize that sometimes work comes first and it is my name out there. Since I am a small MTSO I can only pay 8.5 to 9 cents per gross line but all they do is type and I print, deliver and pick up. My oldest psych account has been with me since 1988 and my latest since 2000 so they stay with me. Pay on time, treat me pretty well and so can't complain too much. My last mailing, mailed out about 90 to 100 flyers and got 5 phone calls and 1 account but again that was 5 years ago.
Some of you have to realize the cost of running and maintaining a business. Though the doc gets $50 to $60 per office visit, more with labs, but think of their overhead in the office. Also lots of times they only get 60 to 70% of what they bill out. They not only have to pay me for the typing -- 35 to 40 lines, (3-4 dollars) but the receptionist, billing clerk, nurse and themselves. So the docs are not getting rich and I again say it is the insurance companies that put the squeeze on them and causing a lot of them to look for cheaper ways of doing things.
My two cents, for what they're worth.
Leasing never worked out for me simply because I put too many miles on a car at that time just going back and forth to work, etc. It did, however, work out wonderfully for a friend a mine who lived about 2 miles from work, took one car trip per year, etc. In fact, she came out great at the end of her lease and leased another one. She will probably buy this outright at the end of its lease.
Now that I'm no longer traveling for work, I would very seriously consider leasing were it not for one thing. I have now built up value in my car and it's simply not the best option for me.
Two ways to look at this thing.....good luck!
taxes -- see my 2 cents worth
To many variables -- are you married, what are your deductions, etc. See what was held out when you were an employee and match that amount. Your SS will be 7.5 more but some of your deductions can offset that. Buy a copy of Turbo Tax and do a planning sheet on what you have made this past month or expect to make. I pay very little but then I contribute a lot to my self employment pension. How long have you been an IC -- i f just starting won't have to worry for a while. But without knowing your entire financial picture it is hard to estimate whether it be 10 or 15 or 20%. I pay less than 10% but that is because I have many deductions. Look at last year taxes and see what you paid. If that is what you are estimating on making divide that into quarters or monthly. If married have hubbie over withhold. Again without more info we are just guessing. Patti
My 2 cents worth here (smile) ...
It's one thing to have a perspective as an MT, new or experienced, saying that the generalizations from MT Pundit are true or not (and I take his/her comments as generalizations, not true in every situation).
However, when you work with an abundance of both experienced and new MTs, it is very different. You really do see the trends being referred to in this thread.
For everyone who exclaims how adaptable they are but rant on and on, you probably are not as change-friendly as you think and it shows with your exasperated statements.
There are always exceptions to the rule but by and large what Pundit has said seems to be the overall trend in working with large groups of both experienced and new MTs.
I think offshoring has nothing to do with this. It is a separate issue altogether and will happen regardless.
I do think he/she has given excellent advice for those who want to hang onto this profession as long as possible.
It is much easier to go to the eager new MT minds and give instruction or feedback than to go through the arguments and backlash usually resulting from the same situation involving an experienced MT.
Glad I'm out of it!
I signed it, and added my 2 cents' worth, as well!
Maybe we should print copies of this letter, stand outside hospitals and clinics, and hand copies of it to patients as they're leaving. Or else put it on their windshields in the parking lot.
I'll give you my 2 cents
When I started about 15 years ago I did clinic. I had the same doctors over and over, every day. While I got to making decent line counts, I also was very bored after a short time. Clinic has all, but dried up at this point. The people who do it generally have their own accounts, pick up tapes or use an Olympus digital setup. The days when there were lots of small companies with call-in systems who hired MTs are pretty well gone. They exist, but not in the numbers they once did.
You are extremely wise to stick to acute care. That is where the work is, at this point. It is hard to develop the kind of ear that doesn't get rattled by many different voices on a daily basis. Frankly, some MTs never do get there.
With VR or SR or whatever you call it coming on more strongly as time goes on, the worse it will be for those who do traditional I-type-every-word transcription. The shloch you are getting will be the norm, not the exception.
I'd actually ask if I could have my secondary as my primary. You are fairly new to MT and you sort of need a bit of a leg up right now. Once you get into more of a groove, and yes finding a groove often takes longer than a couple of years, these things will not be such a problem for you. You will have "got it" by that point.
Tell me you are using an Expander and making the very most of it. That is one thing that is really helpful. It can help to take your mind off things like spelling and trying to push for more speed, and shifts more towards hearing the voices, recalling obscure terms and your accuracy. You have not been doing this too long to learn an expander and make the most of it.
Hang in there. It will get easier, but perhaps not as rapidly as you would like. For all the years I have been at this, it has only been about 4 years where I felt I had a wide margin of mastery. The scope of knowledge is just too broad.
I honestly don't give 2 cents what people think. :)
and I don't care what other people look like either.
I think that was the real message that John and Yoko were trying to send.
Again..."just me" is the OP, and she
LIVES in Florida. I am visiting Florida, and it is not a vacation, but BUSINESS.
Also, the OP never said anything about not wanting her kids there to ruin her time. You are assuming way too much by saying her kids are over indulged. I think she was saying where she takes her kids so you would know that she does spend quite a bit of quality time with them. Also, it is good for parents to spend quality time ALONE; and by doing that, you also teach your children how to have a HEALTHY relationship.
Ok, so I'm more than "just curious".
I have my own reason and wanted to see how many of you mentioned the same reason and discuss this a bit.
My 1# reason. Flexible schedule.
Working at home is part of this. For me, this is assumed. I am really mostly referring to having a flexible schedule.
Sure there are other pluses, but this is tops for me. I got so tired of punching a clock or having someone checking to see if I was "in" at 9:01.
This comes up for me now because I just left a company where I had almost total control over my schedule. They wanted to fence me in at times, but knew I was good and relented. Now as I look around, there seems to be an abundance of work. However, the first question they ask as I'm about to be hired is "What schedule can you work?"
This has me a little concerned. I am having no problem finding companies who want me to work at home, but when they try to put me on a schedule it gives me pause. I do have other skills and could probably finder "easier" work for he same or better pay if I wanted go back to the corporate rat race. Aren't employers aware of this? Isn't this a BIG part of this career for most of us?
I am just hoping that it will work out like it has in the past, even if they say they want you on a schedule, they really just want a very rough idea and then don't hassle me as long as I do enough work and do it well.
I guess if I have a question it would be how has this worked out for other people in acute care for a hospital. Do you have a flexible schedule, or is someone bothering you if you change it up a bit?
To "Just Me" re SH bold...
the string of characters you describe is what Ctl-K does. Discussed below this post. I tried typing those codes and it didnt work at all, just made a big mess. What version are you using?
Reply to "Just Testing".
Hi,
I'm in Melbourne.
Which neighbours of mine do you know? LOL!
"just not right"... can't let emotions speak
As I was re-reading the letter because I really like it, we can't let emotions get in the way. You think polititions have morals? let's be serious. I think just stating the facts of why this is not in the United States' best interest is the best way to go. Basically the legal ramifications and the facts you mentioned about the English Language, etc. are all good points
Above should read "just a typist", which was the attitude I also SM
experienced when working in-house at the hospital.
Sorry, there is not a list of user names & I didn't know "just me" qualified as a taken nam
x
Amen, and I will add one more thing. If I had a penny for all the times I've heard, "just a ty
well, maybe I wouldn't be rich, but I could buy a months' worth of groceries! LOL
12 cents. I'd love to make 12 cents. sm
a line as an employee. 17 years acute care experiencing doing all work types and I only make 9 cpl plus incentives.
The girl was 13, the rapist a distant relative they took in. Give money, give food and your time, b
you don't put your family at risk by taking in strangers. That's just plain foolish. There were over 3300 registered sex offenders in NO. Where are they now. In your community? Perhaps in your house? Good luck.
oh our lovely government does give illegals medicaid, foodstamps, and housing so in term we give tha
i have been through some rough times lately and had to apply for some help. there are signs, big signs, all over our offices saying "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LEGAL TO GET HELP". so we and our government do give them our benefits whether they are legal here or not. now that is messed up. i am helping to support them so they can take away my jobs and i can't even support my kids and yes i get benefits, wow $75 a month in food stamps which lasts not even a week in a household of 6. don't get me wrong, i am thankful for any help at the moment, but i get penalized for trying to work my tail off and still can't survive.
there was recently an article in our local newspaper where one of our local school districts tried to charge $1000 a year for each illegal student enrolled. it was bulked and the illegals got a lawyer to sue for discrimination. the school district merely stated that they had to HIRE extra teachers that could speak the foreign language just to teach these children and were trying to offset some of the expenses. ridicilous!! so again our taxpayers money is paying to educate illegals as well.
8 cents versus 9 cents
Wait a minute....9/55 is to 8/65....would not 9/55 be significantly higher pay than 8/64 (spaces are not counted in either case)?
8 cents a line. Should be 10 cents for over 10 yrs exp but
b
Aw come one give her a break. She said she was sorry and is willing to refund. Give her a chance to
do what is right. If she fails to do what is right, then go about this in an adult way and not act like such a child. "you suck" That is so immature.
She is responding to you and you are eating her alive. Why would she put herself out there to be treated like this if she didnt mean it.
I am really astonished at how people can act on here. Would you treat people like this in person? If you do, I cant imagine you having very many friends.
Remember we are all "HUMAN."
A simple google search will give you your answer...I'd give you the answer,
but how would that help you learn to research on your own...and I'm in a rush to get to the next post. 
Tell him you'll give him your macros if he'll give you his Lexus, his ski cabin, and (nm)
;p
A job worth doing is worth doing well ...
If you do not want to do your best, get another job.
But that is what I would do - worth the $.30
nm
what are your worth?
To do business at this rate, the hospital would have to be contracting the jobs themselve. Most hospitals I am aware of, go through a service, which has overhead. So to that 7 cents you have to add pay for management, building, utilites and all the other costs of doing business. The services I work for charge anywhere from 11 to 13 cpl, so it really isn't any cheaper to go through a service or have your own accts from the hospital point of view.
And is it worth the $189?
It sounds quite interesting, but that's a lot of money to shell out for an expander. Do you find your production is a lot higher compared with regular word expanders?
For what it's worth...SM
I did say that in my opinion, drinking on the job, regardless of amount, was unprofessional and somewhat irresponsible. (I stated MY opinion of the SITUATION, not directed at anyone in particular.) I think most employers would agree with me on that one. You obviously do not. This topic has been discussed and removed several times now - if you don't like the "unpleasant" posts, why keep bringing it up? Do you need the validation from complete strangers?
Don't post the topic if you're not prepared to deal with multiple viewpoints. Simple as that.
Worth it?
YES! An ergonomic keyboard does take a couple of days to get used to, but I doubled my typing speed after those couple of days and do not get "tired" hands as quickly. I would strongly recommend getting one!:)
Yes, it is worth it! sm
We have VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance--should be on the web) and it's great. You can pay monthly or all at once. It doesn't help much with the little bumps and bruises, but our boxer had a major ACL repair done and it saved us tons of money. She's worth it!
for what its worth
your marital relationship is the most important relationship in your life- its who you chose - you din't choose your parents, siblings or kids- everyone deserves to be valued and respected in that most important relationship- if you are being repeatedly hurt by your spouse or you are hurting your spouse -after you are aware that behavior is causing pain, no matter what it is - then you are not valuing your relationship or being valued in that relationship... Either way, you need to do something about it- get counselling at the least
Not worth it!
In my opinion, it would be better to wait for something that pays a little more. At 6 cpl you are going to work your butt off. I mean, if you think about it that's what the people in India are getting paid, either 5.5 cpl or 6 cpl. I think American MTs are worth more, much more, but that's just my opinion. If your current job is not too, too bad where you can't wait it out, I would say look around and give it a little more time. Gook luck!!
Is being an MT really worth it?
I've been doing it for about 10.5 years and have interacted with a number of fellow MTs. One thing I notice is that very few of the wonderful MTs I've known have been WITHOUT depression, anxiety, and/or panic disorders.
Is it possible that sitting in front of a CRT doing the same thing all day every day in complete physical isolation isn't healthy?
There are lots of reasons I want out of this business. There's one. Have a good day :)
worth it
You are right about being isolated. Right now I have my 3-year-old at home with me, but in a couple of years, it is going to be me and the cat until the kids come home. I'm not really worried about it though. I know a few moms and other MTs can call if I get lonely.
As for the depression and axiety, I had before coming into this profession. You just have to take every day as it comes and enjoy the sunshine when its there.
Very worth it
I bought mine of ebay about 7 years ago for around $700 new and love it. It is well worth the money as it will never wear out.
I tried it. It is only worth it if you -
want to read about how wonderful it is that they are now training and credentialling overseas MTs. That is the truth. If you don't believe me, you can waste your money on it.
Not worth it
I didn't quit smoking with Wellbutrin, but used the generic nicotine gum 4 mg then 2 mg, which tasted awful, but stopped the waves of rage from quitting smoking. Wellbutrin made me giddy for a few hours, then I crashed almost instantly and would become solemn and depressed, which made me want to smoke. Does anyone know why there is a drop off like that? Is that normal with these types of drugs? I don't take anything in the way of medications unless I am deathly ill.
Yes, well worth it (SM)
It was definitely worth the $15K, but after years of trying all the other fertility treatments and having them *fail* (total of all of those was probably $10 to 15K as well) it was just such a risk. I knew if it worked it would be worth every dime and then some, but if it failed it would only send me into a deeper depression. Not a good thing. Thank goodness for happy endings. Make that thank GOD!
I'm so glad to hear other success stories. No one knows the agony of infertility unless they have walked in our shoes :-(
Thanks for the post.
Would it be worth it?
Hi everyone. Been reading your postings and thought you could help. I presently work in a clinic but have been mulling the idea of working from home. Would it be reasonable to assume I could make at least $9.00 an hour working from home (realizing I would get paid by cpl) Should I quit my job and go for it?
Thanks
Here is my exp for what it's worth: SM
I used to do what you do....I felt like I had a lot to offer, never had a problem getting a job that paid a good wage, great insurance, great vacation.
I got into MT as a fluke and for the 1st 5 years I made a ton of money and worked at home. Along the way, I became less desirable as an administrative assistant--had been out of the field for too long, I think.
When the MT pay started going down and I found I had to work 12-14 hours a day to make less than what I was making in the beginning, I really have tried to get an admin. asst. job again, but I am losing the job to people who have been employed right along the way while I was here at home.
Stay with this job--ride it out. You are likely to have to work 12 hours a day or more to get your lines in and keep your benefits if you come home to work.
What you are worth
I don't believe it is true that MT is a bad field or a declining field. It is a great field and anyone who is capable of going through the education and gaining experience will find it is well worth it. Negative attitudes make every job unappealing.
Get the training and check out the companies. I have been an MT for 17 years and have always made no less than 50,000 a year. I only work 8 hours a day, no weekends. I love the job.
Is it worth it?
I posted a message yesterday on the New MT board. I haven't seen a response. Can anyone give me advice?
I am disabled and need to train in a new profession. After some reading and researching, I wonder if I should learn MT.
With so many jobs going to India, Philipines, etc is there really work (and I mean work that will pay me enough money to more than survive) in the US?
With Dragon, is it easier for non English speaking persons to transcribe? I am really nervous. I can't waste time and money learning something that is no longer offered here.Is it worth it?
I apologize for the redundancy. I am new to posting, and this is my third try.
I think it is worth it.
I think it would be worth pursuing MT and coding both, to increase your career worth.
You'll have to learn ESLs and speech recognition software to keep up with the MT side of it.
Email if you want. I'd be happy to talk more about it.
Is it worth it to become CMT?
Hi - I have been a Transcriptionist for 9 years and have considered testing to be a CMT but I want to know if it really matters? I'd welcome any opinions either way.
Thanks!
You are worth more than 8 cpl
I can understand your frustration. If you do not think that 8 or 9 cpl is worth it to not have to put up all that it takes to have these accounts on your own and not through the MTSO then you obviously have never had your own accounts. Now I have, and I know what it takes, and it takes a lot more than sitting down and typing the report knowing your anatomy. When you have your own account, you have to do it all as far as keeping records, interacting with the office staff, technical issues. When you accept the 8-9 cpl from the MTSO, that's all you are expected to do is type. When you are making the 17 cpl, there is a lot more to it. Have you had to beg the physicians for your paycheck or play sweety nice to their office manager just to get your money? I'd say probably not. Now, if you do not like the 8-9 cpl, then open your own MTSO and you can charge more, but let me tell you something, you are going to be responsible for a heck of a lot more than typing that report and knowing your anatomy.
What's it worth to ya'?
NM
Please tell me you are worth....
AMEN!!!
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