AAMT/AHDI is the the same organization, and it -
Posted By: sm on 2009-06-04
In Reply to: pay scale and benefits - jnmd
has played the largest part in lowering MT standards and MT pay. They claim it's been 'raised' by their attempts at standardizing all MT work, and by offering bogus 'CMT' credentials, but all it's done is backfire for the American MT. We paid our US Dollars for these credentials, (at a higher rate than the Indians, I might add). AAMT/AHDI's power grew stronger as the duped more and more medical establishments to do things their way, due to the cut rates they were getting from national MTSO's who were in bed with AAMT/AHDI, and sending more and more of their work to India. That in turn has decimated American MT wages. I know of few (if ANY) other companies, other than those who are facing bankruptcy, that are paying workers less and less each year. The MT business is alive, well and growing, but each year its workers see less and less in the way of compensation for a job well done. It can't go on forever. Eventually they're going to hit the zero-point. Then what? Maybe we'll pay THEM for the 'privilege of doing MT work?
It's imperative that MTs start getting in touch with each other. Their co-workers, MTs they meet online, MTs who work at other companies. It's time to start comparing notes, and start coming up with a plan. Regardless of whether it's a walkout, a sickout, a letter-writing or phone campaign, posters, flyers, radio time, or an ad in the newspaper, the more people that contribute, even a tiny contribution in the way of time, skill, or just their own voice, the better our chances are of still turning this thing around before we all become extinct.
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AAMT/AHDI is an organization that should be
New AAMT organization
Honestly, I would have to sit and think long and hard about what I would want to see. I can tell you that I think the first thing would be to change the BOS. It is too restricting, and should not be considered a "bible" of sorts, because all companies are different, and no all use the BOS.
Secondly, tighter control should be maintained over local and state chapters, as they run by a few "click" members and new blood is not appreciated or allowed in other than just the audience.
Those are just 2, I could go on and on and on... Hey, if you have any ideas of how reorganization can be done, I am there 100%. Feel free to e-mail me. I heard at one time there was another organization, but it never survived.
Is there an organization (informal, not like AAMT) for radiology MTs?
Just wondering....I think it would be nice to be able to communicate with other rad MTs.
This has nothing to do with AAMT/AHDI.
This has to do with a gal going out and taking a difficult test and passing it and wanting a tiny bit of validation from her peers. I am a nurse and lived through globalization with nurses coming into our country from everywhere .. transcription has been left alone for a long time and because it is us, we all scream like crazy. Did you care when it was nurses, or auto workers or garment workers or is it all about you? I am a nurse who came into this grind by choice .. can hear the grass grow and know how to punctuate and create a sentence. I read my account specifics and I follow the rules and make a very good living. Let your politicians fix what they have destroyed. Exercise your arm and vote for people who will not solicit money and gain off the backs of the constituency and turn their backs. Don't beat up a gal who is proud of an accomplishment .. this is part of the reason our industry is a mess, we cannot support each other first and throw out even a crumb of kindness. Stop feeling entitled .. nobody owes us a bloody thing.
AHDI is the new name for the AAMT.
nm
it's AHDI now, not AAMT.....sm
because they became an organization NOT for the American MT - and over the years, many of us griped about it and so FINALLY they changed their name (last year) to AHDI............since they have promoted offshoring for the past 15-20 years...........
BOS is just one more AHDI/AAMT rip-off. -sm
Just a bunch of busywork, and needless 'rules'. There may be one or two things that make sense safety-wise, such as 'daily' instead of q.d., but REALLY...
All the nit-picking the BOS spawns just takes the focus away from the main point of MT -- to type a readable and correct medical record.
Since when has AHDI/AAMT cared about anything
where US MTs are concerned?
AAMT/AHDI is what is sending all US MT's to
.
Anyone a member of AHDI/AAMT? (sm)
I'm interested to find out what benefits you actually get and use for your money, and if any employers are at all interested in the fact that you are a member etc. It's not a inexpensive prospect to become a member, that is why I wonder if the benefits are worthwhile to the working MT.
Thanks
AAMT/AHDI - Crooks, that is what they are!
I am one of the oldtimers who took the MT certification test in 1983. It only cost $75.00 back then. I had such high hopes that this industry was going to be a wonderful career move. But AAMT, now AHDI got GREEDY and tried to suck as much money as possible out of their MTs and never stood up for us. Money is all they cared about. And YES, the board members do receive a substantial salary. Who do you think is paying their salaries? Anyone who is idiotic enough to become a member. They lure in the newly graduated transcriptionists with their lies. I have been a Transcriptionist since 1980, and I have NEVER been without work. I only wish that I had not remained a member for 13 years. I regret that immensely. That money would have been better off in my pockets. I think they definitely be investigated and persecuted for their deceitfulness. They never intended to help the MT. They are a scam organization and only interested in stealing our lowly income. I hope they rot for their sins!
Then the unions would be in bed with AHDI (AAMT) huh!! sm
Don't we already have that going on anyway?
So go hang with the dogs at the AAMT/AHDI...
Fit right in
CMTer, AAMT/AHDI has done really nothing for me. I tried to see the forest that you
thanks to the way AAMT (now AHDI) has caved on US MTs over the years. It is my professional opinion (and after 24 long years, yes, I consider myself a professional in this industry), I believe taking the CMT is a waste of time and money. If you call my opinion a grudge, so be it, however to this end, it is my opinion based on many, many years of experience.
The only thing AAMT/AHDI "did their best" on was
I think it's a company that the Feds should consider investigating. What happened to US MTs is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
AAMT (now AHDI) destroyed our profession by
convincing the hospitals to outsource to services to save money. I have 25+ years experience too and remember when this profession could hold its head high. The numerous MT schools making unrealistic promises lured students into thinking this was going to be a dream job and easy money to work at home. All of us old timers know the sweat and long hours it takes to be a successful MT. The hositals are to blame also for being greedy. Most MTSOs cannot bid high on jobs because the hospitals want more quantity for less quality these days, and then in turn must pay their MTs lower wages.
Don't get sucked into joining AHDI (formerly AAMT)
Best recommendation is chooosing an AAMT/AHDI approved course
x
AAMT/AHDI is run by and for the management of companies that offshore!
I too used be a member and an officer in the local chapter. I too attended all the activities. I have since let my CMT lapse. Never once has being a CMT earned me a better job or more money, it's all about the experience and the quality of work you can produce, not whether or not you're a CMT!
didn't you ask this last week? We told you, AAMT is now AHDI. sm
It's the SAME organization, but they changed their name over a year ago, hence the change in website. Look up the AHDI website.
No offense, but you were unaware of the history of AAMT/AHDI
I would suggest that you learn more about the history and realities of these subjects before calling for a big strike or walkout. Credibility is an issue here.
AHDI (formerly AAMT) group disability insurance plan ... sm
I'm in the process of trying to find an affordable individual disability insurance plan. I was browsing through AHDI's website and found that they've made arrangements for members to participate in a group plan for this! The cost of membership to the organization might be worth it for me to take advantage of this.
Has anyone here participated in this plan? If so, what was your experience?
Thanks in advance.
A new organization
would not be that hard at all to get going if you could round up a enough people to help get started. I think that is a fine idea.
New organization
I am not sure, but I was told there was another organization out there once upon a time and it folded because of the attendance in the AAMT. I was not part of AAMT during those founding years, so I am not really sure how it all came to be. But, an organization strictly for the American MTs is exactly what we need.
We also need an organization to
I don't think the CMT certification itself was a terrible idea. What IS a bad idea is paying fees to AHDI, the organization that SOLD OUT --that got everyone hooked on the CMT certification and then switched to a philosophy of support for offshoring by establishing foreign CMT certification sites as well as new certifications intended specifically for the people who are lined up around the world to do your job for a couple of rupees per line.
There are employers who don't care about credentials & those who do. If you think some kind of certification will help you, find a new organization. ACLS training will speak infinitely more about your ability to transcribe cardiology reports than the CMT certification exam. Go to eMedicine.com & sign on to their CME program. You can study cases & take tests & track your CME units on their website. There are plenty of organizations out there that are better known to the medical community than AHDI & will look AT LEAST as good on your resume. Be creative. We need to dissociate ourselves from AHDI. Let them become known as the Association of Healthcare Documents transcribed by Indians.
There is an organization...
for American MTs that somebody posted here before. I don't really know anything about it and so can't vouch for it, but it looks to be the only decent organized alternative to AHDI (formerly AAMT) available.
http://www.ataus.org
Certainly a better first step than wasting time thinking about an ad hoc strike/walkout, proposed by someone who *isn't even an MT,* for goodness' sake.
That is qhy I quit their organization after
This whole organization is a crock
Someone has to pay for all their travel, first class all the way.
I am still shaking my head i amazement about the one biggie in the organization who got his CMT with only 1 year of at home training doing office notes - no hospital experience, etc. This shows how truly worthless the whole certification process is. Credentialing should reflect adequate training in all areas of the profession, and it certainly degrades the title if someone was able to get certified by doing doctor office/clinic notes.
Around the Atlanta area there's an organization ....sm
called BuyOwner and you pay a flat fee for whatever services you want, and it's a lot cheaper than using a full-fledged agent. The people who live across the road from me got a contract on their house within 3 days of listing with them and I've known others with similar results.
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have your expectations realistic. Research what similar homes are selling for in your area. Clean up and declutter as much as possible. Get those closets pretty empty to make them appear to have more space - same for all rooms in the house. If the rooms haven't been painted in a while spring for some fresh paint - be sure to choose neutral colors like white or off-white. Clean the carpet. Keep the yard trim and put in fresh flowers. Keep some of the air freshners that send out a scent every few minutes going through the house to keep it fresh smelling. Go ahead and on the for sale sign in the yard list the price - Good Morning America's report last week said this helps a lot as it lets people know right off hand if it's priced in the budget they're looking at. Doing so will also keep folks from swiping fliers you may set out because they're interested in finding out the price.
As far as realtors go, ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors who have used one. Let the realtors know that you expect them to aggressively push your home sale, i.e. talk it up with other realtors, put signs up everyone they can, etc. Ask them what their plan is for selling your home. Make sure pictures taken of your house for show on the internet show the best angle possible of rooms - 70% of people now look on-line before going to see homes so you want your home to catch their attention.
As far as the realtor that posted below to always use a realtor - I say that if you find one you're comfortable with then sign up. Definitely don't do just the "FSBO sign" in the yard and ad in the newspaper if you're serious about selling, but there are ways to get the word out without paying the high commissions that are worth a try. Signing with an agent doesn't guarantee you'll sell the home quickly.
Good luck out there!
Doesn't surprise me, that organization is as (sm)
shifty as they come. A coupla' broads got VERY rich by selling the rest of us down the river.
Evil, deceiptful organization! nm
i
HIPAA isn't a person or organization
HIPAA can't step up to any plate, because it's not a person or organization. It's just a law.
Perfectly rotten organization...sm
...that has prostituted themselves to the MTSOs, presiding over and encouraging the loss of jobs overseas using our dues to fund their trips and perks.
It's particularly ironic, in this setting, that the name of this pathetic organization mentions "document integrity", when their position regarding offshore transcription is the very antithesis of promoting integrity in American health documentation.
...and as for the Book of Style, words fail me.
Its all a matter of organization and using your time wisely! I have
3 kids that are pretty wild. I have tried babysitters and they only last a day with my kids, but I am still able to put in a 40 hour week, clean houses for extra cash, do all meals, take care of the house, laundry, etc.
I have a binder with chore lists, schedules, meal menus, etc. It helps a lot.
Planning, organization, schedules, determination, and
making others be responsible for themselves and respectful of your time, effort, energy.
Taught the boys to do laundry, cook, do housework.
Taught family/friends to respect work/study schedules.
I don't feel the obligation to answer to anyone else anymore.
Medical Transcription Service Organization nm
s
The ADHI is a SCAM organization. Don't give them
your hard-earned money, ESPECIALLY when the 'renewal' apears to be premature. $100 is far too much to spend for this worthless 'credential'.
It's what you can do ON THE JOB that matters in the end, not 3 letters after your name.
This group's sole purpose for existing (besides a few key execs striking it rich) has been to close down what used to be a good American white-collar, middle-class job, and send it all to India. And you just KNOW they're getting their palms greased by India to make this happen.
Ask them this: If they're set getting everyone 'certified', then shouldn't what you pay for that so-called 'certification' be in direct proportion to what it does for you? Or where most of the work is going these days? The Indians get a discounted rate for their CMT's and RMT's. If you're determined to continue your certification, tell them you want the same deal they're getting in India (and Philippines).
I've heard talk that they are considering changing the name of the organization
All of this takes time, but I support the name change issue.
last time i checked, MENSA was a party organization! Not much more going on.
Medical Transcription Service Organization/Owner.
//
MTSO-Medical Transcription Service Organization or Owner
Oh, someone benefits from AAMT - AAMT DOES!
x
AHDI
I had been a member of AHDI, but when I had a problem with a MTSO not paying I contacted them. The reason I contacted them was to ask in their assistance, not in my instance, but to protect their membership from this type of company. They completely ignored the context of my letter and referred me to local agencies. My thought was that with this industry being so new and unprotected online, that they should take an interest in have legislation passed... went right over their heads. Thus, I did not renew my membership.
SO well-said! I think AHDI should be
nm
what is AHDI and sm
why are only 1/4th of them medical transcriptionists?
Wouldn't you think they all would be?
AHDI
I started a thread below about the government stepping in and making the MTSO companies step up to the plate and conform to a standard form of counting lines for US based medical transcriptionists and to perhaps have a baseline pay so that MTs are not sitting all day long waiting on one more report to try to make a count that is making the MTSOs richer. While not everybody agreed with my points, let me say that there are probably far more MTs in this country who are not independent contractors and who are trying to support themselves than not. ICs would almost be classified as (mini) MTSOs. Not everybody has the luxury of negotiating what they will work for. That whole conversation is moot when we are talking about the industry as a whole. ADHI has spoken for years that they support standardization but when they were recently asked about "policing" the MTSOs methods of counting lines, they dropped the ball. This is just my opinion, but there definitely needs to be an accountability to the U.S. worker concerning this industry. While on one hand we are described as highly skilled workers with a wide base of knowledge, we are then described as home-based, bunny-slippered, pajama mamas. It cannot be both ways. We are highly skilled and do have a wide base of knowledge and we need to band together. I do like the name United States Medical Transcription Association. Works for me.
AHDI
I am not sure it matters who is behind ADHI or their corporate sponsors. The reality is that the U.S. based MTs need to quit taking a knee jerk reaction to them. ADHI started small. Your comment about the displaced workers just proves my point that the government and the Dept of Labor do need to be involved in the restructuring of the MT Industry. When a major MTSO company can initiate a program whereby it cuts the salaries of thousands of it's employees for its own gain, there is a problem there. In the area where I work, there was an article in the newspaper about the outsourcing of the radiology dept on weekends to Australia so that coverage was 24/7. This is a U.S. owned company who employs radiologists from Australia. I am betting those doctors over there do not make less than their counterparts over here. So, it is up to us, the MTs of the U.S. to start to organize in order to reinstate the true value of the work we are entrusted to perform day in and day out.
AHDI
Completely with you. making almost minimum wage for over 30 years of work. mostly because of account specifics, slow platform, always blaming it on the Internet, awful audio.
AHDI: BOS...............
Yes, it is:
For instance:
AHDI tells us:
5cc's was injected.
????
1. Why has there to be an apostrophe cc's? It is just only the plural of cc, css is right, like MTs, the 70s, etc.....
Why 'was' injected; ccs is plural, consequently 'were', this is the right grammar.
But, AHDI says:
'NO, you have to look at it as a UNIT, 5ccs, is a UNIT, so you have to type 'was'. BS!
And there are a lot of these examples.
Yes, but AHDI is quite the
wishy-washy change horses in midstream type - maybe they will smell conflict coming and hop on the no-outsourcing bandwagon if too many MTs lose interest in AHDI membership. At any rate, it will be fun to see what happens.
ahdi
I have been reading the posts here for many months and I agree with everything said above regarding AHDI. I resigned as treasurer of a student chapter after realizing they seemed to care more about foreign MTs than us here in the US.
Now all US transcriptionists have an option. There is a new organization "American Transcription Association", ATA. The mission of this organization is to bring to the forefront the situation here for out MTs and all the off shoring to India and elsewhere. This organization will only accept US transcriptionists.
Check it out at www.ataus.org
Maybe we can make a difference!
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