And yet the services expect us to be "professional" and "honest" with them. Yeah right!
Posted By: Tinks on 2006-11-07
In Reply to: Being upfront and honest with MTs - sm
Oh, and there will be other MTs who post to you and say not all services are like that. Well, the majority are and I say do what you have to do to make money. That's what the services are doing - anything they can to pad their pockets while keeping under their thumb.
I'm currently studying to take the CCS (certified coding specialist) exam and starting in January I'm going back to school to get my associates degree in Health Information Management and test for my RHIT credentials. I getting out because medical transcription has gone steadily downhill since I first became an MT 20 years ago. Everyone thought the internet would just improve the industry, make it easier for us to work home, yada, yada. And at first it was great. But now there's a steady stream of transcription going overseas because the internet makes it easy and the independent contractor can't earn a decent living anymore. We aren't viewed as highly educated and skilled medical professionals anymore; we are viewed as nothing more than secretaries or typists - a job that someone who barely speaks English can do for a fraction of what an MT should make. It's just sad.
I've become so burned out and disillusioned with my profession, it's hard for me to even concentrate on my work every day. I hate what medical transcription has become. I hate that I studied so hard years ago and worked so hard all those years leading up to today only to be paid pennies per line for my expertise.
I discourage anyone thinking about getting into medical transcription and encourage anyone with the wherewithal and financial means, to find another profession.
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Do you expect businesses to cease operating because the U.S. work force refuses to provide services?
What will be wanted is that the immigrants pay taxes and that there are no outlaws coming and going. This is all about taxes.
Yeah, I was in there the other day and saw them. I wouldn't expect that either.
Appearing "professional"
I think that people are finally realizing that the old ways of thinking that people ARE more professional if they DRESS more professional is a flat-out lie--SOME people are starting to learn that being "professional" in general doesn't mean being more moral or ethical in any way shape or form.
Look back in your past--what's the ratio of people who have ripped you off in a business deal, or who have sold you something that was unnecessary, or did their best to make you buy accessories for something that you didn’t need--when they're wearing a suit and tie and make themselves look all perfect vs. the longbearded biker-looking dude with his belly sticking out?
Generally, it's the people who try the hardest to look professional that are the ones who are willing to do anything to get a buck. The exception to this is people that are so desperate to make a buck that they’re willing to mug someone, and they usually look really really ratty.
Selling people unnecessary warranties, or used cars, or selling people a computer based on how extravagant it looks vs how it actually performs--generally it’s all done by people who pride themselves in looking professional.
THAT is why looking professional has become not as important anymore, because people are starting to open their eyes and realize. People like Tia will probably continue to get sold things that they don’t need, and get sold things that may be inferior quality, all because the person selling it looks professional. That is snobbishness in action, and snobbishness has its pitfalls.
Saying you have to be "professional" to not fear about loss of a job
means all the people sending in posts about outsourcing, losing their jobs, worried about the possibility of such, are nonprofessional. I think this reaches a lot more MTs than just the "nonprofessionals." I hear their fears and know what it is, have been there before. I appreciate the post on my behalf and hope anger management is on hand for those who apparently cannot handle it. My goodness, just think about the season if nothing else...
Yeah, yeah, that should be "your work..."
Where are the services that pay 11.5?
I have 18 years of experience, and the most I've been offered is 9 cpl and that's jumping through hoops. 11.5 for a company is just not the norm, sorry!
HIM/services will get you any way they can!
Howwouldtheyliketoreadareportjustlikethisandcodeasfastorbill? Maybe we can charge "air time" for all those times the docs leave us hanging while they figure out what they are going to say.
services
Carol, I have never worked for an on-line service but was thinking of switching. I'm tired of getting screwed by the hospital and cheated on line counts. Which services are you speaking of.
Services
Services Provided as Key Activity of the Business
If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of the business, it is more likely that the business will have the right to direct and control his or her activities. For example, if a law firm hires an attorney, it is likely that it will present the attorney’s work as its own and would have the right to control or direct that work. This would indicate an employer-employee relationship.
Does this mean I am not an IC because my company presents my work as its own and they tell me what platform I have to use?
You keep saying they tried other services?
Why did they try other services if they were so happy with you? Maybe they keep coming back, but one day they may not...
what then, do you expect us to do? sm
all go out there and open our own service? Some of us don't want the hassle of finding the work, paying the taxes, hiring the people to do the work, etc, etc...I, for one, am very happy working for my national, which happens to be MQ. I certainly couldn't do any better on my own...and have half the headache to boot! For some, a national just "fits", it just does! Sorry if some people can't comprehend that! 
what did he expect?
Yup! Good luck to him, he let a whole lot of people down, including himself.
where do you expect them to go exactly?
I mean really, telling a poor city "evacuate" is ridiculous. They have no car, no transportation, no where to go, and half of them probably do not have a television set to know they needed to evacuate. It was probably confusing and paralyzing to them.
What to expect...
Two things.... Responsible grown up 40 something people out for a good time, listening to a major staple of their musical experience as a teenager... AND.... possibly a group of 40 something people who failed to realize that they are no longer teenagers anymore. We went to a Styx concert a few years back and there were so many former 70s teens who had obviously NOT grown up yet. Long hair, foul language, smoking pot. Sheesh.
But, maybe since it's probably an indoor concert, you might get a better class crowd. Expect a WONDERFUL evening! Have fun
I would not expect you to
and there's no way for me to assess what you know. I would really be interested in finding about 10 people who are really looking for ways to improve and let them try this FREE to get feedback. I can tell you this, a few years back I went to work for a local hospital. The "top dog" there was a really sweet girl who had been there for 14 years. In 6 months, my production was higher than hers. My supe asked me to do a little one-hour presentation on shortcuts and I did. Before I worked there, no one even used a shortcut program. It was a stipulation of my taking that job that I could use one. Most people said it really helped them, although one or two "old-timers" said they could type fast enough without it. some people will just resist change whether it could help them or not!!!
more often than you would expect :( - nm
sss
Come on...you can't expect anything other
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Actually you could probably expect
Phlebotomy is very desirable as well even in private practices. Good luck! Welcome to the medical field!
What do we expect?
Good old American kids are taught to the test, especially since No Child Left Behind; but even before that there were tests of reading and math skills at the state level. Writing and speaking skills cannot be graded on a Scantron, so they aren't part of the test and increasingly aren't taught. Text messaging ShortHand doesn't help either. They get into medical school - in a class with how many ESL fellow students? How many ESL professors? They get to their residencies - with how many ESL attendings? What medical school has a class for dictation? No, the people seen as the least educated (and paid accordingly) will clean up the mess like they always do. That would be you and me! Lucky for them, we're good at it!
expect a pay cut sm....
health insurance is HSA w/Aetna. If you do straight transcription you'll be ok, if doing speech, I'd look for another job (which is what I'm doing). Flexibility of schedule is really dependent on your super - I've had some who were horrible and like the one I have now, she's wonderful.
What extra services...
I was wondering if any of you MTSOs, or MTs that work for an MTSO, offer any extra services to your clients? For example, do you do their envelopes and labels as well? Or anything else? Keeping in mind that you are not in the same town and that your employees are not in the office or even same state as you, lol. Thanks for any suggestions!
curious
Yes, small services (sm)
used to pay 11 cpl IC, have now sold out to squids who in turn pay 7-8 cpl.
And services left average 8 cpl, if you're really experienced you'll get 10 or 11 and get such bad dictation you'll get a headache you'll never forget. 
ICs can work for services, as well. nm
nm
Funeral services
I agree. I personally did not attend my first funeral until I was in my mid 20s, even when my beloved grandmother died, it was her wish that we "kids" not attent (age 12 at the time). I have never forced my own son to attend as a child either. I now feel obligated to attend services for husband's family, etc but always dread the whole ordeal, even for just a distant relative, etc. Grateful that my parents also will not be having formal services, just simple cremation. You must do what YOU feel is right for your child and your own situation.
armed services
My sone joined the Navy in his junior year of college. He went in as an officer. They finished paying his college and then sent him for Officers training. He is now teaching nucler physics for them for 4 years and go do something else in the Navy after 4 years to do anything he wants.
Did you get a contract for your services?????
If so check your contract.
if not
Are they normals he supplied you?? If not then are they YOUR MACROS???? If they are then I would think they would be your property. Did he pay for your ShortHand or Office programs or even your spellchecker????? Did he furnish your computer?????
If your answer is repeatedly no then perhaps you should tell him NO money No macros.
Just my humble opinion.
And then company has right to not use services
x
Not being paid for IC services
What steps can I take to collect payment for my services as an IC? Company is ignoring me. The only thing I can think of is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Hiring a lawyer wouldn't be worth it. Thanks.
Transcend Services
Thanks so much for the information.
When you market your services with a
business name and a business license, it shows the doctors or hospitals that you are representing yourself as a professional business and are not just a homemaker or housewife trying to make a few extra bucks. They will treat you with more respect and take you more seriously, and in turn will be willing to pay you a fair rate as a respectable businesswoman. Think about any business in your community or town. They all first procure a business name and a business license before they open their doors. You may be working from home, but you can will present yourself in this fashion. I would also suggest obtaining a P.O. Box to use as your business address instead of using your home address. Believe me, this works. I have been running a successful small MT business from home for over 20 years now, and I support my entire family on my earnings.
No, these services have not cleared
it with their legal staff. If they did, they would not be advertising IC status and flexible schedules, then presenting a contract that requires Tuesday through Saturday, set hours, or Sunday thru Thursday, set hours. No, no one has to accept a contract, and I certainly would not under those conditions. I bet there are a lot of MTs though who need jobs, don't know the law, and who are willing to accept a contract under those conditions. However, it is ILLEGAL under IRS guidelines. If the national MTSOs have consulted their attorneys, then pray tell why are they hiring ICs, controlling their schedules? Under those circumstances, they are considered employees under the law, and these large nationals KNOW IT. I'd fire my attorney if I was told it was okay to operate under the screen of IRS detection. No, you do not have to shy away from services and find your own accounts. Get real. I subcontract to MTSOs, albeit smaller ones, as an IC, and do not have my own accounts. Right now, I am under contract to only 1, and I am not breaking any IRS laws in doing so.
MRT Services - anyone familiar with them?
Anyone ever heard of MRT Services? I saw them online. Please provide feedback.
Gmrtranscription Services
Good morning,
Has anyone heard of Gmrtranscription Services or Verilogue?
I am testing for a home position and I am curious about their reputation.
They transcribe physician/client interactions for medical marketing research.
Any advice is appreciated.
Kymee
I didn't say they tried other services after
Yep, I know they've used Medquist, MRC, Medifax (long time ago - don't think it's the same Medifax that I think is in existence now) and some local services I won't name because they'd be identifiable by their names. How do I know this? I knew about it before I even went on my own; in fact, that's one of the reasons I did it. I saw a need for QUALITY transcription, not the crap that was coming back from services, and I knew i coulld provide that. Also, I have contacts in the HIM world who told me by name the services they used and what poor quality/turnaround time they were getting.
Transcend services
Has anyone heard of Transcend Services? Is this a good company to work for? I need to find a dependable reliable national co to work for. Thanks for any advice
Well, they said I could expect OT immediately..??
We will see on the production. I was told the accounts were overburdened with work and there was a bounty of OT being offered.
We will see.
What do you expect MQ or any MTSO to do?
if they have MTs scheduled to work that don't work their shifts, or that don't produce, their TATs will suffer -- and keeping the client happy is the bottom line to staying in business and keeping you and me employed. So if the work isn't getting done, then they must hire some people that will work. Then of course those slackers will holler when they don't have any. I guess its just the way of the world...
What I expect from my government
When a mandatory evacuation is ordered I expect to be able to get on the hurricane evacuation routes and have enough gas available to get moving. Is this reality........NO.
As far as moving somewhere else, FL has a way of putting a grip on you. Low wages to the point you are stuck literally. I haven't been out of this state in over 7 years due to lack of funds.
Yes, I expect any minute now to
get an email from my supe saying the virus is the reason for the lack of work!
I mean, I have been given every other excuse so I am sure this one will be next...
You are right on. There's only so much you can expect to be paid
x
don't expect miracles
Let me tell you what to expect on the floor. Expect older and experienced nurses who are biding their time before retirement to not be available for anything. Expect to get yelled at by patients and to get very used to the smell of feces and vomit. Expect to get yelled at by family members of patients who are angry with physicians, but since the physician's don't hang around, YOU get yelled at. Expect to get yelled at by physicians for just any old thing they want to yell at you for. Expect to try and find your orders on the chart, some written by the physician (good luck with that) and some typed by an MT who has not been QA'd....with you sitting there knowing your patient needs something but having no idea what (and don't expect the doctor to remember). Expect to be hit, bitten, kicked, spit on, having things thrown at you. Little children will hate you because you had to hurt them to get them better. Expect to get very very sick the first few months..you'll catch everything from everybody, especially if you have been rather isolated working at home. Also expect to do a lot of crying over that elderly person who died alone, over the child with cancer, the mother who lost her baby. You think being an MT is stressful, just wait.
Did you expect this reaction? n/m
n
Thank you all. This gives me some insight into what to expect. nm
x
Yes I expect him to fix the pipes.
BUT, he tells me when he's going to do it and how much he'll charge, and HE ALSO TELLS ME IF HE CANNOT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If he cannot, he leaves, and I call another plumber! DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! 
How do you expect MT to know what is wanted
x
Can you ever expect a raise!?
I've been an MT- for 15 years, so I'm not new to this, but is it still common to keep on at the same per-line amount that you were hired at year after year!? I have been at my current job for 3-1/2 years and still make the same per line and also get no paid days off. I hate starting new jobs and when I hired on the per-line rate I got paid was higher than most, although it is IC work with no benefits. The cost of living has gone up so much and I need more money to make ends meet, but I am a bit wimpy about approaching my boss.
I would love some input on the going per-line rate (I do ER and clinic work) and also how often you receive a raise if ever so I can decide how to approach this issue. Thanks so much!
Did not expect a name, just want to see the experience
of people. I am deciding whether or not to be an IC or an employee again after being laid off is all. Believe me, I am not an MTSO or a suit trying to do PR here. Just wanting to know some information on trends to see if IC is a safer bet than being an employee. If I don't get much help here, I will go the IC route, because I already have a couple of offers on the table which are extremely flexible. Did not know if I should try to go back to an MTSO after being laid off again. Thanks for your answer.
Medical Dictation Services Inc
Does anyone here work for this company that is based in Gathersburg, MD? If so, I would like to talk to you. I have been away from transcription for a couple years but want to get back into it and am hoping to hear from this company. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks! MSH
and they have offshore services as clients.
t
Southern Transcription Services
Any info on Southern Transcription Services would be helpful.
TIA
Telerecruiting Admin Services
Has anyone worked for Telerecruiting Admin Services, or do you know someone that has. A friend keeps getting email from them, and wants to know if they actually hire or pay people the wages they advertise? TIA.
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