Anyone a member of AHDI/AAMT? (sm)
Posted By: C-C on 2008-07-31
In Reply to:
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
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You do not have to be AHDI member sm
you only renew CMT credential every 3 years and CE credits are free. The renewal is $50, so that amounts to $16.66 every year. Exam was reimbursed by my employer 100%.
To Proud Member of AAMT: I think it's just as
Things in this field have changed for the worse over the past years. Salaries have decreased, yet expectations have risen. Benefits are contingent upon production, yet a good share of the time production can't be met due to complications outside of the MT's control. When it comes to taking the losses due to changes in the field such as offshore outsourcing and technologic advancements, it isn't the clients or the service owners taking the major hit. It's the transcriptionists. Yet AAMT has done NOTHING to help the transcriptionists in general. In fact, it has gone out of its way to PROMOTE offshore outsourcing and even to change some of the guidelines in the newly published, amended BOS to accommodate voice recognition and other technology geared to replace the MT or relegate transcription to other forms labeled "editors", which in reality involve retyping whole reports or major portions of reports at a cut in pay, of course.
All anyone, newbies included, needs to do is to look at the history of the medical transcription field, see the changes, and then see how much AAMT did to promote the worth of the Transcriptionist in this country. The depressing message isn't coming from those speaking against AAMT, it is coming from the consequences resulting from the actions of the AAMT. One fact alone can depress a newbie, and that is to look at the average line rate in 1995 compared to the average line rate now in 2005. Thank you, AAMT, for promoting that.
If you are a member of the AAMT, how have you benefitted in her career? CMT? SM
I have been at this for about 15 years and have thought off and on about becoming an AAMT member and about getting my CMT, but always stop short because of the cost and basically the inconvenience of having to find the testing center that seems to be located in some obscure office building I've never even heard of.
However, I have recently started working for a facility that actually encourage their MTs to further their education, to network with one another and share information, and offer pay raises for the CMT credentials. So, once again I am considering the pros and cons of membership and taking the CMT exam.
AAMT member, yes. Love Texas de Brazil!!
!
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
.
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?
AAMT/AHDI is an organization that should be
AAMT/AHDI is the the same organization, and it -
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.
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.
not a member
AAMT must not be there only list because I am not a member and I recently received e-mail from them too.
I have been a member and not
I got nothing out of being a part of it except that it looked good on my evals to be part of an organization, but the raises I was getting didn't justify the cost. I have thought of getting certified, but see no reason are looking at it for a long time.
Reasons I was told to get certified is that you get hired faster if you are certified, especially by the outsource companies, but I do not seem to see people very happy with any company so I will continue to work fo the hospital I do. Plus, the outsource companies are sending work out of the country to get cheaper laborers and are not interested in paying top dollar for certified and competent transcriptionists.
To get hired for hospitals, etc., they are also tightening their belts and I will go with a good non-certified before a certified Transcriptionist and pay less.
This "AHDI" has made themselves "self-proclaimed" association for MTs. I could start one today and if I had investors to get it organized. We have the Joint Commission setting what is acceptable and making the industry unified in the way things are done and that overules ADHI anyway. I think someone is making lots of money off already poor MTs!
JD is the newest member
of INXS. I liked both Mary and JD and especially loved their original songs "Pretty Vegas" and "Trees". I especially loved Marty and plan to download all his tunes he performed on INXS.
Hey, I like that! I'm a member of DUST
Downtrodden US Transcriptionists....
Not sure on this but I think you pay to be listed with the BBB - (join a member) so many probably j
the money to do so. Search the archives or Google them. Otherwise unless they are offering some outragous pay over such as over .12 cpl, then I would not worry about it and go for it.
i see you never worked as a union member before lol
/
I quit being a member when I heard they were going....sm
to start holding hands with India. They are not out to help AMERICAN MTs. They don't care one way or another about American MTs anymore. 
Their latest pitch is to the MTs STOP transcribing verbatim. So not only will we have to be language specialists, we'll have to put a doctor's words in "proper English." 
It doesn't matter what the docs want. It's what they want. Baloney. They are not our boss. Our docs are our bosses. If the docs want verbatim, that's what they'll get...at least from me (except for the JAHCO list of unacceptable terminology).
I'm so glad there are hospitals and doctors out there that don't give a hoot about AAMT. I sure don't. Oh, and if anyone noticed, usually buying products through AAMT doesn't save a dang nickel. In fact, you pay just as much, if not more, for the same products you can get by dealing directly with the company that makes them till all is said and done.
I'll save my money and spend it on more important things.
The BTK killer was also respected member of
x
I am. Member discounts on references SM
and continuing education (I am a CMT and need it to maintain) are worth it to me. The discounts I received on those add up to more than I paid for membership.
I'm a member, it costs me $20 to take a webinar.
Over 3 years, 30 CEs at about $20 each.
Over 3 years, CMT differential at $6K a year.
You do the math.
LOL
So sorry for the loss of your precious family member -
My sister's lab has been attacked twice while on a leash in front of his own yard by a pit bull. The attacking dog seems to never been on a leash. Her lab had part of his mouth ripped open and required numerous stitches to reattach it, plus some bites to his back. Something needs to be done to stop people from breeding pit bulls with these temperments!
Tell that to my friend. They had a dog they treated as a member of their family. That is, until it a
Dogs need to be trained and need to know they're lowest in the pack. I tried telling my friend this, but she wouldn't listen and she continued to treat the dog as a member of the family instead of as a dog. And eventually that "member of their family" decided it didn't want any more competition for affection, and attacked their son. Thank God he survived, 92 stitches and some nasty scars tho. If you love your family and you love your dog, then TRAIN your dog. Don't treat him like an extra child.
Very good post - was getting discouraged as a member myself.
x
I have a question regarding a family member and possible cellulitis?
I went to visit my aunt last night. Last week she fell and broke all the bones in her ankle. She has plates and screws. This is her fourth fall this year, but that is another story. I looked at her cast and placed my hand on her leg just above the cast and it was warm. I felt her other leg and it was cool. The more I went up on the broken leg the less warm it got, but all the way up it was definitely significantly warmer than her "good" leg.
My mother is a nurse practitioner and she showed up while I was there. I explained my concern to her (my aunt is also a diabetic) about a possible infection. She wouldn't acknowledge my concern. I repeated myself and still nothing. Lately my mother and I have had a couple issues regarding family members and their heath. I am not a nurse nor do I claim to be, but being in this profession you do learn about the medical field and somtimes I feel I see a different side of things than my mom. I can't figure out why, but she just doesn't see any value in my thoughts regarding medicine, ideas, thoughts, alternatives, etc. In every other way she is the best mom in the world and I love her so much, but I feel she is disrespecting me by not taking my opinions/thoughts into account regarding the field of medicine and our family.
Another example is she has trouble with the pronunciation of medications. I'm not claiming to be a pro, but I hear doctors and nurses says these meds over and over and over and I feel the majority rules in this regard. Again, she thinks I'm wrong and doesn't really listen to what I'm saying. The only reason I correct her is because I think it would be embarrasing to speak with a doctor and not say a med correctly. I think it is a reflection on her. It also helps with dictation too (as we all know).
Any ideas. I don't know what to do. I tried talking to her about this a couple weeks regarding my dad's health and she really didn't listen to what I had to say. With certain things you can just blow it off, but this is the health of my aunt and father and I just couldn't live with myself if something happened to them.
Thanks for listening and for any ideas.
How do you handle a family member who is a hypochondriac???
Has anyone ever had a family member who they believed is a hypochondriac? We have an individual who seems like he always has something wrong. It is to the point now if he really does get sick I can't believe him anymore. I can't even bring myself to calling him to see how he is feeling when he says he is sick b/c I think he is just making a mountain out of a molehill. Am I being insensitive? I am just so tired of hearing it.
I am sure someone is going to recommend counseling but he already does that. Anyone have any other advice how to handle him?
TIA
Transcribing Report Of Family Member
I am wondering what the proper protocol would be if I ever came across a report that was dictated on one of my family members.
I just started doing transcription for a hospital in a really small town--the ONLY hospital in that town--and it just happens to be the same town were most of my family lives. I know myself well enough to know that I won't break any rules of confidentiality. However, is there anything in the *laws of transcription* that say I legally am not allowed to transcribe reports dictated on relatives??
I am afraid to ask my supervisor this question, as I really like this account and don't want her taking me off of it. It's chopped full of *standards* and the line count/pay just doesn't get any better than this.
transcribing report on family member
When I worked at a hospital, I asked my boss, the director of medical records, if I was allowed to transcribe a report on a family member, and she said "yes".
A member of my team simply did not make contact with
the trainer on the day of her scheduled training session on the secondary account! The primary account is easy for her as she is just off of a major university and now is doing small town work and whipping them out faster than I can log in patient information.
This is not fair, it seems to me. When I contacted her via e-mail to see how the account was going, she simply said that she had not been trained on it yet when I vividly recall that her training date was over a month ago.
I have been AOL member since 1999. Can you bring link to this story to board?
dd
Love to know how far back it goes, was a member for about a year in 1998, we could use $$, furnace b
so its cold here! Actually it broke the 15, the night before we left for Disney on a Make-A-Wish trip for my daughter Jenny....(we had a blast)...got back 2 days ago, it broke again that night (21st). DH got it running again, but the heater guy disassembled it last night and has not returned yet to put it back together and fix it. Luckily we have a propane fireplace or we'd be in big trouble, still chilly though especially since it goes down to 25 at night, brrrr!---so any $$$ if we are included or entitled would be wonderful...but I doubt we will get so lucky since it was so long ago that I was a "member" of AOL. Guess I will just have to work even more to pay for the repair, fun.
Excuse me? Arrogant for buying a house for a family member that was sm
about to become homeless? I think not. You sound like my ungrateful, jealous sister in law who can't stand anyone else to succeed. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. They were unfortunate at the time and we bailed them out! Ask them, they will tell you where they would be had my husband and I not put our credit on the line for them.
Family member got an Acer recently. Working great for her. My PC
s
I was sent a courtesy copy of the office notes for a family member once.
This was soon after I became an MT. I was so appalled at the sloppiness of the typing and the rampant use of inappropriate abbreviations that we switched doctors. At least I knew what the abbreviations were for, not sure the typical lay person would have.
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?
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