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Exactly! We have a broader knowledge base. My sister has been an RN for 30+ years and I have the u

Posted By: MissouriMT on 2006-11-14
In Reply to: piece of cake? - Alexa Hoover

I could never do what they do.  I am an anxiety-ridden person and the thought of someone's health and well being, not to mention physical comfort or discomfort being completely my responsibility and then to be able to function in a calm, methodical manner in a high-stress, life or death situation...  Well, let's just say I know I could not handle it.  I would have a nervous breakdown. 


It's a pity that some nurses can't return to the favor and respect us for what we do.  My sister respects me.  She actually comes to me with medical questions because she realizes she doesn't know it all and I basically get a medical education on a daily basis what with new terms, drugs, procedures, equipment, etc.  And let's face it, MTs are the masters of research and medical references, searching the internet, etc.


But all people see when they see an MT is that we sit at a desk all day and type and to them it looks easy.  It's just a shame.




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I've used it. There are a ton of knowledge base forums out there
where you can research your results.
I have been doing this for 12 years and still to-this-day my sister thinks she can just come over
to my house any time and visit while I am working !!!!! .  I know they think, Well, she is just typing, she can do that any time.  Taken for granit is right and I have tried and tried to re-educate people on this but get nowhere. I just end up being the bad guy for not offering to baby sit or something.  Well, you will be there, can they just say with you.  I think I should have sent my 6- month -old to my sister's house one night (when he was 6 months-old) after crying all night with colic,  and said well, you will be here, can he just stay with you..  You can't sleep when a six month old is a different house especially if he is sick and you can't work either!! DUH!
The scope of the agreement is much broader
It gives them the right to look at ANY document on your computer, any email you have sent.  They want to see who you communicate with, what you say to whom.  They want to manage what information about the company is sent out on message boards or anywhere on the internet.  They want to restrict any negative comment about the company from being posted anywhere on the internet or in private email.
I can. I think you could get fast. It is a broader target than a keyboard key.nm
:+
You are WAY off base ...
WE don't have any control over any such thing at all.

The MAIN focus is patient care. We're part of the team that helps document that care but that's it.

I do NOT want such politics playing in my healthcare as a patient, I can tell you that.

Those physicians are very intelligent and educated and we need them. I know US physicians that are far worse dictators. The US is a melting pot (I believe Eyetype has already stated this all so eloquently); that is what we are made up of and will continue to be.

Get over it. We just don't have that much power...NOR SHOULD WE.
We have 500 at a base already SM

As early as today, the Ft. Custer Training Center, a fenced-in military base just west of Battle Creek, will become home to 500 Hurricane Katrina evacuees.


I don't think you could be any more off base

Just getting my power back and being able to access the internet after Wilma, I know exactly what it's like.  We're in an area that had to ride out the whole eyewall front, side, and back.  At least with the eye going overhead you get a 2 to 3-hour break.  We didn't.  Our power went out in the early morning hours before the storm even hit and we JUST got it back.   The east coast of FL where I am was told to expect a cat. 1 storm by the time it reached us.   Usually that means limited power outages with restoration of power within 24 to 48 hours.   The eye made landfall over the Everglades and it was moving so quickly that by the time it got to us it was still a cat. 3, and with the forward motion of the storm at 25-30 mph, it intensified the wind gusts to a cat. 4 in some areas.   This was much different than the storm we were expecting.


We've got more than enough water and canned goods to last us, and DS joked that we had enough batteries to power a third-world country.  But, we were on the verge of being out of fuel for the grill, camp stove, and lantern, out of batteries for the flashlights and radios, NO ice whatsoever because there is no way that ice will last for 3 days.  Think about preparing for the storm.  If you buy or make ice and your power goes out before the storm even hits, that means day 1 is over before the storm is even over.  By the end of day 2 (which is considered storm day 1 by FEMA) your ice is already starting to melt.  By FEMA day 3, you're already ending your 4th day and beginning your 5th.  Any perishables you had are long gone. 


In Broward County we were promised that ice would be delivered by 2 p.m. on the day after the storm (which had already been almost 48 hours since preparations were completed and the power went out).  People had been waiting in line since 6 a.m. that morning.   By 8:00 that evening the lines were already 1000s of people long and the ice hadn't arrived yet.  Some people's medications had already gone 24 hours without refrigeration by that point.  It was at that point that the announcement was made that ice wouldn't even be delivered to our area by FEMA until the next day. 


So while it may seem to you that all those people are just standing there with their hands out, it isn't quite the picture you paint it.  Ice was more importance than the water and the MREs, but FEMA doesn't let you take 1 without the other.  So while it looks to you that all those people were waiting for meals because they didn't prepare, the majority of them were waiting for ice because what we had was long gone. 


Coming originally from an area that was well known for blizzards in the winter time, the preparation for hurricanes is a lot different.  In the blizzards when the power went out there were blankets for warmth and indoor natural gas stoves for cooking.  Perishables could be placed outside and ice would keep for days.  Frozen goods would stay frozen.  Not so in Florida.  Until you've actually gone through it you don't really appreciate the difference.  And until you've actually gone through it, you're in no position to judge "all those people" waiting for handouts.


Way off base

Hopefully you answered to the wrong poster as she said nothing about investing in anything to help her KEEP the account she doesn't have it.  If not, you are way off base and rude.    Most of us charge by the line normally and it depends where you live and what you will be providing, printing, is it pick up and delivery, etc.   What kind of doctor, etc.  But most of the time between 12 and 15 cpl, I am at the lower end but that is me.    


to anyone considering going out on their own, or has knowledge of such

What is the most difficult part of the process, whether it be finding a physician, figuring out a program for the pc, getting a legal binding contract.  How much is the start up fee.


I have been considering this for awhile but to be honest i'm just too lazy.  BUT, the thought of making around 11-12 cpl, having only one or two docs that I know like the back of my hand where I can make tons of macros, tons of money and work less, is so appealing, that might jump start me.  Am I seeing the big picture here or just dreamin?


Not to my knowledge.....

Dianna -


I use Lanier VoiceWrite EX daily and unfortunately, the Lanier "undertones" are such that you cannot use anything else besides the VW Ex, as the main station or server "reads" the remote unit and you have to connect digitally before it will even let you into the system.  Some companies have interphase software that will do this (not familiar with it myself) but I have not found anything personally compatible with Lanier except Lanier.  I used to use a C-phone and loved that I could check work remotely or even re-record but with Lanier, I have not found anything else to work except the actual Lanier equipment.  Maybe someone else has found a solution, but I have not heard of one. 


Best of luck to you !


I am an A.R.T. Cant take away the knowledge.
nm
To my knowledge
xx
To my knowledge..
A hospital sitter must be a licensed nurse, usually private duty.
What company are you currently at, what is your base
pay, and how many years experience do you have?  Me, i'm 10+ years, MQ, 9.5 cpl.  Wondering if i'm at the top of the scale and the only way to go is down?  I hate switching jobs as it is, was back and forth between Edix and MQ, pros and cons of each, but I want BIG BUCKS!!!!!
Does anyone have any idea what my base pay

will end up being on the new payment plan?  I do clinical and ER reports/discharge summaries.  I've been a Transcriptionist for 8 yrs (worked with them for six).   I currently make 8 CPL as it is.  


I really  need to know what I might make with this new plan.  I NEED THE MONEY.  I SURVIVE ON THIS PAYCHECK.  Nervous as all he** right now. 


Obviously not part of the base of
..
I am making 8 cpl base
I average 1800 to 2000 lines per day and gross 40K with just 8 cpl with incentive and that's not including any overtime. Maybe my production is above average, but my pay rate certainly is not.   
Again, you can't base your rates on what
Are you an MTSO yourself, Suzanne? I would say not because if you were, you'd know there are just too many variables. How do they charge? 65-char. line or gross line? Are they paying for spaces or no spaces? What kind of account is it? What supplies will you need to service the account? What equipment will you use and what kind of maintenance does it need? Will you need to hire SCs to work on the account? All of those things will make a HUGE difference. For example, a gross line at 8 cpl is actually more like 10 cpl using a 65 char. count (do the math and you'll see). Saying one MTSO charges 15 cpl and another charges 13 cpl is not comparing oranges to oranges unless their account specs are identical, which you cannot be sure of from an anonymous MB.

You take all of the above into consideration and come up with a line rate for each client on a per-client basis. The only time you need to worry what others are charging is to see whether you are competitive or not. Find out what you need to make and if it happens to be too far above what others in the area charge, you can negotiate a little in order to obtain the business.

I do not undercut myself because I do all of the above and charge what I need to charge for each client in order to turn a profit. I couldn't care less what other MTSOs charge in MI and MO. I know the market in my area and each person needs to consider that when branching out on their own.
Me thinks you are way off base.
You may want to find a new career.  When you refer to drop in for an hour or two, you are speaking about ICs who in no way are any less professional than you are working from your home as an employee.  Some MTs work from a typing pool meaning they can take a job at a time and make money in that fashion as a contribution to the household (paying bills I might add).  Many professions offer at home employment.  We are not the only ones.  I think you have a bad attitude and should probably find somewhere else to drone in your sorrows.  Many of us here are professionals even at home with a husband and children.  It kind of sounds like you are jealous about husbands that make money and have insurance.  You may want to re-think what you are saying in regards to MTs working from home and not being considered a professional.  In my experience, my friends and relatives are envious of my being able to make a living from my home office, so I'm not sure who you have that talks about you to where you cannot defend yourself, but that is usually a psyhiatric entity called paranoia.  Sorry to say, but you make as much as you'd like as long as you can "hang with the big dogs".  If you are not making enough money, then that is for you to either take some courses in typing and anatomy or just go with the flow.  To blame at home MTs is way off base.   
Sure, base it off of 1 experience....
that makes a whole lot of sense .  You must be the same person who said Radiology was an "easy specialty," right?
I would certainly base my decision around what
What are your hobbies or activities that you really enjoy? Look for a way to find training/employment in those areas.

It's not too late to go back to school at all. Though it will take some time and investment. You might discover your perfect interest along the way!

I'd open an Internet Cafe that serves gourmet baked goods, sandwiches, etc. :)


You're right .. and here's 1st-hand knowledge -- sm

I start med school (been an MT for 24 years) August 2006. 


One of my classes last semester was Intro to Medical Practices.  I especially inquired about pro bono work by all the physicians and dentists who spoke to the class as guests each week.  All gave significant amounts of their practice to pro bono work.


One physician in particular impressed me.  He is a cardiovascular surgeon.  His main area of expertise is doing cardiac bypasses.  To make a long story short, because of insurance changes (MCare) over the past few years, he only makes about $650 per bypass for his own pocket and that is gross.  Of the $1850 MCare and insurance companies pay him for this procedure, it costs him $1200 in overhead for that procedure.  Until last year, he would often do the procedure for free for patients who could not afford it and had no insurance.  However, for 2 years he had to BORROW MONEY to pay his OVERHEAD because he did so much pro bono work.  He finally decided he just could not go bankrupt doing that.  So now, he STILL does HIS PART for free but the patient has to pay his overhead.  He tells them to call their family, friends, churches and if they have the $1200 for his overhead, he will donate HIS skills/time/energy for free.


The physician (maxillofacial surgeon) who directed this class said his annual pro bono work runs around $250,000 a year. 


As well, while dentists recoup 95% to 100% of the fees charged for their services (they are ALWAYS getting their money up front), physicians (with the exception of cosmetic plastic surgery) only recoup an average of 31% of their fees.  For every $1000 they spend on a patient, they will only get back approximately $310 and must write off the rest. 


Now that is INSIDE information - direct from the physicians and dentists we had in class.  I was shocked.  Not deterred, but shocked. 


Regarding that lovely cardiologist who gives so much away, take into consideration that the $650 for HIS skills/time/energy for ONE cardiac bypass -- he invests a total of 12 to 15 hours for that one procedure (that is WITHOUT complications happening) including his consult/operative time/followup visits, hospital rounds, etc.  That comes out to about $54 an hour -- and plumbers and electricians around here make more than that.  My Ford dealership in town gets $76 an hour. 


And now, since we are starting to do bypasses endovascularly through the femoral artery, he has to really put the money down for more education to train to do this or he will be out of business shortly. 


Interesting huh?!  When people make comments to me about my future as a physician as a way to "get rich", I tell them not necessarily so!!  LOL  I'm not doing it for money!  You couldn't pay me enough to go through all this at this time in my life!!  LOL  


And would it not help if you could spell knowledge???? nm
:)
Because it's such common knowledge.
But by all means, give them your money and prove it again if you like! I was just trying to help you.
knowledge of med term a plus
knowledge of medical terminology is such a plus in the medical field. try applying to a hospital as a unit clerk or a receptionist in a doc office. it is good for the mind to get out there and see people again. maybe you will realize how much you have missed.
Gain knowledge sm
I think I addressed this before, you cannot get enough knowledge to put in your bank. If they are willing to pay you, soak it in like a sponge. It's hard, I wanted to quit so many times but I went from "duh" to "diva" by blood, sweat and tears. It's worth it, hang in!! Knowledge is power.
more knowledge needed sometimes sm
You have to be aware of all body parts (anatomy) as well physiology, etc. in all specialties because you may have 50 discharge summaries from many specialties, not only a few, in one day You also have to have the ability to pick up on abnormal lab values (or you should), etc., as you don't want a totally erroneous value to go through without questioning. After you get through the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems,  physical exam, etc., then you get to the lab and x-ray findings. When you get to the summary, you will be working in terms of what is wrong with that particular patient, know the drugs and dosages, etc. With acute care, you may get H&P's, discharge summares, operations (difficult at first) and consults (many different specialties) all in one day's work. Others may not agree with what I just said, but in a nutshell, you have to be fairly well rounded in your knowledge of anything that may come your way in the basic 4's each day as well as psych reports if the facility has a psych ward,, etc., Also., if the facility has a rehab department or other speciality floors, you will have to learn them as well.  If you are a dedicated learner, you can do it, you just have to be willing to  work hard. I would say it took me several years to be really good at it and it is well worth it. In todays world though, I am not sure, it seems like there are a lot of unhappy people on these boards. Just be positive and if you love it, you may enjoy it. Acute care covers many specialties and is just that, "acute." requiring hospitalization. Hope I didn't discourage you, it's challenging. If you work for an MTSO, they may be willing to give you one speciality at a time (although I doubt it). Radiology is usually in it's own department with it's own staff and dictation. Hope I didn't confuse you even more, just trying to help here.
If it requires that much knowledge
above the normal they might consider paying a wage for it - starting .07 cpl doesn't exactly scream you're valued for your knowledge.
It seems there's always someone on this board, with no knowledge of their own , who - sm
insist upon arguing with anyone offering tech support or advice. It happened earlier in the AV thread where one of the participants obviously didn't have a clue what they were talking about yet insisted that everyone else didn't know what they were talking about.

It seems to be rather common in the MT community to be able to speak much and listen little. Very sad, actually.
Base for the ball chairs
I actually bought my exercise ball/chair through ebay and it came with a base which has a small back support as well as wheels.  It works out great.
Thank you your reply. He/she says the client base
is there and I know the funding is there. The plan is in its early stages, but they are ready to go forward and will. I can't decide whether this is something I want to get involved in or not and I appreciate your input!
Don't base your quote on rates

Why are you a better deal than anyone else?  It's not because of rate, it's because you care about your work and you're reliable -- what else?


ASK them what they've been paying -- they won't know because they probably won't understand their invoice.  Ask them to send you a copy of the invoice.  Reply to me privately if you need to, I'll help you figure it out. 


But even if you get that, keep the focus of the discussion off price, keep it on your quality, your caring, your reliability, what you can offer them.  Do you buy EVERYTHING based on price?  If not, think about the things you buy based on quality and base your letter on that. 


If your sole value is because you have the lowest price, you're fighting a losing battle.


Our president has even alienated his own base.

I visit a local political board that is primarily conservative (something I am totally not, but it's still fun to go watch the "fireworks") and even the hardcore Republicans are peeved at him.  Apparently this immigration "amnesty" bill he's pushing has really not settled very well with his "peeps."  I didn't vote for him twice, so my conscience is clear, but I still think he's a tool, president or not.  I never had respect for him and never will.  I know I am not alone either and I'm sorry if that offends you, but I'm exercising one of the primary freedoms that our poor soldiers are dying and getting wounded for--freedom of speech. 


This is my base rate for surgeries sm
I have an incentive program, I can make more, but this is my base rate. I had this rate at another company where I did OPs for 4 yrs and I made really good money at it typing just outpatient surgical notes (6 hours a day, 1500-1700 lines a day average during that shift).

In point of fact, it is much easier to get normals set up for this situation than for OPs in a hospital because you have fewer doctors and fewer different procedures.
maybe spray outside the house around the base? NM
.
If there's any question on my knowledge in these matters,

I am a college educated and certified computer technician who has been in the technology field for 20 years now.  FWIW, Atomic Clock Sync has rave reviews from PC Magazine, but merely synchronizing your computer clock doesn't fix the underlying problem.  If the battery on your computer's motherboard goes completely dead, your CMOS settings will go byebye, which is a royal PITA to fix.


http://www.decosystech.com/Techsupport/Batteries.htm


I know several MTs who are being paid high $$ for their knowledge... Sure is (sm)
something to think about!! With IC you lose your flexibility and punch the 9-5 clock. Maybe if your kids are in school. Mine are still little yet. But I definitely am keeping that option open, taking a few courses along the legal line.
New clients with no computer knowledge
I just landed a new awesome client because they were desperate. They didnt even have internet! I talked them into go with a DSL line, I bought them a digital recorder (with USB connector)..I had my computer guy write a script. all they have to do is plug the recorder into the USB connector, press a button on the desk top (that has script written by my computer geek) and it automatically sends it to me...the files are sent back, they press another scripted icon on their desk and VOILA they have the work back. They have no idea what they are doing either....but they are learning slowly and I have a great new account (all mammograms and ultrasounds 2 days a week)

I LOVE IT!
be armed with knowledge and documentation
Along with sending all employees W2s, a copy of every employee's W2 is transmitted along with a W3 with the totals of FICA/MED and Fed taxes.

The problem probably arises from what was sent in to IRS and Social Security that raised a flag. I really don't think that the SE part set off the flag. MQ might have tried to do a switch-a-roo and sent in a 1099 with the transmission. After you go in for the examination, this will probably clear it up. When I was with MQ, they sent me a W2 and a 1099, and was always leery of this but never had a problem. I left them in 2000 because of lack of work but always wondered about the dual reporting.
I speak from first hand knowledge...
and I never said she didn't love the boy, but rather not in the traditional sense. You know the kind where you actually take care of your kids. I won't blast all that on the internet. I'm just saying though that I only speak from what was actually done, not by assuming something heard through the media.
Physicians are willing to share their knowledge with (sm)

anyone who will listen.  They love young bright eyed students. I expected the MT world to be just like medicine.  


Why is cost the only issue? It is unprofessional to only think about money. What about pride in the profession and wanting to share knowledge? Isn't that how professions advance and grow? 


I am surprised.


 


 


 


Approach homeschooling with knowledge. sm
I have family in California that homeschool their children, and it is wonderful. The mother has an education, sets up great courses, and the support network there is absolutely fantastic. Sports, music, field trips, clubs, they are all available. They couldn't get a better education anywhere, and the socialization is absolutely great.

However, I had to homeschool my son last year for health reasons, and there can be real problems. He is an only child and was left out of all the school social activities. Unfortunately, there is no homeschooling network in my area, the nearest one is 150 miles away, so there were no field trips, sports activities, etc. We live in a small town, and not much is available outside school. It took him 2-3 months to get back into the social swing in high school. Fortunately he is very well adjusted, and turned out fine. Be sure the pieces are in place before you homeschool. Otherwise, you will be the only support your child has, and it can be almost a full-time job, especially if you have to start your own organization. I highly recommend homeschooling if you are in an area to do so. It can be a great experience and children can learn so much faster than in the public school. Good luck.
Good knowledge you passed along. nm
t
knowledge increases productivity
My productivity is up and down. I have found that with doctors and report-types that I am use to typing my productivity is higher, with new docs and new/rarely typed report a lot lower. I think only knowledge can increase your productivity, when you can anticipate what the doc will say next because you have a true knowledge of what you are typing. (please excuse typos.. I am on a quick break)
For the amount of knowledge this job takes...
The constant demands to do more and more, increased accuracy requirements, I think #4. #2 would be a good entry level wage, but in reality I think most of us are stuck there.
What is your experience and knowledge worth? sm
Only you can decide what a good line rate is for you. Everyone has different opinions, expenses, time management, and issues. No two people are the same.

Now, if you take the IC part out of it and ask if 7 or 8 cpl is a good line rate - basically the answer would be no, not really. Then again, it seems to be what companies are offering these days.

Remember, most companies base any health benefits, etc on your production. So, if you have a bad month of production, your benefits might go bye-bye!

Just think, as an independent contractor, 8 cpl, nice easy account, canned reports, lots of templated work - Yeah you can make decent money.

Now, no canned reports, difficult account, you might have to work 10 to 12 hours a day to make decent money.

See the difference - Go with your gut and decide what you are worth.

Good luck!
more knowledge of Offshoring is good.
nm
But QAing requires much more knowledge
and experience than VR editing. They can hire newbies to do VR editing, but not QA.
To my knowledge, you can't print the physicians'....sm
list and I doubt they are in there by specialty, too. You can print the contents of your ESP file if you save it to your desktop and then print it. Hope this helps.
QA's lack of knowledge really irks me.
Most of the time, they say the exact opposite the next day, anyway.
It is a startup company with base in Phillipines. That is all I know! nm
x