How many lines can I plan on averaging per hr/day when first starting out?
Posted By: JL on 2009-01-14
In Reply to:
I am getting back into transcription after taking a few years off, and I am trying to figure out financially if I can swing the 8 cpl that I was offered to me. Since it has been a few years, I'm not sure how many lines I can type, as this was an hourly position and we did not have a minimum line count. I know that there are a lot of variables, but would you mind sharing what your average line counts were when you started out? I will be typing full-time. Thanks in advance! 
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I have the feeling they may eliminate SE because they are starting this new plan in January. Quite
frankly, I am surprised you do okay with Amherst. I sit looking at a no work sign many days and it gets a little tiresome. I have already been looking at other companies because I have felt for a long time with the lawsuits and millions going out MQ is not the place to be anymore. Too much baggage and may Spheris is in the picture especially if they drop SE I think that may well be true.
Might want to research the Fat Flush Diet plan or even just healthy fasting as a way of starting
s
What are you averaging an hour now???
x
You're confusing the new QA plan with the new pay plan. New pay plan is still completely under wr
Shhhhhhhhhhh....
Probably you are averaging 100 Lph over a 6-8 hour shift. What that means is:
you need to stay in the chair.
I am talking about the QA plan I dont know what the new pay plan is.
:
Aaahhhh, now I get it. Gross lines vs. Character lines. I guess I've just been conditioned to
think in terms of character lines. One of the perils of working as an IC for somebody who defines what a line is versus owning your own company and defining it yourself. After working for someone else for 15 years, maybe it's time to bust out on my own.
That is a lot of work/lines for 2 people. I do 3000 lines per day sm
if you times that by 30 days that only comes to 90K lines a month, that is working 7 days a week including weekends. I don't think 2 people can handle that.
900 lines is below 1100 lines, where the bonus starts.
x
Gross lines include all lines containing
printable characters, so a full line and a line with one word on it are charged equally. Straight lines are basically the same as gross lines, but with this method of counting the blank lines are counted as well (again, equally). I have only had one company pay this way, and they are a middle man. I would think the charge would be about the same as for gross lines, and that not too many offices will want their lines counted this way (the one I worked on was probably inherited from someone who had counted the lines that way, so just continued).
The norm is 1 minute = 10 lines; 10 min = 100 lines - sm
granted this varies per dictator. More lines if a fast talker, less if a slow talker.
I went from 2400 lines to 1800 lines
a day when I switched from clinic (through an MTSO) to hospital work. Not only was the clinic work easier with more macros (and less providers to learn, 12 vs 300+), but I was typing in straight Word (as opposed to Softmed/Chart Script). So you see, it really varies depending upon the type of work as well as the platform used. That said, I am so much happier typing the 1800 lines per day (I make over $15 per hour plus an incentive for any lines in excess of 1200 per day) plus a great health package/benefits, AND approximately 5 weeks of paid time off per year. In my opinion, hospitals really are the best employers WHEN they appreciate the work we do.
My advice for you is not to judge a job by any one criterion but rather the entire picture. The 'extra's can really add up.
Good luck in your job!
Which is the one where they are sc*&ing us the standard lines or the qualified lines? SM
Mine show up as STD when I pull up my transcription log. But I see now there is STD/QT.... So which is the one where they are ripping us off, standard or qualified? Need to know. I am about to switch companies and I will not do if they are actually taking lines from me. Thanks guys.
Question versus gross lines versus 65-character lines....
I have always charged or been paid by 65 or 60 character lines or per letter or space typed, but have never been paid or charged per gross line.
What is the advantage of this? If I were to charge 11 cents per 65-character line including spaces, what does this figure out to for an average line rate and how do you do this calculation?
I'm wondering if it is financially beneficial for me to bill by gross line or to keep it the way I have it. I do know some accounts will only pay per 65-character line, as this was the deal my first own account I recently acquired. They were adamant on a 65-character line, but didn't specify with or without spaces and I personally would never not charge for spaces.
Thanks for explaining this. I appreciate it and hope everyone has a speedy day.
starting out
most start out in an office/hospital setting for experience, then go home.. at least that's how it used to be
I used to when I was first starting out.
I sold all my junk around here to declutter the house and pay off some bills, then I tried finding new merchandise to sell without much luck. I did have some luck shopping at yard sales and reselling collectibles on ebay. It just got to be a real hassle packaging everything up and driving to the post office. I decided to just concentrate on my MT career instead of "supplementing" my MT income with temp jobs and selling on ebay. You know, do one thing and do it well. It worked.
Not starting something?
I got mine by direct deposit right on time and got the pay stub in the mail today.
If you aren't trying to start something, why do you ask that question here instead of on the SS sight?
Try direct deposit. You will get you money much faster.
starting out
thank you = that will get me started and I will check out those schools.
starting out= need help
I would like to get started as a Medical Transcriptionist = I have been in Nursing for 30 years and due to medical reasons need to be home with my family and would like to work out of my home. Can you give me some helpful hints to get started and anyone good that I could send a resume to.
starting out
I feel that I would have not problem - I know the terminology and at one time typed 120 wpm - after all I didnt start out as a nurse = would like to know some companies that are good to send in a resume
Starting over
Hi: My high school boyfriend punched me in he mouth because he said I looked too good to go out with him and who was I trying to impress? Got of that relationship really fast. My father was a police officer and he told him he every laid a hand on anyone again he would be put away. Then I married a jerk who quit his job and I was supporting him and he got a girlfriend, yep, and then he hit me because he did not like the fact that I had bought something with my own money, so I got out of that relationship quickly. Now I am married and have three wonderful kids to a man who is a hard worker. My advise to you is go to a shelter, get away from him, take your kids and the next time he hits you (if you still live at home), call the police and have him sent to jail. Domestic abuse/violence is a very serious thing and it won't stop until you get help. Heck you are bright, you are a transcriptionist, you will do much better and have less stress without him. I bet he has beat down your self-esteem also hasn't he. Don't let him, he has no right to. You are a good person, you take care of three children. I will say a prayer for you, but get out and help yourself and your three beautiful children. No man ever has a right to hit a woman or a woman hit a man. Just not right. Good luck. Just think of how your children feel.
I'm starting to
agree with you, stone cold. I hate to say that. I'm sure there are some doctors who have more integrity and I'm pretty sure I know some. Unfortunately, I'm starting to believe the vast majority are in it for the money and must just plain fake their concern and bedside manner w/their patients.
starting pay..
Please note there have been so many people apply in the last 24 hours ..its been a bit too much..please do not email me about this...thank you. mtgal847
It has been BAD! I am just starting and even I can't believe some of those s/l!
nm
That's what I will starting doing too.
nm
They are starting to be
Don't know if you've heard the world news about the remarkable stem cell therapy that is being done in Russia and London where people will start flocking for treatment who have no hope to walk again.
Also something called Planet Hospital where there are offices being set up where people can get insurance and go to other countries for surgeries and take a short vacation while they are there, they are doing this for dentistry also.
For people who cannot afford insurance this is a great deal. I know my hairdresser went out of the country to have a bridge done and she said they did a great job.
Starting a biz
Does anyone have any suggestions on going out on my own to start a small transcription business? Thanks!
Starting a biz
Wow, thanks for that suggestion!
Starting pay is anywhere from 5-7 cpl - sm
as for those here make a nice living, most probably have their own accounts and have been doing the docs for years and have macros out the ying-yang in their expander. It is very difficult to make that good of money working for a national since it is 90% ESL and it takes a while to get up any speed so you make a good hourly rate. If you break $20K your first year that would be amazing. I still haven't and I have been doing this for 6 years, though I am not dedicated but do put in FT hours....just cannot sit here and pound it out, get bored and tired so I just work a few hours here and there but put in about 6-9 hours a day depending on my work load.
starting out
why? do employers look at this chat board??? not cutsey.... TIME SAVING. i dont really type that crap when working. was it really worth noting?
$9.00 starting pay here
I do not work hourly, but applied for a radiation transcription job at a hospital here, and their starting pay was $9.00, so that should tell you something. I hope this helps.
starting out on own
I need some assistance with how to go about starting to get my own accounts. I wondered what is the best way for a newbie to begin. Specifically how does one count lines? Are there programs? What is the market rate (SE Michigan) for line rate for doing a private practice physician. In terms of getting voice files and sending back work what types of systems work best. This would be just starting out transcribing for one physician. I have 10+ years in field but have never struck out on own so feel a little lost where to begin. Feel free to mail privately. I have a physician who my son goes to who wants me to do his transcription. Thx.
starting again
I have been out of transcription work for about 2 years now and I am looking to get back into the pool. Can you recomend a company that has a reliable rep to get back in with? Also any site that may be helpful pertaining to medical words and or medicines would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Starting over (sm)
Yes, this is an excellent field to get in no doubt. I would love to start a self-paced training program, but around here it is a vigorous 2-year course. I cant' see myself doing this before my school-aged children are out of school (another 7 years!) I will be 49 years old! YIKES.
How old are you?
I'm starting to get paranoid....
I've been with Medquist only a short time and have a good experience so far. After reading some of these posts, though, I am becoming paranoid that things are not so good. Someone please fill me in on what is going on. I received the letter a couple of weeks ago from the CEO and just assumed it was a hand full of people involved with this lawsuit. Now what is up???
I'm not starting a fight.
I just wanted to know why you thought I had no friends because I don't like the skank. That's how it came across by responding right under my post about not liking Angelina. Or did your post directed toward another person go in the wrong spot under mine?
I am starting a new Rad job in 2 weeks-$16.50/hr
nm
Starting the day with a bang
Good grief, I must be older than God! Anyone else start Mt-ing with a standard typewriter, the kind you had to reach up and fling the return lever at the end of every line?
Before white out you had to actually erase and if it wasn't completely invisible, you had to start over. White out was the greatest thing since sliced bread! And ah, the selectric! Nope, I sure wouldn't want to go back.
Anyone else remember when the only reference books were a Dorland's and a PDR? Of course you also had your fellow MTs AND nurses and doctors and could actually look at the chart for help?
The only school was the school of hard knocks or OTJ training at minimum wage. There was no "proper training," just whatever it took to get the job done right. If you couldn't cut it , you were let go. I dare say there were way more errors in those days of "untrained" MTs.
Yep, I think it's about time for me to retire.
Any Starting Over fans?
Season 3 started yesterday - but I'm afraid I only watched season 1. Anyone hooked on this show? I loved the first group of women - except for Nyanza!
Well I'm starting my career YEA
So I put my two weeks notice in at my mortgage job and I'm about to embark on my MT career, I have been doing this part time for a year and asked my employer for more accounts and they were kind enough to give me more work !!!!!! So I'm not anticipating making much at first but gas prices will be $5.00 a gallon anyway soon and it will not pay to drive anywhere. So if anyone wants to give this sort of newbie any good advice it will appreciated... I'm so excited !!!!
Starting pay where I live is $10.00
And, that took some talking. So, I choose to stay at home also. With gas, can't afford to work in an office. Besides, am so much happier at home!!
starting my own MT company
I have been a MT for over 10 years and have been thinking about starting my own company. What positives/negatives does everyone have on this idea. I am really not great with the computer end and would not even know what I would need to start up. IDEAS??
starting new MT business
I have been at this now for 35 years and have become increasingly discouraged over the last 8 years. This is a very changing business. You will work extremely long hours, get few rewards, get accounts, lose accounts, have no stability and ultimately be disappointed. It is not a business for the faint of heart. Unfortunately my income has decreased or stabilized since 1996 and I am now making what I was then. Unfortunately the cost of living has not remained the same. I was rolling along doing quite well and satisfied previous to 8 years ago when suddenly my accounts were lost to outsourcing, mega corporations, etc. This used to be a profession that commanded respect for the years we put in to be the best.
If you are not familiar with computers, you will be lost in this business as most transcription is run digitally and everything done with computers, over the Internet, using various programs, FTP sites, etc.
I would like to offer encouragement, but I have taken to discouraging anyone who thinks this is a good business to pursue and one that has long term security.
Good Luck!
My DH is starting to realize that I just....(sm)
might not stick around for much more of his stuff. I know that won't change him though. I just know it...
You're starting out well...
Now just sit down with your Bible and look up these verses: Philippians 4:6,7;
Ephesians 2:14, Isaiah 26:3 and Job 22:21. But the best of all is Psalm 27, especially the last verse. I was at the lowest point in my life some years ago, my daughter was so ill, our little dog had just died of cancer, I had trigeminal neuralgia, my other daughter was struggling emotionally with trying to get through junior high, my mom had cancer and of course our financial situation was the pits...I took my kids to the library and was just sitting by a shelf of books and feeling bad, and I reached out my hand at random and picked up a book, opened it and found a small sheet of paper that actually said, don't worry about anything, instead pray about everyting, tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers, and then cited the verses above. The emotion that flooded me then was wonderful, and I went home and did what the paper advised me to do, and maybe God didn't answer me in any way I could understand, but the relief! If you are an MT, then you've already got backbone - you hang in there and do what you have to, and whatever God has mind for you, you'll make the right decision. I am praying for you.
starting account
Hi, I just recently went out on my own and am doing a bit of typing for my ophthalmologist. What I did was got an FTP site, which was very inexpensive and then bought a couple of older digital recorders. He dictates, his secretary downloads the recorder, sends it to my ftp site and then I just go into it, download the files, type them using Express scribe, which is free except for the cost of the foot pedal and then once the dictation is complete I upload it to the ftp site and they download and type. It is very easy and I think they like this. My only costs were the ftp site, which is cheap, a foot pedal I bought on ebay and headset, the ftp software, again inexpensive and a couple of older Olympus digital handhelds. I have even seen the most recent Olympus wav. recorder at Target for about $45. It is an investment, but I plan to branch out and then I will only be typing for myself and not the other company I type for as an IC
Im starting to love it too!
After the initial couple days of hitting weird key. lol
Starting pay was around $14 an hour
With excellent benefits. That is entry level with nice increases at 6 and 12 months. TX has a state corrections job board---with all positions and details regarding compensation. Benefits start from day-1.
I am probably starting my own MTSO
I was told that I need to get a DBA for a business name unless I run under my own name. My question is, can I use my last name and not register for the DBA. Also, do I need a license to run a business? Thanks in advance.
Sorry, I mean I am starting my own business...
I was on the phone while I was typing that message. 
Are you on maintenance or just starting?
Actually my husband and I went on it a couple of years ago, lost weight and felt great...... for a few months. The problem was maintenance.
|
