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I'm lead transcrip for small ofc, in the field since 88, and I've found (sm)

Posted By: Di on 2006-03-10
In Reply to: How long does it take to get used to a new MT job? - Sunny

that depending on the person, it can take up to a year. You either have to be very smart and very driven to make it shorter, or you would have to have some exposure to the systems/docs etc. It takes a longer time if you are also new to the field of MT. But after about a year, if you don't find yourself relaxing when you are at work, talk to somebody. That's long enough, and you should be finding a niche for yourself by then.


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Both my kids (age 22 and 24) found jobs in their related field
to their bachelor's right out of college. Maybe you're living in the wrong part of the country. You have to go where the work is.
I agree... I just found it funny on that account that the 3 worst where in the same field...nm
x
As a small MTSO, I found you had to buy
all I really needed was a few.  So I started filling them out online at www.filetaxes.com.  It's much easier and they send out the 1099 for me!  Price is very reasonable too.
It's facing reality. And YES - I've already left the field and glad I did.
I'm not waiting until the bottom falls out and there's nothing but unemployment or mall jobs. Nope.
I've know the owner and it is a small company. He doesn't know the first
thing about MT, word processing programs, etc.   I have worked for the company through 3 owners and now I do prn work for him.  
I've been with so many companies, large and small, I can't count anymore. nm
s
Ctrl + F9 adds the field brackets - F11 jumps to the field.
xx
I've found that most physicians who
dictate at such a ridiculous pace are trying to make up for other deficiencies....you know like "male menopause" where the older guy goes out and buys an expensive sports car, etc., etc.  Seems most of the speeders on my account are DOs, NOT MDs.....guess they feel inferior in some way. 
I think most recruiters are NOT MTs. They know very little about MT from what I've found. nm
x
It is in NJ, which I've always found weird. nm
x
Without a doubt the best I've found!

I searched and searched for someone who could design a small simple site with digital dictation file upload and download capability, and www.sitefever.com made me a great site and maintains it for 40 dollars every month, and for a one time fee of $150 they custom designed what I needed to upload and download my dictation files. They have been great and I have had no problems with them at all.


Hope this helps!


Dawn


I've found files sm
I have "lost" files before and found that sometimes if you click on "start" at the bottom left of your screen that you may find a temporary saved file under documents. Sometimes it doesn't save the whole document, but part is better than nothing. Probably a long shot, but thought I'd mention it.
The only way I've found to avoid this is to.....

have three part-time jobs.  I used to have one full time and two part time, but just recently went to three part time.


I NEVER run out of work now, but always have in the past six years in the business.  This works for me, but took almost a year to balance the three so I'm not working a ton of hours.


The only solution I've found is....
to just totally quit every so often, get totally out of it and if you find no new way to make money, go back to it.  The break helps, but honestly it's happened to me half a dozen times over the 20 years I've done this.  It was so challenging when I first started and I enjoyed it.  The catch-22 is when you finally get to high line counts it becomes monotonous.  What didn't help was when the line rates went into a freeze...kind of kills the motivation to sit there and type.   For me, I would get sleep attacks transcribing and would wake up almost falling out of my chair;.  More than once, I've quit and said I'm never going back.  Now I just quit for awhile but knowing deep down I may be back again.   All in all, if you can keep the right attitude, it's a great job that offers a lot of freedom as far as flexibility and freedom to travel around the country and keep a paycheck coming in.;
Yeah, that's where I'm at, too. I've found these
for half the money I used to make. And the work isn't easier, it's harder. I used to do about 8 docs that I knew like the back of my hand. I usually knew what they were going to say before they said it, because their thought patterns had become second nature to me. But now I do several accounts, hundreds of doctors, plus nurses, PA's, med-students, etc. The reports are longer, and it's all straight typing, no templates. Even though I'm home all day, far less gets done around here than before, because I always have to work if I'm going to buy food and pay my rent.
I've found, fortunately, that

those types of people are not the "norm" in the MT world or I would have quit a LONG time.  The sad thing though is they are becoming more prevalent lately, but perhaps I'm becoming jaded.  I can think of only 5 truly glaring examples in the past 23 years.


I think some of these unpleasant B's are just on power trips because they have a position of "authority" (big deal - I'm certainly not impressed).  I always let management know, even if they choose to be in denial or blow it off, I've at least gotten it off my chest and had my say.  When I complain to mgmt. I stick to the facts/issues/dates ONLY and there is usually silence on the other end of the line (no arguments) as they are taking it all in.  Funny thing though, even after numerous complaints, they seem reluctant to eliminate the offenders. 


I've found that it's not just one website
I have found that the manufacturers' websites often show the brand names of the equipment used.

Not every employer or hospital will acknowledge a manufacturer's website as being a legitimate source, but at least the manufacturer often gives you a direction to look in and an idea of how a brand name is spelled.

Here's an example:

http://www.medtronic.com/your-health/bradycardia/device/index.htm
We've put rabbit or other small fencing around them, added dirt, and used them as planters. Takes
s
I've found it more lucrative to charge .... sm

... by the report, although others might disagree.  $1.10 to $1.25 is average when working as an employee.  If you're working as an IC you really should charge more, considering your overhead, etc... and make sure you charge for every report, not page.  For instance a report that includes more than one requisition, such as a foot and ankle, would be two reports.  If the radiologist is getting paid for each study(which they certainly are), then so should you.


Hope this helps !


I've found the answer and how to declutter.
Get diagnosed with cancer.   Got the diagnosis yesterday and today I've been going through the house like the Tazmanian devil.   I'm throwing stuff away, boxing stuff up to go to Goodwill and Freecyling some stuff.   We were in serious need of a Clean Sweep (though I never would do it because I'd be too embarrassed that I let my house get like that).   I know it is a bit of an overreaction, but both of my parents died and didn't have things in order and I was left to deal with it all and don't want the same for my family.  I also don't want to look at the clutter anymore and want my house to be relaxing and not be afraid to open my door when the doorbell rings.   It also helps keep my mind occupied.   I only made a teeny, tiny dent in the clutter, but at least it was progress.   I also don't want my kids growing up thinking that our house is "normal."  I have boys and I don't think their future wives would  appreciate a slob for a husband. 
the lightest touch i've every found
was the Kinesis -- they are not cheap but man, i wish i would have found them years ago. Some have said before that the Goldtouch keyboards have a good touch too.
I've found an adapter that has the 2-prongs
and then you plug your headphones into the other end, just didn't want to buy them from TVPS. 
I've found nothing has a higher pay level (sm)
all same across the board these days.
I've found you have to work more than 8 hours a day to
If I had to stick to an 8-hour time period, I couldn't afford to continue.
I've moved to 4 different states until I found what I want that pays what I want
The world isn't going to come to you. You have to make some effort yourself.
I've actually found Medicare very easy to deal with...
wouldn't dread the call. It will probably go better with Medicare than with the nephrologist.
I've found it helps soothe the mania and keep me
x
This is the best site I've found about treating fibromyalgia. It works for me, maybe it will for

In our area of NY, I've found that hot summer weekends are terrible...sm
for sales. No one wants to get out of their cars in the heat! Have done best in early spring or in Sept/Oct., here anyway. And a Fri./Sat. combo is more successful than a Sat./Sun. weekend. Have BIG signs at major intersections and showing the way into your neighborhood and right to your house. Run an ad in the Garage Sale section of your paper. Be prepared for early birds coming down your driveway or right into your yard 2 hours ahead of time. Block your driveway with a car or sawhorses until you're actually open, but be ready to say 'come back later' when people show while you're setting up. Have prices on everything or group things by price in one location. Have lots of singles and quarters for change. Bring your phone outside with you. Paper and pen if people want to call you later. Have packing material for glass and china, plastic or paper bags for purchasers. Some hard candy/mints on a table out of sun helps people stick around longer. If you have big jackets, long dresses, bedspreads, etc. put them up for display - on hangers, in trees, strung up between ladders. Try and keep all your displays up at table height - people aren't keen on getting down on the ground to paw through boxes or check out stuff spread out on a bedsheet. Use every card table, picnic table, folding table, etc that you can find for displaying stuff. If you have anything electric to sell, have an extension cord plugged in so people can see that items still work. Keep expensive small items near you at your 'check out' station to keep them from walking away. And always be ready to come down on price as everyone will ask you, "can you do any better?" Or "what's your best price on this?" Enjoy your sale and treat yourself to pizza after all your hard work! :)
I have found that honesty is always best. I've quit a job right after receiving the equipment S

because a better offer came along.  I have always just been honest, tell them that I've decided to accept another position.  I apologize for any inconvenience, ask them to instruct them on how they would like me to return the equipment, and then I always ask that they keep my resume on file.  They are usually pretty diplomatic about it.  They'd rather you tell them up front than waste their time and yours in training for a job you're not going to be happy with.


I've found this resource pretty useful for rehab work. Link inside.

Have this as one of my bookmarks - found this handy whilst handling rehab work. Hope this helps!


http://medicaltranscriptionwordhelp.googlepages.com/rehabmedicineterminology


small mentality usually means small pocketbook
Still make more than you and I but that is deserved. They've put the effort forward and educated themselves.


lead 5??? what sm

The patient’s EKG shows a sinus rhythm 73 beats/minute with normal intervals, normal axis, normal QRS, normal STs.  The patient has nonspecific T-wave inversions in V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6, as well as biphasic T-waves in lead I and aVL.  She has flattened T-waves in leads II, III, and 5.    There is no lead 5 (at least not in roman numbers)  What should I type here????


possible lead
x
Here's a lead....sm
Contact June Jackson, our recruiter at Transolutions, Gail or reply to me by email from this post. We'll do everything we can for you!


Lead the way!

What about involving MTStars as a way to get a petition started, or to create a new formun.  After all, that is what WE, the MT wants and this is what the website is about correct?  Maybe that is how to get a union started, or a petition big enough to send to the people who care, whether it is Washington or the IRS.  I am in the same boat as the rest of you all.  I made big bucks three years ago, for 8 years, and now it is just gone. I am making a 1/3 of what I did.  If you lead the way, I will follow. Just tell me where to sign.


I was lead to believe ....(sm)
I was lead to believe that it was an agreement between eScription and the hospital itself, not the MT company, that had renegotiated the way lines are counted (probably so that the hospital will stay with the eScription platform). The MTSO that I work for was taken by surprise about the lines being cut as much as I was (i.e., no longer counting the header and footer). This means that eScription agreed to accept less and, by default, the MTs that work any such affected account, as well as the MTSO all get paid less. We are just feeders, per se, in the chain behind eScription's contract with the hospital. Has anyone else been told something similar?
Shift Lead MT/QA
In this position currently at 15.00 per hour.
What exactly is a shift lead MT?

I would think this would lead to a lot of guessing.

You cannot type in what you cannot hear.


It looks like the healthcare one is in the lead, but - sm
at least it's a topic that is another one that is related to many of us, since only a certain percentage of US MT's have health insurance at all. And often what we DO have offers inferior care by disallowing care & meds that WORK, and only paying for the absolute minimum, even if it causes the pt. to eventually become sicker and then need LOTS of medical care, even hospitalization. We're getting nickled-and-dimed to death from every angle, and yet look at the high old life the big-shots at the hospitals, HMO's, and insurance companies get to live. IS there even a Middle-Class in America anymore? If so, I sure don't know any of them. There are either the Super-Rich, or us - the Working Poor.
My team lead is not even an MT!

She never understands anything I am talking about. I have to explain things to her like she is a 2 year old, and even then she just doesn't get it. Why would a company put someone who is clueless about transcription in a position over other MTs!!!??? It is just another frustration to add to an every increasing list of frustrations. But, like you, I am keeping my mouth shut. I just don't get it!! 


I've also found it varies from editor to editor -
In one case I researched it fully, and found that both of them were wrong, and I had been right all along.
[Sigh........]
But you stated you questioned your lead SM

and nowhere in your original post did I read that anyone checked with the doctor.  That is the problem we have.  If you or the lead had actually checked and he said to change it, fine.  But neither of you checked.  You asked the lead, the lead said change it and you changed it. 


I'm aware of where this degree could lead - sm

I worked in the HIM dept of a hospital at the beginning of my 10 years in this field, so I know what position this degree could put me in.  I also know that just the fact of having a degree is more than just being an MT and it will give me advantages than I currently have. 


I do feel like this is almost a lost cause and that the MT industry is reaching the point of no return (or has already).  I currently work for a fairly small transcription company and I am very thankful for the work that I have, even though I don't get paid what I would like, but I do have plenty of work and it is getting me by.  I chose to go back to school because I don't want everything to turn upside down and I have nothing to fall back on.  I wish all the best for the MT industry and if things do turn around I would never leave it, but I don't think that will be the case.


What would you say the range of pay is for a Team Lead, editor sm

and MT?  Just trying to get a feel if our pay rates are in line with the norm, too high or too low (have a feeling too low). 


Working on making positive changes.  Any input appreciated.


As background ... small national, 150 MTs, all work kept in U.S.A.  Work types:  Clinic, HIM, ortho, cardiology, radiology.  All ICs, might be looking to hire employees. 


With everyone complaining about companies, it can't hurt to ask what the norm is - the good norm :)


OMG! HAHA! Do they have a Humor Board? You could lead it! nm
nm
storms lead to stray dogs.....
and we have one of those now for 2 years. He's a Collie mix, sooo sweet. We decided he's ours now, but he was extremely scared of storms at first. Now, he knows to come look for us. He stays inside and doesn't get as nervous as he used to, just wants someone close by. The vet gave us Ace (short for something), which I give him when there's ongoing storms. It sedates him a lot but doesn't put him out, unless I give him lots more. We just love, rub, and reassure him. We have a female cat that does the same...she cries and cries. That's also how we ended up with her, I' m sure, trying to outrun a storm. She never hangs around the dog, but during a storm, she goes and sits practically underneath the Collie for protection...the scared consoling the scared, but it gets her through it.
AT, how about a nice shelf with whatever's needed to lead to it for your little dog? SM
A separate room helps me concentrate somewhat, but mainly I just like making it a nice place to be, with in my case, the cat bed on my desk to the right where she can look out the window while I stare at the screen. BTW, a mirror carefully positioned also reflects some of the view outside for me.
I would call your team lead or manager and talk to them. Maybe there is sm
some advice or help they can give.

I have been with 3 companies and range in pay from $1.05-$1.45 per report. I actually make the most at the one I am with now at $1.10 per report because the account is really good.


In that case you have to do what your lead tells you, but I would have never even asked my superviso
I would have just transcribed it and moved on. The only thing is, the x-ray is possibly not consistent with the rest of the medical record.