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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

I agree...doesn't seem worth it in my opinion...

Posted By: Keystroker on 2008-08-19
In Reply to: very well put my friend. - nm, 30+ yr MT (not CMT)

nm


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I disagree. Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion,
x
I agree - doesn't sound like it's worth your time to fight her anymore. NM
x
My personal opinion - for what it is worth - sm

yes, PCDI is a joke, and you don't get what you pay for... Career Step probably would have been the better choice.  BUT, you are in it already, and my advice would be to just try to squeeze out every ounce of knowledge that you can....  OSi and DSC have great mentoring programs, and I myself have mentored girls and they have been very successful...  I wouldn't mind seeing what you know and perhaps advising on your next step.  I am just an MT that has worked this field for ten years, but I have learned a lot, and I am not a recruiter looking for a bonus or whatever it is they say it is...  I talk to a lot of people who want to know about this field because for some reason sometimes it is really hard to get honest direction from long-timers...  protective of the field I guess... worried about flooding the market... My thoughts on that is that if you got the gift (which is exactly what it is), you will be successful... It takes a special person to be able to do this work and do it WELL.  Not everyone can just pop up and say "TA-DA, I'm an MT - HIRE ME"... anyway, I drone on...  contact me if you want some info... don't mind at all...  Bobbie   


Doesn't sound fair or worth it at all, to me. (sm)
Hi Hayseed,

I definitely know where you're coming from. First of all, I never heard of being on a pager for transcription. Especially if you work for a big company, which you would think have people who work a graveyard shift. I can see it for certain circumstances, for instance during normal working hours, or if you work for more than one company, and they're paging you to let you know there's tons of work or something. But if you've just put in a full day of transcribing (which I think for most of us is much longer than a standard 8-hour day!), then by all means you need to be able to get a good night's sleep.

Any supervisor worth the big bucks they're getting paid should be told what this is doing to you. But it sounds like someone is taking advantage of what sounds like a very strong work ethic that you have, and if you give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile.

Back in the old days when I concurrently ran a small horse-transporting service in addition to transcription, I was 'on-call' 24/7. After nearly running myself ragged too many times, thinking I could save all the horses in the world that had colic and needed emergency surgery at U.C. Davis, I finally had to draw a line somewhere and know when to say 'no'. One time, after working a full day in the office, then getting called at 6 pm to take a horse with a twisted intestine to UCD for surgery, I finally made it back home and into bed at about 3 AM, and had to be at work at 8 AM. And then the phone rang. It was the SAME vet that had just sent me to UCD earlier that evening! I hated saying no, because it put him and everyone else in a real bind, but I knew that I just couldn't physically do it.

Eventually I got better at knowing what I could do and what I couldn't, and it really did help my state of mind immensely, especially once I started getting 6-8 hours of sleep per night, again!

Anyway, I think you were totally within your rights and thinking very clearly when you emailed them to say you wanted to get rid of the pager. If you only got paged once in a blue moon, and got BEAUCOUP BUCKS for your time when you did the STAT work, it'd be one thing. But to be paged to the point of being totally sleep-deprived and feeling like you're losing it, is quite another.

I'm amazed that an employer would do this to you. Is it always the same person that pages you, or are there many, and they all think they're the ONLY one paging you? Whatever. Either way, I think those middle-of-the-night STATS are why the Graveyard Shift was invented, and if that's not your shift, then they should be paging someone else.

So don't feel guilty for having to put your foot down and say enough is enough. You should probably tell them a lot of the things you said in your post above, too... someone definitely needs to have their eyes opened.

I seriously doubt anyone is going to fire you for simply needing a night's sleep! But on the off-off-off chance that happens, all I can say is, you didn't lose much, but THEY sure did.
Oops -- that it's worth it sure doesn't belong on my post!
x
Nope! I only stress over things worth stressing over, which doesn't include turkey & taters!
 
I agree with the rest, not worth...sm
the money or your time.  I let my certification run out after 15 years and am no longer a member, mainly due to their support of offshore transcriptionists.
I agree with you, been there, done that, and they told me which made it worth my while in the end.
x
agree with your ridiculous opinion
75,000..what..we're not doctors..'scuse me sweetie..but a doctor could not do what I do. I am worth every cent of upwards of $75,000/a year..I am highly trained medical terminology specialist and there is not one clinician who could sit down and transcribe the multidisciplinary medical reports I transcribe. You go ahead and think you are worth $10/hour...I know my worth. No wonder Medquist and other MTSOs are able to get away with the crap they do...stupid women who feel they are not worth being paid for their expertise.
I agree, Frizz-Ease is the best. Worth every penny. nm
x
I respect that opinion. In fact, I agree with it.

I don't feel it's professional to drink on the job.  However, if other people feel they can have a glass of wine while doing their own work, that's their deal.  It's not like anyone gets drunk off of one alcoholic beverage, unless it's a really huge Long Island iced tea.  LOL


My posts weren't directed at you, but at those people who think name calling, rudeness, belittling people, and being judgmental is merely "expressing a different opinion".  You can completely disagree with someone and keep it civil.  That's being respectful and mature.


You are certainly titled to your opinion. I do not happen to agree. I assume sm
that those of us who do not share your viewpoint are entitled to our feelings and opinions.  Or is it no longer politically correct to espouse anything but viewpoints from your mind set?
I have to agree. Doesn't sound right somehow
Especially the line about "now I only eat 2 doughnuts and half a gallon of milk for breakfast," and also the part about not understanding why the exercise machines make noises when she gets on them.

Call me cynical, but it sounds like someone is trying to stir up some controversy.
Agree, it really doesn't matter what anyone else does.
IF you are happy with your line count and paycheck, who cares what anyone else produces........I don't. I am quite happy in my little bubble.
It doesn't matter to me if you agree with all of my posts or none of them.

Not trying to hurt your feelings or anything, but that's just the way it is.


With 33 years' experience, I agree. It doesn't sm
get any easier, because there is a constant influx of ESLs into this country who can barely make themselves understood. If you want to translate, yes, translate, and transcribe pidgeon English
day in and day out, make less and less money as the years go by, then this is the career for you.

I used to love what I do. It used to be rewarding. Now I feel like I'm following behind elephants with a shovel.

I agree. Doesn't your contract have a clause to preclude you from taking the nephrologist's wo
My subs have clauses in their contracts stating they cannot solicit any of my clients (or otherwise work for them except through me) during their working relationship with me or for a year afterward. If one of my subs did what you're considering, I would be on the phone to my attorney immediately.
k, that is your opinion, i stated mine. poor quality in my opinion shows bad work ethics if they do
;
Why are YOU attacking HER? Just because she doesn't want kids, doesn't mean she needs a psychi
xx
Agree, agree, agree! Just listen to Benny Hinn..

he speaks perfect English, especially when asking for money!  Also, in my opinion, blanks should be left in the doc's dictation if not able to be transcribed, maybe then they will know that are NOT understood.  With QA fixing them, what need is there for them to care if we understand them or not? 


A job worth doing is worth doing well ...
If you do not want to do your best, get another job.
But that is what I would do - worth the $.30
nm
what are your worth?

To do business at this rate, the hospital would have to be contracting the jobs themselve.  Most hospitals I am aware of, go through a service, which has overhead.  So to that 7 cents you have to add pay for management, building, utilites and all the other costs of doing business.  The services I work for charge anywhere from 11 to 13 cpl, so it really isn't any cheaper to go through a service or have your own accts from the hospital point of view.


And is it worth the $189?
It sounds quite interesting, but that's a lot of money to shell out for an expander. Do you find your production is a lot higher compared with regular word expanders?
For what it's worth...SM
I did say that in my opinion, drinking on the job, regardless of amount, was unprofessional and somewhat irresponsible. (I stated MY opinion of the SITUATION, not directed at anyone in particular.) I think most employers would agree with me on that one. You obviously do not. This topic has been discussed and removed several times now - if you don't like the "unpleasant" posts, why keep bringing it up? Do you need the validation from complete strangers?

Don't post the topic if you're not prepared to deal with multiple viewpoints. Simple as that.
Worth it?
YES! An ergonomic keyboard does take a couple of days to get used to, but I doubled my typing speed after those couple of days and do not get "tired" hands as quickly. I would strongly recommend getting one!:)
Yes, it is worth it! sm
We have VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance--should be on the web) and it's great. You can pay monthly or all at once. It doesn't help much with the little bumps and bruises, but our boxer had a major ACL repair done and it saved us tons of money. She's worth it!
for what its worth
your marital relationship is the most important relationship in your life- its who you chose - you din't choose your parents, siblings or kids- everyone deserves to be valued and respected in that most important relationship- if you are being repeatedly hurt by your spouse or you are hurting your spouse -after you are aware that behavior is causing pain, no matter what it is - then you are not valuing your relationship or being valued in that relationship... Either way, you need to do something about it- get counselling at the least
Not worth it!

In my opinion, it would be better to wait for something that pays a little more.  At 6 cpl you are going to work your butt off.  I mean, if you think about it that's what the people in India are getting paid, either 5.5 cpl or 6 cpl.  I think American MTs are worth more, much more, but that's just my opinion.  If your current job is not too, too bad where you can't wait it out, I would say look around and give it a little more time.  Gook luck!!


Is being an MT really worth it?
I've been doing it for about 10.5 years and have interacted with a number of fellow MTs. One thing I notice is that very few of the wonderful MTs I've known have been WITHOUT depression, anxiety, and/or panic disorders.

Is it possible that sitting in front of a CRT doing the same thing all day every day in complete physical isolation isn't healthy?

There are lots of reasons I want out of this business. There's one. Have a good day :)
worth it
You are right about being isolated. Right now I have my 3-year-old at home with me, but in a couple of years, it is going to be me and the cat until the kids come home. I'm not really worried about it though. I know a few moms and other MTs can call if I get lonely.

As for the depression and axiety, I had before coming into this profession. You just have to take every day as it comes and enjoy the sunshine when its there.
Very worth it
I bought mine of ebay about 7 years ago for around $700 new and love it. It is well worth the money as it will never wear out.
I tried it. It is only worth it if you -
want to read about how wonderful it is that they are now training and credentialling overseas MTs. That is the truth. If you don't believe me, you can waste your money on it.
Not worth it
I didn't quit smoking with Wellbutrin, but used the generic nicotine gum 4 mg then 2 mg, which tasted awful, but stopped the waves of rage from quitting smoking. Wellbutrin made me giddy for a few hours, then I crashed almost instantly and would become solemn and depressed, which made me want to smoke. Does anyone know why there is a drop off like that? Is that normal with these types of drugs? I don't take anything in the way of medications unless I am deathly ill.
Yes, well worth it (SM)
It was definitely worth the $15K, but after years of trying all the other fertility treatments and having them *fail* (total of all of those was probably $10 to 15K as well) it was just such a risk. I knew if it worked it would be worth every dime and then some, but if it failed it would only send me into a deeper depression. Not a good thing. Thank goodness for happy endings. Make that thank GOD!

I'm so glad to hear other success stories. No one knows the agony of infertility unless they have walked in our shoes :-(

Thanks for the post.

Would it be worth it?

Hi everyone. Been reading your postings and thought you could help. I presently work in a clinic but have been mulling the idea of working from home. Would it be reasonable to assume I could make at least $9.00 an hour working from home (realizing I would get paid by cpl) Should I quit my job and go for it?


Thanks


Here is my exp for what it's worth: SM

I used to do what you do....I felt like I had a lot to offer, never had a problem getting a job that paid a good wage, great insurance, great vacation.


I got into MT as a fluke and for the 1st 5 years I made a ton of money and worked at home.  Along the way, I became less desirable as an administrative assistant--had been out of the field for too long, I think. 


When the MT pay started going down and I found I had to work 12-14 hours a day to make less than what I was making in the beginning, I really have tried to get an admin. asst. job again, but I am losing the job to people who have been employed right along the way while I was here at home.


Stay with this job--ride it out.  You are likely to have to work 12 hours a day or more to get your lines in and keep your benefits if you come home to work.


What you are worth
I don't believe it is true that MT is a bad field or a declining field. It is a great field and anyone who is capable of going through the education and gaining experience will find it is well worth it. Negative attitudes make every job unappealing.

Get the training and check out the companies. I have been an MT for 17 years and have always made no less than 50,000 a year. I only work 8 hours a day, no weekends. I love the job.
Is it worth it?

I posted a message yesterday on the New MT board.  I haven't seen a response.  Can anyone give me advice?


I am disabled and need to train in a new profession.  After some reading and researching, I wonder if I should learn MT.


With so many jobs going to India, Philipines, etc is there really work (and I mean work that will pay me enough money to more than survive) in the US?


With Dragon, is it easier for non English speaking persons to transcribe?  I am really nervous.  I can't waste time and money learning something that is no longer offered here.Is it worth it?


I apologize for the redundancy.  I am new to posting, and this is my third try.


I think it is worth it.
I think it would be worth pursuing MT and coding both, to increase your career worth.

You'll have to learn ESLs and speech recognition software to keep up with the MT side of it.

Email if you want. I'd be happy to talk more about it.

Is it worth it to become CMT?

 


Hi - I have been a Transcriptionist for 9 years and have considered testing to be a CMT but I want to know if it really matters?  I'd welcome any opinions either way. 


 


Thanks!


You are worth more than 8 cpl
I can understand your frustration.  If you do not think that 8 or 9 cpl is worth it to not have to put up all that it takes to have these accounts on your own and not through the MTSO then you obviously have never had your own accounts.  Now I have, and I know what it takes, and it takes a lot more than sitting down and typing the report knowing your anatomy.  When you have your own account, you have to do it all as far as keeping records, interacting with the office staff, technical issues.  When you accept the 8-9 cpl from the MTSO, that's all you are expected to do is type.  When you are making the 17 cpl, there is a lot more to it.  Have you had to beg the physicians for your paycheck or play sweety nice to their office manager just to get your money?  I'd say probably not.  Now, if you do not like the 8-9 cpl, then open your own MTSO and you can charge more, but let me tell you something, you are going to be responsible for a heck of a lot more than typing that report and knowing your anatomy. 
What's it worth to ya'?
NM
Please tell me you are worth....
AMEN!!! 
It's been worth it for me (sm)
Both for work incentives and for personal benefit, I'm glad I did it.
What we are worth
We are worth only what the market will bear. There are significant downward forces now on MT wages, with offshoring being a major one. I used to recruit nurses and heard a lot back then about their feeling that they weren't paid what they were worth, and I'm sure they're not, as we are not, but the economic reality is that all pay is based on supply and demand. That's the facts, and the only thing that will bring wages up is a shortage in the labor pool. That obviously has not been the case in MT over the last few years. Wages only go up when there aren't enough qualified applicants to fill needed positions.
Is this worth while

Can one really make a living working for this company???  Is the pay worth while?? Are the benefits there???     


for what it is worth
I think you should be paid more, but I doubt you will get it.  The worst authors, longest minute dictations with very lines, etc.., always get passed off to the better MTs unfortunately. 
It is worth however much someone is willing to pay for it. nm
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IT IS WORTH IT oh my it is WORTH it!!! sm
Sorry to shout, but you know, if you want to make the big bucks you MUST have a real live Expander program.

While I am personally in love with Smart Type, it has so many limitations, I can't give you a recommendation. If I had it to do over again, I'd become dependent on InstanText. This is a similar and in many ways better program than Smart Type.

GET IT, GET IT NOW, DON'T PASS GO AND SPEND THE $200!

When you it arrives, email me and I'll give my 20,000 or so expansion library/glossary that you can use with it. Sticking with it, you'll find your production effortlessly go up and the wear and tear on your hands go down.


She has already said not worth it to her to
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