I agree with Patti below....the need to pay--sm
Posted By: kps on 2006-09-18
In Reply to: Need to get motivated - CS
bills is a great incentive. not having a spouse and having to depend upon yourself for all of your needs is, indeed, a tremendous motivator. I do at least 3000 lines a day when it is available to me to do. working for someone else does not always mean the work is there, but most of the time it is. If it is there, I will do it...no matter how late it gets, or if my laundry is building up in the corner. the laundry will always be there, but I cannot do it if I cannot pay my electric and water bills. It is all priorities and how much you want it. Watching tv is low on my list! good luck to you!
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I agree with Patti, but I also need to add this.
I think your anger is misplaced against your mother. You aren't protecting her from embarassment. It sounds like you're avoiding the situation (telling her the truth) and blaming her for not seeing anything. You need to ask her to meet you at a neutral place without him and tell her exactly why you're being "cold". Don't punish your entire family, especially your mother, for the actions of one nasty man. As Patti said, what about the other females in your family? If he's being inappropriate to you, what about any younger relatives?
I agree w/you Patti...
I've been there...swore always that I would in no way tolerate cheating, but I did...I forgave him and now, our marriage is better than ever. Of course, this was almost 13 years ago and I was much younger and much less self sufficient back then. But now, if he did it again, he'd be out like a light! It's hard to *forgive and forget*, in fact, I don't think that's even possible, or wise...especially the *forget* part. I'll never forget, but think I have forgiven.....
I agree with Patti.........
I agree with you Patti, I have done MT for 15+ years, I started in an Acute Hospital where they trained me on the job and paid me well while learning. After 7 years I got my first account did both the hospital and my account for a few years before venturing out on my own, that was 11 years ago next month. I have made a great living, more than 50k a year since. I too picked up the undesirable doctors, who by the way DO PAY WELL AND ON TIME. I wholeheartedly agree with getting to know the office staff, they are brains usually of the whole works. I still have that first account and will never stop doing his work until he retires, god willing. I have over the years had to pick up small fill in accounts to supplement that one, but I have never ever had a problem finding accounts, it can be done you just to be very diligent.
I also agree it will not happen this way right out of school or as you are learning, but it can be done. I think it is essential for newbies to have that Acute Care Hospital training, though that is harder and harder to come by these days with most hospitals outsourcing.I was in the right place at the right time. When I was learning I requested the most difficult dictators/doctors, and that has really served me well too.
I dont usually work 40 hours a week, but occasionally I do. I also take lots of vacations so it all balances out.
100% agree with you Patti
once again! Would not trade it for the world. Fortunately, I have great friends in the offices and make great money! Thank the Lord!  <- This is me and luvin' it!
I would have to agree with Patti
I wish if people didn't have something worth saying that they just wouldn't post at all. Nastiness, that's all this is with these two who come off like they know it all. So sad that they must "bigger" themselves by kicking someone when they are down. There must be some other reason. Do not lose sleep over it. There is more work where that came from and poor communication from the start usually does not get any better further in, so I think you are better off personally. Take care, and hope you find a nice fit for you. What's meant to be will be. 
I would have to agree with Patti. SM
You limit yourself by charging per page, but you need to figure out how much will go on a page. It sounds like you may want to charge more like $3-3.50 per page if they must insist on paying per page. If you have to adjust margins that can be another task that will hold back production. Will you have to pick-up and deliver/print. You must consider those types of things as well.
I agree with Patti...sm
I, too, have a small MT business and agree with all of her points. You have to be prepared for whatever might happen. I work when I'm sick, maybe not at a fast rate, but I do make a serious attempt. I don't take a vacation...I take several long weekends. They're easier to manage with my work load.
However, there's one I'm a little unclear on...specifically, #7 where you say you pay 10% taxes. I would very much appreciate it if you could elaborate a little on that. Feel free to email me (dianahufmn@gmail.com) or, if you would like, share on the board. Thanks in advance!
I agree with Patti! All that FTP talk and doc
shuttle makes me break out in a cold sweat! I'm in NJ, and I do what the doctors want - not vice versa! They would tell me to hit the pike! If the doctors want to use tapes and paper, then I use tapes and paper or move on!! I make good $, and its easy as cake - Great that some can tell doctors what to do, but not in my life! And the original poster is just starting out like the rest of us were. Hardly the time to be dealing and playing hard ball about FTP and the like! Nope! When I used to think it had to be so complicated, that's when I was too afraid to even start! No way! And, yes, there are TONS of doctors out there who still use tapes and will not change! Hurray!! That's why they still churn out the units to fit them!
I agree with Patti . . . too many variables
Here's a link to an article I found some time ago, which suggests multiplying gross line count by .70 to attain an estimation of an equivalent 65-character count line (or 30% less, as Patti also suggested). It really just depends on too many factors though.
http://www.mtworld.com/tools_resources/line_counts.html
I agree with Patti. See message
Keep it simple. When I started with my own clients, I basically told them that my service would be based on what they needed from me and that is what I did. They called the shots and I did what they needed from me. I have never used a contract with clients to this day and I have multiple clients. Basically just the Business Associate Agreement required by HIPPA and the clients are happy with that. My thought was always that if the client wanted a contract, that was fine, but if they did not bring it up, I did not either. I also do tapes, print on a couple of my accounts and deliver/pickup, but most of my clients are now on my call-in system, which is much nicer, but I will not turn down tapes. Good luck with your quest and hope it works out for you.
I agree Patti, I thought so too when I read--sm
the OP in the very beginning. She just took bits and pieces from the previous posts on this board and put it all into her own, just to see what and who would respond. I thought alot of the posters below really got sucked in. Guess they cannot tell Kikki is at it again, like we can.
Agree with Patti. Charge for all the "extras'.
x
agree with Patti and can't believe how many people freak over having IC status...sm
just over the taxes. I mean, we're all grown ups here right? Get over it.
Patti, I'm a big fan of yours
I always make a point of reading your posts. You should do some sort of column. The networks do pay well for transcription. They can afford to only charge $20 per transcript because they sell hundreds of them. Keep in mind that the Transcriptionist is producing a product that they mass produce and make a huge profit on.
hi patti ...
I'm in lower Westchester County, NY, about 1/2 hour north of NYC. Do you know of a good, reputable MT company that I can contact?
Thanks ...
Joanne
Thanks Patti
I'll ask about it again this evening if there is still no check in my mail box when I get home. At least I am not doing this full-time. I have an outside FT job and I do this in the evenings for supplemental income, but I still need it as I am on my own. I have learned my lesson about not signing a contract again that states I get paid when the client pays them, never again. I've started sending out resumes, might as well get ready to move on.
thanks again Patti...
I was just doing the math for the 3$ per page with sample copies in Word, and it wasn't adding up (many more lines on a page than I had anticipated. I thought a page would only have 30 lines or so...not!) You all are GREAT. All this advice is helping tremendously.
Patti, you are right...
I used to have my own accounts and at my highest, I made $60,000. I have gone to remote only and my income has dropped significantly. I just wanted to give my input and back you up, you are absolutely right!
To Patti
Hello Patti
I definitely agree that this can be done. I believe back 3-4 years ago, you might have been the one who inspired me to get my own accounts and even offered me wonderful technical information. I am not sure though. Anyway, I am offering you my support. I make about $30/hr, but I only work about 7 hours a week as an MT. I have great dictators, use expanders, and charge 0.13 cents per line. The other MTs in the area charge about 0.15 cents per line, and the one that I asked said she made $45,000 last year working part time. It can be done. Good for you. Keep up the good work! 
Patti - sm
Their fee is $40 a month, which I didn't think was too bad. The total I will be paying them is almost what I am paying now. The difference will be the interest rates and time it takes to pay them off. My husband is really upset that we are going to do this, but as I said before, I don't see any other way. I am keeping one credit card with a low limit for emergencies, travel, etc. and the rest of them will be history!! When I get out of this mess, it will never happen again. Again, I appreciate your info.
Patti....
you don't need to explain yourself to Tikki (aka Kikki) or anyone else on this board. You took a bashing about the cookies and now about tapes, and money for gas, and on and on and on and on.
You are obviously a very successful and talented MTSO/MT/WOMAN. I admire you. May you continue to have good fortune shine down on you.
Patti, maybe if you... sm
explain to her that not capping a brand name drug would be like you lower casing her name (or the doc's name). Maybe that would help. =)
Hi Patti!
Boy Patti
You've been one busy little MT today posting left and right under all these different names of yours about your 1,000 sq foot mansion on the water and your hefty checking account of $20K a year! Okay, it's gorgeous, the most beautiful home we've all ever seen and could ever imagine having and with a yearly income like you've got, well who needs to win the lottery? LOLLOLLOL.
Patti - sm
Could/would you be willing to post a picture of the views?
And we wish you the same Patti.
May you one day realize your life is worth living and trying to impress people on newsboards with what little you have is not necessary to make your life whole or meaningful.
Prayers and blessings be with you honey.
Thank you Patti ---- nm
.
I do like Patti. sm
I have created a simple macro to do it for me as my accounts have rather small margins that need to be changed to get 65 characters/spaces in a line. My macro highlights the whole document, changes the margins to 1 and 0.9, and then changes the font to courier 12, very quickly.
I like Patti too.
LOL
Thanks Patti! NM
:)
Thanks Patti ...
Your reply is so encouraging--I thought that sounded a little "squirrely." In my opinion, this office mgr has been misleading me ever since I started work there, and really was not too disappointed in leaving, even though I liked the other people very much!
I know you did, Patti--sm
and I appreciated it. At that point in time, there were only a few that did support me and most of the ones that did not believe me really were pretty nasty about the whole thing. I really detest being called a liar when I know I am not. I know how hard you work too, and you are so smart about taxes and all, and you really help out so many people on this board. You are a really great person! You have had your days with some of these people criticising your ways of doing things too in the past, so believe me, I know what it feels like. I so envy you! Take care, and have a great evening. (I was able to do 58000 gross lines this month--37000 the past two weeks, so we are pretty comparable)! :^)
To Patti
I know you are busy and I don't want to interrupt you, but you are so knowledgeable about tax questions and I thought maybe you could help me, somehow. If you could possibly email me, I would really appreciate it, as I do not want to divulge personal tax info on this site. thanks so much. When you have time, of course. 
WOW Patti
That is an awesome line daily line count! Is that consistent, every day or nearly every day? Do you use shortcut software? How have you been able to escape wrist, neck, shoulder stuff?
To Patti
I want to go out on my own but don't quite know where to begin. Please e-mail me. TIA.
We really need to know if Patti follows BOS?
If so, then Hayseed is correct. If not, then she may or may not use a dash as she so desires. Same rule would apply, I guess, for the comma.... LOL 
Thanks Patti!
Thank you Patti
Thanks Patti
I will only be typing short letters to referring docs. I have listened to some of types and you are right about the meds. I had trouble with some of the topical creams.
Thanks Again
Patti
Patti,
I have had the same account(oncology) for five years. I would also like to pick up other accounts; however, this doctor keeps me sooo busy it is almost impossible to transcribe for someone else. I have picked up dermatology account, but only 26-30 letters per month.
I am going on vacation in June for about three days and worried sick about coming back from vacation and having to type over 200 notes!! This doctor sees over 75 patients a day and also has a Saturday clinic (40-50 patients). Any suggestions????
Thanks Patti!
Hello Patti
The medications is what I am having a hard time with as the doctor tends to mumble and speaks very fast. His notes are very short, no OP notes.
What usual drug pages are you referring to - Is this a list that you have started?
Hi Patti--sm
Congrats on attempting digital!! I think you will like it once you get used to it.
Anyway, whether you transfer a file through e-mail or FTP, you will still retain a copy of it on your computer until you decide to delete it. Once you have the file on your computer, you can transfer a copy to any of your ICs and still keep the original for yourself. Your ICs can go to the FTP and download also, but they have to be set up with the FTP site to do that. It is kind of like *permission*. They have to have a user ID and password, just like you will have, to be able to access the file.
I wish you all kinds of luck! ks.
Thanks Patti
So, there is NO WAY to do any kind of short cuts???
Thanks
Thank you Patti....
I appreciate a response coming from another Transcriptionist trying to keep everybody happy.
Patti
too funny! I have a keyboard like that. When I worked in-house I went through three or four keyboards because the letters were gone. The IT people hated to work on my computer because they did not know where the letters were.
Patti is right
It is easier to use plain good quality paper for everything and not waste time switching paper. It is so much more efficient to print the letterhead and some print jobs you can load and walk away without directing documents to bins and sheetfeeders and even can generate the envelopes all at the same time. One client I have I do this for. They thought they didn't want it until it started and now they are sold. Just raise your rates to pay for the extra expense and by all means use only laser. You can even pick up a used HP laser at some printer repair places refurbished. I have one new one and an old HP workhorse that cost me little and keeps on going and going and going day in and day out. About once a year I get it cleaned and serviced for less than $100.00 and it is so much faster than ink jet and I too only buy about two or three cartridges a year. Take advantage of their request and make it work for you too!
Thanks Patti. I'm definitely going to
check out transcriptiongear.com and am in the process of doing more research on this but trying to do this quickly so I don't lose this opportunity. Thanks again for the info!
Hi Patti...
Thanks for responding, for the advice, and tips.
I see where you guys just talked about this and I got a lot of info. there as well.
Thanks.
Thanks patti! (sm)
I can't wait to run these ideas and things past our big boss. Hope it helps them.
Hi Patti. I appreciate your post, although I don't have
to put up with much of anything that is "garbage" in my opinion at my jobs.
It IS work. Hahaha I just take it as it comes and have learned to not get bogged down in the politics of anything. My accounts are verbatim so I just have to literally transcribe verbatim and use BOS2 rules. Not that difficult.
I'm impressed with your 3200 lines. That's fabulous!
Thanks for the info, Patti
I personally concur completely with everything you stated.
I think it comes down to the insurance companies in the long run that are at fault, as well.
Not sure if I am the correct Patti
It all boils down to whether you signed a non-competitive contract stating that for so many years you would not approach any account that you worked on. Just like when you are working for a company through a Temp agency, you usually sign a contract stating that you will not approach that company for a job and if they do you, they have to pay the Temp company so much money. That is protection for any company, just as I do, that someone does not come in take your client list, bid low for your clients and attempt to take them away. If they do then they usually have to pay you something as specified in the contract. That is my 2 cents worth. If you have not signed a contract, approach them. Just do not try to get it through bad mouthing or putting your ex-company down. Approach them professional and point out your good qualities and do not point out their bad ones. It is a very small world out here and you could come in contact with them again and you do want to act profesisonal, honest and with integrity.
Patti
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