I am an experienced transcriptionist, and have no more need sm

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I truly love interviewing with these companies, then trying not to spew coffee out my nose at the line rates offered.  Some of those rates were even for IC with no benefits or tax withholding.  I'm about ready to quit MT and let them offshore because rates have dropped so much since I started.  It's wonderful being offered the same rate to do ESLs and upper level work as what I made 10 years ago as a newbie.  It's getting to the point where you can't make a decent, honest living anywhere any more.

Dear MT Pundit,

Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts about experienced vs. new MTs.  I think you're right-on.  I see myself in the set-in-my-ways attitude sometimes.  I'm not speaking for anyone else, of course.  I can only speak for myself.  Change isn't easy for me, but I've tried very hard to adapt and think I'm doing okay.  This industry is changing fast and furiously, and if I want to stay in it, then I need to be able to go with the flow.  Otherwise, my job may well end up in India. 

I am an experienced Transcriptionist but I have always worked as an employee.  I now have the opportunity to pick up a side account as an IC. 

I really need some help and guidance on how to create a contract and what needs to be in that contract.  Can someone please give me some advice?

Thanks In Advance!!

I have been doing this for 15 years.  Did my time in the office before going home and still learning every day. 

I feel that I am above average at what I do, in the past 11 years on my current job, not one QA audit below 98%.  I also have a 2nd job to make ends meet and in the past year, my monthly QA audits have been above 99%, twice at 100%.  The 2nd job is OPs only and paid less than the 1st job. 

I work a schedule at both!  I do not complain and take pride in what I do.  Of course I look things up.  I do not abuse QA.

Thanks for you advice about trying to find a job like yours that never posts ads because no one leaves.  That should help a fellow MT find a home. 

that was an ad in the job seeker's board.  UN-freakin' believable.

This is a new account and we're still on dial-up, and don't have the help function.  I have 2 questions:  1) How can you bring a normal you have made for yourself into the document without having to go through the entire list?  2) How can you stop an expansion from expanding on a 1-time basis.  Let's say you have PT as prothrombin time, but you need just "PT" -- how could you get it to stop at PT?  Many thanks! 

Do those of you who have been at this awhile (but not burnt out) feel that MTing becomes more enjoyable as time goes on?

I am still pretty green at this and am hoping as I gain more experience and knowledge it will become more pleasurable and less wearing.

What has your experience been? 

She wants to study at home, but I went to college for it like 15 years ago.  I don't know anything about computer courses or whatever.  I don't just want to "google" it.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks. 

Jodi 

Hi all, I am wanting to get some advice here.  I work at home for a 270 bed acute care hospital and have a minimum of 5000 lines per two week pay period requirement to maintain insurance.  I also work as an IC for a psychiatrist doing progress notes on tapes that they aren't in any real hurry about (usually pick up tapes twice a week) and then work part-time for a national company.  I just was called to do transcription for a neurological group that has three physicians.  They have basically told me to set my price as they are unhappy with the person doing it right now and are looking for someone else.  When do you know you have reached your limit or do you just try it for a while?  Also, I have a friend who is wanting to do some work on the side, but I am not sure how to go about doing this (paying, taxes, etc).  Any help here would be appreciated.  What do others in this situation do?  Thanks

Tami

You know you are a Transcriptionist when...you tell your four year old daughter to get ready to go to bed and she looks up at your from her favorite toy (an old keyboard) and says "Let me finish my report first.  "

I have been an oncology Transcriptionist for over 6 years and getting a little bored with it, so was contemplating doing ER.  Can any of you ER pros tell me what you like about it or don't like about it.  Is it difficult to learn the lingo and get the lines you need to produce?  Any info is appreciated.

Thanks for your input.

  I may have commented on this before, but now my boss wants me to handle it in a different way, and I am not sure if it's the right way to go. 

One of my docs makes up his own words.  He will often say that the results of a test are "equivocable".  We know that's not a word.  I can't just substitute in "equivocal" or "unequivocal" because this is a verbatim account.  My boss used to tell me to just make a note in my log, which is sent with my work, that the doc had used that word.  I liked that, because it provided documentation with the file (of which I retain a copy) that while the doctor may not know that's not a real word, *I* do and I am just typing what he's saying. 

Now my boss has asked me to leave that off the log because it is annoying the doctor.  I totally understand her point, because we know how snotty docs can be.  Lord forbid anyone point out that they're wrong about anything, or the world might spin off its axis.  But I am not sure... 

Do I need something on my log so that I can prove that it isn't my mistake being made?  Is it okay since my boss knows that and the doctor should know his own non-word since he's the one who made it up in the first place? 

I am probably worrying about nothing, but just thought I would see what you wiser, more experienced MTs were thinking. 

I would love to have some tips to help with the transition.   My shift will be from 8pm to 4am (I am west coast time so three hours difference from where the company is) three consectutive nights a week. 

Many friends have told me I'm nuts, but my hubby will be working on the days I am sleeping, no kids at home anymore and we live in the sticks, so no one just drops by! 

Any good or bad feedback appreciated!

My mother-in-law owns her own business and I'm an IC for her along with two other companies.  She just lost a pretty good size account to India.  In the last two months, she has had two phone calls from offices inquiring about her transcription.  They were referred by word of mouth from other doctors.  In the past 20 years that my MIL has been doing this accounts have always been dropped into her lap (so to speak) and there was no effort involved on her part.  I keep strongly encouraging her to follow up with the doctor or office manager and then drop by with some samples of work and just to introduce herself.  I feel that she is not aggressive enough and has lost two accounts due to this.  It could be rates too I'm not totally sure.

Let me give you the scenerio from the last couple days.  Two days ago the doctor herself called and spoke to my MIL.  Unfortunately, her grandson was screaming in the background, but besides that the conversation went well.  The doc is very behind and needs someone right away.  My MIL called yesterday to fu and the doctor was with a patient but the woman on the phone sounded glad to hear from her.  There was no return call yesteray and my MIL feels she should drop it that she didn't get the account.  I feel she should go to the office this morning and introduce herself and bring a few samples of her work and even pick up the tapes if it were to go that well.

I need help convincing her to follow through with this.  Over the last 20 years things have changed and that MTSOs need to be a little more aggressive or the accounts will go to the next MTSO that is. 

Please give me some ideas that I can share with her.  Thanks so much!

I need two MTs, clinic work, each for an average 500 to 1000 lines a day Monday through Friday, but usually around 700 to 800 lines.  Would like MTs who are really experienced and can turn in work ready to go to the client.  If interested, email me and we can discuss the work, pay, etc.

MUST have C-phone and you could start as early as Monday if you like!

Sorry, but that needed to be said again - for all you MTSO's out there reading these boards, who think it's good business to keep losing top-notch MTs due to dismal pay rates, and simply replacing them with less-experienced (or worse, OFFSHORE) workers, here's a news flash:  

A seasoned MT in your employ is a money-maker for you, and they should be paid closer to 15-18 cpl to START... not the lousy 7-8 cpl peanuts you're so callously throwing at them. The people who are sending you dictation are for the most part huge, wealthy establishments that can afford to pay a premium price for the premium quality transcription and "I-want-it-yesterday" turnaround-time they're demanding from you.

So please grow a spine, and charge them for what you're MT service is really WORTH.  Don't sell yourselves (and ultimately your MTs) short by always having to bring in the lowest bid for an account.  You might just see more high-quality accounts, and less of the *garbage*.   And then, try paying your MTs who are lining your pockets with money a fair wage with decent benefits, and see how many more of them will stick with you instead of constantly changing jobs in search of one that pays.  Not only would it be the right thing to do morally, but it would be a better for business in the long-run.