I am in the same boat...
Posted By: Lynn on 2006-01-09
In Reply to: Cost of going digital - LooLoo
Hello
I am currently in the process of getting my 2 local physicians up and running with digital. I bought them each an Olympus DSS 330 hand-held recorder (do an internet search for cheapest price, like with Nex-Tag). The software is very easy to use, and it's easy to transfer the files onto the computer. I then bought space on CryptoHeaven, which encrypts the files and enables me to transfer files to and from the physicians. I only need the smallest amount of space, which costs 2.49/month. This way the office can upload the files or email them to me through the email accounts that CryptoHeaven provides. This is the cheapest way I have found. The only down side for me is that I have dialup. If your physicians have dialup, then this will be a big draw back, as it took me about 30 minutes to email or upload one of the audio files. This is just one of many ways to go. I also looked into DocShuttle, but it is way more than I need and too expensive, as I do this just on the side. If you find a cheaper, easier way, please let me know. Good luck. Email me with any further questions. Lynn 
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If we are in the same boat so are all the other MTs so I think we should really do something about
this because us coming on here wont solve the problem although it is nice to know the game they are playing. What is the old saying, you name the game and I can play it too. Nice to know the game is being played on everyone so they dont said it is ONLY YOU. Please if anyone knows what to do let me know or come on here and let us know.
I'm in the same boat as you are.
I'm the same age, in the same field, and most likely looking forward to the same prospect. I guess the only difference is that I prefer to have a positive outlook. I'm not dead, not without education, and not without skills. Although I don't want to have to find another job before I retire, I will IF I have to, and I'm confident that I will be able to. I wasn't trying to blame anybody. I was just trying to insert a little humor in an otherwise depressing post about an issue over which we have little control. I understand the need to talk about it, but sometimes there is just as much need to just realize we can't do anything about it and then move on, laugh about the absurd, and notice the things we DO have. The joke just seemed to fit under the other post where someone else was kidding about Bush having it out for everyone. Maybe had I signed it "Kanye West" it wouldn't have gone over your head.
I'm in the same boat
Just curious is this person located in California?
in the same boat, except for
Around 15K in debt, gross 40k a year, rent going up in a couple months, all this buzz around me about houses, tired of being stuck in an apartment, living check to check. BUT...I have been payng off debt to a tune of 5k or so a year, or under, and am looking into the prospect of getting a roommate. To me, I must be absolutely out of debt and in a secure job (MT not too secure right now) before I take on a mortgage. You said you have a renter? Why dont you go for the house and have your bro sign something, for financial reasons, so he sticks around and pays you monthly, cut back anywhere if you can, and continue to pay off debt while you're in your new house?
same boat here
I have 25+ years experience, do mostly OPs and always get the ESL accounts. What are these companies going to do in a few years when the seasoned pros are out of the business and none of the newbies can transcribe these accounts because they never had to learn them? I get paid the same as the other people but get the crap account because I can produce and understand the worst, I have seriously thought of leaving the MT profession just for this reason.
I am in the same boat, but (sm)
I am still using Verizon. When I signed up, they told me it was okay to use for transcription, not a problem, but nonetheless, I am very worried right now. I think I need to look for a new job. As it is now, I hate to even dial in to get work. How long did you use it before you got nailed?
In the same boat.
I bought Medispell, but is not quite as good as the Stedman's. Guess I will make do for awhile. Could not find Stedman's on E-bay at the time. I would also love to be able to load it on two computers.
I was in the same boat --
I worked on site at a hospital and new management was horrible. We were to "exhaust all avenues" before leaving a blank. That included calling the doctor's office which was absolutately ridiculous. You can be on hold for 10 minutes or more before they pick up the line to see what you want. When trying to explain why certain ESLs took so long to type ---- they didn't want to hear it. They were getting rid of MTs that had been doing this at the same location for 10+ years. I finally got fed up and told them .... "talk to the butt." The bennies aren't great at home and the pay isn't either, but I certainly feel better about my job and myself! Good Luck.
was in same boat sm
You can deduct health insurance premiums, equipment, depreciation of same, cell phone, internet, etc. I ended up having to pay over $3000 and am now an employee. I don't know how they do it either.
Same boat
But I tried doing MT on the side and at 10 cpl typing I am making less. You see, when you are QA, for me anyway, it often means you do the same with typing as you do with QA and try to make it perfect and you can't make any money that way. When someone consistently types 300 lph that's usually where you see all the mistakes. JMO.
same boat here
curious what posts you get.
I am in the same boat
as you. Feels good to hear an honest opinion about rates, I likewise have over 20 years experience and am still making per hour as I am per line as I did 10 years ago...but I stay with it as going back to school for a rewarding career at almost 50 does not exactly excite me.
in the same boat
I was always a shy person, and now have developed social anxiety disorder, which I think has a lot to do with working at home and not having anybody to socialize with. I think you lose your ability to socialize. It's hard to make friends when you hardly ever leave the house. When I do get a chance to socialize I feel like a total spaz. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of working at home.
In the same boat...
Both of my accounts have been extra busy the last 2 weeks and are asking us to work extra this week. I have so much work to do, I will be up all night tonight to try to get caught up. I am awaiting the week of New Years as I am taking Monday and Tuesday off and am going to enjoy a 4-day weekend. At this point, I really need it!
I'm in the same boat. here's what I'd do...
My MTSO is wanting to retire and me take over for her within a year or so. My ONLY reservation is that I have two young kids and enjoy weekends and a vacation every year. She hasn't taken any more than a long weekend in the 10 years I've worked for her. My plan is to have a reliable, quality backup IC that maybe we can trade vacation time. Even in the event of a family emergency, I don't think it's smart to not have someone dependable ready to go in a crunch, and it's just not smart business to think you can go forever and not take a break. Anyone is going to get burned out. Other IC's in different fields get to take vacations, why shouldn't we? I think the key is being prepared and realistic that emergencies are going to come up, computers are going to crash, parents/children/we are going to have medical issues, etc., and having someone ready and willing to step in is a good plan. Good luck!
we are in the same boat!
Wow---so you can definitely relate! My decision to be an MT was also related to his career because he moved us here to Florida, which is not where I want to be and I knew that with my flexibility as an MT I could travel to see my family and still work if my job required it. It is not as easy to ask for time off on a traditional job. I feel that for the sacrifices I have made due to his career, I deserve to have the career of my choice and not have it criticized! We do not have kids, but I still need the flexibility.
Your posts have lifted my spirits---Thanks!
Same boat
I am in the same boat you are in, with supervisory position history. I do not know what to do either. I will wait along with you and see what advise we get.
Same boat
I want to get a full time job which would pay more money than my MT job. Unfortunately, my 6-year-old hates camp (tried it last year and he refused to go). The other option is to get a full time baby sitter. You just have to be careful that you are not paying the baby sitter more than what you make! I've been lucky and pay mine $5.00 an hour, but I've known other moms who have to pay $10 an hour. By the time I pay for gas and clothes for a nice job and a babysitter, I might as well just stay at home and make less as an MT.
I'm in the same boat as you s/m
I lived in an area that did not offer DSL or cable. I had satellite through Dish, but they didn't offer satellite internet either. I had to move in town temporarily where I'm able to get DSL, but I'll be moving back out to my old place soon.
I worked for MQ on DocQScribe for years without any problems on dial-up. I did have to tell my internet provider not to boot me off if I appeared idle or was on the internet for hours because I was working.
I applied for several jobs since moving into town. During the interview process, I always explained that while I had DSL now, I would not have it available after moving back to my home. Most of them were unsure if dial-up would work. When I explained that I had no problems with DocQScribe on it, they were fine with dial-up. Some even went on to say that they thought they still had a couple of employees on dial-up (now that I mentioned it). They were, however, careful to mention that I may experience problems with getting dropped by my internet and that their program may run a little slower. I told them that was no problem for me.
I also looked into a few other options. There are some things like cards available to plug into your computer. I think they're a little pricy - but it may be worth it in the long run. There's also Hugo satellite, which I think is about $60 a month. I'm sure if you research a little more, you can find these and other options. I always felt like helpless in this situation, too, but we do have options. I wish I could tell you more about these, but I'm not that much of a techno girl. You should be able to find something in the archives - maybe just searching the word dialup. Good luck.
In the same boat
Maybe we have the same company. I have been with a new company for 6 weeks, and I have tech troubles, can't hear certain files, not having enough work to get good at any one account... its seriously frustrating. I have almost 10 years experience, and its frustrating when it happens, no matter how much experience you have. I do agree that you need to give it a little more time. And I think talking to your supervisor. There must be someone at your job that can help you sort this all out.
Same boat as you
I, too, am getitng back into the field after being out of it for 4.5 years (having transcribed for 7 years). I was just hired for PT with Medware and I'm hoping things will go well. I know it may take quite an adjustment for me to get back into the swing of things, but I'm hoping and praying for the best. I went to school to be a respiratory therapist and that's what I've been doing for the last 5.5 years, so I'll keep doing that one day a week. I hope things work out for you and things get a bit easier and more productive. Good luck!
in the same boat as you...
I am also in college right now for another profession altogether that I know will not pay me anywhere near what I make right now as a transcriptionist, but I am so burned out and want to do something new, I am not caring. I figure I can come home and work an hour or 2 a day or maybe even 1 weekend day and make up the pay difference until I can get some experience and time in my new field to get my pay up.
Do you mind my asking what you are studying?
Same boat here
wouldn't it be nice to at least get a message telling you to not bother trying to work?
same boat
my company has done this too. information is slowly starting to trickle in. still doesn't say anything about pay or if we are guaranteed a position with them though. have you heard anything else?
Same boat as you...sm
Over the last 6 weeks, my take-home pay has totalled about $650.00! I'm not a high line producer but do manage to make my required line count (when the work is available). That $650.00 for the 6 weeks is a couple hundred less than I used to routinely clear every 2 weeks.
The way I figure it, I'm in the red by nearly $2000.00 at this point and I'm not sure it's going to get better any time soon. Again, all you get is platitudes from management. I'll bet their paychecks haven't taken a hit.
I work on 16-20 different accounts and, still, there is little-to-no work. My supervisor gives the same excuses you mentioned in your post. My company doesn't outsource, so I can't blame that.
Either way, I'm down by
In the same boat...sm
I am experiencing the same thing you are. I have been with this company since August 07 and I love the account I work on. It is really all I have ever done. I started MTing in May 07. This company too has ups and downs but here lately it is just downs. I mean the work is slim pickings. I too wondered if it was due to overhiring but then some other MTs are having the same problem. I have been looking on the job board too but I also do not do acute care. I would but nobody will hire you without exp. I do clinic work. Specializing in general surgery clinic. I have applied some places just on their website and heard nothing. I don't know what to do either.
I am in the same boat.
You are not alone. I have been looking for a new position since December 10th and applied to several companies. I have 5 years of acute care experience at a local hospital near my home. I have certificates in medical transcription and an associates degree. I have not heard anything from anyone. I have taken test after test. It is frustrating. It is starting to get tight financially with my family as well due to this. I will be praying for you and your situation.
Jessica
In same boat and don't know what to do. sm
I applied for disability last year when I broke my wrist and was denied. Appealed it once and was denied. I have such excruciating pain in my shoulders, elbows and especially wrists and elbows, it takes me 7-8 hours to type 700 lines, if I make it that long. I also suffer from depression and EXTREME burnout (note my name LOL!). I would love to take a LOA but am my sole support. I just don't know what to do.  I've been an MT for 33 years and don't know how to do anything else.
Same boat
I receive feedback via email. There's one QA who is constantly sending me nit-picky feedback, which I place in a folder that I might read someday. It's usually nitpicky stuff which reflects her own style, not any format requirement by the client, and it just serves to irritate me. I have been told not to respond to her email feedback at the risk of wasting her time!!! So, I just ignore her emails until I feel ready to deal with them. In the meantime, I have provided my mighty jack telephone number to her, a phone that is only turned on during work hours, for her to use whenever she has something really important to share.
I am in the same boat, and the one thing
I have gained from my search of the archives here is don't quit the old job until you are up and running with the new job and even then you might want to try to swing both for a while, just in case.
Whatever floats your boat . . . but, try
not to mention that on you resume/application if you're looking for a new job . . . just in case someone has a problem with it. Our company would never hire you, but I'm sure there are plenty of places who would. 00<<<<~~~~insert rolling eyes emoticon here.
In the same boat if it helps...sm
It is a whole new ballgame out here finding an MT job... I could have written your post... same story. If you find something good, better stay put!!
I am kind of in the same boat as you..sm
My husband was the manager at a furniture store and made good money but he just quit to take over an irrigation business for a year and then buy it. I am making more money right now but within in the next couple months he will for sure make more.
I was in the same boat a couple
years ago. There is just so much you can deduct in paper, pens, etc., including electricity and on and on. I decided to change companies and go to an employee status. This way I don't have to worry about deductions for SS, taxes, etc. Good luck and I hope things work out for you.
I was sort of in the same boat
My mom's doc told her in 1996 that she had "a touch of emphysema, nothing to worry about." (He was a lousy doctor but I didn't realize it then).
She had lived in a trailer on our property rent free for 10 years independently before this happened, then she got the shingles, "most severe case I've ever seen," was hospitalized for 2 weeks and went downhill after that. I moved her in with us as she developed macular degeneration, plus she was almost deaf.
The last straw came when she was walking through the hallway and her legs went out from under her. She broke her hip and walked on it like that for 2 weeks. I quit my job to stay home with her after that. She spent 2 wks in a hospital and 6 wks rigorous PT in a nursing home, then came back home. I did everything for her. She even gained weight, went up to 96 pounds (4'11"). She also came on on oxygen because of her "touch of emphysema" which turned into full blown COPD.
She then got pneumonia, was hospitalized, and then started to develop memory loss. Her macular degeneration got worse and she couldn't tell day from night and sometimes, her biological clock would get mixed up and she'd be waking me up at 11 p.m. thinking it was 7 am. She loved to read but couldn't do it anymore. My son gave her his large screen TV so she could at least see that, but she couldn't hear without the sound being turned up LOUD.
After 3 years, she was almost bedridden. Her bedroom was next to my office and I had a bell that she would ring if she needed me.
I had a nurses' aide come in every day for 1 hour a day to bathe her and give her breathing treatments. That was all Senior Services could do for her because of her limited SS income.
In the meantime, I got a job through my former hospital working for them at home after she broke her hip. .I also worked full time 1 job, and had a couple small accounts, took care of her bills and checking account, our three accounts (both self-employed).
We had a lot of friends that would come over on the weekends but where was I? In the house working and taking care of her. I never left the house for those 4 years except to do grocery shopping...and it was never more than 1 hour so the nurses' aide would be with her while I was gone.
She broke her other hip in January 2000. I spent every day in the hospital with her, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn't stay the night because this hospital wasn't set up for that and I couldn't afford it anyway. I knew she wasn't going to make it this time and 2 weeks after celebrating her 79th birthday, she was gone.
Anyway, I feel for you and know what you are going through with the exception of 1 thing....I have no siblings. Hang in there and keep doing what you are doing. You'll never regret it. Three people know you're the right person. You, your mother, and God. Forgive your uncouth (sic) siblings...and if you get mad enough, tell the one that keeps winning the money to hand some over for a change. He might surprise you. Heck, he may not even know the problems you're having. You should tell him.
But in the meantime, just keep taking care of, and loving, your mother for as long as you can...and don't forget to tell her you love her all the time, too.
We're in the same boat.
I've even explained the obvious one-sidedness and how it hurt me, all to no avail. There are just some folks who don't realize or care how they treat people, including family members. In my case, others notice it and advise me to "tell her off," but at what expense, not being able to see my nieces anymore because she gets offended? So, I continue to be used (the primary problem) and figure I know in my heart that I'm doing the right thing.
I think there are many others in this kind of relationship due to different personality types.
Was in same boat in Jan of this year
First of all, make sure you get your certificate of creditable coverage from your old insurer so you won't be subject to the ol' preexisting conditions clause with your new insurer.
Are you on meds? Fortunately metformin is quite cheap as far as meds go and seems to be the first line treatment.
I had a random BG in January of 341 and couldn't believe it, which is how I got dx'd. It scared the living daylights out of me. I threw out all the junk and high-carb food in the house, found low-cal/carb meals I could live with, added some movement/exercise, replaced my recreational eating with housework and yardwork, and have lost 40+ pounds thus far. By April, I was off the metformin and I now have nondiabetic numbers, as well as substantially reduced cholesterol, but I still watch my carbs carefully, although I can have the occasional treat. I spent a lot of time reading labels and comparing foods at the store to come up with low-carb versions of my favorite foods. I bought some small weights & a couple of Richard Simmons DVDs and do them every day.
The ADA website has a good message board and info.
You will be surprised how much energy you will have once you get your BG under control. Good luck.
I think many of us are in the same slug boat.
I am in EXACTLY the same boat you are in, Patti...
...same derm office for 14 years, have been doing everything digitally for the last 5, now they are going to EMR. I have been offered a job in the office, but I really love MT and want to continue. But where to start? There are fewer and fewer jobs out there, and none of them are derm. I don't even know where to start looking for my own accounts, and the money will not be anywhere near what I am being paid (and I also get benefits). I am so bummed.
Same boat here, emailed you. You know there is something sm
to hide if MTs weren't notified about this. Sad we hear about it from other outside sources rather than our own company. I always tell my children if I hear of something they did wrong, I darn better hear it out of their mouth's first! No loyalty here. Guess it is back to the job board for me.
Exact same boat for me 2 !!! nm
x
I was in teh same boat as you. I researched
and found Humana One, $193 a month for myself and 2 children. Covers rx, and 2 office visits. You can find inexpensive coverage out there until your insurance kicks in.
I was in the same boat about 2 months ago
I work for a large MTSO with very little flexibility and was looking for IC. I found a company with great pay and flexibility. Here's what I learned from my experience:
1. Don't tell co #1 you're trying out a new job.
2. Don't tell co #2 you're just trying them out.
3. Don't quit co #1 until you're sure about co #2.
Some suggestions:
Find out what your training period will be with the new company. Many companies have you on full QA for anywhere from 1-2 days to 1-2 weeks. They usually have a maximum # of reports you can type that during QA. You won't be making much during that time and should be able to work co #1 as you were before.
Once you know when your training period will be over, plan to start cutting your hours gradually with co #1 as you increase your time with co #2. If you have PTO with co #1, you may want to start using it to help offset your pay as you decrease your hours with them.
I think it really takes a good month or 2 to know how you feel about a new company. Don't make any decisions in haste. You don't need to tell either company about the other until you've made a decision and even then I'm not sure I would tell co #1 you're leaving them for someone else. Mgmt doesn't call you and give you a heads-up if they're laying people off, cutting hours/work, losing accounts, etc. I'm not saying to quit cold turkey on someone - just that your reasons are your business - not theirs. The only time I would tell a company why I was leaving is if I were hoping they could remedy the problem. Otherwise, no way.
Good luck in your decision.
I'm in the same boat sorta (sm)
I was going to go back to school but realized that by the time I finished another degree (2-3 years) I'd be competing with 25 year olds and I'd be 50. I love MT, love working at home and am trying to rebuild my client base after some relocations which is hard and expensive. Meanwhile I have taken some work with a MTSO but it's not enough to pay the bills.
However, I'm not ready to pull the plug yet and work outside the home but if I was, I'd love to be a florist or a photographer, neither of which I have any formal training for, so I stick with MT for now.
Have you checked Yahoo Jobs? Googled "career interest survey"? I took one of those and it gave me a range of potential jobs. How about starting a home-based secretarial service that isn't strictly medical?
What are YOU interested in? Make a list of things you might like and you might be surprised at what kinds of jobs are available. Unless you're in a small rural area like I am that is but I'm sure you'll come up with something. I'd love to hear what you do decide! :)
Sinking boat together?
Speak for yourself because I have finally reached the point, thank goodness, that if transcription stopped dead in its tracks tomorrow I would be getting in more a month then than what I am actually making now at my job. Leaving to me is an option now whereas in the past I could not say that.
I was in the same boat, but found out
I could use Word 2002. Found a company by googling Word 2002.
In a Similar Boat
I homeschooled my oldest 2 kids and raised multiples to age 5 while also MT'ing from home over the course of about 18 years. It can be done, even though I'm well aware I'm setting myself up to be flame-bait by admitting that I did it and did BOTH MT'ing and homeschooling well. However, I did the MT through all that because we desperately needed my income. If we hadn't needed my income for FOOD and basic necessities of life, I would have quit working in a heartbeat! I actually did have to quit for a few years for health issues, and we did survive those years, but it wasn't pretty. Anyway, I digress...
The MT industry has changed quite a bit since you left. The words are mostly the same except for the drugs and some of the equipment. That's not what I'm talking about. What has changed is the level of respect that our employers have for what we do, and our relative payscale compared to 10 years ago, and not in a good way.
I am returning to college myself in August, going to be continuing to MT through it because we still need the $$, AND one of my younger kids is going to be homeschooled next school year. It's going to be an absolutely crazy life, but I don't want to be an MT when I'm 50, which is why I'm going back to school. I'll be in my mid40's or almost 50 when I'm done with college and hopefully law school. Even if I don't ever get to work in a different field, I WANT that education.
If I were you (which I'm not), and I didn't have to work, I would wholeheartedly pursue my passion(s).
Find your passion, and you won't be wondering if 50 is too old to start over!
Good luck!
Same boat here, same floating turds (sm)
You are not alone. What really ticks me off is to wade through one piece of crap after another and then all of a sudden you get "no job found". Someone was skimming the cream even as you were cleaning up the feces.
I hope those "prima donna transcriptionsts" eventually get what is coming to them.
Guess we're in the same boat
Where are you? I'm wondering if this is nationwide? You have to already be in the "system" to volunteer? How much talent does it take, for Pete sake, to sort stuff and load trucks? But....oh well...we'll keep trying I guess.
I was in the same boat until I threw a $ amount at him.
Then he said, "What are you talking to me for? Get back to work!" 
I understand. Been in same boat. I ended up
trying to do the 2 jobs for a few years - IC and employee, and absolutely burned myself out. I sold out and stuck with the employee position. I don't regret it in the big picture, but I sure do miss my freedom. That hurts so much that I am basically dead emotionally regarding my JOB. Its now a job. But I just was not finding the security at IC positions and was afraid. I'm getting older and can't mess around with companies going under and the like. Once I did finally give up the second job as IC, though, it did take away lots of pressure, and I realized how hard I had been working doing the 2 jobs. So, I am an employee and probably safe, but I feel sad. Its a corny comparison, but I feel like one of those wild mustangs who was free, but now is saddle broke and in a corral.............Neigh. Neigh
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