I do give a discount - some ideas
Posted By: Patti on 2006-12-15
In Reply to: Billing questions for MTSOs..SM - AzMT
I do give a discount and my accounts pay usually the next day and in one account the doctor actually writes the check to me. I would call back and talk again with her explaining that you are a small business and need to have a check by a certain time in order to pay your mortgage, etc. Ask if you submit them the invoice by the 25th to 27th if you can count on a check by the 1st or if you submit on the 1st you can have a check by the 5th. So if you need your check by the 1st, I would give them the invoice by the 25th to 27th depending on what day of the week it is and put a note on it stating "per our conversation payment is due to me no later than the 30th." or whatever date you agree upon. I have found that offices do not like bi-monthly billings and like to pay only once a month. I have 4 accounts for invoicing and payment by the 1st and 2 for the 15th and payment by the 18th so I have cash flow throughout the month. But try talking to them as people and see if it works.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I agree with you. Why would we give a discount for being paid what
we're legitimately owed? Some businesses do it to encourage prompt payment, though.
Do you give a discount for standard procedure notes? SM
I have an account who asked me to provide them with a form that could use for standard outpatient procedure notes. I personally feel that there are too many variations for them to use one paper form and offered for me to do it for them at a discount since almost the entire thing would be a standard that I don't have to type in its entirety. This account is a great account and I figured it isn't a big deal say to chage 25 cents instead of a $1 (example) for the form since I only have to type a couple letters to pull up the form and insert any changes.
I really don't know the easiest way to keep track of this discount or what amount to discount. Any ideas? I'd rather see me getting a small amount for doing the form then to get nothing for them using a paper form. Plus, the account is newer to me and I thought it might look like a plus for me to offer them a discount and to make their life easier by not having to dictate the entire note.
Thoughts...ideas??? TIA
A good tax guy can help with taxes and give ideas on deductions. His fee is a
:}
Discount
Yeah, it is a discount plan, which means no pre-existing conditions, no claim forms. I didn't sign up for the medical part of it, which is available here in Tennessee. I just signed up to get the dental benefits. I needed a lot of work done on my teeth (3 crowns, 1 filling, a bridge, and a root canal) and it has saved me a ton of money using AmeriPlan.
I mainly just wanted to make people aware, especially Transcriptionist like myself, that if you don't have insurance, this could be an option. Or if you do have insurance, you could still use it and save even more money.
Discount
If you go to the link I posted it says in big letters that it is not insurance, that it is a discount program. I'm not trying to fool anyone. I signed up for it myself through my father-in-law. It may not be available in all states. You can go to www.ameriplanusa.com or www.ameriplanhealth.com to find a provider near you. I live in Tennesse and have a regular dentist that accepts it and my husband and son go to an eye doctor that accepts it.
Discount
You don't have to give me your email address.
Here's the website, go check it out for yourself. I am a member myself, but somebody has got to sell it, right? It really is a good benefit.
www.everyonebenefits.com/BradfordInc
Thanks.
Discount -from below
I charge a decent price, I make VERY good money, have had my accounts for 5 to 18+ years, have never had a bounced check, am always paid within 48 hours of receipt of invoice,they NEVER question my line counts so if it costs me 1% per month - to me it is worth it. They also give me free medical care, medication samples which more than makes up for the small discount that I give. So though many of you disagree - it works for me. I can pay my bills on time because I can COUNT on the checks to pay them. No hassle at all. I get it back in different ways. One antibotic prescription per year makes up for it.
I wouldn't discount sm
on-line dating but there are so many weirdos out there these days that I would be EXTREMELY careful and follow all the precautions that have ever been written on the subject. In addition to meeting in a public place, hopefully with someone with you, I would be extremely careful that I wasn't being followed when I left the date. From what I've read many, if not most, of the mass murderers came across as being very nice guys but then you really don't know anyone when you first meet them no matter where you meet them. I recall at least one of the infamous mass murderers was well-educated, well-liked and apparently well-respected in his community. I don't think I would ever go for the internet dating myself but apparently there are quite a few people who have been successful in finding their mate that way; I just don't happen to know any personally. I don't think probably it would be any worse than any other way of meeting people, you'd have probably a 50/50 chance of meeting someone you would want to spend your life with and a 50/50 chance is about the best we're gonna get in this life no matter what we're gambling on; we only have a 50/50 chance of making it through this day.
They probably got a discount since they are outdated.
CMT (Indian MTs have discount)
Sadly, I am slowly moving from lower middle class to poverty level since pay cuts as a full-time MT.
After numerous requests for some kind of help toward paying for the certification, I am told by AHDI (AAMT) discounts are not even being considered in the near future.
With the future so bleak for the future of MT, I am not sure why I should put out all that money. I am bringing home less than $300/week after taxes and health care...? How do I justify the $287 or so cost, when I have my utilities threatened to be shut off every other month for simply just not having the money...
For me, I do not have a partner who supports me. Am I the only one in this boat?
go with a discount plan, sm
you can use YOUR dentist, not just anyone on a list - ask at your dentist's office what discount plans they accept and look them up on the web. just like insurance, they all cover differently. Similar, tho.
the main reason I went this way is because there is no hot-shot company of office workers on the other side of the country playing doctor and denying claims. They are doing that more often in these days. I was shocked when it happened to me with a cracked tooth - then EVERYONE told me they went through the same thing with their companies.
you don't need any suprises like that - to the tune of thousands of dollars.
Don't discount ops. That's how I make my big production. SM
There are SO many phrases you can shortcut. They're all the same! I insist on working where I only type ops.
So do you think gas stations should discount gas for us pumping our own gas?
I'd rather scan and bag items I am purchasing, folding them the way I want to and separating them then pump gas out in the cold with the smell of gasoline on my hands.
Not to discount your fear right now, but didn't her doc
advise her that the risks involved with surgery would include perforation of organs, and other complications, including death. Medicine is unfortunately an inexact science, and doctors are, after all, only human. May not be a clear cut case of malpractice, may "merely" be an unfortunate complication.
I've seen many people rush into a lawsuit, only to have their lives and money consumed by them, to find out they don't understand legal concept of malpractice and even if malpractice, if the insurance company has a better lawyer, you can lose anyway.
For now, I would focus my energy on praying rather than suing...
Students get a hefty discount
If you're in continuing education, could you still call yourself a student? I don't know, but when I bought it, I just had to tell them I was a student and I got a discount.
Discount - sorry long message
I do offer my docs a 1% discount if they pay within 3 days and especially if their account does go over $1000 I get my check the next day. One of my newest accounts did not apply their discount to their second bill and I was told "You work hard, the work is returned on time, good quality, Dr. C______ is not the easiest person to work for and I did not take off your discount because you deserve every penny of your invoice." He is a dermatologist, has lots of Op notes, good gross line count and he is really not that hard to do, lots of shortcuts but he does have an irritating habit of clearing his throat about every 5th line but you get used to it. But again I have been luck, all accounts pay within 3 days at the longest, never a bounced check and never a question on my line counts. But along my 15 to 18 years of doing this, I have had my share of poor ones but for the past 7-8 years I cannot complain. I have older docs who will probably retire in the next 10 years but then so will I. They are stand alone, 1-2 in a practice and so don't know if they will ever go EMR or even digital but will continue as I have. The accounts are out there you just have to look and perhaps go through several before you find one that appreciates you.
Your personal creditors may not discount amounts due, but
commercial entities often do. In doing the books for numerous local businesses, I was required to pay ASAP to take advantage of discounts. For example, "terms 2/10 net 30" means you get a 2% discount if you pay within 10 days, otherwise, it's the full (net) amount due within 30 days to avoid a late charge.
U.S. offers them medical school at a discount
if they remain in the country and practice in out of the way places for a period of time before returning to their country or to a higher wage earning position within the medical establishment.
J &R Electronics discount 83.00 with free shipping. sm
Not a bad deal. just wondering about quality with just voice and not music.
I have a 100% discount for you. Don't take the test! It's worthless as is the association be
Check with college, sometimes you can get a student discount for a laptop....nm
xx
I would not offer a discount. You have to create and then edit each report--sm
to make it patient-specific and that will take time. It will also be hard to keep separate which reports were edited and which one was not.
Once you start lowering your cost, this will not be the only thing they will want a discount for. I do not think it will be a plus for you and in the end you could be doing yourself a disservice in the future when you need to raise your rate.
I must comment: You do know Indian MTs get a huge discount on the cost, right? Do
you think that is going to come up and bite us some day. The association seems intent on making this a standard, that everyone should have the certification, and they are certifying foreign MTs way more than American...
What are they up to with that?
I got a discount by joining a study group...I think they still offer that. nm
;)
that doesn't sound like insurance, sounds like a discount plan:
x
The girl was 13, the rapist a distant relative they took in. Give money, give food and your time, b
you don't put your family at risk by taking in strangers. That's just plain foolish. There were over 3300 registered sex offenders in NO. Where are they now. In your community? Perhaps in your house? Good luck.
oh our lovely government does give illegals medicaid, foodstamps, and housing so in term we give tha
i have been through some rough times lately and had to apply for some help. there are signs, big signs, all over our offices saying "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LEGAL TO GET HELP". so we and our government do give them our benefits whether they are legal here or not. now that is messed up. i am helping to support them so they can take away my jobs and i can't even support my kids and yes i get benefits, wow $75 a month in food stamps which lasts not even a week in a household of 6. don't get me wrong, i am thankful for any help at the moment, but i get penalized for trying to work my tail off and still can't survive.
there was recently an article in our local newspaper where one of our local school districts tried to charge $1000 a year for each illegal student enrolled. it was bulked and the illegals got a lawyer to sue for discrimination. the school district merely stated that they had to HIRE extra teachers that could speak the foreign language just to teach these children and were trying to offset some of the expenses. ridicilous!! so again our taxpayers money is paying to educate illegals as well.
Aw come one give her a break. She said she was sorry and is willing to refund. Give her a chance to
do what is right. If she fails to do what is right, then go about this in an adult way and not act like such a child. "you suck" That is so immature.
She is responding to you and you are eating her alive. Why would she put herself out there to be treated like this if she didnt mean it.
I am really astonished at how people can act on here. Would you treat people like this in person? If you do, I cant imagine you having very many friends.
Remember we are all "HUMAN."
A simple google search will give you your answer...I'd give you the answer,
but how would that help you learn to research on your own...and I'm in a rush to get to the next post. 
Tell him you'll give him your macros if he'll give you his Lexus, his ski cabin, and (nm)
;p
Any ideas?
 I'm beginning my carreer as a medical Transcriptionist - which is best Expander program, are there any good ones lower priced?? anyone know if there's a free trial with any of these programs?
Some Ideas - sm
First, keep a list of each job # you do...this is useful in case there is a dispute or lost work. Also, if you later need to request a copy, you can ask your QA dept by job #.
Second, your question: I do about 20 reports a day for around 750 lines. It takes me anywhere from 4 to 10 hours. :( New accounts are really slowing me down lately.
HTH!
Try these ideas.
I picked up an exercise bike at a yard sale for $1 and a mini trampoline for $5. Whenever I need a break to recharge, I get on the bike or trampoline for 5-10 minutes. They say that little spurts of exercise throughout the day are as effective as exercising all at once. Plus, it'll help clear your lungs out. Another thing to try is to just step outside for a moment and take some really deep breaths of fresh air in. You used to inhale deeply with smoking, so now you inhale deeply without the carcinogens. You can also try yoga or tai chi. Very calming on the nerves. I also switched to herbal tea, so I'll take a break and fill up my little teapot for one. Replace your bad habit with a good habit. Just don't replace smoking with eating. If you need the hand to mouth thing, try air popped popcorn, cut up fruit or vegetables, a small amount of nuts or seeds, or hot peppers. I keep a jar of Bit o' Honey and fireball candies on my desk, so I'll have one of those a day.
It's important to reward yourself, so take the money you would ordinarily have spent on cigarettes and get something for yourself. I like to buy books, bubble bath, stinky candles, mocha lattes, restaurant gift certificates. You can also put the money you're saving into a big jar to watch it add up for a BIG reward. I saved enough to buy a dishwasher, which is kind of silly for a reward, but I really wanted one.
thank you both for the ideas
nm
several ideas on where to go
Number one was psychology, but that will take too long, going part time, and knowing in the next five years MT'ing might not exist. You need a bachelor's to get foot in the door. I wish they had schooling completely on line for this degree, but they do not.
Second is something with cooking. Would like to work with people on diet and weight loss, since it is the way i've lived my own life for years and I believe strongly in it. The chef/cook field is predominantly male, so it will be hard to get a foot in the door there. I can be a certified dietician all on line within a year, but the pay isn't all that good.
Ultimate goal would be a personal chef or working for myself doing SOMETHING. I think thats everyones dream.
all these ideas
are right up my alley of interest. I have a community college in my area that offers a certificate in cooking. I've sent away for the packet, and I feel this is the direction I want to take, since I actually enjoy cooking and working with food. I'm just in a premid life crisis. Thanks for your advice, i'm glad I posted today.
Some ideas....sm
For the business expense part I would buy a printer that uses a different ink cartridge than what you have now. The best one you can afford. I would tell them that my home printer won't handle that much printing (they might even be able to get you a good deal on one from their supplier). In the meantime I would go to Kinkos or printer and have them print the reports and SHRINK WRAP or package the bill with the reports while you are waiting on your new printer. javascript:editor_insertHTML('text',' ');
Thanks for the ideas.
I do have that book and an equipment book as well. Thanks for the idea I will ask and see if they let me.
:)
The ideas seem to be getting better and better, lol--SM
I like the sticker--I could certainly give a quick glance. But the bead of glue or "diamond" ideas sound even better, as I won't have to even look/glance to check and correct my hand position Thanks--you're some resourceful ladies and I was drawing a complete blank on such a simple annoyance, lol
Two ideas
My daughter LOVES trains, and you can find scenic train trips all over. We did one in Romney, WV that was just wonderful. The train was called Potomoc Eagle, and we did see bald eagles on our trip.
Not sure where you are in WV, but what about Hershey, PA? Probably not the cheapest vacation, but lots to do. Besides HersheyPark itself (very kid friendly) there is a zoo, a garden and more. I'm sure there are packages available.
I'm anxious to see what others come up with too. We are in PA and looking for some close trips as well. Which beach do you go to? We found a beautiful not-so-commercial beach at Lewes, DE last year and can't wait to go back!
Good luck with your planning!
Thanks for your ideas! (s/m)
I really appreciate your taking the time to answer my post and give your input. I already know that I will have signed on for real at a new job before I ever walk out the door at my present one. And although I want SO badly to tell them to "take their job and shove it", I guess I have to not burn my bridges, either, just in case. I had thought about doing some part time work, but I'm usually so burned out at the end of the week that I don't know if I could do that or not. I run around like crazy on Saturdays, just trying to do all the household chores, shopping, etc. that doesn't get done during the week.
I seriously considered training for another career about 10 years ago, when we were told our jobs would "be taken over by VR" eventually. But I got into MT because I don't fit well into most other professions. I've had a couple of my own businesses. Too much worry and having to be available 24-7. I've gotten lazy in that respect. The same with going back to school. I'm just hoping I can keep on scratching out a living with what I know how to do, until I have enough saved to at least retire to part-time work to supplement my 401K & whatever Social Security is still left in 2025. So, I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Some ideas
All teachers don't come out of the same mold, but my friend who is a teacher says the best gift she can receive is a gift card from a grocery store. She likes all gift cards, but it's easier to use the grocery store ones. We all have to eat!! An Amazon.com gift card is also good.
Her second favorite is homemade cookies or other edible products.
Trinkets and personal gifts are great, but she says she remembers students by their personal qualities (or lack thereof lol) more than any personal gift.
Good luck!
Thanks for all your ideas !!
We have decided to make a picture collage of the puppies that survived and "mom and dad", and include it with a basket of goodies that can be eaten while on the run with an assortment of coffees, teas, individual bottles of flavored water, etc.
Although we wanted something unique, the goodie basket seemed to be at the top of everyone's list... so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Again, thanks for all the help.
Thanks for the ideas!
I think some of these might get me arrested, but they are good ideas! Hubby would love them! I am going to take my special chocolate chip cookies to the airport for him to eat in the car. I will give him a kiss and a big welcome home card too. Thanks to you all! :-) Just 1 week to go now!
Some ideas...
I'm in the same boat, but decided to get over it as July has come and is on its way out and the work is still very skimpy. Fortunately, my rent isn't due until the middle of the month and I'll figure something out about the rest of the bills even if it means getting reaaal good at Ebay.
Some suggestions:
--Check the local temp agencies, perhaps they have something, med. transcription or not, that might be available to help tide you over.
--Consider hiring on with another "back up". That's not being disloyal. It's being smart and sane. What good are you getting frustrated, upset, being tense about where the rent's coming from if not your current employer? What good are you to your family who is depending on you or your employer if you're all out on the street?
--Whether you tell your employer what you're doing (to literally keep yourself afloat) or not is up to you and depends very much on your relationship. Think this particular over very, very carefullly regardless of how much better it might make you feel regarding loyalty.
Hang on, hang in. We've both no other choice. We'll get through this.
Need some ideas
A friend of mine has throat cancer and is undergoing radiation. His throat hurts and he has no teeth and I am trying to come up with some high calorie food for him to eat, he says he can't taste much and has been doing milk shakes and mashed patotoes, any other ideas. Really need to be high calorie because he does not want to have a PEG and if he can keep up his weight and still swallow then he won't have to have one. Thanks for any suggestions
Some Ideas for You RE: LX-219
First, sorry about the funny way my answer is formatted below, I'm no good in this little box.
Are you dialing into a Lanier system? LX-219 and other Lanier equipment only works with Lanier.
Ranzy Luster in Texas fixed my LX-219 with large display for a flat rate of $100, gave a 90-day warrantee with the repair. He sometimes advertises on the MT Daily site. He has been around a long time. His phone number is 254-235-3241 and his e-mail is rluster@transcribe solutions.com. I felt he treated me very well and he was fast. I should say if the large display is not working, I don't believe he works on that, but if you can see anything in the large display, I believe he will work on it. Ask him.
Look in your User Guide for the LX-219 and try performing the call-echo-cancel sequence. If you are calling into a Lanier system, then it is not recognizing your machine. Lanier machines send a proprietary tone in to connect with the host modem.
Sometimes the phone is set for dictate instead of transcribe. You can try this: Press *99 (that's star-99) then the 1 key
If set for transcription it will say 20 through 39.
My old Lanier service tech said he always used 20 as his default when setting machines for transcription mode.
When you dial into Lanier, the LX-219 must be programmed with YOUR ID number. So, program one key with the number you are dialing, then another key with your ID.
You can test how this works by dialing the phone manually, touching all the buttons just like the regular phone, then input your ID number, the system should recognize you.
I haven't used my LX-219 machines in a long time, I use a Lanier TXC card to download large amounts of dictation to a sound card in my computer, but the above were some hints I wrote for myself in the handbook for the LX-219 a couple of years ago.
Is your C-phone located near any other equipment? That can cause static. Move it away by itself.
I hope something here helps. Give Ranzy a try. He might have some suggestions for you.
Some ideas
Grilled cajun chicken or shrimp over Caesar salad. Marinated steak over salad. Marinated chicken or shrimp kabobs. Italian sausage kabobs with peppers and onions and cherry tomatoes. A crustless quiche. Shrimp scampi. Tasty veggies..brocolli with cheese sauce, cauliflower with cream sauce, glazed carrots. Cole Slaw. Stacked thin burger patties filled with layers of swiss cheese, mushrooms, onions, or whatever you like. I find if it's tasty or fun to eat you don't miss the carbs as much ;)
Any ideas
Sorry, this is kind of long, but I would appreciate any advice/comments.
Back in May I was contacted by someone to whom I had sent my resume several months prior. She asked if I would be interested in some part-time work, and I said that I was. She had no idea how much or what time of day, etc.
Well, it turned out to be quite a bit of work, and I wound up calling her and letting her know that it was too much, as she would ride me about turnaround time when I had let her know that I already had almost full-time work prior to accepting her part-time deal. She did have another girl working on the account, but her work needed to be edited (fully to voice), and she asked that I hang in there while she found someone else, which I did, and she went through about three other girls. During this time she would hit me with sometimes 2+ hours of dictation out of the blue, and there would be many days with nothing at all. I had actually been hoping to still get daily work, but just a reduced amount from what it had been, and was still hoping that is how it would go once she was able to find someone else to share the load.
Anyway, about a week ago I received an e-mail from her that she no longer had the account, and here is where my question comes in . . . I really liked doing this dictation, and am interested in trying to obtain the account for myself, but they are in a different state from me. Since she has lost the account, I do not feel that it would be stealing, but obviously they must have had a replacement transcriptionist/service prior to telling her they would no longer need her services, so I am wondering how long I should wait and what approach I should take . . . should I call them, or perhaps mail something, or even call and try to get an e-mail address??? I was not told what the reason is that they no longer use her services either, by the way, and as far as having said what I did about it being too much work, I would give up something else to have this account if I could get it, but at the time I told her it was too much I had not decided that. I had been considering proposing just that to her, for a negotiated higher wage, but then she lost the account.
What would you guys do?
TIA for opinions/ideas!
Thanks for the ideas!
I am also really, really tired of being strapped to my seat, working my buns off for 9 cents a line, having nearly no communication by the company I work for (oh, unless they need a STAT done and then they are all over me to take it!), and just generally being a really small fish in a vast sea of transcriptionists, which they seem to cycle through on a regular basis when people either cannot handle the rotten accounts or cannot meet their line quota. I have done this for 7 years and am about worn out, which I never thought I would say because I do enjoy the work itself. It is being switched around on accounts all the time that is really killing me. It is like starting over again and again and again...Yep, cleaning houses is sounding pretty good right about now!
Here's some ideas ...
MQ pays 80% of your MT base rate. If you make 8 cpl MTing, you'll make 6.4 cpl MEing. If you make 9 cpl MTing, you'll make 7.2 cpl MEing. If you make 10 cpl MTing, you'll make 8 cpl MEing. They pay the most for VR work.
I'm not sure about Spheris.
The other smaller companies pay 50% of the base rate.
|
