I used to be tied to it when I first started at home. sm
Posted By: omt on 2006-02-06
In Reply to: For those who work from home.. - SM
When I first started at home I was like, "this is way tooooooo cool." I can get back to some jobs later. Then later became later or I was up with the sun, etc.
It took me some time (over a year) but I've figured out what works for me. I usually start at 7:00 a.m. and finish by 2:30 p.m. when the bus arrives from school. If I get lazy and read the paper in the morning, I work 8:00 to 3:30 or whatever. Tonight I have had the occasional evening shift because my daughter needed help on her project for school
Other than that, I usually leave my computer unless I go on in the evening to check my email before I go to bed.
I realized my computer doesn't yell at me loud enough to pound on the keyboard for another hour to make an extra $15 or $20. Now if I were getting double time, this computer would be on all night. Like that's ever going to happen.
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I think it is tied into working at home and not exercising the gray matter, except for MT stuff.
:
Any ideas on a letter to possible clients to get started at home? sm
I am wanting to gain some clients in my hometown to do their transcription. I was trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Should I type up a fancy letter telling them a bit about myself, experience, and rate range of what I should charge? What could I say or do to make it REALLY stand-out? Any ideas on fees? I am looking for a monthly charge and I know it depends on the amount of work to be done, picking up, dropping off, use of my paper, etc....PlEASE any and all info wil be helpful!
3 since November 2006 when I started at-home transcription nm
nm
I started too but home office got moved to bedroom. sm.
Now have to use earphones when husband is sleeping. I actually prefer the earphones just because my speakers weren't the best but it worked well the other way too.
Been at home for over a year now and I switched to night shift. I work for a national. Started out
working the night shift and sleeping in shifts during the day. My kids are way older but that doesn't mean they don't interrupt me. Besides, there the phone issue, more interruptions, the dogs bothered me a lot, too. Love them dearly but, oh so spoiled. It was taking me 10 hours to do what I can do in 8 on nights, plus I manage to get more sleep, if you can believe that. I still get supper on the table, vacuum, laundry, etc. So far it is working pretty good, so I think I will put in for permanent night hours for awhile. No sense in working 10 when I can work 8.
I have 13 years experience and just started a hospital job working from home making $16 an hour
and with a really good incentive plan. I live in the Kansas City area. $10 seems like a low starting point even with only two years experience which is the usual benchmark for hospital MT jobs.
It's been my experience that the low end of the pay scale for hospital employed MTs was around $12 an hour. Also, it's been my experience that the pay offered is usually based on years of experience and how well you perform on the transcription test.
I would say if their pay is that low, they should at least be making it up with incentive and it doesn't sound like they are.
JMO
When the kids started school I wanted a job in my home town. A hospital clerk position (sm)
came open. You started compiling charts, making copies, etc. Then I was promoted after a few months and began learning transcription and did that part of the day. Then a few months later they taught me coding and abstracting and I did that part of the day. It was a great learning experience to learn things from the bottom up. Needless to say, I am an old dog here who has been doing this more than 25 years now.
When the kids started school I wanted a job in my home town. A hospital clerk position (sm)
came open. You started compiling charts, making copies, etc. Then I was promoted after a few months and began learning transcription and did that part of the day. Then a few months later they taught me coding and abstracting and I did that part of the day. It was a great learning experience to learn things from the bottom up. Needless to say, I am an old dog here who has been doing this more than 25 years now.
What is there to be tongue tied about?
I told you what I have a problem with.
tied to my chair
Has anyone ever heard of a type of treadmill that fits under the desk that you can use? I don't need to use my footpedal much and need to burn SOMETHING while I work....someone mentioned that they heard of this at a Weight Watcher's meeting..thanks~
You can't leave out the part where you are TIED DOWN to the work and can't take off.
x
I find it totally disgusting that benefits are tied in to production.
xx
VERY hard to get - a few companies have rad tied up pretty tight. The hospital I work for sm
will not even look at a new company for radiology. The TAT is too tight, the IS issues complex, and the radiologists do not want to have to proof their reports. You would be better off with medical records or small offices to start to build your size and reputation.
tongue tied doc -- The neck was drepped and praped in sterile fashion . . . thought you guys could
use a laugh!
My kids have suffered greatly from me working at home with them home. SM
I have been working at home as an MT since my two kids were born. They are now 4 and 5. In the first few years, I had no help whatsoever. Their father was a bum who didnt work or take care of them while I worked. Your children get neglected while you work basically. And babies and young children desperately need your attention while they are home with you.
My kids have so many behavioral problems right now because of their neglect. I would try to set them up with things to occupy themselves, like coloring or a movie, etc.
I finally put them in day care and things have improved, but there are still a lot of issues because of the damage that was done. They still try to seek attention by doing bad things and they dont listen to me because they are so used to me letting them get away with a lot of stuff because I was too busy typing to discipline them in their early years.
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely have put them into day care from the very beginning.
My advice would be to seek PT care for your baby. Maybe you can do some work around her schedule a little when she is home, like when she takes a nap, and then bang out a bunch of work while she is in day care.
I enjoy being alone at home, but I've got one home sick from school already.
One on one with a kid is nice, too.
This summer has been absolutely crazy. I haven't had a moment to myself for three months because all of my kids were home traipsing their friends through the house and yard. My husband switched his work schedule, too, so he's around more than usual. However, I like not having to do two loads of dishes and four loads of laundry a day. There are no toys or clutter dragged out everywhere. I can clean the house first thing in the morning, and it stays clean until everyone gets home at night.
I even got to relax with a cup of coffee and watch TV for half an hour this morning, something I liked for a change instead of cartoons or kids' movies. I signed up for an online class that I've been wanting to take. I can exercise without being interrupted. Yesterday, I went to the mall and spent all my saved up gift cards. I got some clothes, books, bath stuff, and a new coffee mug. My work gets done a lot faster, too. Call me nuts, but I've never had the luxury of being alone in the house for 14 years. It's kinda nice. I love my family with all my heart, but I love having a few hours to myself each week, too.
Except now the cat and dogs have been acting weird since the kids went back to school. They must think that I need someone or something to clean up after and correct behavior on. They're getting into everything and racing around the house behind me.
my take is that she worked inhouse, not at home, and now wants to find out how to work at home. nm
x
Forget "per line." Your take-home pay should be taking home SM
roughly what it was before. If it is not, is it because your current pay rate for editing (which in many companies keeps changing as the VR system is developed) is too low or is it because your talents and skills are more for speed typing than speed editing?
If the first, discuss it with higherups, and go get a new job if you don't get the response you need. My last MTSO was secretly refiguring how production was counted to pay us less. I can accept hard reality, it was the secrecy that burned. Sometimes, though, it's just that the learning curves of individual editors and that of the system aren't in sync, and you end up temporarily making less.
If the second, though, recognize it as soon as possible and change to straight transcription work, in your company or a new one, for as long as you can find it.
As for why we aren't paid more for a higher skill, that's just the way the labor supply ball bounces. Best wishes.
I think she means she has wireless TO her home, not IN her home..nm
x
hospital at-home -vs- national at home
I have an interview today with a hospital...work in-house for 3 months, then go home, paid on production. I don't know as of yet what they pay production, so my question is to anyone who works for a hospital at home AND has also worked for a national at home...
Which would be the best to choose? The hospital offers great benefits, but the national I work for now also has benefits, not as good as the hospital, though. Any input would be most appreciated!
Ditto for me. Have done both outside the home and in the home. We all have
bad days, but I sure would not want to trade working at home for anything. Just being here for my kids is worth every bad day!
getting started
If you live in southern CA, on the job seeker board Chronicle Transcripts is hiring newbies. I used to be a lead transcriptionist for them when they were located in my town. Nice people and you will get very good training from them. What I have found is the smaller trans companies usually are willing to take in trainees or medical trans school graduates. Also, the federal govt and state govt have medical transcriptionists..You can check about testing with the govt. Good luck!
I have a BSN and started doing
MT due to the world's most complicated pregnancies - just couldn't be on my feet. At first, the $$ wasn't so great - impossible to transcribe much with a baby in the house. Every year tho I have made more than the year before. My boys are now 8 and 12 - summers are difficult but not impossible. I periodically look into going back into nursing, but the hassles it would entail just aren't worth the $$. I work about 5 hours a day and will end up making around $28 K this year.
I am 33 now and started at age
/
It's already started here.
Gas prices are up, groceries are up, other supplies are up. My brother is in construction and said that materials and wood prices have doubled in the past week. Our income is maybe half what it was just over a year ago because we've both changed jobs or had contracts end on us. We've had a lot of unexpected expenses recently that cleaned out all of our savings. Christmas is coming. School just started so we had to buy clothes and supplies there. I'm half-panicked here trying to find a better paying job than what I have now. I just really can't take a lot of time off for testing or post my resume because my current employer will know I'm looking for another job. Then again, I don't even know if it's possible for me to make more money at MT than I am now. I still don't see how people can do 250+ lph or make $30+ per hour. What do they have that I don't? Length at employment? More word Expander entries? A better account and platform?
when i started doing ASR
mgmt told me that 'down the road' there would be 'adjustments' in the pay for ASR, after people were well-trained and productive on it. I later opted out -- didn't like it at all. HOWEVER, if it is in fact so much quicker (as it was said to be) for the MT to do those reports, then it stands to reason that you would not be paid the same at the same rate as someone transcribing a report from scratch. I don't see what the problem is about the purported pay reduction. Just consider what you've been getting as 'gravy' and what you will be getting as fair. Then again, if you don't want to do ASR, then opt out.
Also just started with them...
:)
You started it now !!
nm
I just started a new job.
I was hoping this would be THE job. I told myself that this is the very last MT company I will try to work for. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing the same things at this company that I quit other nationals for. I don't know what to do. I'm tired of job hunting, learning new platforms, and trying to adjust to multiple account specs. I'm tired of being told that "we're different" or "we are the best" only to find that it's no different or better. I don't know if I should stick this one out in the hopes that it will get better or go get a job as a waitress. This really stinks with Christmas coming and bills to pay. I really wanted this to work. What else is there for me, though? I don't want to go back to the fulltime, nose to the grindstone, kids in daycare garbage. I really enjoy MT, too.
Started at 4:00 a.m.
Delivered newspapers, did MT for 4 hours, went out for a few last minute things, went grocery shopping, finished wrapping presents, finished crocheting my new grandson's baby blanket, cleaned the kitchen did the dishes and looked after my 2-year-old terror twin granddaughters for 2 hours before I finally called my daughter at 6:00 p.m. and said, "COME AND GET THEM."
I love them dearly, but they are 175% wired with the whole Christmas thing and I am just getting over the flu.
I know, I know. . . .I'm TYPE A all the way.
I can't believe I've made it this late. I'm going night night. 
Started out....
I started out with MT on a selectric II. We used carbon paper for copies and no more than 2 corrections were allowed per page (original was corrected with white out, the rest had to be erased with that special little typewriter eraser). I learned very quickly to be accurate and proofread as I transcribed.
We also had no Stedman's word books in those days - just Dorlands, a little red book called Surgical Secretary or something like that, Tessier's, and a couple of others - about 5 or 6 books in total.
We used to call pharmacies to ask for spelling of new drugs, called Surgery and Central Supply for spelling of new equipment, new dressings, etc.
I worked in a large teaching hospital. We had access to the doctors and more than 1 time I had an MD standing behind me looking over my shoulder while I typed his report!
STARTED OUT THE OLD WAY
I also took typing on a manual and one of my first jobs was transcribing in pathology with 5 carbon copies - yikes. I like my computer and so does my wrists.
To get started...
$450 bucks will get you everything you need to get started. Here is the item:
Transcription Kit.
That transcription kit comes with the digital recorder you can give to your client, and for you-all the software, foot pedal and the headset. That will be enough to get you on your feet on your own.
My dog started doing this (sm)
and I took him in for a UA. Two days into the script he stopped!
Sure, it's possible. We all started somewhere. sm
Get hold of some practice dictations, and then dive in! If you have the proper references and good skills to begin with, you'll do fine. Go for it!
Re: Getting started
I am a 12-year claims examiner veteran. I am wanting to cross-over into the home Medical transcriptionists field. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get started; what test to take to be recognized; and how long will it take? please let me know. thank you in advance for your input.
RE: Getting started
Do you have the website address for MT? Thanks
I just started as an IC and get
7.5 cents a gross line for transcription and 4.5 cents a gross line on QA. Can anyone let me know how that compares? I have not done this before so I don't know.
oh please do not get me started....SM
I'm not going to get into it.......that's for sure. Suffice to say he idolizes his dad who emphatically states in his late 80s that the holocaust never happened.
Yeah, right.....don't get me started......I'll hush for now!
where it started
http://forum.mtstars.com/main/v/1/62435.html
I was 26 when I started...
started at 6 - now 10:30
1568 so far and two tapes left to do before noon.
getting started
Can any one give me advice on how to get started doing medical transcription on-line? I have been working for a group of local physicians and have decided to change the way the keep their charts. They are actually going back to hand writting some of their abnormals. They have a 2 sided form with review of systems, physical exam, assessment/plan and they just check the approrpiate boxes and write in the abnromal findings. I see a lot of companies offering transcription being done on-line, but I have no idea how to do this since I have always used a micro cassette recorder.
Thank you,
Cheryl
How much do I need to buy to get started as an MT?
I am just getting started as an MT; and have been hired by a MT agency. I have no experience as an MT but worked in surgery about 20 years ago (!) and have worked as medical secretary too. The company is telling me I have to purchase the transcription machine and about 4 reference books with software, I purchased new office furniture, and need to purchase a new computer because I don't want to use the same computer my kids use! Is this the norm to have to purchase so much out of pocket? The company provides no benefits, pays no taxes, but gives me work at 7 cents a line. Is it normal to spend so much $ to get started?
getting started
Thank you for your positive reply! Did you see the reply from Gloria? Please read it and tell me what you think of it. She has a much more dismal outlook. I appreciate all of your opinions.
getting started as an MT
When you say a background in English, are you referring to something more than high school and college english, writing classes? I always did very well in English. I also took medical terminology, of course, got an A, and am certified as a nurse's aide. I worked in surgery for four years as a medical secretary typing surgical reports and entering them into the computer, as well as scheduling and typing the surgical schedule daily. I've worked in a psychiatrist office as well. The Medical Transcription agency here tested all of the applicants, and I was the only one with no experience that they hired, because I aced the test. So I guess that I thought that starting out with an agency that is willing to train me is worth the trade off of the low pay. I will be an IC, so after a while, can branch out and make more $. Do you still think I have no business getting started in this business? I do appreciate your advice!
Don't get me started
One of the doctors - American MD - I transcribe for regularly says "tender to palpitation." I used to have an ARNP who said "libidio." And I just LOVE it when they do me the favor of spelling something -- I've already typed it, doc, thanks so much -- and then they wildly MISspell it.
Did one 13-minute (but only 40-line) dictation today from this ESL doc who had the hardest time pronounding "fluoxetine." Can't tell you how long it took me to figure out that's what he was saying... but I finally did... then on about the 5th or 6th time he's struggling thru this word, he says "just go back and change those all to Prozac, it's easier."
This started out as low pay for VR, my
post was telling how much you can make. You and I both probably have more training than she does- but anyone can rake in the money- we were not talking about having your own accts- I just posted because she does and I would be willing to say in a day she probably brings in more than you and the post above you- I know she would me- I could care less about $$$$ - don’t want to kill myself- VR easy- easy money- I like it but a lot of people think because of the low line pay, you cannot make anything and I would be willing to say probably most working for nationals not averaging 20 something an hour.
This just started when you got the Wii? - sm
We have had a Wii for 4 months and I use a wireless USB modem and have not had any trouble with being on-line while they play. There is a signal that is sent from the Wii to the TV and the antenae that comes with the Wii; are you close to it or your wireless hub close to it. I just have my one thing, no wireless network in the house so that may be why I don't have an issue. You should probably call Nintendo and see what they say you can do to fix your situation.
I need some help getting started
Any advice on how to get started on this online transcription? I just finished my externship at surgeons office, mostly gastroenterology and do not have a clue as to how to get noticed for a job.
Any suggestions will help, thanks.
Anna M.
This biz started being like that when SM
they had tons (still do) of the mommy MTs who were dying to work from home for a pittance, as long as they had nicey-nice people to deal with. They are hypersensitive to any correction of their work and work mainly for pin money. They have husbands who provide benefits and REAL income. The rest of us suffer for that.
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