In regard to the below topic concerning pay rates...
Posted By: Curious MT on 2009-05-22
In Reply to:
Does anyone else find it odd that the very select few of highly paid MTs, (making between 12 - 17 cpl) are bold enough to write a post stating outright how much they make and how much they are worth. But when questioned over and over about who these companies are that pay so well, no one volunteers even one name.
This bothers me for two reasons.
1) We're in a recession and many of your fellow MTs are struggling to feed their families and would benefit greatly from the same opportunity.
2) None of you are making these insane line rates and likely are just bored out of your mind because you are actually unemployed, which would explain why you have so much time to come here and fabricate things to post about.
No offense to anyone, but I find it incredibly frustrating to read your posts just to have my questions to you blatantly ignored. If you aren't bold enough to answer, just have the common courtesy to say so. I hope I'm dead wrong, but whether I am or not, the result is the same because none of you have the nads to speak up and give us some names! If you aren't going to share information and make a difference, why bother?
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
Has anyone kept a list of line rates, report rates, benefits, etc for sm
the different companies out there? I feel lost and confused. It seems like everything is changing daily, and I am not being organized enough to keep up. I am about to actively look for full time employment again but if there was a list, I would be able to sort through a lot more quickly.
Can anyone help? I am going to start keeping a chart myself in case anyone needs this in the future.
Line rates in the Northeast - can anyone advise as to what the going rates are in the NE part of the
country? Specifically Connecticut. I want to make sure I am on target here. Thanks.
Regard or regards?
Dear Dr. X
I am writing you in regards/regard to John Smith
Regard/regards
It would be in regard to.
I have been instructed that regards is only used for things such as "best regards", etc. Hope this helps.
Not in that regard - SM
I'm allowed to correct for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc., especially with the ESLs. I keep such "fiddling" to an absolute minimum to achieve a clear dictation and otherwise it's verbatim or blanked.
Willing to what? Have no regard for the people
"below" them who help keep their practices going or for the transcriptionists listening to their lousy dictation skills. While I may not have chosen to be a physician, I work just as hard to make my money as they do (probably harder), do a good job, I might add, and still have to listen to mushmouthed, letsseehowmanywordsicansaybeforeistoptotakeabreath, or just rude and inconsiderate physicians who don't care how the folks who keep them going feel. Sorry, just had to vent, because while there are some very pleasant physicians, most that I have met are incredibly arrogant people.
In regard to OH LORD
Per administrator you need to show some kindness to the new MTs. I doubt you yourself were so wonderful when you first started out. Try to remember we are all HUMAN and we all error at some point in our lives.
Yeah..I know what you mean in that regard--sm
I have transcribed dictations by doctors who have been intoxicated at the time of dictation, done at 5 in the morning and he is in surgery by 7 in the morning. This really scares me. I have also done dictations by doctors who are felons. Physicians used to be highly respected and were above reproach. I wonder now about that, too. Ethics seems to have flown out the window these days. These are just my experiences and my opinions. I am not saying that ALL doctors are this way, but the few make it bad for the majority.
Oh believe I have no problems in this regard.
And then proceed to post the line rate as if some MTSO will pay a sub 14 cpl. No need to be defensive unless of course you're feeling the need to be bashing like our first post was intended to do. 
You are absolutely right in this regard.
I've been in this field for 20 some years and I have my own accounts by the physicians asking me personally from being on site and seeing how fast I type.
Unless you have connections, it's pretty hard to start your own business and offer up your services for cheaper than a national can. Also, you would have to be flexible and have a call in system, do tapes, go digital, etc., etc. especially in this day and age.
I agree with this above poster; it's not so easy these days.
I consider myself very lucky in this regard
No, my hands do not hurt and this is 8 hours straight. Most of this is VR now (appx 95% of the day) but some straight. Before VR I typed over 2000 per 8 hour period for, hmmm for the past 20+ years. I know people who have had real problems with so much typing but so far, so good here.
In regard to your comment
"Are you so desperate to improve your looks?" - I am not the original poster and don't know anything about the lifestyle lift.
I had commented on my sister's face lift (not a lifestyle lift) which makes her look 15 years younger (but still like herself). She also changed her hairstyle at that time, so I think that's what people attribute to her looking so great for her age. She did not have the type of sutures you are referring to.
The reason I started to think you might think there is actually is plastic involved because you made some comment regarding it falling apart (or something of that nature).
It's great you would never do it. It would be nice if no one had anything done ... then we all wouldn't have to be compared to those who have!
I must tell you though, you really are quite charming.
Be very careful with regard to this company. nm.
nm.
You have GOT to be talking about Transcend. What a MESS in that regard!
I threw in the towel after a few months, and regret that I waited that long. What a waste of my precious time! It was such a giant step for me back in time having to shuffle thru reams of paper, and most of which make no sense at all - no rhyme or reason to 50 pages of random rules, each and every silly report that pops into my computer. Uggghhh. It NEVER got better - actually worse when changes came in nearly daily and the whole mess was jumbled around again, with my highlighting and hints obsolete! I heard other parts of Transcend under different supervisors went smoothly, but the different accounts I tried were all the pits!! Forget about transcribing! Had to go thru hurdles to get there!
How can you feel loyalty to a company that so clearly has no regard for a large portion of its MTs.
;O
LAW WITH REGARD TO UNPAID TRAINING, UNPAID WAIT TIME, DOWNTIME, ETC.
I was doing some research and just thought I would share it here.
----------
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Employment-Law-924/2008/3/unpaid-training.htm
Question
I'm a part time security officer. The contract is changing hands where i work (large corporate facility)...the location stays the same but a new company takes over the new contract next week. The incoming company has advised everyone that they must attend a mandatory unpaid training class. Is this legal?
Answer
Expert: Shirley McAllister, CPP, PHR
Date: 3/28/2008
Subject: unpaid training
It is not legal.
Here is the ruling from the Department of Labor Website at
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs22.pdf
Lectures, Meetings and Training Programs: Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time only if four criteria are met, namely: it is outside normal hours, it is voluntary, not job related, and no other work is concurrently performed.
Since the meetings are not voluntary you must be paid to attend them.
FURTHER:
29 CFR 785.27 - General.
Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time if the following four criteria are met:
(a) Attendance is outside of the employee's regular working hours;
(b) Attendance is in fact voluntary;
(c) The course, lecture, or meeting is not directly related to the employee's job; and
(d) The employee does not perform any productive work during such attendance.
IF THE ABOVE 4 CRITERIA ARE NOT MET, THEN THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE PAID FOR THE TRAINING/MEETING TIME.
29 CFR 785.28 - Involuntary attendance.
Attendance is not voluntary, of course, if it is required by the employer. It is not voluntary in fact if the employee is given to understand or led to believe that his present working conditions or the continuance of his employment would be adversely affected by nonattendance.
__________________
ICs and unpaid trainings:
http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59022
----------------
FURTHER
(FROM http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/hoursworked/screen1d.asp)
Waiting for Work
Time which an employee is required to be at work or allowed to work for his or her employer is hours worked. A person hired to do nothing or to do nothing but wait for something to do or something to happen is still working. The Supreme Court has stated that employees subject to the FLSA must be paid for all the time spent in "physical or mental exertion (whether burdensome or not) controlled or required by the employer and pursued necessarily and primarily for the benefit of the employer of his business."
Place of Work
Hours worked include all the time during which an employee is required or allowed to perform work for an employer, regardless of where the work is done, whether on the employer’s premises, at a designated work place, at home or at some other location.
------------
DOL.GOV, WAGE AND HOUR OFFICES:
Having trouble finding your answer on our website?
Call the Wage and Hour Division’s toll-free help line:
1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
TTY: 1-877-889-5627
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
With regard to Jester's Touch. Ms. Jester contacted me via email
this morning to announce that she has "been told to cease any other communications" with MTStars. As well, she has told a tissue of lies regarding the labor board denying Ms. Latta's case. I have learned this morning that the case has NOT been denied and is still being processed.
On the topic.......
I would certainly hope that any woman, young or old, has the common sense to wear what is most attractive on her. Of course, that doesn't always happen, but ya can't lump any group together by age, etc., and say that one particular style won't look good on all women in that particular group. We're all unique and what may look fine on you will look like hell on me. Or vice versa.
I'm a size 1-2-3, depending, and even though I'm almost 48, I do have to do most of my clothes shopping in juniors. Not all, mind you, but the majority. I hate to admit it, but I own shorts from the girls' rack (size 12). I also work out on a daily basis and have my natural brown hair. The makeup I own could be stored in a single small Glad bag with room left over. I wanted to switch from bikinis to one-pieces this summer, but friends told me that I would be crazy to do so.
I wonder......are you talking about someone like me?
Please think before ya post; you just might offend someone. :)
Off the topic but really need help with my dog. sm
My 7-month old little cocker was neutered on Friday. Overall, he is doing good, eating fine, drinking fine, up and around and in generally good spirits. The only thing we have had to do is give him Benadryl and 1/2 aspirin three times a day to keep his agitation level down since he was extremely off the wall the first 36 hours. He has one of those clear lampshade collars. Now, my question is, I would like to take the collar off since he can't scratch his ears or play with his toys-and he does love his toys. How on earth do I keep him from licking the surgical site? Does anyone have any good ideas? The aspirin is helping, but he still wants to lick. My son told me he used lots of vaseline with red pepper mixed in for his dog, but I'm afraid to try that. My luck he would get it in his eyes or in his sutures. I had a female years ago that was spayed, but never had a ounce of problems. She didn't lick once.
off topic...
I would say there is no such thing as "Somewhat unfaithful." That is like being a "little pregnant." SO, first just say it - your husband was unfaithful and you worked through it.
No, you do not have a right to feel angry and betrayed by your mother-in-law. You did not marry her nor she you. The 2 of you did not exchange vows. You have a right to feel hurt that she's having a relationship with the other woman and not you, but who she communicates with is her business. Now you know, mom-in-law is NOT your friend. Most mothers-in-law are not friends with their son's wives, so join the club.
You say your marriage is now stronger than ever - that's where your focus should be, not on your mother-in-law. Be cordial with her, but she's given you evidence of her true colors and you should not take her into your confidence again.
There is never a topic here (sm)
As far as comfort goes, I think it is great. If the frame would make it higher, then that would be good for an older person as they would probably have a problem getting down on the floor. (I know )
Along the same topic as below...
What do you find makes a man sexy? Is it his eyes? his smile? his ruggedness? his sensitivity? Or is it all of the above?
For me, it's all of the above. I love a rough and rugged man, not a sissy man that's afraid of getting his hands dirty! Deep eyes that can see right through you...a smile that still looks like a child...and sensitive enough to cry over The Notebook...
Hey, that describes my husband to a T!!! Woohoo lucky me!!! 
Off topic, but why...
did you take the "O" out of God? Just curious...odd to me that you would do that...no flame here, just an honest-to-goodness curiosity question
Trying to keep this topic near the top! sm
I wanted to do some research on the stuff we're discussing (offshoring), but unfortunately I cannot find recent information. I googled "bills to stop offshorting" and came up with this article:
Markey Introduces Bill to Block Offshoring of Consumers' Personal Data
WASHINGTON, DC -- May 13, 2004 -- Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Co-Chair of the Congressional Privacy Caucus, today announced that he is introducing legislation to clarify the rights and responsibilities of companies, their regulators and consumers regarding the protection of privacy in global commerce.
Rep. Markey said, “It is becoming increasingly clear that both our jobs and our privacy are being shipped offshore, and federal regulators aren’t doing nearly enough to stop it. In effect, regulators are telling consumers to ‘check your privacy at the shore.’ The bill I’m introducing today will help stop this dangerous trend from continuing.”
The bill Rep. Markey introduced today, the “Personal Data Offshoring Protection Act of 2004” (HR 4366), would prohibit companies from transferring personal information to any person outside the United States without notice and consent. Specifically, the Markey bill:
- Requires any business enterprise that transfers personally identifiable information regarding a US citizen, such as the citizen’s name, address, financial information, medical records, or other personal information to first provide prior notice to the citizen;
- Requires such businesses to allow consumers to block (or “opt out”) of information transfers to any countries that the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has determined provide adequate and enforceable privacy protections, such as the European Union (EU);
- Requires such businesses to obtain the prior consent of the consumer (or “opt in”) before personal data can be sent to other countries that the FTC determines do not provide adequate and enforceable privacy protections;
- Bars companies from refusing to provide goods or services to consumers who elect to exercise their “opt out” or “opt in” consent rights, or from charging consumers more if they chose to exercise such rights;
- Provides for enforcement of the bill’s restrictions by the FTC by defining violations of the bill as a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act’s prohibition on unfair and deceptive acts or practices, thereby allowing the FTC to seek injunctions against violators and to impose financial penalties of up to $11,000 per violation;
- Provides for additional civil remedies against violations, including authorization to the state attorney’s general to bring civil actions to enjoin violations and impose monetary penalties of actual monetary losses or up to $10,000 per violation, whichever is greater; and,
- Provides a citizen whose privacy rights are violated with a private right of action to sue a business who has violated the act for actual monetary damages or up to $10,000 per violation, whichever is greater.
Rep. Markey noted that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) recently introduced similar legislation in the Senate (S. 2312).
It is a few years old, but I thought someone might be able to use this as a place to start. I also attend college and am going to try to use the school library resources to find out some more information.
Off topic
Did anyone seen the Today show this morning? I have seen and heard it all now.... The Ultimate Outsourcing- people going to India for surrogate mothers!!! OMG.... compared to about 80 grand they would pay here in the US, they would pay only 30 grand (This includes travel for the perspective parents to india).
Off your topic, but
x
On Topic
Well aware of that - just in a rush while typing - but thanks - so do you have an answer to my question?
Off topic -- but regarding the CMT behind your name, SM
what does this mean and what does one have to do to get it? I am also a CMT and just wondered how this works. You may email me if you want. Thanks.
This is a different topic really and I don't
IMO, newbie MTs should not work on ASR. They typically do not have the knowledge base required, at least with regard to acute care, to be able to discern when what they are seeing and/or hearing is incorrect in the context of the report.
ASR editing requires a different skill set than straight transcription and new MTs need to focus on developing their knowledge base.
The problem is that the experienced, quality MTs that should be working on ASR and properly training the platform should never take the crummy wages wages paid for ASR editing. So the MTSOs have created a catch-22. They don't pay enough to attract quality MTs that will improve the quality of the ASR platform which would in turn improve production across the board so the settle for newbie or subpar MTs who will work for the measly pay they offer, but the quality of the ASR never improves or even gets worse, which slows production causing MTs to speed up to make more money and miss errors, which the ASR adopts as correct, etc., etc.,
The topic is about
whether or not one "can" or "should" transcribe in public. Was just pointing out that I cannot because of a written policy. I am very happy in my stable hospital work-at-home job thank you very much.
On the granparents topic..what would you do.sm
In our house, the kids have been raised that if they do something wrong then we should hear about it from them, not someone else. This helps to foster responsibility and open communication so things can be discussed as the growth and get into mishaps of the ages.
Hubby's mother has always wtached the kids while we are on vacation. This year I was a bit leary and so I made other plans, which he had a fit about it would hurt her feelings, blah blah blah. I left STRICT instructions for my good friend to be called for ANY trouble with the kids as she is not known for being good at standing up to the kids...hence the worry with 3 teens.
Anyway, we get back from vacation, everyone is weird the first night we are home. The kids all go off to school the next day and even weirder is that my MIL stays in her room until hubby is up. THEN she comes out bawling and blubbering about how we should not be mad. After 30 minutes of her crying jag it comes out my son was arrested while we were gone. She did her ususal, no punishment, no in trouble of any kind and let him sit on his ass while suspended. To top it all off, AFTER she leaves I find out he was suspended AGAIN only 3 days later and nobody bothered to tell me this...I am told by a daughter who informes me she waited for her bother to tell me or her grandmother as my son had thrown the origial mail to me away. I just blew up..to say the least...suspended twice and arrested in 10 days....whole new territory to me and all she can do is cry about how we should not be mad at him and not to punish him. Really?
Now, I REFUSE to let my children go there as I do not feel she has any idea what dangerous behavior is and even when she had the names and numbers of others to deal with any problems decided to hush things up and not use them. To top it all off, SHE told my children not to say a word to us when we got back....basically having them lie to our faces when we asked how things went, etc. when we got back. I am sooo furious I could spit. Hubby cannot believe I will not let her have my children any more and says I am insane.
I want other opinons if YOU would entrust your children to someone who pretends such activites did not happen and sweep it under the rug and break huge house rules of being truthful with the parents. She pulled the "if you love me you won't tell your mom and dad" crap and do not feel she can be trusted with supervising teenagers for any time whatsoever.
Yes I am. That's what the original topic was, after all.
agree with you on the Nagin/Blanco thing. Did you want to change the subject?
I don't have tunnel vision.
You can usually tell by the topic whether or not it pertains to MQ.
Jumping in topic....
A third of my work is radiology and the rest is basic four reports. I prefer doing rad because of the fast pace. It's a small hospital with a rotating doctor and I do anywhere from 50 to 150 (this is not counting combined reports) reports a day which only takes a couple of hours of my day. Would really like to do more rad but afraid of the committment it would mean. Any suggestions?
off topic...need help with cat problem..sm
does anyone know of a good over the counter tape worm medication. the cat has fleas and a tapework. I know the frontline is the best for fleas, but unsure of the tapeworm. Thanks for any advice!
I think it means it's a hot topic -
been viewed a lot of times.
off topic, but bear with me here
would you be upset if your husband had been somewhat unfaithful in the past, but the two of you worked through your problems and sought counseling and now had a stronger marriage than ever? except you didn't know for certain about the somewhat unfaithful part until after you had reconciled and renewed your vows? but then you find out that your mother-in-law knew about the infidelity and preached to you about marriage and family without telling you the whole story? because it was her son's place to tell me, not hers. and now you find out that she is friends with this other woman and calls and emails her on a regular basis, which is more than she does with you? do I have the right to feel angry and betrayed here? or am I seriously just overreacting and freaking out about something that's in the past?
Off topic - please do not flame...
I will be moving to a smaller house (simplifying and paying off my mortgage in the process..yay!) and will need an Aerobed for guests. For those of you who own them, are they comfortable enough for an elderly person? I have seen some really high ones and see that you can now purchase a separate frame. Any thoughts? TIA.
Off Topic. Does anyone take Lexapro?
I was on it for generalized anxiety disorder and it worked great. I felt like me minus the anxiety. No side effects at all. But I did some research about weight gain and so I stopped taking it. I was only on it for one month and the weight gain supposedly starts to appear after a few months to a year. And we arent just talking 5 pounds or so. People are reported 30-50 pounds.
I would like to go back on it but I have been really good with my exercise routine and am really looking forward to fitting nicely into that bikini this summer. I am torn.
Anyone out there who takes Lexapro and has not gained weight????
why not start this topic? sm
Those who want to participate can and those who don't won't. The lady asked for help and advice not insults. Grand for you, you were smart enough not to put yourself there but this girl made a bad choice and her aunt is asking for some help, support and ideas.
Why be ugly about it?
I know this is off topic, but I just had to share with everyone that
$30,000.00 scholarship for her community involvement going back to 7th grade. She wrote a paper on how all people should get involved and make a difference in other peoples lives. I'm the proudest mom in the whole wide world! :D
Great Topic! sm
I use the basic sites: Google, One Look, Rx List. Here is another great word and equipment site that I saw posted on this forum: www.eneel.com . Here's an interesting site to search hospitals & nursing homes: www.zapconnect.com .
off topic, but still re: cats
How on earth do you keep a cat from getting on the hood of cars? My cat is five years old and only does it occasionally. For some reason it is always late at night. I can peek out the window and see him perched just as proudly on my car and--gasp--a time or two on a neighbor's car. I hate him getting on mine and I surely don't want him on anyone else's car. A couple of times that I've caught him on mine I hit the alarm from inside the house hoping to scare him enough that he'd be afraid of the car and never get on it again. No use. I only catch him every week or so. Any advice???
great topic
I worked for a company out of Ohio for a day. I had problems getting into their system on my first day but did what I could. I e-mailed her the problem and what needed to be transcribed yet, etc. She e-mailed me back and fired me along with a good butt chewing! Wow! Mind you this was day 1 and no orientation given on their part. I shrugged it off and moved on!
Here's the link to your topic...
http://forum.mtstars.com/company/v/1/31498.html
Topic is now losing by 2%
Please go vote so others in this country might be made a little more aware of the problems outsourcing is causing this country!
figured it was a hot topic
just wasn't sure. any other "secrets" I should know about?
Another topic that might be addressed
in this context would be the potential for identity theft. I am sure that if I, without a larcenous bone in my body, could think of the following scenario, others could too.
Suppose an unscrupulous overseas MTSO "contracted" with an ID theft ring in the US to supply names and SS numbers harvested from medical records.
This MIGHT have already happened to me; there's no way to know for certain. But last August, I went to the local GI clinic for "that procedure" that they recommend for everyone over 50. I used my credit card for my copayment, of course.
I happen to know from my local MT contacts that this practice offshored its work to India a few years ago.
Not too long after my procedure, I received several dubious "male enhancement vitamin" products in the mail. Huh? And then my credit card was charged for the products. Since I didn't order them, the credit card company reversed the charges. The identity thief was too stupid to actually change the mailing address, in addition to thinking that the "vitamins" would perform as advertised. (Anybody want 'em? I still have them. I wasn't going to pay to ship them back, no way.)
The timing of this COULD be sheer coincidence... but it's just a little suspicious to me. My credit card number was stolen from SOMEWHERE.
This town is small enough that if my local congress-critter (and his wife) have had "that procedure," they probably had it done at the same practice where I did.... I do believe I shall write him a letter; but I will have to compose it in words of one syllable or less, because he is really, really stupid.
Kind of off topic, but....
I worked for an attorney once, in his office, and he had a phone in the bathroom in the office. He would go to use the bathroom and call me at my desk from the phone in the bathroom and have a conversation with me while dropping logs in the toilet! He was ALWAYS calling me, non-stop, for everything, I mean it was demeaning! So, then one day he was at his house and called the office and I happened to be using the restroom, so I didn't answer. When I got back to my office he had already called probably 5 times and I was the only one there, so I answered and he asked me why I didn't answer. I told him I was using the restroom and he told me from now on to use his restroom and answer the phone when it rings in there. Uhhhhh NO, I told him. I told him that when I need a private bathroom moment I'm taking one and don't care to be talking on the phone while I do it. He was crazy!
on the topic of looking/feeling younger
I dont really know how to say this, so here it goes...sometimes older women in denim shorts and tank tops look...like older women trying to look young. I am not trying to disrespect anyone, but come on ladies, we've all seen them. The person in the skimpy shorts and low cut top and bleached blonde hair, she turns around and lo and behold, she's your grandmother! That is not attractive! Women can dress and feel sexy without having to borrow our daughter's clothes! Just IMHO!
OFF TOPIC KELLY AND REGIS
Did anyone see the show this morning? I had to miss it. Did Lori Schulweiss pick a guy? Who did she pick. I have been watching all last week but missed it today.
|
