More IC questions from different poster. Sm please
Posted By: MT on 2006-04-18
In Reply to:
I've been an IC for about 6 years now and always worked part-time with a 24-hour TAT. Recently, because my husband was laid off, I took a "full-time" job as an IC but they required an eight hour day, Tues-Sat, minimum 1200 lines/day, which I did verbally and in email agree to. Because I'm an IC they haven't asked that I set a specific schedule other than which days, though they wanted it known when I'll work for the most part and want to me work in four hour chunks. My question is, how much freedom do you think I have as an IC in this framework, re hours per day/how many hours at a time? I usually get in about 1500 lines a day in 8 hours, which by the sounds of the emails I get addressed to everyone where they're not happy with production, seems a pretty good line count with them. I don't always want to work in four-hour chunks, though usually do, just don't want to "have" to. The only contract I actually signed was for rate of pay. I know technically they can't tell me when to work in the day, but based on what I had agreed to, how much room do I have to maneuver? Also, what about time off? With my other companies I've always just given plenty of notice and never had a problem getting the time off that I wanted. I have a feeling though that I'm the only IC that works for them or one of few because there's definitely an "employee" kind of feel with things like scheduled "mandatory" conference calls, etc. Any thoughts appreciated.
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Since the poster below didn't really answer your questions, I'll try...
While I agree that things are being done to try to do away with transcription eventually, I think that hope is a long way off. Here goes:
1. A lot of work is being outsourced to places like India because they can do the work much, much cheaper than a US MT. Some hospitals won't all their work to be outsources, but the thought on this board generally seems to be that most don't care or don't know.
2. In order to work at home directly after school, it is highly recommended that you only attend one of the top schools. Two of them are Andrews and M-TEC.
3. Most companies, if you are an employee (not independent contractor) will provide you with all the equipment you need. You will have to have an internet connection and pay for that yourself most likely.
4. I believe the average you can expect to start is in the 6 to 8 cents a line range. How much you make depends on many other things, though. If you studied very hard and have a knack for MT you will do much better.
Hope that helps a little. But just remember...yes, working at home is a nice benefit for some, but there is a con for every pro to doing this.
Meditech questions and Cerner questions. Any input is appreciated. SM
I just recently went back to work in the office at a local hospital. We type in both Meditech and Cerner, depending on what you are typing, i.e. Medical Records reports versus Radiology. We are currently typing blindly in Meditech, meaning we do not have access to our line counts and must depend on management to give us our totals. In Cerner, we are able to run a line count report and print out a hard copy of our line counts at the end of the day.
We are finding that 800 lines in Cerner equals about 500 lines in Meditech. We are not paid per line nor do we have an incentive plan, but we have a new HIM Director who would like to institute an incentive plan and the administrator over our department has laid down the law and decreed that all transcriptionists not making minimum in the department will be written up. Problem is according to Meditech line totals that we have been given, that would be about half the department.
The transcription supervisor has taken our concerns to the new director who told the MT Supervisor to hold off on writing people and has taken home all the line counts from the last month and she is going over them with a fine tooth comb this weekend.
I am not a very trusting soul by nature, so I am doing a little research on my own. I've been in this business for about 15 years. I started out in a hospital and have worked for a few services at home and am now back in the hospital setting. So I know a few things about line count and I consider myself to be pretty well informed on trends and technology in the industry. I would like to walk into our next department meeting armed with as much knowledge as possible. So I have come up with some questions that I would like some fellow MTs to answer, give opinions, and maybe even direct me to websites or individuals who could give me a better understanding of Meditech and Cerner. Here are my questions:
- Is it possible for an MT to have access to her line count in Meditech or is strictly a management function? Any MTs that work in Meditech on this board, do you currently have access to your line counts and if so, how do you check them? Is it an option on the main menu after you log into Meditech?
- How is a line defined in Meditech? (i.e. 65 cpl, with spaces, without spaces)
- How is a line defined in Cerner?
- What abbreviation Expanders work with both Meditech and Cerner?
- Examples of incentive plans (if anyone would like to share that with me that would be great, if not I completely understand).
- Measuring productivity by minutes of dictation versus typed lines.
- What would be the minimum minutes required for an 8-hour day?
- How would one structure an incentive program based on minutes?
I was thinking of presenting the idea that we keep track of productivity using minutes instead of lines since there is such a discrepancy in Meditech. I also worry that if an incentive plan is put into place and we are still typing blind into Meditech, what's to keep management from shaving off a few lines here and there?
Feel free to email me or post here any responses. Either is fine. I really appreciate any input, comments, or just plain old supportive posts would be nice too! 
Good one. An anonymous poster blows another anonymous poster's head off. Great win for MQ?
 I guess that is a small pleasure for those of you who have lowered your expectations for the company you work for. 
Bet you're married to a fat bald guy too.
re questions
yes i drink green tea, but prefer black tea. No, i've never had any such symptoms from it though and have no idea why it would happen, unless there are other things in that brand of tea that might irritate the colon?
questions
i am very interested in taking courses on mt and would like some help in guiding me in the right direction....can someone help me on that
Questions about VR
I am getting ready to train on VR and I am wondering if this is part of the latest, newest technology in our industry that I have been hearing about. Are just some companies going to use this or is this something that is going to be required in the future from us throughout the industry?
Questions....
If a person takes a job and finds out they aren't happy and then looks for another job, what happens if the recruiter overpromised? Do they find another job? And if they find another job and that one is running out of work all the time, do they start the search again?
Final question....if they do all this, why do so many people on the boards call people who complain about companies good-for-nothing job hoppers who are never happy?
Looking for a new job. What are some questions...sm
I should ask besides pay, benefits, and hours to make sure I don't miss anything and then find out I've been screwed later? Should I get pay in writing to make sure they pay me what they tell me. I never worked for a National, so I am unsure how a lot of things work with them. Thanks.
IC Questions
Hi. I just accepted my first job as an IC and I am nervous! Did I do a stupid thing by going IC instead of employee? They are paying 8.5 for 65-char line including spaces and returns. Does this sound reasonable? How do I pay my taxes? What about social sec? HELP!
Any questions to MQ
you can be an employee and ask, what will be my new
pay under the new plan.......NOBODY KNOWS.
you can ask what do you pay to be an Editor of voice recognition....
NOBODY KNOWS
But at the same time they want people to work for them.
Now you are saying there's a new mystery something? This is
hilarious.
No legit company every does business this way.
two questions
I am also single and 50K is what I am thinking as well. I have very minimal bills. My only "dependents" are my 3 kitties and bird. To be honest, I got into medical transcription after my first year in college. I wanted to be a veterinarian. As much as I love animals, I really love what I do and honestly cannot say what else I would want to do.
Ok, I do have some questions...
Is it possible to speak to you via private messages or something? This board is a bit awkward to use and I have a few questions for you.
Thank you both... I have a few more questions...
Is this something that will happen on a regular basis? How often do bipolar people get like this? Is this the worst of it? We both watch each other's kids a lot, and my kids absolutely love her. But I'm a little worried now that it might not be safe.
I'm also concerned for her as she just started a new job and is working on her master's degree. I'm afraid that she may fail at both if she doesn't get this under control. Is there anything I can do to help her?
ok, so you have 2 questions?
1. i'd think that is great money.
2. i gross about $1200 weekly in 40 hours as an employee.
More questions
Do you find their work flow to be consistent - you don't run out or anything? It is really hard for me to decide to make a move - am not happy where I am at and want to come back home, but have really good insurance for family - I know there is no perfect place to work, but I would just like to enjoy getting up and working again without all the office politics. Thank you for being so open in talking - I find this board much easier to talk on than the previous one I was on - more open answers. Also, what kind of platform is used. Do you have to type in demographics and if so, do you get paid for them? Do you have a good word Expander and macros? It is so hard to make changes and want to know as many specifics as I can before I apply.
Thank you so much. 
more questions
Do you charge more for printing? How did you know the price range to charge? I live in a rural area and I have no idea what people are paying for this and I would feel stupid asking them what they are paying. Did you go to the office in person and sell yourself or did you do mailings? I don't know anyone in my area that is doing this so I am kinda walking bling here . I am sure I can do the work, it is just sollicting the accounts that I fear. THanks to all that responded
Have all the same questions
you do. Also does anyone have a used c phone for sale?
your questions--sm
There are no connection problems with this voice player, as you are not on the internet while you use it. You type into Word and then connect to the internet to return the files. As far as the quality of the voice file goes, the digital player has nothing to do with that either. It depends on how the file was recorded from the company you are receiving it from. my files come from a call-in service on my employers server. If the docs use the telephone connection, like they are supposed to, the quality is great. If they use a speaker phone, cell phone, or head set, it can have more *interference* on it. I have one doc who dictates onto a tape recorder, then calls in on the *system* and plays the whole 30 minute tape. He uses the tape over and over again, so it degrades with time, but I have learned to understand him anyway. I have another doc who also uses a tape recorder, but likes to do it while he is waiting for a train at a depot and while on the train. I mostly hear the background noise, which is awful, but I can still make out what he says...most of the time. so, the file is only as good as the person recording the dictation. you have good ones and bad ones, just like any other dictationists. anything else, just let me know. relax, it will be fine.
questions
good day to everyone. i have just finished my medical transcription course. however, i have questions regarding how to put negative points on errors on my transcription. how would you rate the gravity of an error in punctuation marks as against an error in the MEDICATIONS SECTION of the report. for example, my punctuation error was given a negative point of .5. in the same manner that the dictated KCl (potassium chloride) was transcribed as KCL. would you also give the latter a negative point of .5? if not, how many negative point would you give? thanks a lot and i hope you could help me.
More Questions
To those of you who so kindly gave me advice on working from home:
What kind of equipment should I invest in? Do most companies us the internet. One company I talked with still has clients that us Lanier equipment.
#1 I would think would be a wav pedal and headset but what about an LX-219?
What do you use?
Thanks
Your IC Questions
You are responsible for your taxes. I recommend w/each paycheck, you put 20% in a savings account so when you file taxes, you don't have to scrounge up the money to pay IRS - or you could do like others and file taxes quarterly. You will have a 1099 instead of W2/W4. You don't establish yourself...as an MT you are either an employee with insurance benefits, 401K and taxes withheld or not.
Questions about DQS
Good morning, I am about to start with a company that uses DocQScribe and I understand that MQ uses it also. Since there is a specific MQ board here I thought I might get some answers here. I really like Stedman's Spellchecker, and want to know if it is compatible with DQS? Also use ShortHand for Windows, wondering about that. I have used built-in spellcheckers in other platforms, and just don't care for them, they just don't seem to be as good as Stedman's. And in general, your opinions about the DocQscribe platform itself. Thank you.
VR Questions
I have an office going to EMR with voice recognition software. The OM tells me I will still have this account because there is no way the VR will work for their Indian doctor and another doctor that mumbles horribly. Is there anyone that has experienced this? Also, will editing of the VR be needed? The OM mentioned that if it does work, she will need me to edit reports. How much does one make per line for editing VR?
I know I have lots of questions, but this is my largest account and with a disabled hubby and three kids, I'm a panicked breadwinner right now.
Thanks!
More questions
Does he hold out your taxes? Do you have benefts? Do you get paid the same amount no matter how much or how little you transcribe or if you take time off? Have you figured out how much you get paid per cpl or hour? I would figure out how much I am making per cpl or hour and go from there. Be sure to figure in the time you are not working and getting paid. That is a little unusual to be an IC and paid monthly and not on production.
Questions
Are you using an Expander along with the keyboard? (I sometimes mess up by assigning F keys to things that I shouldn't). I've linked an article from Computer Hope that might help. If it were me, I'd just go out and buy a new keyboard. Nothing more frustrating than a semi-functioning keyboard (except perhaps a semi-functioning toilet).
asking questions
I get the feeling that many MTSO do not liked to be asked questions. If I am looking to make a switch I am just looking out for myself. Mind you, I send in the resume and THEY call me. While I may get some that offer 3 insights to the job right off the bat, if I ask if there is a chance to make more of a base pay I either don't hear from them or they think I should look into something else. I have run across 1 company that was very very informative without me asking too much, but they didn't have direct deposit, and they were on the other side of the country from where I am and was just not too keen on the thought of a check by mail. I guess I'm just kind of feeling not to happy right now with all of this. Thanks for listening.
Questions
You have several hundred addresses typed out, but are they in a table format or free style? If table, then keep the doc open, then go to Tools, Envelopes and Labels, select the label you are going to use under options (refer to the Avery label sheet for label number). Then you click New Document. Go to the doc where you have the addresses, select all and copy and paste. You may have to copy and paste by table row, to make it work correctly.
If you are trying to integrate them into a Word Mail Merge doc/letter, I can explain but Word help does a much better job. Look in Help, Mail Merge, data source, show data source, or something like that.
two more questions....
What companies do you use and what were the up-front costs? I believe the monthly fee is around 50 dollars from what I've seen. Thanks in advance.
I did ask those questions!!!!!!!!!!!
I did ask those friggin questions!!! My company did what a LOT of companies do--they tell you one thing in the interview and then when you actually work the job, they change it! There is no reason under the sun that I shouldn't be able to work a split shift. One of the women who has been there 30+ years said it's possible.
I know what I was told in the interview and it was that women with small kids are their "ideal candidates". Certainly they don't think an ideal situation would be to have toddlers running around while you are trying to type.
Give me a break.
FTP questions...
I work for a small doctor’s office and the time has come for us to have outside transcriptionists working as independent contractors. How do I set this up for them to send me their completed work via FTP? Help!! The only thing I understand about the FTP is you can transfer files from computer to computer securely – the rest I am totally lost about. How do I set it up? How/where do I log on to get the work? How/where do they deliver the work? .
While I am asking questions
the voice file is coming from a service out of Oregon who posted a job position on MTStars. She did not give her company name, but I found it on the Internet. It is BMT Office, or Bassel Medical Transcription. Has anyone heard of it?
Two Questions
Does anyone sit on an exercise ball while working? I am wondering if it would be too difficult to balance because of the foot movement and the typing.
Also, about running enrichment (from previous posts) ... can anything similar be done in MedRite? That would be awesome if I could search out the common phrases used!
Thanks for any input!
If I can help with any questions...sm
feel fee to email me!
Why can't you ask questions for
This board is a resource for information, just as any other internet sites are resources for information.
IC tax questions
First of all, I apologize if this post comes up twice, but I don't think I did it right the first time and am trying again. I would appreciate anyone who could give me some generic answers. I know it's best to speak with a tax specialist, and I do plan to do that.
1. If you're an IC for a national company making, say, 1600.00 monthly, do you need to pay quarterly or can you pay at the end of the year if you want to?
2. Does one HAVE to pay into social security, or is it optional not to?
3. If you file jointly with your spouse, can you pay what you owe in a lump sum at the end of the year or are there different "sections" or "departments" that you have to pay to? I hope this makes sense, and I thank you for any replies you can give me. Reb
No to all 3 questions.
NM
Questions
I have a couple questions for you all...
First, I am trying to expand my little IC business and designed my own website yesterday. I'd love it if you would check it out and give me ideas or constructive criticism on it.
Second, my husband works for a large, local urology group. The manager said that they are happy with the company they have, but if they change in the future they will keep my information. He also said that he pays 9 cpl and they do $100,000 per year of business. I currently am a subcontractor for most of my work and make 8 cpl and 9 cpl. I am wondering how it would be doable for a company to charge only 9 cpl and then pay subs and expenses, unless he is doing business with a company that outsources overseas. Do the large nationals charge this low or do you think it might be some IC trying to undercut norms to get the business or overseas? I do have my prices on my website and debated with myself if I should put them on there, but thought it would be helpful. I also believe I am charging fair prices. What do you think?
http://www.consideritdonetranscription.com
QA questions
Which sentence is correct: 20 units of Pitocin WERE given - or 20 units of Pitocin WAS given????
also - I thought regarding dangerous abbreviations that in an op report under anesthesia/meds - correct would be Demerol 10 mg intravenously and not Demerol 10 mg IV.
I'm either getting old or just sick of this.
I have questions too
How expensive is the internet use from your cellphone? And what about the foot pedal in the car - isn't that awkward? I am fascinated by this subject. Thanks.
What are your questions?
Hello,
We would be happy to help you get started with Instant Text. Can you first provide more information about your set up and what you are looking to do exactly? Are you coming from another Expander program?
Textware Solutions
A few questions for you all --
Abby, why in the world would you subject yourself to these working conditions to average only $6 or $7 an hour? I don't understand that!
Also, to the original poster, I understand what you mean about not having enough time. When I worked in house, I worked my 8 hour shift and came home and was through with work for the day. Working at home, I find it takes me all day to get my lines in and the computer is always staring at me if I am not there, making me feel guilty, like I should be working even if my shift is over. I don't know what to tell you except to work your hours and then let it go. If you did not make enough money for that shift, then walk away anyway and make your family your priority.
If you need the money, then learn to work smarter and not harder by utilizing your word Expander programs, not allowing interruptions during your work shift (answering the phone, surfing the net, stopping for your kids). Work shift is work shift whether you are at home or not.
I feel your pain though, I really do!!!
questions
I have seen job ads that require 1000 per day so that would be 5000 per 5-day week. So yes there are some with less line requirement. Also you can work part time as an IC too if you are not up to that many lines per week. Well if you work longer hours, which you will if you work full time then you will get more lines anyway. IC does not require a schedule. I work when it is convenient for me just so I meet TAT. The only time you will be required to work a set schedule is if you are an employee, not IC.
Hope this helps.
Questions about VR
I have used VR for several years now and it is the pits now. It misses a lot of words, misses the numbering, just throws in salad and I am really at a loss as to why. At 1 time 3-4 years ago it was almost perfect. I am using the same platform, Escription and it is just plain frustrating to repeat day after day the same mistakes and yet the process is never learned- totally unlike what we were told when first starting on it. I would like to hear from others who have used for some time and see if yours has stayed the same or have you noticed any changes. Thanks.
XP Questions...sm
You can upgrade directly from XP Home Edition to Professional without disturbing your existing application programs and files.
While Windows does provide means for remote installation, that is only done in a corporate setting because it requires quite a bit of setup on the server side that you would only do if you were installing lots of systems in an identical way.
I think it is a very good idea to purchase your own copy of the upgrade to Professional so that you have the CD, which is needed for recovery if something happens to the operating system.
I really wouldn't have any good way to estimate prices for a shop to install this for you because hourly rates vary so widely around the country. However, it shouldn't take more than an hour of their time, so whatever that rate is would be about all I would expect to spend - and if you bought the upgrade from the shop they might even install it for free.
My questions to you are
do you have a lot of templates you are able to use and secondly are you talking about any straight typing and/or lots of macros? Thanks.
Questions
I have a couple of questions if someone could answer. One, why is it that noone will take a satellite internet? Two, what is the benefit of working as an employee versus working as an independent contractor. I am currently looking for a part-time job at night, but am at my rope's end trying to find one. Can someone give me some insight/inspiration? 
some questions....
What is IT? Is it an Expander that I can buy and load into my yet-to-be-determined Word platform that my new IC contract will provide me with? Do you have a link to it?
I'm trying to remember where you went, and I can't, but I'm still intrigued by your new software options.
Thanks! And Congratulations!
VR Questions
I have read on here that SOME people actually enjoy VR, while I know MANY do not. My question is, does anyone actually make a GOOD LIVING with VR that is even comparable to typing if say you do mostly VR? How many lines are you capable or have access to editing per day to make this living? Thanks so much. I am supposed to start VR training, but really am wondering if my time would be better used testing for new jobs.
THANK YOU to the above poster - sm
God, I thought I was the only one that could understand the simple fact that we have access to SSN numbers, insurance numbers (which a lot of times are SSN) and we are given computers and equipment that we could turn around and resell.
Apparently only one Transcriptionist in the whole US has been in trouble for identity theft. The rest of us must be honest folks. And yes, I am being sarcastic.
Thanks. I was about to tell the poster the same!
Poster must be new to this board. For us "old timers" we remember the Terry S posts from awhile ago and how that took up most of the board.
This board is NOT just for MT, but a place for MTs to visit and ask, talk, vent, discuss, buy, sell, ask for help, look for new jobs, send a funny joke, etc.
It's a great board.
If you don't like it, then go elsewhere. There are plenty of MT chat boards out there, but this, by far is the best.
Only MY OPINION, so I don't need losers telling me I'm stupid. Thank you very much!
I do believe that poster. They may not
but they were in my area as well. I don't live in Illinois, though.
That's not good money. :(
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