My opinion as a very small MTSO
Posted By: cai on 2008-04-21
In Reply to: MTSOs and line rates - Bigstep also
I determine what my minimum charge is by figuring out what I would pay an IC to do the work and then add in enough left over to pay my expenses (TASP, insurance, QA, etc.) and then some for myself as account manager. If you get an account that you will be working on yourself, you will make both the salaries for the IC as well as the account manager (you are doing both jobs) and pay your overhead. If you get an account that is bigger than you can handle by yourself, you can easily sub all or some of it out and still pay yourself and your overhead. Sit down and at least do the financial part of a business plan in order to figure out what you need to charge.
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Just my small opinion...
I think being a wonderful dad is more than just an admirable trait in any man - BUT the kids will grow up one day and if he forgets to nurture your needs, what will the two of you do when they are gone? Sit on the porch swing and stare at each other because you have no common interests?? You have to spend time alone together nurturing one another. Find a common thing the two of you can do together.
If it is as nonstop as you say, then he has to try and cut some things out. It seems a bit out of hand! You are going to have to lay it on the line for him - in depth! Don't just sound whiny either. Tell you need some hubby/wife time every day; even if it is just to curl up on the couch together alone after the kids go to bed and watch late night TV or whatever. You have to keep the love alive - every day.
One MTSO's opinion
Don’t flame me for saying this. I just wanted to share one MTSO’s point of view from experience. Maybe venting just a little as well. I have been MTSO for nearly 20 years. The 30+ MTs who work with me are absolute gems, but I must admit it was exhausting to find them. When I advertise, I CLEARLY state what type of work it is, frequency and volume of work, the expected TAT, specific voice file format, give them a sampling of a voice file or template, and the pay rate (10 to 13 cpl) which I think is pretty decent compared to what I see advertised elsewhere.
Time after time I will hire someone who looks professional and seasoned on paper, only to have an email from them 2 or 3 days later saying it wasn’t convenient for their personal schedules, they don’t have (or can’t figure out) their software to play the voice files, an ‘oh by the way’ I can’t complete this work and I quit, tell me I’m an IC and I work when I want to, hide from emails or phone calls from me when things get behind, or they just disappear altogether and leave me hanging with an angry client. It seems that hiring people nationally rather than locally and face-to-face is becoming an easier way to just vanish from a commitment. I’ve figured out that 1 in about 25 resumes actually will follow through with their stated abilities/work ethic. I think this would hold true whether I advertised at 4 cpl or 14 cpl, so I’m not sure it’s really about the money.
Well then, tell me this. Why do you answer my advertisement?? Why do you over-estimate your own abilities on your resume?? Why didn’t you do a personal check to make sure you could meet ALL the criteria of the work being offered?? Why do you accept the work?? Why in the world do you waste my time??
I would not personally ever hire offshore, but I do understand the frustration level of MTSOs who do so. Granted, some are in it for the money – I get it – but I suspect not all of them. I love this profession and take the commitment to my clients seriously, as I expect all MTs working with me to do as well. I work hard to accept clients that I would enjoy doing myself, and decline those that I think would be frustrating or not worth the money to do. I will just have to keep wading through the junk to find more of those gems out there… I know you are there and I’m looking for you… but again, it is frustrating and exhausting!! Thanks for listening.
Any small MTSO need PT help? sm
Okay, I have tried the big nationals and that did not work out for me. I would like something for a few hours a day - would love to do family practice SOAP notes again or something where I can just type away and make some decent money. I promise a fast turn-a-round and I am willing to work hard, but no complicated platforms and no set hours.
I had a small MTSO ask that once. sm
As I was heading toward the exit door, she asked me to send her every single one of the normals I used.
So, I sent her the exact ones she had sent me in the beginning, before I refined them to a fine tune, which had taken me hours and hours to do. I'm telling you, I had most tests for every doctor where I could just hop around and fill in the blanks. No way was I giving those hours of work away!
Two small MTSO (nt)
xx
Thanks, Small MTSO
I knew it must be something like that. Thanks for your reply. Molly
Small MTSO
11.5 to 12.5 cpl, put in 30 to 32 hours per week myself now. Went down to part-time this summer to 22 to 24 hours. First time in 18 years and felt good. Just got two new accounts and so back up but will myself after paying IC's make 50K, down from last year but worked less. Next year will be up to 55K+ unless I go part-time again in the summer if my IC's want to make more. Will probably raise rates in January as have not done so in two years. Patti
Especially when the small MTSO
is worth. I'm done.
This is the responsibility of the MTSO, in my opinion. SM
Go directly to the transcription service or company owner. I have always felt strongly that the person in charge of the particular problem account must address this directly with the physician(s) who are dictating the garbage. For years, I had several local physician practices. Most were excellent dictators, but one in particular was horrible. I put up with it for a few weeks, and then addressed the problems with an outlined specification sheet indicating what information needs to be given in dictation to protect the safety of the patient record, as well as to produce an acceptable medical report. I also indicated that transcriptions requiring repetitive deletions, going back and changing dictation, and constant misspelled words would be charged a higher line rate. This is also the doctor who would give the filled in blanks back to be retyped. These were blanks that were completely inaudible in the original dictation because of excess noise, coughing while saying the words, or laughing with colleagues while trying to dictation. In bold, I also specified PLEASE DICTATE IMPORTANT PATIENT MEDICAL RECORDS IN A QUIET AREA THAT IS FREE OF EXCESS BACKGROUND NOISE TO ENSURE ACCURATE INFORMATION IS BEING RELAYED. If the owner of the transcription company had to type this work, trust me something would be addressed with the dictator. Speak up about this because after all you are the one responsible for producing the report.
I did when I worked for a small MTSO sm
and boy, did I live to regret it!  She was, let's just say, um PSYCHO! In a nutshell, my nephew died and she didn't believe me when I asked for a few days off...she had to see the announcement in the paper first! Needless to say, I dumped her shortly after that incident. There were many, many more, but this was the final straw! 
This happened to me too. Small MTSO been with
them for 3 years. check was mailed, but post office put it in wrong box. This has happened 3 times in the last 3 months and every time it was the post office not them.
www.lts-inc.com is it a small MTSO in Richmond, VA-
I have been working PT for them since May 2002 except for a short leave of about 4 months. As far as I know still looking for a few more people, just lost 1 yesterday who could not get the hang of WP5.1 I guess(it's what the hospital they contract for uses). Oh well, their loss will be someone else's gain.
I'm a small MTSO. Here are my thoughts on it
I would determine how much per line the seasoned MT should get. Not sure how much you charge. But I, being a small MTSO, charge my clients 14 cpl and I pay my subcontractors 10. Ideally you would be a bigger MTSO and could pay truly seasoned MTs 12 cpl or something on that order. Otherwise, if they aren't able to make a decent line rate, and they are truly good MTs, they might as well go get their own accounts.
About the pay between the new MTs/mentoring MTs - I would decide what the total you were going to pay for those lines were, and then divide it between seasoned MT and newbie MT. Say it's 12 cpl - pay the newbie 8 cpl and the seasoned MT 4 cpl for the work that the newbie does that the seasoned MT is helping with.
My husband's company does something similar. He works with a partner, but the partner is less experienced. He is basically my DH's helper. DH uses his own truck and the helper doesn't have to use his truck. Each job pays a set amount, and DH gets 70% and his partner gets 30%.
As a small MTSO, I found you had to buy
all I really needed was a few. So I started filling them out online at www.filetaxes.com. It's much easier and they send out the 1099 for me! Price is very reasonable too.
I mean big as in Medquist, little as in small MTSO's
.
I also make 11 cpl as an IC. This also is a small MTSO. nm
nm
For me, a very small local MTSO
doing tapes/office notes.
I have worked for a small MTSO once and
was never afraid of not getting paid. Something in her voice told me I could trust her and just dove in. No contract, either. But I did have to give her my SSN for the 1099.
Never realized I would be setting myself up for trouble but every 2 weeks the check came in the mail.
Ask the MTSO. That's all you can do.
Small MTSO here - 6 cpl -- ridiculous
I as a small MTSO would be so embarassed to offer 6 cpl to anyone. Could not believe what I read. At the most I take 20 - 25% of what I charge clients and pay the IC the 80%. I even do the pick up, QA, billing and delivery of finished products. But to offer 6 cpl is a slap in the face. Even newbies I offer 7.5 to 8 cpl and start them on the easiest accounts. Hopefully she can sleep at night and look at her face in the mirror.
I'm a small MTSO - what platforms do MTs like?
Or do you prefer typing in your own Word program and emailing encrypted files? Do you prefer to use C-phone to access the dictation, or wav pedal? I'm seriously thinking it might be better to use a platform where MTs can go online to access the dictation and the platform to type into and I am looking for ones that MTs like and consider MT friendly. So...what have you used and which ones do you like best? I did do a search, but I'm asking again. Obviously, being a small MTSO some of the larger platforms might be beyond my reach, but I'm looking for opinions.
What you consider big or small, I guess, is a matter of personal opinion,,, in jobs and men. nm
:+
I assume she works for a small MTSO or something, not MQ
x
Re: Post way below about the small MTSO in Suffield, OH.
I posted that I worked for a company, though don't know if it is the same one. I'm just curious if it is. I've included by e-mail if you want to e-mail me.
MTSO needs to pay MTs on time, no matter how small sm
her business is, no matter when (or IF) the MTSO is paid by the client. I would NEVER contract with an MTSO that expected me to wait to be paid until they were paid by their client. Impossible way to do business, very unprofessional.
I used to work for a small MTSO that used gotomypc - sm
I would connect up to her computer and download the voice files to my computer. Then disconnect/log off. Then I would play the voice files on my player (Bytescribe) and go to work. When I was done, then I would just email the work to her. But if email was down for some reason I would just connect back to her computer with the gotomypc and upload the finished work to her that way. Your computer would probably run faster if don't stay connected via the gotomypc. I suppose you can do that of course, just doesn't seem much point to it though to me, unless you only get one voice file every now and then, so you just stay connected to see them come in on the remote computer.
Would be interested in working for small MTSo
I currently am working with a small co and I would like approx 15-20 more hours of work. I mainly do clinic. If you have anything please let me know. I love small MTSOs
I'm glad I work for a small MTSO....
I hope my boss never sells out like my last one did. My old company went down the tubes after that and I see lots and lots of posts about it here talking about how bad it is. These nationals sound awful.
No matter how small an MTSO is, their first obligation is to
nm
Costs for small MTSO equipment
This question is directed to our wonderful small MTSOs who participate in the site postings:
I have a question about what extent of expenses you incurred for equipment and related components for the physicians to dictate, i.e., FTP services, server, physician call-in phone services, physician digital dictation uploading/downloading services, and all that related equipment to send and receive dictations (voice files) and send/receive reports, all pertaining to internet and latest advances.
Considering a small MTSO venture of just three small doctor's office accounts, enough for 1-1/2 MTs, with a total physician dictator capacity of 5 physicians, not necessarily at the same time.
I would be also interested in not only cost figures (ballpark) but the types of equipment and software you elected to use (platform if any).
This information would be beneficial to me, and perhaps to other entrepreneurial MTs as well. Thank you in advance for your helpful information.
Just wait. I work for small MTSO and they have
dg
I work for a small MTSO about 25-30 hours a week
nm
I worked for a small MTSO who gave the client
the client changed to smaller and smaller font sizes, the MTSO let them know the rate would change so the MTSO never lost money just because of the font size. The clients always understood. The client simply wanted less bulk in their charts, not to short change the MTSO.
I only have dial-up, I work for a small local MTSO -sm
that uses a FTP site to send us our work, so dial-up is just fine for that (work is about a 20 hour TAT, so it does not matter how long it takes for me to download my work, and uploads are quick. So obviously a job that has no set hours, etc. is ideal for someone with dial-up. Also get your own accounts, then it doesn't matter does it as you are the boss. I have 1 account of my own and we transfer the files via the internet through an intermediary website (in place of a FTP). Just keep hunting there are dial-up jobs out there.
national/small MTSO are both on-line companies
there is PT and orthopedic work.
Or becuase of dropping rates, the small MTSO
fg
Did you read the post titled "One MTSO's opinion"
posted by Boo on 12/25/07?She sounds like she'd be great to work for and is looking for people like you.
I make very good money at home with a small MTSO
looking for people that used to work for small MTSO in Suffield, OH a few years back.
ss
No (IC)....but I work for a small MTSO and have set deadline each day for my work
I will not be working on Thanksgiving day, though I will have 120 minutes waiting to be done and turned in by 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning.
k, that is your opinion, i stated mine. poor quality in my opinion shows bad work ethics if they do
;
small mentality usually means small pocketbook
Still make more than you and I but that is deserved. They've put the effort forward and educated themselves.
Why not? I have a right to an opinion and it is what it is. (nm)
x
Ah, of course, an OPINION. Uh-huh.
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. However, the statement "it is what it is" indicates that you don't truly consider it your opinion. You have decided that's the way it is and your mind is closed.
I strongly object to the sweeping across-the-board statements from you and the OP that MTs working for large national companies are either clueless or gutless.
There are many MTs working for large national companies that are paid well, treated well, and have no complaints. That does not make us "gutless." That makes us productive members of society.
What do YOU suggest? What are you doing to show YOUR guts? What is your plan for change? Where do you think all these MTs should go to work? You and the OP are very quick to say what YOU would do instead - but that's a solution YOU find acceptable and/or workable. Personally, I would NEVER work as a telemarketer again unless I was truly desperate.
Working outside the home also isn't a feasible option for me and many others. What is your solution in that situation? Stop working altogether?
My opinion.........sm
I believe many MTs stay with these Nazi-like companies* because their self-confidance has been pummeled into the ground by the abusive, demoralizing treatment they are subjected to every day. It's like the well known pattern of an abused child who clings to the abusive parent. What they don't realize, or refuse to see is that more and more MTs are putting their foot down and refusing to stay with companies that offshore, cut our pay, treat us like dogs, and then have the audacity to use us to help them achieve their ultimate goal of eradicating our profession. Why is VR technology becoming more and more sophisticated with each passing day? Because we're helping them do it!! Kind of like digging your own grave.
I truly believe that if enough of us take matters into our own hands by showing them that "We're mad as hell, and we're not taking this anymore" we can together turn the tables on these money hungry vermin. Do the math. We are "still" the backbone of the industry. We need to take action NOW while we still have the power.
* No ethnically based offense intended. Just trying to make a point.
opinion
Figure out your pros and cons to keeping your current job and the pros and cons to having a home-based job -- consider your need for medical insurance, gas money, clothing allowance for work outside of the home, eating out for lunch, not having to deal with co-workers on their crabby days, et cetera. Most likely you will not start at $15/hour but with saving money elsewhere while being home-based it might make it worth the loss of a few bucks to be home. I do have two children (7 & 10) whom are very active in extracurricular activities and it is a huge bonus to be able to split my shift when needed with no questions asked. My employer is very flexible. When school is out for the summer, it does slow down my production...but children aren't home forever...so I'll deal with it. There are a lot of jobs available but only half of them are worth the time...be choosy and check them out thoroughly before deciding. Good luck with your decision.
So your opinion is okay,
but no one else can give theirs. Yeah. Wrong.
Want my opinion - here it is anyway
You wany my opinion, either way, here it is. Yes, for all of those that CONSTANTLY, AND I MEAN CONSTANTLY bash Medquist - find another hobby. You have already done and beat the darn horse dead - let it alone. Personally, I cannot wait for the phone call to tell me what changes they have made. Already the bashers are criticizing their plan and yet no one knows what it is. On the other hand, if there was no plan established, the complainers would be at it again - COMPLAINING THAT THERE IS NO PLAN. What is it going to take for you unhappy MTs to just quit already - I mean both quit your job and your complaining?
To all you complainers take my advice and "just zip it already"
I am always right and here is my opinion
Why, Dr. Phil here. Is there a problem. These people are living life to the fullest, something we ALL need to do. If you die tomorrow, can you say your last day on earth was spent having fun - probably not. GO HAVE FUN AND LOVE LIFE AND LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST.
I say HOORAY to these nasty posters for having fun!
My opinion
I apologize to you then MQx4 if all these posts were not yours. It is very difficult to determine who is who anymore.
Although, in those crazy people's defense, I actually did find those posters rather hillarious! I am just your average MT and no I am not disturbed in any way, just enjoy a raw sense of humor now and then. Please don't bash me for saying that, it is just my opinion. A raw sense of humor is not grounds for being in the psyhiatric ward. A good laugh every now and then does wonders for the body (burns lots and lots of calories you know). With that being said, we should welcome everyone here and as long as I am personally not being threatened, then I really am up for any conversation and/or jokes or whatever.
It's nice to know who you are talking with, so MQx4 thanks for being consistent with your name. Sorry if I addressed some of those posts to you!
Opinion of what
UH OH - Just watched FOX News and they indicate that Rita may become a category 4 or perhaps even a 5 once she hits the warm waters. From what I heard, it is heading for Texas - how awful considering that there are hundreds of thousands of evacuees already there from Katrina. Any thoughts or has anyone heard anything different of what could or might happen in the upcoming days?
Share your thoughts with us.
My opinion
To me, it is like watching a good movie, however we have no video to go with the audio. I am not so much for the swearing, but c'mon it is hillarious to hear people's reactions and comebacks.
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