No job security with offshoring companies
Posted By: mg on 2007-04-01
In Reply to: Ditto - ERMT/Oncology MT2
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You can thank offshoring and the companies who offshore for most of this. SM
Been in the business well over 20 years and I am working twice as hard for half as much. It started with offshoring and the big MTSOs who bolted the US like their pants were on fire. They used the excuse that were not enough US MTs. LIES. All LIES. They forced the smaller MTSOs to charge less. We got paid less. Many of the smaller MTSOs got gobbled up by the Squid (MQ). Now there are only one or two superpowers and they all offshore. Some of them lie about it, some are very open. This business is not even close to what it should be as far as making a living. 
Boycott offshoring companies (sm)
If everyone would just not work for companies who offshore, it might stop. In our business, there are plenty of other jobs we could get besides those companies. Just my opinion, of course. And yes, I have put my money where my mouth is. Quit a job I had been at for a long time when they started offshoring.
That is nonsense! Most hospitals do not support offshoring and the companies
doing it are going against their contracts without the client/hospitals knowing it.
Come on as a small MTSO myself, we are paid way more than 8 cpl, more into the 15-20 cpl range. Share the wealth with those who are doing the work, and you will always be successful!
I am so tired reading about how the MTSO can only charge so little. That is nonsense! You know it and I know it.
Be honest -there are some very hard working MTs with excellent quality and work ethic, and they need to be paid for their expertise!
That's all I have to said. I am very irritated reading post after post about how little profit there is in the MT industry. That is a joke. This is a multi-billion dollar industry.
Offshoring to India...Offshoring.
nm
If security is what you want,
I'd look for something higher paying before relocating. Don't know where you're at, but there are numerous clerical jobs in CA on usajobs.opm.gov. One in SanDiego right now for $33K in department of health for someone to do transcription.
Job security??? There is NO job security in
x
Job security
I have been doing SR for nearly 4 years now and love it. In fact, I almost resent having to actually type a whole report.
I believe there will always be a need for us. Not every doc is SR material. What about those specialties that require specific formating? SR can't handle those.
I think as long as we are willing to adapt to the changes, we will have the jobs if we want them.
SR nearly doubles the amount of work produced in a day by the transcriptionist, so I think the problem is going to be for the newbie finding that first job. Those of us already in the profession will be fine. 
security sm
This is what worries me as well, what about storing it all on a portable drive and not the hard drive? Then what if you lose that extra drive even if you hang it around your neck, etc., or it gets stolen? Lots to think about here. Not especially talking about people on this board per se. It's very worrisome that everything is going all over the place. I also hear of people going to others' homes such as relatives, etc., to do their work and the company is none the wiser. I don't think there really is 100% confidentiality, as hard as everyone tries. There are some MTSO's also who do not check out these homes - how can they possibly???? Some of us are going by the book, but I wonder about others, especially if the work is being hauled outside the home to a public place or being performed with people coming and going all over the home. I am not talking about most on this board because we care enough to keep our finger on the pulse of what is going on in the field. What about the tons of others "out there" who we don't know about? Thank God for this board and the questions we ask and the help we give each other, we care enough to check everything out and talk it over. We need each other. Again, it is not about our members, moreso about those who don't care to come in here or don't care. I don't want to be part of a class action suit, no way!
Job security....
This quote was taken from a report on the AHIMA web site about Turnaround Time in medical transcription: (link: http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_039584.pdf)
"Despite multiple replacement technologies, including point-and-click menus, front-end speech recognition (FESR), and documentation by exception, most industry experts and stakeholders believe that transcription services will not be fully replaced anytime soon. The need for a comprehensive free-thought narrative is integral to producing a record that supports continuity of care."
Don't be too sure about EMR job security
I worked for a large facility that went EMR without prior notice in December. This account went from steady work 24/7/365 to almost nothing. Depending on the EMR system in place, transcription can and is being replaced. Scary, but true.
Security
Using our computers overseas should be no different than the government using their computers overseas. I have family who work at the Pentagon and travel extensively to ungodly places with their laptops and all their work. If they can do it, why shouldn't an MT?
Ewido security
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Well, talk about job security
This morning, she came in my office and brought me a flyer...
HEADING:
Medical Transcription Services at 7.6 cents per line...
Extraordinary Quality Medical transcription at 7.6 cents per line (65 character line)
24-hour Turn Around Time (TAT) compliant
2-4 hour Turnaround available on request
Secure and fully HIPAA complant
HIghly experienced Medical Transcription Staff will ensure that your transcription is completed efficently with the highest level of quality.
yada...yada...yada....on and on with their ad...
How can a company possibly work for this? Wonder what the transcriptionists get paid? Would this be outsourced?? I wanted to ask these questions, but our manager doesn't care about anything but the dollar. I've been here 17 years and the work load is overwhelming. So am I threatened, YES! Should I be?
it sounds like security
is the primary issue for you. Great equipment, and great people mean a lot. Course, so do great dictators, so you may want to look into that...but since security is your big worry in life -- I think you might want to take it. You can always make another choice down the road if you change your mind. State and federal jobs on the resume can be a plus too, if you move on.
I'm almost 5 yr older than you, working for a national and the sole support of my household, and just co-signed on a daughters school loans of $125,000. To me, that is kinda scary. But personally i still have confidence in our field of expertise, and in our future. But you have to go with your concerns and what is most important to you. Good luck!
Thank you Microsoft for job security!!
LOL
So if MT 'incompetence' is job-security for you, then
.
contracts and security
Yes, the only real "comfort zone" is what is covered in a legal document. There's your security to a certain extent. That's not to say that will eliminate all problems, but it gives people an idea you're serious and professional about your servies and you don't expect to be taken advantage of. Demand all that you want. Then decide down the road how strictly you want to hold the other party to those demands.
Think of how business people operate -- they argue at the conference table over clauses in contracts and then go play golf together the next weekend. It's expected. It's part of running a business. Business is business, social is social. Draw a line here between the two. Be nice when you type a term paper for your neighbor's kid. Be strict when you deal with clients.
Anyone can challenge a contract or agreement, and sometimes you will lose or it won't be worth the fight to pursue it. Every situation is different. That's why it's best to get the best attorney you can afford, the most experienced in this, to draw up that contract to begin with. Obviously the clients for whom we work have their own lawyers and the money to pursue things. But looking at the overall picture, it's just easier to give into your demands as a Transcriptionist than fight, especially if they really want to keep you which seems to be the case here. If there is a disagreement and you walk, their work is going to get backed up until someone else is trained and up to speed (in most situations). Who wants that hassle? It's easier to give into your demands. Lawyers aren't cheap for anyone, either side.
I'd sit down with these people and explain what they have done to you because they really may not realize how it is affecting you. Be pleasant about it but firm. Then have that contract ready and re-negotiate. Tell them your lawyer has advised you to do this with every client you have and you are changing your way of doing things to protect your business. Who can fault you for that? It makes perfect sense. Then you'll know where you really stand with them and you can make your decision to stay or move on. And when you deal with anyone else, present the contract to them and make sure all parties understand what they are signing before you do one bit of paid work for them.
One other tip: This is not meant in any way to offend you, as I'm sure your sklls are good, especially if they asked YOU to find a replacement. They assumed they would get someone just as good as you. Don't do it. Don't ever hire a fill-in who is equal to or better than you. You want them to be exceedingly glad upon your return!!! Doing this even puts you in a better bargaining position as far as rate increases in the future. If you want to help out a friend, get her/him an account you don't want. OR, hire them as a subcontractor for you so that they do not deal one-on-one with the client except to do the work. They are not to be involved in any negotiations whatsoever. But I still prefer hiring below your level of expertise. It's better for you that way.
Did security updates; seems all better now. -- nm
As an IC MT do you pay into Social Security? SM
I am an IC MT in California. Does anyone know if we can pay into SS so that we get compensated for retirement? As of yet, I have not but would like to in the future, if it is possible.
TIA
Social Security
If I understand it right, assuming you are paying your federal taxes, you are paying Social Security. It's something like 15.3% of your reported income, half of which you get to deduct if your income is under $102,000. Gee, think I just barely fall under that tax bracket! Google "self-employed social security" or something along those lines for a full explanation.
We have job security?? What company do you
fh
Security enabled?
Is your network password protected?
security code
How do you enter a security code if you don't know it?
security code for what??
x
Being wireless has nothing to do with security.
You can still set your security requirements and firewalls to prevent problems. You can be wireless on a regular home computer, doesn't have to be a laptop or a WIFI hotspot, etc.
Speaking from experience, most hotels are well equipped where security is concerned. Like another poster said they can't have just anyone dropping in on their connection and accruing charges. Also, most of their systems work off the same wireless connection as the guests, obviously they have a secured connection to prevent problems with their own equipment, records, etc.
security, confidentiality, etc...
I also have a home computer and all the same programs on a laptop to use when I travel. It's no different than my home computer. When I type at home, I am typing in my living room with my husband and son moving all around me. (We're remodeling right now.) They respect that what I am typing is no one's business and they have never even offered to look or ask what's going on. Furthermore, this is a family computer, not provided by work. They are on the computer quite alot when I'm not. The program in which I transcribe is password protected and the information on patients is not stored locally, but on a server 1000 miles from here. That's about as secure as you can get. Then, that is not to mention that I have a wireless network here at home, as well as when I travel. With a password and a good firewall, security is just not an issue. Also, see the post from Just Me a few down, about networks. She is correct. (I also have worked in IT for many years.) Hotels ARE secure networks with original passwords. The last one I worked in had to give me a new password daily. Working at McDonald's or an Internet Cafe is what wouldn't be safe.
As for the laptop... like I said for my main job, no patient information is stored on my hard drive, but at a server away from me. I have a local account also, and once I do the work and send it in, it is deleted. I personally don't see the concern. There's not any point when I'm traveling that I have patient data stored on the laptop. The only way anyone could get patient information off of it is if they bust in the door while I'm working and jerk it from me mid-note.
security code
Try 7534.
Security code....
Mine is 7000. Don't know if they are all different or not.
Security issues.
x
There is no way you can compare security
x
I think i know my kids better than you and at least it is some kind of security.
x
They are. Many of them get social security checks for
mental illness or other issues. Some of them spend their social security checks the day they get them on booze and gambling. Some people CHOOSE to be homeless, if you can believe that. There are programs out there for them if they apply. I got to know the homeless population of our city pretty well at one of my former job. I could tell you some stories about some of those characters. One guy is homeless, but he could have his house and bank account, his military retirement, and his social security. Instead, he pushes a cart around town and sleeps on park benches. One woman runs down the street in nothing but polyester pants pulled up to her armpits in the bitter cold of winter. She has shoes and a coat, plus welfare and social security benefits.
Wow! Way cool! The security issue isn't something..
you need to worry about. The president's itinerary is readily available to anyone, and there is not need to NOT mention he will be in your town.
I hope your daughter will be able to attend to see him and hear the speech! 
Anyone with an ADT home security system?
We have been thinking about getting one for awhile, but especially now since our neighbor is out on bond for 1st-degree sexual abuse. How does this work and what all does it monitor? Any info would be appreciated. Also, is it expensive?
the self-employment tax IS the 1/2 of your social security...
"On top of the self-employment tax, etc., you don't get the benefit of your company paying 1/2 of your social security so that is where most of your money at tax time goes to. " please don't post if you don't know what you're talking about.
security of any kind is really an illusion
so i would agree that you should make a choice for family and sanity vs security. You can make it work. If one company doesn't pan out after a few months, then move to the next.
Social Security will take it from your Schedule C
Social Security will take your earnings from your Schedule C that goes onto your 1040. Whatever amount you declare and pay your self employment taxes on (15.75%) is the amount that they will use for your yearly earnings.
How to get in touch with social security?
Went by the office this morning, unbelievable, just wanted to set up an appt but too many waiting. I tried to find the web site but had no luck therel. I have heard you can set up an appt that way, just need to know where to look. TIA.
I think it is security issues, anyone can pick
up transmissions from satellites if they have the right equipment.
Ditto. Firefox is the way to go. Best security, as well.
.
C-Phone Security Code??
I purchased a C-phone from someone and now I cannot program any keys because it is asking for "security number" before allowing you to program any keys. Anyone have any idea if there is a universal unlock code?
Homeland Security has an I9 form for all
There are several documents accepted but if the employer wants the SS card and/or DL as those documents, they can ask specifically for those.
I agree., regarding security. What I am wondering about is
how somebody can do MTing work with all that noise and distractions around?
Can somewhat please guide me as to how to pay Social Security, SM
federal and state taxes as an IC? I am new to this and dont know the first thing about it. How do I get vouchers for the taxes and how do I pay the SS...thank you!
Offshoring
Just remember YOUR elected representives allowed this offshoring to happen. Nothing illegal thanks to the politicians is happening when work is shipped offshore while allowing Americans to lose jobs while increasing taxes.
This is all the fault of the greed and power of the politicians and the corporations. It's not about an Indian worker who has been offered a job and can't lose their accent to please the consumer.
As far as contacting you in a few years when our jobs are overseas, they are shipping them out daily. Where have you been? Check OSI, Precyse, etc. They all offshore some outright and some undercover.
I don't have problems with the workers. I have problems with the government allowing this to happen and the corporations who cut costs while cutting quality by shipping work out of our country.
Keep you eye on your enemy and it is some Indian who is trying to keep a job to make a living.
To those against offshoring...
Have you noticed that anywhere you call, whether it be the phone company, the gas company, the insurance company, you get someone foreign on the phone. Oh yes and do not forget Microsoft and other computer related companies. I realize this cuz i get so damn mad because i can't understand what they are saying to me and they don't understand what i am saying to them. Now I noticed the post below about Earthlink and I am wondering...all of you who are against this..what are you going to do about the fact that the computer company that creates most of the software you use has places in other countries..your gas company..you insurance company, etc. etc. etc.? I, too, do not agree with offshoring, but I do not think there is REALLY anything we can do about it. Not working for companies that do it, yes thats a start, but what are you going to do about the rest of reality and everyday living? Just curious to opinions on this. I am not flaming..just concerned.
Offshoring - don't be too sure.
Look at history....work will be outsourced whether we like it or not. What happened to the steel, printing, shipping, automotive, and many other manufacturing efforts is happening to transcription. While we may produce a better product, if it can be produced cheaper somewhere else it will be. Sometimes MTSO's are forced to look at other avenues because they can't hire and maintain TATs. Clients want their costs reduced when it is already at rock bottom. Transcriptionists want higher pay and the profit margin isn't there to allow this. The transcription business has changed and will continue to change. After all....the only constant in life is change. The offshore MT is hungry and willing to give up just about anything to put food on the table. They probably don't argue, call in sick, complain or quit without notice. They don't bad mouth their employer. They just want to work...much like American workers decades ago. Take heed. I'm in the same boat and don't want to see it happen, but there are many factors that result in change. Transcriptionists are by nature not an organized group. We are mostly solitary and therefore have no voice or at least not one loud enough to be heard. We're all on production. We don't have time for such things. There is no large group lobbying for us. There isn't enough money in transcription anymore to have lobbyists and that is how...regardless of our protests...change happens...silently. People in India and other countries will learn to transcribe. It's only a matter of time. For myself, I am just going to try to do the very best job I can every single day and hope it is appreciated and know that I am not adding to the problem. Actually....I need to get back to work.
A - As soon as I tell them my pay has gone down about 40% since the offshoring (sm)
they are no longer interested in entering this field. In fact, their mouths about drop to the floor.
Having another American MT is not going to save another American job. They will send their work offshore if you are living next door and can do a 4-hour turnaround, just because the price is lower.
I'm getting out also, only doing part-time now and probably won't be doing part-time much longer.
offshoring
Don't know about this company, but there are companies that offshore and lie about it. Know this for a fact. I work for one.
OSi Offshoring - sm
If you are an employee of OSI, you should be able to access that article from the employee web page, try going back to about April or so...it should still be there, where it was originally posted. Read it for yourself and maybe then you'll believe it.
Offshoring
Ah, thanks for clearing that up for me. All this happened before I started. New employees are probably not aware of it, like me.
I probably got myself on the $hit-li$t now, but that's okay for something I did today to see any reaction. It wouldn't be the first time I've been on the list and probably won't be the last.
I will stay, though, as I really do like working for them...and I like the work..
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