Patti, weren't you one of the MTSOs complaining
Posted By: sm on 2006-06-06
In Reply to: Own clients - Patti
a couple of weeks back that there's really no big money in this biz anymore and it wasn't worth the time/effort put in when all is said and done? Or maybe you're having a good week this week? : )
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they weren't asking for help, just complaining
x
Patti or other MTSOs...
Hi,
Need to get my own account/s instead of relying solely on the national (guess who). Getting a client in my area is probably the easy part. The hard part is the logistics of software, paper, etc. Not having dealt with this stuff working with a national, it is the *simple* things that are a mystery to me (and others, I suppose). I hate to even inquire about transcribing for someone, not knowing what equipment I will need, what software, kinds of paper. I am sure I would come across as an idiot (like right now, maybe?)
OKay, well, I looked online at Dictaphone and it looks like there are mini, micro, and standard cassette units (not to mention digital online programs), so I guess you WOULD have to find out which the client prefers before investing in one, and I know you can get them on EBay, but what else? Does the software come with the transcriber? I don't suppose you can type them out in Word? I suppose one can buy a medical spellchecker. Then you need paper if you are going to print them out...what kind? Anything else? There are so many variables. I suppose I should first contact the two MTSOs that I know locally and ask for overflow work. That way, they could help me learn about this stuff.
No slamming, please. Very sensitive tonight as I just received a call from my Supervisor, very nicely hinting that I need to bring my line count up but, as we talked and now, hours later, I have *no jobs* on my screen. Pretty hard to get that line count up with no jobs!
Thanks for any tutoring and/or advice. 
Hey Patti and MQA and other MTSOs..bringing thread to top
Hi again,
Just to let you gals know, I got up the nerve at the last minute, partially because of the posters to my thread about starting my own business, to quickly print up a resume and cover letter along with a sample ortho report and take them to my physical therapy appointment. (They may need an at-home transcriptionist.) The office manager was not in yesterday, but my PT gave me a little info about how the process works. Unfortunately, we were interrupted when she was about to tell me what they dictate IN TO, but she mentioned that she thought that was going to change. On my way out, however, when she was flipping through my chart to see when I should come in next, I asked her if they received the transcription via floppy disk or CD, and she told me, *No, paper.* Yes, they still use *sticky paper*! Too bad we got interrupted earlier. I have a feeling they transmit the dictation via the internet or phone lines, then the Transcriptionist delivers the finished work to the office.
Anyway, my PT says it is slow right now. (Indeed, there were only 2 patients in the office at the time with 4 PTs.) But she thought if things picked up and the sole remaining MT got overwhelmed, there might be a chance of picking up the overflow, which would be just peachy for me.
More questions...(now, why did I, at first, capitalize the Q in question????) I may as well start preparing as much as I can now in case I DO snag a job....
1. Can anyone or everyone recommend a good medical spell checker that interfaces with Word?
2. What about an Expander to work with Word? I know some use Instant Text, but at least one says she uses the Word Autocorrect feature. (I think.) Does the Word autocorrect hold a bunch....can you put whole reports into it...large capacity?
3. You all mentioned that the docs usually supply their letterhead and to use plain copy paper for subsequent pages. Does the MTSO usually supply the paper or the docs? Same question with sticky paper...that sounds expensive!
4. Any other inexpensive tips you gals can think of that can be gotten ready now besides the main transcriber? (Would want to wait on that to see which type the office uses.)
Now that I have the ball rolling, I am also going to contact the two MTSOs that I know locally and ask if they have any overflow. Might also send a sample psych report to my shrink and see if he can spread the word. Scary stuff, but you gals really helped! Thanks so much for all the encouragement!! 
Yup ... smaller MTSOs, local MTSOs (sm)
local doctor's offices or clinics! Don't get discouraged!! :)
Because they weren't doing much
They were working too hard to take the time to talk. It was the American workers that made me sick. I was sort of embarrassed by the fact that they couldn't do the job without complaining about having to go to the next one. They even brought their kids with them to work who played with my kids' stuff without even asking first. They were ignorant and not worth the money they were paid. It is a shame that I had to feel that way, but it is so true.
I tried to work it out, they weren't willing. nm
You weren't trained
You weren't trained, which is why you couldn't earn a living doing MT. A lot of people make that mistake, think they just sit down at a computer and type what they hear, then they wonder why they can't make any money. I'm sure if you had gone to school to learn MT, you would have been great at it. After all, you didn't teach yourself to become an RN, right?
Amen to that - I'm fed up with it. We weren't
even asked if we would CONSIDER going to editing, we are just switched over. I wasn't hired to edit and was hired to transcribe at a mutually agreed-upon line rate. I can type faster than I edit - I am going to lose a lot of $ at this editing stuff if I don't find something else. Not happy at all with it.
Weren't you ever taught that if you
don't have anything nice to say to someone, don't say anything at all? You must like being rude and hateful, and I don't mean just YOU personally, I mean everyone who has to criticise and be rude.
Yes, then what was "male veterinarian" if you weren't
Some people need better things to worry about.
LOL. It took a moment to realize you weren't
nm
And how do you know they weren't cussing up a blue
p
Then you weren't making any profits -- sm
If taxes were eating up your "profit" you weren't making any as even as an employee you pay taxes and so your takehome pay is less. All you pay is the extra 7.5% of SSN when you are an IC or in business for self. There are so many write offs that I have or anyone can have that I actually have more take home pay than if I were an employee. So again, you had no profits as if you had been an employee you would have been 30% down in take home pay anyway. With all my write offs -- which I would still have an an employee but could not deduct, I am in a much higher tax bracket than I am now. So even with the extra 7.5% for SSN, it is well worth it to be and no I do not cheat just take all available write-offs that I am allowed.
If it weren't for us Americans, he wouldn't be the star
mine did this and my headphones weren't plugged in all the way nm
if i were being promised things that weren't being followed through, i'd hit the road. sm
i agree on the decreasing the bonus but maybe they didn't have as productive of a year this year or didn't clear as much in their pocketbooks as they would like, lol. i technically think all companies should give something; after all, a gift is a tax write off anyway. better to give to those busting our tails for them rather than uncle sam. i haven't gotten anything but cards in the last 3 years so i am used to it by now and don't expect it but i would definitely be grateful even for a meal gift card or anything for that matter.
Me, too, but we weren't allowed to use White-Out. We had to erase sm
all our carbons, sometimes I had 6, as we weren't allowed to use a copier. I wish we had a board of our own, don't you? Things are different with us.
If it weren't for needing a land line for DSL
My cell phone is my primary phone and I have more minutes and free long distance than I can use per month. I got basic phone services and locked it from any LD calls to save money and my land line still costs $30 a month. I feel I'm wasting that money but there isn't anything I can do. I won't drop my cell phone because I have my kids on as extra lines and they wouldn't have a phone otherwise.
weren't these shoes originally called...sm
to me, crocs would be made out of crocodiles (I do live in Florida *LOL*).....what you all describe sounds like the *jellies* my daughter wore when she was 10 or 12. 
Weren't the Indians given a reduced rate to get CMT?
p
It means they probably weren't worth your time
and that unless they were not being straight with you (perhaps you did not actually pass their test for example) that they are disorganized and careless when it comes to recruitment.
Look elsewhere - APPLY MULTIPLE PLACES because this IS unfortunately not a unique situation. I have 20 years in the business and I have often had four resumes out at once because I KNOW some of the jobs advertised are not real jobs and I will never hear back. Others will SAY you have a job and then drop the ball to get you started.
The ones who seriously want to hire you *now* will make that very clear... Basically whoever gives you work first (that meets *your* requirements of course) is the company you go with.
Make a note of those companies who don't act professionally - and consider yourself forewarned about what they might be like to work for in the future.
SOME have legitimate communication oversights - but there are a TON who are poorly managed. It shouldn't be rocket science to figure out that ignoring a candidate (dropping the ball) etc., very loikely elimiates a potential person for future needs.
They weren't *fudging*. They didn't ADD hours -
The employee LOSES, and the company WINS.
Either the employee should get a OT differential for the extra hrs. worked, or else the *minimum* daily line count is TOO HIGH.
They weren't "fudging" - they didn't ADD hours -
The employee LOSES, and the company WINS.
Either the employee should get a OT differential for the extra hrs. worked, or else the *minimum* daily line count is TOO HIGH.
You probably would have had more people in chat if it weren't New Year's Day.
l
If it weren't a psych note I might wonder why it was relevant
but in a psych note I could easily see why mention of sexual orientation might be appropriate. I otherwise might wonder why doc felt need to include it in a regular medical note, where it's not normally mentioned if a person is straight.
I'm sure you're fine. If you weren't worried/
that would be different. But you obviously do care. I'm sure you are doing just fine. Ask your MTSO; I'm sure she will appreciate that you are conscientious enough to ask. 
Maybe the kids just weren't good in math period. No
matter where they go to school there are going to be kids that just struggle in a subject. Not having family support could be a major issue too. I never understood not having family support and why it mattered to a parent whether they had it or not because they are the parent. It would be nice if the family was supportive though. I have known people whose parents were so against it, but later saw that they were missing so much and bought into it and actually enjoyed helping them learn and explore. It doesn't take an education to be able to educate your child, it just takes love, time, and patience. Not all parents can provide that, but most can and do. I have 1 year of college and my just turned 11-YO is so far ahead that we went to a local college bookstore today to get him books because he has pretty much mastered everything else. I spend my free time reading his books trying to stay one step ahead of him and in the process getting a better education than I ever got when I was in school and I went to pubic and private schools and was also in advanced classes.
Homeschooling is not for everyone, but it is an option and those who choose to do it should be allowed to do it without being degraded for it. There are a tremendous amount of resources available to homeschoolers, the bigger the city the more options. Lack of socialization is one of the first issues that a non-homeschooler brings up. Our children still play with neighborhood children, participate in community sporting activities, scouts, 4-H, etc. so there are plenty of times for socialization. My youngest son has never met a stranger and everyone wants to be around him from ages 1 to 100. My oldest isn't as social and most of his friends are public school kids, but when he was in public school he didn't have but 1 friend, mainly because he was so advanced and the things he would talk about where things way over the other kid's heads and they thought he was lying.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
She needed thicker skin. You weren't rude at all. nm
x
I'd stay if they weren't deleting posts worse than the other ever did
I thought they deleted without cause before.. this is crazy.
I totally got your point, and I agree with it all. Your words weren't wasted. nm
x
Weren't you set up with a VPN or some other site to access the work? The tech people need to set
s
My job IS to do exactly what it is you are complaining about. DO YOUR JOB!!
Quit making mistakes that make us have to holler at you. You are about a dumb one aren't you?
What is all the complaining for?!?!?!?!
Not sure what all the complaints are about regarding the refund checks from Medquist - My check was for $1.18, that's right $1.18, but ya know what, I have no complaints about them. I have worked for them just about 7 years and am happy. For all those complainers out there that cannot stand them, then fricken quit and stop your whining. Nothing more frustrating than to hear how much you hate it, blah, blah, blah - QUIT! Go to MTJobs.com and find yourself a new job.
You were the one complaining, not me. I was just
trying to offer some consolation but like I wrote previously, you don't want a change you want to complain.
Good luck.
Maybe the MTs were complaining
experience than you and were resentful. I dont' mean to sound mean and I am certainly not flaming you, but if I had a supervisor with less experience than myself, they would not be much help. They sup should have more experience and be able to help the MTs to do a better job. If those under you know more and have more experience, you are not an asset.
I was not complaining (sm)
Not in the least. My post was simply about wanting to know how I was averaging compared to other MTs with busy families. When I started MT'ing, I worked for a service away from home, so I just happen to know that there is a big difference between transcribing at home and transcribing away from home. I love my job and what I do, and wouldn't have it any other way.
If you are complaining of low pay, why??
do you stay in this business?? I have just read loads of posts below and I lady talking about just paying the bills and housing and to me that is sad because sounds like basically just surviving. Tell me, if so many are fed up with the low pay (and I would like to make more myself) but what are the reasons you continue to work at MTing? I would probably be truthful in saying most of your fast food places and maybe some of your box stores now pay what a Transcriptionist makes. Why complain if you continue to work for these wages- I really would like to know.
She's been complaining all day.
Some of the posts were moved, others are down below.
Complaining
It has nothing to do with complaining it has to do with warning people who deal with agencies like this!!! I work for two other companies. I have nothing to complain about. Life is good and God is good.
All I have to say for you is... Ignorance is bliss.
NOT complaining
I am ABSOLUTELY not complaining about my job. I love my job. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, even if it means that I have to do these extra jobs on the side. I was just asking what people thought about me asking for compensation and how to go about it. Believe me...if I don't get compensated for the work that I've done I will smile and say thanks anyway and continue working like I have been. I DO NOT want to lose this job and I DO NOT take it for granted. I know how lucky I am.
There is complaining and then...
there is COMPLAINING. I'm not referring to those who vent about frustrations with this industry. I do it to. I'm talking about the people who are just really bitter, negative, hateful, and plain miserable in EVERY post and want to share that misery every time they get on this board.
There are several and it just makes me feel like these people need to find another career or a hobby...or $ex or something!
not complaining here
What's enough money for one person isn't for another. I need $1800 a month just to cover rent, food for me and a 14-year-old (good appetite), electric, internet/cable/phone, and another monthly bill I have) - so naturally I need more than $1800 because there is always something else to pay for - clothes, school expenses, transportation, etc. So, I have 2 jobs. (about 8.5 cpl/4 to 5 something for VR). I was one of the learn on the job people, and I have always worked at home. . I like being an MT too, which is a good thing since I spend so much time doing it. My situation right now is that I need to work 60 plus hours a week to make enough. I hope it won't always be that way but for now I am just glad that I don't usually run out of work, and one of my jobs I do my favorite speciality almost exclusively - doesn't even feel like work to me. If I don't want to do this job anymore, I will learn something else.. have a bachelor's and can go from there - as I have more than 20 years until retirement. Overall, MT's been good to me.
Why I'm not complaining s/m
If this job suits you it just tickles me to death I'm not looking for a job thank you.
some suggestions after some complaining!
I have been transcribing about 20 years all told, and the distractions I deal with these days are not much different than in years past. We moved into a new one-story house in November and I have been working upstairs with everyone else. I start working at 5 AM, but when the sun comes up, my birds start making racket and one of them talks A LOT, which can be absolutely maddening...then the dogs start up, and then the kids - 12 and 11 - with the TV on, or arguing, or horsing around ...ever since school has been out, I feel like all I do is yell 'can you please turn that down?' or 'please be quiet.' I know I have been driving my family crazy as much as they drive me crazy, but because of the efforts of my husband building an office for me in the basement (and also because he's tired of listening to me complain), thank God, I am moving my office down to the basement TODAY. My new office is not finished yet (it still needs a drop ceiling and carpet) but I can't take all this noise and distraction upstairs anymore.
I would suggest making your work area as isolated and quiet as possible. During your work time do not answer the phone at all no matter who it is, and screen all calls with an answering machine. Get rid of all distractions, whether they be noise or otherwise. Make the best use of productivity tools (expanders). Be consistent in your work habits, i.e., work straight through two hours and then take a 15-minute break. Hope this is helpful.
A lot of folks are complaining about MT pay
and not being able to make enough money. I personally don't think the problem lies so much with how many cpl we get, but the fact that we have to transcribe dictators who obviously have no regard for the person doing the transcription. They seem to think it quite proper to eat, chew gum, have a conversation with someone in the background, lay the mic down and dictate or speaker phone, dictate on a cell phone, in a crowded room, and a host of other things that make transcription very, very difficult. When you throw in a whole slew of ESLs, there goes your money. 
These same people complaining
are probably the ones stating "I work from home, so I have flexibility". If you don't want intruders then don't tell them you work at home. I have never had a problem with others thinking I sit around and do nothing. I also have respect from the offices I work for because they say things like "sorry to bother you"!!! Whoever out there thinks at MT work is easy, they should try it some time. I really get just the opposite. Wow, you type really fast, or wow that's great you can work at home! I haven't had anyone yet try to shove their kids on me even though I have my own. Yes, I have kids. So, I tend to think that people having these types of intruder or disturbance problems during their work day are inviting it!!!!
Not complaining, inquiring. sm
Not complaining, but inquiring. The OM said they are new to dictation, so it may take a while for them to get used to it. No dictation in a month is not good, though, and they will be backlogged.
One time I had a doctor who didn't dictate for a month. She was trying VR, which did not work. Then she did it again for a month, and was trying another service that was cheaper. Want to check to see if they're not fishing around, but never can be sure.
I gave them handheld units with the intent on their dictating, which they dont. Can't stop them from using my equipment with another service, but want some consistency. If I don't type, I don't make money. Thank goodness he's not my only client.
Next time will make them pay for them or find a way to prorate them. In that sense, I feel I've lost money.
Then stop complaining...
If you are happy, then stop complaining. If you are not happy, then move on. Why is it so difficult for you to figure out?
She has been encouraging MTs who are complaining..
such as yourself, to look in the mirror and take some accountability for ourselves...nothing negative about that...
You've been complaining about this sm
for months now. Obviously for whatever reason you are not going to get more work from the people you work for. The answer is to get another job.
Stop complaining??
Now, now, everyone has a right to their free speech and their opinions, so let's not go telling folks to shut up. I am one of the few MTs who has done this work since before computerization. I supervised in several teaching hospitals as well. I can tell you that we were a special breed. It was difficult to get really good, consciencious transcriptionists. They kept giving up. Most had husbands and regarding themselves lucky to be paid for work (as did and still do many women. No wonder there is no equal pay for equal work). Medical terminology had to be good in the days of old. There weren't a hundred proofers checking notes. Anyhow, there isn't enough space for me to tell all. But, what I do know is that MTs are gradually getting phased out, now ASRs are on the scene. I wonder if anyone has even realized that we are actually phasing ourselves out. And out of pocket too. What you will be paid for ASRs is much less than transcription, yet you are teaching the "listening machines" to do that very thing...takeover. Obviously, the first writer here has never worked in a Medical Records dept. doing work the way it was before the gold-diggers got a sniff there was money to make. No one really cares about confidentiality any more, although there is a lot of hype about it. Enjoy your home job. Unlike those days of old, when having someone "breathing down your neck" meant you had to do the job right all the way, and qualified you to keep your job, I would suggest a Plan B for the future.
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