Home     Contact Us    
Main Board Job Seeker's Board Job Wanted Board Resume Bank Company Board Word Help Medquist New MTs Classifieds Offshore Concerns VR/Speech Recognition Tech Help Coding/Medical Billing
Gab Board Politics Comedy Stop Health Issues
ADVERTISEMENT




Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Several MT companies are going broke SM

Posted By: Ellie Mae on 2009-03-16
In Reply to: Medical transcription - USED TO BE MT

and I anticipate them either folding or being merged into several other companies.

There is not enough of the pie to go around.

I do think there will always be some work for young mothers, who want to earn extra money, while working at home. Just not enough money to be made by the rest of us.



Complete Discussion Below: marks the location of current message within thread

The messages you are viewing are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select the boards given in left menu


Other related messages found in our database

broke huh?
as landlords, you give notice, after that, you put lock on door, with all their stuff inside, if they don't pay up, sell their stuff. get rid of the gas hog suv, do much 4-wheelin? or why do you need that thing in the first place, cause everyone else has one? being 1/2 mexican and 1/2 italian, you eat pasta, 60 different ways, or you eat tortillas and beans. cheap. I remember having 2 teenagers, no income whatsoever, found a can of V-8, and a box of pasta, made sauce from the V-8, my kids later asked me to make it again. had a dollar to last me for 2 weeks, lost the dollar and cried like a baby, FOR A DOLLAR! and last but not least, things can always be worse. buck-up and do what ya gotta do.
You have it write Broke!!!
You are exactly right. Ooooh let me buy that huge TV or put a brand new Lexus in the driveway. please. Christmas is about giving not about receiving and it is not about giving presents. It is our time and our love that is needed most, especially this time of year. We do the same here. Make presents for each other, make the decorations for the tree, donate our time and our money to those who need it. Soup kitchens, Salvation Army, local homeless shelters, etc, etc. We have never "not" been able to afford going crazy on Christmas presents for our own families, but really just never wanted. Our entire family feels it is much more important to spend on those who most need our help. Kudos for you and a very merry Christmas!!!!!!
First co went broke, so went to second, which sold
xxxx
tape broke
Did you hear me scream? I guess I'll cut and tape and try it from there.
Not yet. Broke too and need to file. nm

nm


I broke into the field with a 9-mo baby....
I quit my office job (not MT related) to be at home with my daughter when she was born.  I had left nursing several years before, but because of that had medical knowledge and had taken terminology.  I began working for a small service ran by a friend of my mother (a definite break) and since my mother was an MT too, I had her AND my mother's friend to call any time I was stuck.  I spent 2 solid years calling on the phone about 50 times a day.  Fortunately I was married and didn't have the stress of being the only one making an income.  That took the stress off.  That baby is almost 18 now and I'm still here, having working my way through 2 more babies.  I've worked in-house a couple different times for short periods, but I never enjoyed it.  I've been home so long now that I don't know anything else.  I love it.  It's almost more crucial to be "hands on" with your kids as they get older and into their late school age and teen years, than it is when their needs are more simple.  With all that's out there to corrupt our kids, I think they're better off spending as much time with family as reality will allow. 
another one is Broke Back Mountain
I already knew what was going to happen ahead of time.  I think they must have been going for the *shock factor* of two gay men in a film, which has never been done, because the rest of the movie was at a standstill.  Altogether nonconvincing!
The STRAW that broke the CAMEL'S back!!

Can you believe there is trainee from India, living here in the U.S., who has been training on my primary account for the past TWO months at least....the problem is all she wants to do are the good American dictators and she is ALLOWED to skip, pass over, cherry pick past her own countrymen's bad dictations. 


I've watched my line counts go down now for quite awhile wondering if all the decent dictators on my account were hijacked somewhere, now I know why!!  How long should it take a person to get used to transcribing ALL the dictations??? 


This, to me, just adds insult to injury....first all we seem to be getting are the terrible dictators from India....now even if we are "lucky" enough to have a transcriptionist from India living here in the US transcribing on our accounts, all they want to transcribe are the good American dictators.  I've turned my cheek more than once but am beginning to think enough is enough!!  What say you???? 


I tried the Wellbutrin and broke out in massive hives
nm
Oh, my MT's aren't going broke -they are very happy with their accounts...sm
I haven't had an MT leave me yet because they found better work at a better price even though I come right out and tell them: if they can make more money working for someone else, please take it. (so sorry to ruin your pity party :) though). I have also taken on newbies and trained them into the business. I have worked with my MT's when they found an account that they wanted to get for themselves. I've talked them through proposals, sent them some of my paperwork, and even some of my advertising. I've always told them I feel there's enough work in this business for all of us and I can always find someone to work on my accounts to replace them if they get their own work- so if I can help them land an account of their own- more power to 'em!  You know, you can do the same thing I did...just go out, get your own accounts, buy equipment, set up a file transfer system, bid a good price and get the doc to take it, find some good MT's, train them on the account, then go out and get another account and do the same thing. And then get more accounts. As was said before, anyone can do it -- it's just that most people won't.
I have an HP and the power jack broke in less than a year
I had to buy a battery charger and an extra battery and run it off batteries. Seems to be a problem with HP. Don't want to get it repaired because local guys will not guarantee motherboard won't get damaged and it is cheaper at this point to buy a new one than send out.
Hilarious name for a gay movie. Broke back mounting.
Gays love it. A play on words.

Can't wait to take my family.
Mother fell and broke hip Sat, sent home by ER doctor

who said it was only bruised.  Hospital calls Tuesday afternoon and says she actually had a broken hip and needed surgery.  In the 3 days before the nursing home found out it was broken, she fell again.  Has anyone ever heard of the radiology dept taking 3 days to read films?  It was Memorial Day weekend, but even so I don't think it should have taken so long. 


Can anywone recommend a good vacuum cleaner? My old one broke and has to be replaced. Thanks. NM
nm
MT companies negotiate with the insurance companies until they get what they want

It is strictly up to the agreement between the employer and the insurance company.  Your new employer can tell you what the pre-existing clause is in your new policy.  Some require proof of insurance for the past 12 months.  It may say something like if a diagnosis has not been made NOR treatment received within the last __ months.  Not good when companies negotiate with a pre-existing clause in order to get a lower rate.  Better check with your HR with your new company before doing anything.  It really gets hairy !


Well, if you broke your right hand and were right-hand dominant, can you see how this might be a fac
It may not be relevant at the time of dictating a physical exam or social history but in the future it would be good to know if the patient breaks the finger(s), wrist, hand, arm.
Most companies do no use their only files (HIPAA). They use files provided by other companies, serv
If you can get through the test files, then the sound quality on the actual company files is better. And, the dictation is never as bad as the test files, plus you have QA to help with hard blanks.
MT companies
Hi, there are many MT companies out there, and there are some that you should steer clear of. The one company who scammed me real good for 2 years was amatrans-am out of Valrico, FL. If you see an ad for them run in the other direction. Or just check the BBB. They have really scammed a whole lot of people unfortunately....but there are better ones. But just stay away from the ones that ask you to do like 1,000 lines a day. You won't be able to do it, or if you could you would be dragging yourself off to bed, only to have to get up early the next morning to begin it all over again.

After a couple of years, I am now working, but mind you, I am really a semi-newbie, and I only make 4 cpl. The money won't make you rich, but the experience can be very rewarding, and what you learn keeps your mind working. If you want any more info, feel free to e-mail me brooklyngirl1112@hotmail.com
Gaile
Are all companies like SS?
I think I will stick to my day job god....
Why is it okay for other companies
to be informed about and not this one. My heart bleeds for these MTs. Obviously, it is not just one employee posting here. Can you imagine the frustration of watching your fingers move more and more and your paycheck go down without being told or informed why. They have a right to vent and warn. I want to be warned ahead of time before I make a mistake. No slander involved, facts are facts and that is it.
What companies, if any,
. . . hire and actually promote professionals who have forgotten more than many MTs know, have years and years of experience, work when needed, don't rock the boat, and produce excellent work?  At my company, the editors and managers usually have just a few years of experience as an MT, if any, and many have no management experience.  Some managers have never even seen a typed document.  That doesn't make sense.  What companies give one a chance to actually grow with them?  Any of them?  How do the promotions go to those who took an on-line class and have been an MT for 2 years?  Kudos to anyone who could answer this . . . Bewildered 
USA companies only for me.
 USA   Overseas.
companies

What are some of the best small companies that you have worked for?  Does anyone live out in the sticks and is on dial-up?


MT COMPANIES

do u like working for this company.  Do they treat you fairly.  I was told to download and they will give me first files to fit me with proper account.  They have been great.  Does this continue?  Please let me know.  While on the subject does anyone have any information on Amphion, Medware, QTmedical, Orion and Transhealth.  Any information appreciated.


Does anyone have any information on smaller companies hiring at this time.


 


 


 


What it is with these companies?
I am now on my third job since deciding to work at home August 2005.  What is it with these companies?  Don't they realize that without us (transcriptionists)  they have no business????   I have been lied to, nit-picky QA'd to death, had money taken away from me, treated like crap, and received nasty emails.  Every time get familiar enough with account to start making some real $, guess what?  Get switched to another account.  I have always worked for hospitals, clinics, etc. 20+ years and never have I encountered such treatment.  It is just amazing, actually no, it is pathetic.  This third job is it.  If this does not work out, going back to the hospital.   I have a lot of admiration for those of you who tough it out and are still working for these amazingly unprofessional companies.  Maybe that is why there is so much outsourcing.  Workers in other countries will take their CRAP. 
MT companies
Does anyone know of any Canadian medical transcribing companies that are looking to hire people to work from home??  Thx

MT companies
I'm from BC.  How about you?
which companies use
I had asked on the company board and no one answered.
Thank you.
There are companies to go with...
There are companies to go with that are at home business that are selling a product and making money without having to put a lot of your own in it. Tell them before they try this company to go TheFreshAirShop.com
Why do companies always do that?

Don't they realize the more familiarity an MT has with a certain dictator or group of dictators, the more accurate they are going to be in their transcription and the faster they will be able to produce lines?


Or is it that transcription companies simply don't want MTs to make a decent living?


I don't get it. 


if so many MT companies are bad...

i.e. don't pay on time, lousy platforms, too many ESLs, etc., how on earth do they manage to stay in business?


Ever wonder how companies
come up with their minimum requirements of experience, 1 yr, 4 yrs, 7 yrs, etc. Is there some sort of table/formula they use? ;-)
Yes, and a lot of companies are
at least trying it out. There is a board here called voice recognition and you can also look at the jobs on www.mtjobs.com - usually you will see a posting for "editor" which is a little deceiving because sometimes they are QA jobs and sometimes voice rec jobs. You will always be able to tell by the line rate though :-) I have see an average about half what you normally might expect for transcription.
There are a lot of companies like this. They

live in feast or famine.  It's better for them when it's famine because the work is out fast (too bad for us trying to be consistent, huh).  Top that off with people who don't work the whole pay period, just towards the end which is when the work tends to run low (too bad for us trying to be consistent, huh).  So during the time when these don't work, you get overloaded and need to work as much as you can to make up your time (too bad for being consistent, huh).  I know, I live in those same shoes, buried and then scratching and scraping for work to do.  Gotta love it!


Companies
Does this sort of thing happen a lot? I was just curious. I am a student in Medical Transcription, and I was just wondering if anyone had some good tips for job hunting. I don't think I want to start from home. That is something I would be interested in after I have had some experience. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
MT companies
Hey, don't be discouraged by what you're hearing here. Disgusting. So, SOMETIMES, in my experience, yes, companies are constantly looking for MTs because they are a bad company and can't keep typists. Sometimes their standards are impossibly high, sometimes they are rude to the employees, etc. SOMEtimes it's because they are vibrant and expanding, but beware that some companies expand too fast, and can't keep up, and end up folding because of it. CONTACT them, ask them, go fishing. The only good advice I heard in the whole post thing is, keep looking. You need to be able to evaluate each company based not only on postings and web site evaluations and word of mouth, but also by personal contact. YOUR evaluation will be different from MINE, and you might be comfy working for a company I would hate. So, in that respect it is personal. And the "good" company of today, can fold tomorrow. The terrible company of today, can change it's spots. Find the fit for YOU.
Run away from those companies. sm

I paid $350 a month through Consumer Credit Counseling for over a year and they sold my accounts to Money Market Management and never told me.  They never paid a thing on my Sears bill because they were still waiting for Sears to accept their proposal, which Sears never did.  I was never told that either. 


I don't know where all of the money went because when I dumped them, my $200 Home Depot credit card bill was suddenly almost $600. (Late charges and over limit charges).


Work with your creditors.  It worked for me, at least for the most part.  Sears doesn't usually budge, but you'll find that in this day and age, creditors are willing to work with you and settle for a certain amount a month if you are willing to do direct debit (even $20 a month) from your bank account.


Good luck.


I would like to use this - what companies
x
What companies
Being a Christian, I would not work for any of them because the antics I have seen displayed in the industry would be at odds with my ethics. I will be consent to raise my child and leave the boardroom to someone else.
I mean getting other companies to allow
us to bring them to the office!
Best companies
Me too.  I'd love to hear about some place that treats their MTs well.  Is FOCUS a good company    ?????
The best companies are . . . (sm)
Transcription at its Best Get Back Jack BestPRN (Florida) ProScript (Florida) AccuStat (Wisconsin) In general, these are all companies with fewer than 100 MTs, so they treat their MTs like humans. The downside is you will frequently have to invest in a specific foot pedal or FTP program or even, ugh, C-phone and long distance. (See, that's what the IRS means when it asks whether you can lose money at your business.) These smaller companies also require a lot more communication and better work ethics than the big nasties do. If you can't do your assigned work, you'd better find a sub that can that very day. If you don't like communicating with the service owner frequently and keeping fences mended, you're better off with the big anonymous you're-a-number-to-us services. Best advice? Search through the old pages of the Company board and go to mtjobs.com and search the old listings. The companies who have just advertised are working their way through the average of 300 to 500 resumes that each ad produces. (Makes you wonder about those big nasties who keep advertising, doesn't it? Why so much churn?) I've had excellent results both with that and with "cold calling," meaning cold-emailing these days. Make your resume short, sweet, and effective; design an effective cover letter, and don't forget the outstanding subject line. Research the service and emphasize those of your qualities which exactly fit what they're looking for. Bonnne chance!
Some companies do.
You may want to try and find a company who is willing to work with a new MT. There are companies out there who will help new MTs gain experience and not pentalize them for their errors.
Companies?
What's the consensus, TransHealth or Precyse?  Thanks in advance.
There are still a few companies that will allow

dial-up.  I've seen a couple within the past month on the job boards but can't remember which ones.  She could get a job that uses a C-phone or Lanier, though she may also be required to get unlimited long distance too.  Most companies will rent the equipment or you can frequently find it on the equipment board here or e-bay for a reasonable charge.   There is a thing called an Air Card.  Verizon has one and I believe Sprint may have one - not sure.  I have used a laptop for many years and don't know if a desktop has a slot for the card to go in or you can use something internal.  The card is a couple of hundred dollars and the service is approximately $49.00/mo.   Some cell phone companies offer some type of data transfer that might be an option provided she isn't so remote that she can't get cell service.   In my city we have a new service called ClearWire.  I think it is along the lines of a cell phone transmission.  You plug the modem into an outlet and you can move it from room to room.   They don't have it in my neighborhood yet though so I don't have more particulars.   They may have the same service by a different name in your friend's area.


There is also satellite, although some companies will not allow it for security reasons and because the speeds are inconsistent.


That is all the options I can think of right now. 


I don't know if it is the Companies trying to rip off MT's but
I can tell you this - it used to be nothing to bid a job at 14 cents and walk away with it because you had the best service at the lowest price - now I routinely can bid 11 cpl and get underbid by someone else who is also offering 24 TAT and faxed reports.  If the MTSO can't get 11, you sure can't pay 10. I think that's why prices are starting to stick around 6-8 cpl for the MT's.
Two Companies
I just work for one company as an MT, but I also work as a Transcriptionist for an insurance company, so yes, I do work two jobs, but they're both not as MTs.

Yes, there are companies where sm

you can work with dialup.  It's very, very sloooooowwwww, though.  I lose 2 hours' production each day because of it.   If you find a company you like, just ask if it's possible.   There are many that offer C-phone dictation (or Lanier), too.  If you don't have a C-phone or the Lanier gizmo, you might want to check ebay for a good, used one. 


Good luck! 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Very, very few companies pay a CMT more, ...
and even fewer 1 cent.  If anything, it's more like 1/4 cent or even less.  In addition, for an MT working a full-time to make around $50k a year isn't really incredibly impressive.  In fact, it's a little on the low end. 
Most companies want to know where you rec'd your
Some companies only hire grads of specific schools.

MedQuist only hires new grads from Career Step.

Do you think there are any companies (sm)
that might give an MT a chance with past acute care experience? In my 21 years, I have 4-5 years of acute care, but my main love is clinic/multispecialty. Acute care was okay when I was doing it, but I'm not sure if they require recent experience or if any experience counts.

What do you all think? Give it a try? Thanks for any input!