Some of us have genuine issues with transcription... sm
Posted By: Dewglo on 2007-01-11
In Reply to: Why the heck don’t you all just - Minnie
OKAY. I've held my peace long enough. I've heard all sides of the issue, and these are my thoughts, take them or leave them.
Why do MTs who "make so much money" and are deliriously happy with MTing appear to always assume the ones of us who are stressed out with line counts, quotas, and lack of pay are continuously bellyaching?
I have been in this business since the 80s, have seen the "days of glory" when you could make buckets of money and feel rewarded for doing a great job. HOWEVER, it isn't like that anymore for everybody. It isn't just the MT companies not paying us what we deserve to be paid. It is the healthcare industry as a whole; doctors and hospitals don't want to pay what we should be paid when they can ship work to India or other countries for 2 to 3 cents a line instead of paying a company 15-20 cents a line, so they can pay a Transcriptionist 8-10 cents a line...
Insurance costs so much for family coverage that some of us are not even making as much as Wal-Mart employees after the deductions. Some companies are genuinely trying to get benefits that are decently priced for us so we aren't "deducted" to death, but the insurance industry is given carte blanche to charge what they want on premiums. Why are the procedure costs not regulated and doled out equally regardless of health conditions? Most insurance companies control the cost and they're not "going broke" anytime soon, not on what I'm paying alone for my dependent coverage!
There's a lot wrong with this profession, but there's a lot right with it, too. I'm grateful to work at home in the privacy of my home office, in my housecoat and comfy house shoes if I please. I'm comfortable not having to deal with office politics! Thank God... I dealt with that for way, way too long. I'm thankful for the things the company does for me - including keeping me employed, even in stressful times. And I'm thankful to see my daughter get off the bus safely and come home from school to her mom.
What I have always wanted MTs to do is to join together and become a driving force for bettering our profession, not dividing us against each other because of the bickering, griping, tearing each other apart, and needless name calling at the drop of a hat over issues that don't matter a hill of beans in the long run of life.
Many of us face unbearable situations every day in our personal lives, yet we "saddle up" our computers, get in the fray of what dictation comes our way, regardless of whether the dictator can speak coherent English or not, and do our level best to meet quotas required of us in order to provide for our families. Some of us even work so much to meet quotas we don't have time for a personal life or a second job if we need the income! Imagine that.
Now, having said that, gotten on my "high horse," and given my opinion, whether solicited or not, I'll tell you what's wrong with this profession in a nutshell: We need to stand up for transcription and get it regulated somehow before it's all shipped to other countries and we are out of work for good. We need to start lobbying like the other professions do - really lobbying, not AAMT or the like... getting some real help for preventing outsourcing overseas and implementing laws that require keeping our medical data and jobs here.
I don't have all the answers. I'm frustrated too, but I tell you truthfully that if something doesn't happen soon, Wal-Mart is going to be getting a lot of MTs applying for jobs.
Also, to those of you who are able to be independent contractors - God bless you. It's not the answer for all MTs. Some of us have health conditions and CAN'T get insurance coverage any other way than to work for companies and don't have spouses providing coverage st their jobs. Many of us are on the front lines providing insurance and income for our families. Some of the companies are really trying to help... some are good. You just have to look hard to find them - and when you do, DON'T give up on them even when you get frustrated with them. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. That's something MTs need to understand. People, I'm preaching to myself, here, too. Believe me, I've been guilty of job-hopping when getting ticked off over nothing, then wishing I'd stuck it out.
Lastly, MTs, please think before passing judgment on everybody! That's one of the biggest problem we have on the MT boards. We need to PULL TOGETHER for better jobs! That's where our power is, in standing together, not in bickering and cutting each other down. Just because the rest of the world is "slice and dice" doesn't mean MTs have to be.
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l love Taylor, I think he's a sweetie and seems genuine.
k
Agree, verbatim transcription equals poor quality transcription.
x
Know AIM transcription system, never heard of Hull transcription. Are you sure
you are not thinking about DHull who is a recruiter for MDI-FL? They use the AIM system.
And you think I have the issues!
You have a pretty vivid imagination. The only way you could think up all of that is if you went through it. I am sorry all of that happened to YOU! I really, truly am!
See? There you go with your issues.
If you weren't calling names or belittling people, why are you arguing with me? No, I don't have to put up with verbal abuse from you or anyone. I have no problems with differing opinions, so say whatever you want. For someone who never did any of those things, you're sure coming back to this post to continue arguing about it.
She had issues
Yeah, I belive that's what it was. By no means do I feel repsonsible for what was going on with her. She had marital problems, 2 children at home that she couldn't bear to be without and was just confused about what she wanted to do with her marriage, not to mention the stress of working b/c she was used to the MT world. But nevertheless, I'm kind of glad she's gone b/c she always came in with some sort of sob story.
I had issues with that one.
I have yet to be able to get my foot pedal to work with escribe. I finally downloaded transcription-buddy and it worked for me.
I have issues with this also .....sm
Some times I am so focused, no interruptions, stick to my schedule.....other times it is interruption after another, inability to focus, house to take care of....
It is pretty much Life and I just roll with it...
MS having issues
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeUZjaoJFQeFLR1T-E76M3IsHm8gD8V294AO0
Yes, I have the same issues
I have the same issues at my company, and the bad thing is, once they make their changes, whether they be right or wrong...our initials are still on that report. I had an issue with a QA person saying I had the wrong word...well the first time I let it go because I thought, maybe I heard it wrong...the next time I got a report from that doc, he clearly said the word that I had typed previously, so I emailed the QA person and told her NOT to change my word..this is what he is saying, and besides, I confirmed it through Google and other transcriptionists that I trust...she said, that is not the write use of that word, and I told her, that's not my problem, call the doctor and tell him it's not the right use of the word...I'm typing what HE says, he's the doctor....who are we to change what he wants...but I was really frustrated, and she told me she would look into it and let me know...I asked her all day about it, but she never did tell me what she ended up doing, probably changed it....It really makes me mad! So, I'm right there with ya, and like you said there are some fair QA people out there, but the company I work for have a few that just drive me crazy!
SS issues
Please contact the Director of HR by email and the HR team will see to it that this issues are handled. Sorry for any inconvenience. We will looking at where the previous emails have gone and how (or if) they were handled properly.
no pay issues
do you think maybe you need to go to the source before believing all the negativity? the people posting these ads are likely disgruntled people fired for poor performance. i have worked for this company for quite some time and have not had my car repo'd! i wouldn't stay around if i wasn't happy.
Pay issues.
I don't understand. I hear people complaining about their wages. Yes, I know we aren't exactly paid that great of an amount, but seriously. I see people complianing about making $20/hr or more. I am lucky if I make $11.50 an hour right now (including shift differential and 5 years experience), but I don't care. I have the luxury of being at home so that I can work while my son is sleeping (thus not paying $500/mo for day care). I don't have to pay for gas to get to and from work. I don't know about most of your situations, but I would be forking out at least $100/mo with gas prices at $2/gal in order to get to and from an outside of the home position. And, I even qualify for benefits. Add all that up, and it is more than worth it. Why can't we just be happy that we have a job and can make money? I am the sole supporter of my family right now, and $11.50/hr, I still can make it. Yeah, I don't even have an extra $5 at the end of the month, but I can make all my payments, provide a roof over my family, and provide food and clothing. I have a nice house (only 4 years old and +2300 sq ft), with a nice chunk of land, so it isn't like I am living poorly. I don't understand how those of you making $20+/hr can sit here and complain that you aren't making enough and can't pay your bills. I think instead of complaining about your wages, you should reevaluate how you are living. I know different parts of the country are more expensive to live in, but I could easily make it on my income alone in most of the country. Every position is suffering right now. Our business is not the only business where people are taking pay cuts. Why can't you just be happy with what you have?
you certainly have other issues with sm
"abuse" besides your husband! T his is not abuse, this is the "norm" for medical transcription. The company you worked with last, probably didn't have enough work to give you a second account. Most MTs would love to be in thep osition of having more than one account. some barely get anything.
one word- ISSUES!!
I don't have issues with my parents are they are
both deceased, but I have "disowned" all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. I grew up believing I was the black sheep of the family and maybe I am, but their lives are so screwed up and I never heard from them unless they needed something and there was lots of bitterness and anger about various events - mainly my parent's death. The only way I was able to deal with the issues was to disown them. I was not interested in making things better because they aren't willing to make an effort and I just don't have time for that.
My oldest sister hated my mom and was very ugly to her. My mom did so much for her. All I heard was what a lowsy mother she was. Well, my sister's daughter had a baby and gave it away, did drugs big time, drinking big time, has lived with several guys. Her son is gay and can't hold a job, has had so many wrecks he has lost his license twice that I know of. They just keep buying him vehicles very time he wrecks one. He can barely make a move without having to ask mommy, is a druggie/drinker/liar. Only my sister can't see all of this. We all make mistakes and I don't claim to be a perfect parent, but.....
AAMT issues
There are many MTs out there I have encountered on other websites who all have different opinions and solutions regarding state of the AAMT. Questions: Would you like to see a new organization built and structured for the MT, not for money or politics...or would you like to see MTs unionized.... or do you think it would benefit MTs to have state licensure to practice? Please go to website http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hardworker1111 and place your comments. Hopefully if we all voice together we can make some real changes. Looking for real solutions. Thank you.
Autocorrect issues
I copied my autocorrect .acl file to a disk to load it to my new computer. I copies it into 3 separate files that each had .acl and nothing comes up but the stuff normally put in, not my personal stuff. Any help greatly appreciated. Been searching internet too and I've been at this most of the day and I've just about given up. Windows 2000, XP OpSystem
Keyboard issues
It was not hard at all, maybe a day or two, if that to get used to it and it didn't take long to get up to speed. I love the hand positioning, it is very comfy for me. I bought mine off ebay very cheap, 27.95 with shipping.
some major issues!
If the post set off some "emotions," then keep them to yourself, or scream them out loud at home where no one can hear you. The person who posted this did not do so to set off YOUR PERSONAL "emotions." I think your major emotion just might be jealousy!!
I have all the same issues you mentioned as well.
I guess everyone else is thrilled with the new version or just does not use it? May be my last year wasting my money with them unless I hear they have made dramatic improvements for next year.
server issues
I work for a large national and we have servers down, programs down, instand messager down pretty often. And, no we get paid nothing for downtime even when it's the company's fault. Really sucks!
Subcontractor..help with various issues
I need some advice on how to handle having a subcontractor. I have a subcontractor now helping with one of my accounts. My process is that I have a separate checking account and separate savings account for business. All of my checks from work as an IC go into this business checking account. I then transfer to the business savings account a certain percentage for taxes. We'll then transfer most of the remainder to our household checking accounts. That way, I can look at the business checking account and see my deposits and know exactly what my income is. Anyway, now that I have a subcontrator, I don't know exactly how to handle everything. Do I just keep track of what I pay her and then claim it as an expense at the end of the year? Will I have to give her a 1099? I guess I should only hold back for taxes on the percentage of the money I keep now. I'm just confused on the whole process. I could use any advice...or a point in the right direction for where to find information on this. Thanks!
Not having those issues anymore since
I switched from the Belkin to my networking system through my telephone company, Bellsouth. If I had any problems with anything prior to my changing, Bellsouth came and would not touch the equipment, saying they could work on mine if I had their networking. Ok, since I had so much trouble anyway, decided to give in and try theirs and no problems at all anymore. I have had theirs now for probably around 5 months.
punctuation issues
I was very careful about punctuation until I had to research things and found that the MTs at my hospital NEVER use commas. I could barely understand some of the long, strung out sentences. I always researched obscure medical terms to make sure my work was accurate, yet I make $10 less an hour than others there because the pools are set up so some MTs get the profitable work before the rest of us. The point of this is, I don't feel that my excellent work is appreciated, and I don't believe the pool situation is fair, so I just do minimum to get by. I also work IC to supplement my income, and my IC work is much better because I feel appreciated.
MT Workplace Issues
What a long thread! I wasn't sure where to post this within this thread, as it goes back and forth in topics from dying field, to let's strike, to managers are Satan, etc.
My only conclusion from this thread regarding the unhappiness so many have with being an MT is that the majority of you are young. I say that because you have such passion to defend a field you feel is worth fighting for, and that certainly is not a bad thing. I used to be you. I am older, though not necessarily wiser, but I have learned what works - the hard way.
All your complaints are very true for this profession, as well as for every job on the planet. There will always be office politics. There will always be a gossip. There will always be somebody who doesn't like you or that you can't get along with. There will always be a supervisor you think is incompetent. On and on and on.
At my last on-site job, there was a very tight clique and I did not fit in, probably because I didn't try, nor did I have the desire to do so. I brought my lunch, ate it outside, in the office, where ever. Sometimes someone not in transcription would come in and join me, which was great, and sometimes I would eat alone, which was great. I was invited to go to lunch with my co-worker out of politeness I'm sure, and I did go - once. After listening to the gossip and the complaining and the attacks on everyone who walked by, I knew that would be the last time I would go to lunch with her. She thought she knew it all, and I let her think that. It made her happy and my life easier. She did her thing, I did mine. We got along great at work, but we would never be friends, and that's why it was a great place to work.
In a nutshell: Do your job and do it well. Do your time, and when the day is over, it is OVER. You don't worry about what others are saying about you or anyone else. As for being the meek little typer flying low and never saying a word, don't be quick to judge. She is the smartest one of the bunch provided she sticks up for herself on the job front if need be. She doesn't get involved, she minds her own business and does what she was hired to do, and doesn't go home with a headache or an ulcer at the end of her shift.
If you don't like your pay, approach your supervisor with facts and figures backing up your work. If you are unhappy, start looking elsewhere. Unless you have legal recourse for some action that management has done, you are wasting your energy. Actions speak louder than words, let your work speak for itself. No company wants to see an A+ trancriptionist head for the door, but by all means do so if the job is not right. Trying to change the mindset of your supervisor will come back to bite you in the butt because you are not the one with the power, she/he is, and you will be looked upon as a threat. Live by your job description, the one you agreed to when hired. If your working for the social aspects, lots of luck.
This is a dying profession. I will be 50 shortly and I am looking to change my profession because I don't want to be looking for a job at 58 because low pay, outsourcing and VR made it impossible to make a living. I do not see this being a viable way to support myself in the long run.
Wow, do I sound OLD! 
You really need to understand the issues.
The wage demands (usually union-driven) are what have priced Americans out of the more than this business. You need to get beyond this drama that you've created for yourself and look at the issue. Your 7 years in the business are nothing compared to my 21+ so don't think that your name-calling and having to have the last word are impressing me at all. You are letting emotions control your responses, not level-headed thinking.
And two other issues come in to play.
It's the company's responsibility also to make sure the MTs have the tools they need to do the work, not pass along unreasonable expectations and demands to the MT with no help. I'm thinking things like facility punishing for not filling in demographics when said dems aren't available to the MT. IME it's the "st*pid clerical stuff" that often gets focused on. Stuff that could be fixed with a little footwork and planning.
Secondly, the supe should get over the emotional delivery and hysteria. The MT needs to know the facts; they don't need to know how upset you are about it. They don't need to be made to feel st*pid without being given the tools to solve the problem. Management needs to go into problem-solving mode, not blame mode.
satellite issues
My satellite transmission goes out if there is heavy rain, snow, clouds.......birds flying by (just teasing). Very frustrating when you are trying to meet a deadline, but this is the only thing I can get. It was also EXPENSIVE. $600.00 up front to start installation and then they stuck me for another $150.00 for "additional" costs. Monthly fees are expensive too. I live in the sticks though so I am lucky to have satellite.
Sleep issues
I have tried over the years so many things without success or with side effects. Melatonin puts me in a light phase of sleep, waking up frequently. Valarian root causes palpitations. Antihistamines do the same thing as the melantonin.
My godsend ... Tension Rx Nightime. You can buy in a healthfood store (though can be hard to find) or on-line. It is a mixture of a few herbs, aminio acids and GABA. It is very relaxing but not over sedating, and I am thrilled that if I get up in the middle of the night, it keeps me drowsy so I can go back to sleep. Only downside is your body builds a tolerance, so instructions state 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. It also improves concentration and focus the next day.
Happy sleeping!
For IT issues/questions
I have found that productivitytalk.com has tons of information!
Give them a try! :)
tonighst issues seem to be
Urology and hip replacements! I dont even know where to begin to look for samples, et cetera
Wrist issues
Hi everyone!
I am having an issue with just my left wrist. It feels like it keeps locking up, and is pretty painful if I just let my hand dangle (like if you hold your arm out and relax your wrist so your fingers are going towards the ground). I only started working in April as an MT, and I am only 21. Do you think it could just be deconditioning or is it something I should get checked out? I don't have insurance right now so I really am trying to avoid a doctor's visit but I don't want to mess myself up permanently this young!
Thanks!
Security issues.
x
Does this have anything to do with personal issues?
I would not think the rules apply here- your name does not give history about you just by your signing in. I think this is a non-issue.
I had the exact same issues! sm
Maybe I'm an old dog. I started out with PRD and basically use IT the same way. I don't utilize all the bells and whistles that IT has. It really got overwhelming when I tried to use every aspect of the program. I basically just use it like the old PRD program and it works for me!
These are my issues with VR (at the moment, that is)
I say this because the platform I work on has changed from 1 of really, really good to now: No periods even though starting another sentence and the next letter of next sentence capitalized so it knows; numbers can be completely haywire from 4,4, 3, 1, 4 and 5 to perfect for some dictators, mostly not though, doctor's names no longer in although previously had them in; no matter what the patient's name is, completely opposite from what is being said; sometimes throws in categories capitalized not even said and in wrong place. Now the good thing about VR, I am my own spell check now. Everywhere I go I am seeing misspelled words and I find literally hundreds all over the place. Just found 1 this morning in the doctor's office, surgeies. I guess the person making the sign did not have or use spell check. I do not think literally possible to do that many lines per hour myself.
Two separate issues
Her medical records were indeed compromised several years ago and they did a sting with the doctor to find out who it was. The person responsible, ironically, died of cancer before she could be prosecuted. Farrah talks about it in the documentary. The documentary itself is Farrah and Alanna filming her treatment and journey over the last year or so.
COMPUTER issues
Well, once again thought I had it fixed, Not! I got the VGA splitter but I wound up with both male and I need a male and female. I am tired, really tired so will let this go until tomorrow and then try to get this done.
Umm.. they cannot get it done. They do not care about morale issues.
x
I have no issues at all. I'm just saying that the OP is being condescending and arrogant.
And if there are any issues going on, they seem to be coming from a person who needs to analyze any posts in diagreement with their opinion as if that disagreeing poster must be crazy and that simply isn't the case.
Yeah, I'm the one with issues. You just keep thinking that.
nm.
Didn't know about Target issues...
The Target issues you mentioned are pretty significant to me also. I guess I'll start going to K-Mart for non-food items. The grocery nearby is quite high, but I heard of a warehouse-type grocery that is opening soon in my town, so that's an probably my best option.
Thanks for sharing the info!
You have some real anger issues!
I don't think the post called for the venom of your answer. You must be quite an angry person. I will pray for you.
Wow, you have some issues to deal with sweetie
I'm not saying that what you are saying isn't true....I do think parents need to be careful about the sort of behavior you described because a sensitive child can take it to heart and feel hurt; HOWEVER, the OP was expressing her feelings about how their first day went, not that they were GONE. Had she wanted to celebrate that they were gone she would have posted this morning after the bus pulled away and exclaimed YIPPEE!!! No, she posted when they RETURNED HOME and was happy that they had a pleasant 1st day of school.
As I said, there is a valid point to what you say...just not applicable to the person you directed it toward.
Have a great day!
There ya go. Sibling issues on her part?
:[
testing - having issues posting -nm
nm
Had issues earlier this morning,
x
Wave pedal issues ...
Anyone ever had a wave pedal start to go bad? I have a USB pedal that is just three years old, and it's starting to flake on me. It will stop on it's own or jump in the audio without me propting it. Maybe there are loose wires?
I'm tempted to open the thing up and see what I can do (though I'm totally clueless). Just wondering if anyone knows about this stuff or has had the issue and fixed it. If nothing else, I'll buy a new one (or ebay one).
Aren't pedals supposed to last longer than three years?!
I think it is security issues, anyone can pick
up transmissions from satellites if they have the right equipment.
I'd be worried about fire issues... (n/msg)
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