Starting this day and age, I'd not make it..quality is a side issue..speed is what they want..14
Posted By: my spot on 2006-02-26
In Reply to: Poll: MT Job Satisfaction - MT student
nm
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- Poll: MT Job Satisfaction - MT student
- Starting this day and age, I'd not make it..quality is a side issue..speed is what they want..14 - my spot
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I thought quality was a given. Speed and quality are not mutually exclusive. sm
I maintain 99% accuracy above on my reports. However, the original question was regarding personal preference, and I have stated mine, and I respect your opinion as well. :-) I do think if I was working in an office or hospital setting, the setup you mentioned might be more profitable in the long run. There are too many interruptions and such when you have other people running in and out, phones ringing, etc.
I doubt that anyone but me really cares about the lines per hour it takes for me to do a report. They just want an accurate report in a timely manner. I take pride in my work, and would never just slop something out for the sake of the almighty buck. And, as an added incentive, I work for 2 companies, and one of them has my name on each report. I don't have a problem with it, but I did think it was a bit unusual at first.
Oh well ... I must confess that what I'd TRULY like is to be paid lots of money to just sit and play Battle Phlinx on Pogo all day long, but as of yet, no such luck. 
It's definitely a work quality issue.
I'm having a tough time myself. I had the ultimate in great MT jobs up until just recently. Seriously, my Expander stats were running about 70% per day. Now I'm doing maybe 20% on my expander stats because I have a new job where the dictators just ramble on endlessly and backtrack often. It's about $11 an hour and the schedule doesn't work for me either. After I pay taxes and equipment costs, I might as well be working at Burger King or Walmart. I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't make it on this low income. Maybe those sweet accounts only happen once in a lifetime, and my sweet account is gone to VR.
Speed was an issue for me....
Hi, Sandi - If you've been working with a dial-up at home and haven't had a problem, I'll bet you won't have one with the PC card. My problem is that I am spoiled - in my home office I have the fastest DSL we can get in our area - 7 mbps. So, when I use my laptop remotely, the Verizon service almost seems like dial-up to me. Just to give you an idea, the last time I used it remotely, I downloaded 20 discharge summary dictations, most of them around 5 minutes long, and it took about 45 minutes for all of the audio to download. Of course, I was camping in an area where the cell phone signal wasn't that great, so that might have been a factor.
If I were you, I'd try out your card for a few days before you dump your other service, just to compare.... It's all what you are used to, I guess....
I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm
First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided. I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it. I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc.
I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income. As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are: How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription. Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice.
I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start.
Thanks in Advance!
It's possible to maintain quality if you are willing to sacrifice speed. Can't have both thoug
;l
Yes, I have 2 jobs-- the 2nd one covers what my DH used to make at a side job- sm
more actually. It was our college fund $, now it also covers our life insurance payments---grant I am working more now and he less, but he watches the kids a lot, does all the cooking (I have to clean it all up however), takes them out to give me quiet on 1 weekend day, etc. So if your husband/SO is willing to pick up the slack it is doable. Yes, our house could be a lot cleaner too but once every 2 weeks my husband and I do a marathon clean together, and I stay on top of the laundry so that does not get out of hand.....average 5-6 hours of sleep a night but sleep in on Saturday and Sunday until 8---you can do it but it will keep you hopping!
what size package do you have? i have basic and i couldn't make good lines due to speed. nm
;
Hahah!a! Funny typo: not quality 'scAre', quality 'scOre'. LMAO!...nm
nm
I think that depends on the quality. Do you honestly think there is good quality just throwing every
MT on any account like they are. I also think QA has been told to not waste a lot of time on blanks so I think the hospitals are getting a lot more blanks. I certainly have more when I get in a hospital I dont know and they talk 100 miles an hour.
Is this a semantics issue or is it a you versus frustrated issue?
Which ever it is, if your feeling superior on a board makes your day go on ahead. I am sure frustrated knows what she is doing and now so does her boss. I am also sure that in the future frustrated with think twice about how she words every sentence perfectly so that you can perceive it correctly. After all, that is what she would rather be doing than kissing her little daughter. NOT.
Good for you frustrated, for handling it in a professional manner. For the other MTs on here who need to get a life, well, maybe they shouldn't bother since feeling superior here seems to suit well. JMHO.
It isn't a Smartype issue it is a Word issue
On the Word toolbar at the top, click on Tools, then Autocorrect, then check the box that says "capitalize first letter of sentence." That will do it for you.
increase speed 3, decrease speed 2...sm
increase backspace 9, decrease backspace 8. At least that's what mine does.
C-phone speed help! PLEASE! Speed key!
I am in tears - typing speedy gonzalez - a total knee replacement, not a standard, dictated in under 1 minute - FULL REPORT! Can you imagine? I have a C-phone that is just hanging in there, but lost all its programming. Isn't there a # key on the number part of the phone that reduces speed? I need it way slooooooooooow!! I'm afraid to just start hitting numbers, though, cause I've lost reports that way!! Anybody have a # to hit for me???
Quality is quality whether you are an MT or CEO.
How good is the quality of the performance of your managers or the guys at the top? Anybody want to evaluate that? Can they get their raises based on our evaluation of their quality?
Let's see now. Which CEOs were named in lawsuit? F for quality. How many managers do we need to give us stupid pep talks? F for managers. QA this post MQ and all other nationals who decide they reward us on "quality" Look in the mirror and fix yourself.
what is your quality like?
.
Oh, the quality! Well now we know.
x
quality
I totally agree with you. There should be some kind of feedback on how you are doing. Not only for mistakes, but also if you are doing a really fine job. I know when am not real sure of something, or if I did do something wrong, I really do want to know. How else do you learn? I know too, that when someone notices a job well done and lets me know, it makes me want to strive for that "perfection", and it just plain feels good. I think the circumstance has become if nobody says anything, then it's ok, kind of leaves you in the dark. Just always remember, everything you type becomes a legal document. I'm sure you do a good job.
I can't believe the quality.
This year I had to subcontract out because I have too much work to handle, and frankly, I can't believe the appalling quality I am getting from transcriptionists with 10+ years of experience. To put it bluntly, it's shameful. I pay 11 cpl to my transcriptionists but after a year of searching, testing, and training, I have only found 2 that are actually worth it. My doctors are so easy. They are clear, they repeat everything, and there are no ESLs, but these people just don't read directions, don't proofread their work (when they clearly need to), and don't have even the basics of grammar down.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if doctors that have switched from an over-priced American company to an offshore firm didn't notice any difference in quality at all.
I know this isn't going to be a popular view but it is the truth, and I can tell you I was just as shocked to learn this as anybody.
98% quality
Hi peers,
Can someone describe me how to calculate 98% accuracy. Any description or link would be appreciated. Thx!
quality, etc.
Case in Point ~
with a union, we could at last demand to stop being treated like cattle and/or factory piece workers. What in the heck has happened to hourly salary!!??? How about straight salary? These records are, after all, LEGAL DOCUMENTS. When we are forced to type at the speed of sound instead of making the production of the highest quality possible documents our top priority, this demeans our profession.
UNION...UNION...UNION...UNION
better pay is better quality/less pay=less quality
nm
I just took one and know I did not do well, quality is not
an issue with me, but knowing I am timed my fingers just don't work.
should be quality - should have had an ESL MT do this for me
so sorry!
From the other side
I know how you feel but one day before you know it there'll be no slamming doors, no one talking (or fighting) outside your office door, no one interrupting you, the dishes will be done and the house neat with nothing else needing to be done. Send 'em over to me for a couple of hours. I used to couldn't wait for some peace and quiet but it really isn't all that great after all. Sign me....missing the young 'uns.
On my Mom's side
a cousin actually got a call from the Jerry Springer show wanting her, her husband, and live in YOUNG boyfriend to be on a show. NO KIDDING!!!!
Think of yourself on the other side.....sm
Then, make your decision.
Send the cards, by all means, but don't court work with it. Do the soliciting after the holidays, as you had originally planned. I betcha some of those folks will remember the wonderful holiday card from you!
I think you already know this or you would not have put up this post asking advice. Right?
Enjoy the holidays, wish others to do the same, and then attack! LOL
On the plus side...
I think Paula's hair is better than ever...thank goodness. That's all I have to say about her. ;o)
On the other side of never ..
where else?
Another side.....sm
Although I do agree with everyone that has already posted about this field, I do have quite the opposite story. I worked for the government for years when I started having my family. Worked out okay with my first child because I worked nights and hubby worked days and she was always with one of us (which is always an option you could consider). But when I got pregnancy with my second child, I knew something had to change and I knew I had to make close to the same money I was currently bringing in to keep the household going. I took a course from At-Home professions (not recommended). I took this course at home through my pregnancy while still working. I was then hired by a local clinic to do their notes at home, which I did for awhile as I continued to work nights. I had the baby and while on maternity leave, I started really sending out the resumes and doing followup calls. I then landed my first "real" job as a medical Transcriptionist from my home office. After a couple months, I felt secure in putting in my notice with current employer and the rest is history! I have been doing it ever since, 14 years now, in my home office. I do have to say though that if it wasn't for Sandy, the transcription manager, I would not be where I am today. Through her patience and guidance, I learned more from her than I did my course, so I was one of the lucky ones at that time. If you are really serious about giving this a shot, I would recommend Career Step or M-Tec for you schooling choices. You can take these courses at home. Companies will hire you to work at home right out of your schooling from these two schools. Be prepared to work hard...there is a lot to learn, but it CAN be done. I still learn something new every day 14 years later, but I am so thankful I was and still am able to be here for all three of my children. Not always easy, but very doable!!! I average about $18 an hour. Just another side to consider. Best wishes to you and congratulations on your new baby! Enjoy:)
Way to go...see in side.
Ctrl Alt Up arrow right side up
Ctrl Alt Right arrow 90 degrees
Ctrl Alt Down arrow 180 degrees
Ctrl Alt Left arrow 270 degrees
Alternate key combination(Ctrl Shift R)
see in side
Only thing I can think of is if they are thinking you have dial up, because you could not be connected to internet and phone line at same time. Unless they are paying for the line and they want a separate bill.
You have your regular phone line, if you have one for your every day calls and for work calling. Your c-phone connects to phone line so you would have to have a phone line available to you for transcribing continuously. If you plan any contact with the outside world you would want to have a second line.
I have 2 lines but use one for my computer and the other for calls. When I use my C-phone, I use the computer line too so my house line is still open. I have phone line and c-phone plugged into a dual jack then to the computer so I never have to plug/unplug it.
People say I call you all the time but your phone is always busy. Normally these are folks I don't want calling me. If they new me they knew to call the correct number! So, maybe they just want you to have a dedicated line. If it is local see if they will pay it. Hopefully that was not too confusing.
I am on your side!
I am not a slouch MT, but I have seen a great deal of them. Then they come on this board and anonymously pick away and ridicule. My idea of a perfect world: Hospitals would have to have their transcription departments on site. Then there would be no outsourcing, no offshoring, and those who aren't so sure of what they are doing could ASK someone who DOES know what they are doing, like QA lady, and the report would be correct the first time and everyone would be happy except those in India who call themselves transcriptionists and I personally could care less if they are happy or not.
From the other side...
From the other point of view, I struggle with this issue a lot. I have a certain mental illness (I'm actively being treated and am as well medicated as I ever have been) and I know that sometimes when I start to slip and my anxiety and paranoia get really bad, I am just convinced I am going to die. Every little ache, pain, twinge, sneeze...I'm sure it is a sign of something fatal. Somewhere in my head I know I am being irrational, but my brain takes off without me. The fear is almost paralyzing at times.
I'm not trying to be dramatic. I'm just saying how it is for me personally. And I wanted to point out that not everyone with this problem is just doing it for attention. Some people really are ill.
Side to side.
aaaaaaaaaaaaa
I know an RN that did this on the side
She makes the rules up as she goes along, gives her MTs incorrect information that goes against AAMT BOS. Unfortunately she hires alot of newbies and these girls are being trained incorrectly. She would NEVER survive doing a hospital account and only has clinical transcription. Her company is so out of date they still use tapes. It's like working in Mayberry, RFD!
other side of it
I thought of that after I posted the first time. You're right - it depends on if the VR system is coming from the hospital or the MTSO. Sometimes the hospital is not aware and the MTSO is just taking a bigger profit by shorting the MT. I would say sometimes it is the MTSO just trying to get bigger profits by forcing MTs into VR and sometimes they feel compelled into it because the client says reduce your rates or lose the account to someone else.
Whose side are you on?!
Bashing an MT with a legit gripe and comparing it with a $5.75/hour unskilled labor job?!
The reason MY JOB is so difficult is because doctors have a sense of entitlement to make an MTs workday a living h---, and thanks to brown-nosers like you they CONTINUE to make nearly impossible demands.
Another thing, you sound like an impossible demanding customer thinking everyone should kiss your foot in the McD's line
That's not the issue..
 The Canada-American thing's not the issue here, but believe you me, if all I could earn in this profession was $18.00 an hour plus bennies, I'd get out of it in a heart beat. We are worth much, much more than that!
Same issue!!!
Funny I was just thinking of posting. My company just changed systems. To what I have no clue, but they seem to think it is great. This new system has a lot of static. It is thier end and they admit it, but why not fix it. I have about had it. There is static and if you go past the static and back up "5000 times" it will finally play but it is nerve racking. There will also be blank sections where the tape will run for about a minute. Like they paused it. Absolutely no sound but tape is running. I just ignore those because they always pick up right where they left off. I try to catch most of it but don't hesitate to leave them a blank and let them figure it out!
VPN issue
Do you have a static IP address? If you have DSL Extreme, it's free, otherwise I think it's about $15. I had to get one to keep from losing my connection every little while (not connected to getting phone calls, though.)
Best regards!
It isn't always a pay issue. Most of you just want to
There IS a need for offshore for what you won't do.
Same with other jobs. NO one here wants to pick crops so we have Mexicans come do it.
Stop complaining.
Thanks, but that isn't my issue. nm
I have this issue....sm
When you are an independant contractor you just get what they can give you and that's it. I hired on full time when I hired in almost 2 years ago. I have yet to work a full 40 hour week. I am lucky to get half that. I actually have just started venturing out into side jobs that aren't MT. I am gonna see how that goes.
Actually a cut-and-dry issue ... sm
IF YOU HAVE UE TAXES TAKEN OUT OF YOUR PAY BY YOUR STATE, YOU'RE COVERED if you meet all of their other requirements.
Look on your pay stubs or W2 for the last 6 months (although not that sure about SE status). Look at the part of ductions that your STATE takes out - it may not specifically mention deductions for UE, but if your state deducts state disability taxes, you're certain to be covered for UE as well. (For some reason, my own check only showed NY State disability insurance taken out, so I had to verify with my payroll dept. that I was actually covered for UE).
You spending 3K in gasoline to make 4K plus all that time on the road?That doesn't make sense Pat
Why is it only for SEs? If its really quality they want it should apply to
Quality is quality whether an employee or not.
QA is Quality Assurance, QC is
Quality Control, for what that is worth
Bad quality dictation
What in heavens name do you do after starting work with a company and the dictation is so lousy qualitywise with static and the voice fading in and out. Is this normal? Left lines in every report. ??? Help?
Can you tell us who this is with the bad sound quality? nm
s
The other will be cheaper but no quality
x
The quality of the dictators is SM
pretty bad overall--even the Americans. I would say with most national services, the accounts are about 75% ESL (30% terrible ESL), 20% fast Americans who don't care and 5% really good gravy dictators.
This is for acute care dictation--large hospitals. Another problem is there are so many dictators in 1 facility that you hardly ever get the same ones day after day.
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