That's way too low for IC with direct clients. sm
Posted By: Don't sell yourself short. on 2008-01-31
In Reply to: Line rates vary geographically. - sm
I live in a small midwestern town, so believe me, line rates aren't splendid here but as an IC, you should charge at least 10 cents per line. However, you should add up your expenses, i.e., supplies you'll need, gas if deliveries, etc., and figure out what you need in order to turn a profit on top of that. If a practice won't pay 10 cents per line, you don't want it because they're just looking for a bargain and the first person that walks in quoting a cheaper rate will have your job. JMHO as someone who has dealt with direct clients for almost 10 years now.
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Are these direct clients or for an MTSO?
I have direct clients plus do some work on the side for an MTSO on a prn basis. With my direct client, I had to work a lot of hours to meet a 24-hour TAT. They were adding on more patient days and the workload kept getting bigger and bigger. I had to finally sit down with the doctors (there are 3 of them in the practice) and say, look, there's more and more work and it's a lot for one person to keep up with. I asked them to prioritize for me and tell me what is MOST important. Now what I do is immediately work on the top priority work. I do that in 24 hrs, and they extended the rest to 48 hours. There are even a few reports that they said they could wait up to a week for since they don't need them back right away. I've never needed the week, but it's nice to have that cushion. If these are direct clients, you might talk to them and see if you can work out something like that, too. For example, any new patients or patients that would be having a procedure/test at the hospital need to be back in 24 hours, but the f/u visits can be 48 hours. Many days, you will probably be able to do all in the 24 hours, but if you know they're okay with some going to 48 hours, it will take a LOT of pressure off your shoulders.
That's just a suggestion, of course. It might just be that you need a better Expander program or some kind of productivity tips, but without knowing what you are already doing, it's kinda hard to tell. Are you utilizing expanders, macros, etc.? Creating normals for each doc? Also, if you haven't been doing their work for very long, your speed increases over time and that will help. Some people say it helps to set a timer and have a goal of XX amount of lines for that time period.
Maybe you can keep a log, kinda like a timesheet, and mark down what you are doing every so often so you can see what's taking the most time. Then you could start your day with the more difficult work and end the day with the easiest. That's what helps me the most. By starting the worst dictation first, I know if I have to spend a little extra time on it, I can. I try to gauge how long each batch should take and stick to that time limit.
I think that's one of the bigger challenges at-home MTs face, actually, and I'm sure others will have even better tips for you than I do! We all face it at some point, though. ;)
Direct TV
We have had Direct TV for approximately 12 years now. The price is reasonable and I just got an upgrade to the DVR for my sons to record shows, sports events and Direct TV took the box on the t.v. in the living room and put it on the t.v. in the kitchen for my husband to watch. Direct TV is great. We only have problems with it during severe lightning storms, but turn it off anyway, (picture freezes when storn is overhead). It costs about 94.00 per month for all the sports channels, movie channels and then 5.99 month extra for the DVR, which works great. But our price is expensive because of all the sports channels. Hope this helps in your decision. I have never had DISH, as we tried Direct first and never stopped or switched to cable or anything, as we found the service is great. 
To get own clients or not....
I have thought about getting my own clients, but working for a company, if I want time off, I can easily arrange that and know there will be co-workers to cover the accts. If I get sick, the company will find someone to cover the accts. I don't have to worry about the billing, tech support, trouble-shooting, complaints. Maybe someday I will chose to give up what life I have and get my own clients, but for now I like being an IC for a company. This way, I am a great employee and an even better boss.
My clients...
Consist of clinics. They all get 48-hour turnaround time guaranteed, and anything STAT (a TRUE emergent STAT) they need, it's done at no extra charge. Radiology gets four to eight-hour turnaround for obvious reasons. The rest of the clinics don't need a 24-hour turnaround time because let's face it, their staff basically sit on it, and I'm not going to break my neck so they can just sit on it....
Clients
Hello! I'm new to the board but not to MT. I've been working from home for my own clients for 10 years. I wondered if others who do the same have ever experienced a situation I just encountered and wondered what your thoughts were. I had a client whom I transcribed for for two years, then he moved and started back up in his practice and called me and I've worked for him for an additional year in that new practice. When I noticed recently that I hadn't received his dictation as usual, I questioned it, i.e. was he on vacation, did they lose a tape or what? The receptionist said he must not have dictated yet. I found this off as he usually dictates each day he's in the office. A week had gone by w/o work so I called and asked and the same girl said she'd have his wife (who works in the office) call me because she didn't know why there wasn't work, etc. At this point I got suspicious and had asked the recep. if there was something going on I should know about. She said they're working on this new software and maybe they just got behind. New software? I talked to his wife and "I" mentioned this software. She didn't. I asked if this affected my workload and she said 'yeah, probably quite a bit.' I asked if she would please let me know AHEAD of time if they were going to make this transition so I could prepare and plan (she had just made it sound like they were just looking into it and kind of testing it out, NOT that they'd by any means started using it full-time). She said oh certainly they would let me know ahead of time. Then I pressed a little more and finally she told me he'd already been using it for his patients and when I asked if I should replace his work, she said yeah, probably because he really seems to like it and will probably use it. I don't know what the software is but I hate it just because it took a big client from me. But I"m also wondering if this is common practice for a physician just to outright not tell an MT that they weren't going to use their services any more. I mean, not only did they not give me notice beforehand, but they hedged on admitting it when I came right out and asked. I find this incredibly rude and inconsiderate, especially when I've been a faithful MT for them for three years. I"m just dumbfounded at this behavior. Has anyone experienced this? So now that leaves me in the lurch with bills to pay with an already tight budget (hubby in college, two kids, high heat bills, blah, blah, etc.) and me looking for work to fill in the gap. Sorry I ranted and rambled. I'm just really upset by this and wondered if anybody experienced being treated this way and/or knows what this software might be and if it poses a threat to any of us. Thanks so much!
Own clients
This has been discussed many times with many different opinions/ideas. You might do a search as there was quite a heated debate on this about two months ago. I have a brochure that I send out with my card. For those I am very interested in I do stop by in person or if anyone calls inquiring I stop by in person. You have to be prepared with equipment to do tapes or digital and some may inquire about a call in system. You may have to pick up and deliver, provide your own paper. Be prepared to do any type accounts. Your rate will depend on the area you are in and can be anywhere from 11 to 16 cpl from what people say on this board. You have to be prepared to have some back up if you get very sick or have an accident and for vacations. You will not get any benefits, will not getpaid when the doctor takes a month off to go to Spain. It will be a tough go at first until you esablish a rapport with the office staff. But I like it and have been doing it for 18 years. Just did a report and have made 4K more this year than I did last year so things are looking up for me. Good luck. Patti
One of my clients for whom I have done only
tapes for has given me a CD to load onto my computer. I haven't put it on yet but I'm wondering if you all can help. It's an Olympus CD and looks like it's for .wav files which is what he intends. He says I should be able to load this onto my computer and then after that, he can email me voice files. Now, is this correct and what will I need to have in order to play and transcribe his voice files? I have a Bytescribe pedal. Please tell me I won't have to buy a different pedal for this! Thanks in advance for any help!
want to get own clients
Hi Everyone,
I have over 2 years’ experience in medical transcription and really want to get my own client(s). I feel that I am finally ready to take that leap. The question I have is – how do you go about talking to potential clients? What is the best way? Mailings, calling, just going in? Should I make business cards? Unfortunately all of my doctors offices (family, ob/gyn) husband's GI doc and daughter's pediatrician are all EMR. Ugh. So that's no help.
I’m not really afraid of what to charge or contracts, the rest is what has me stressed the most. Should I buy a program like DocShuttle or will they basically tell me what they want? I have been with nationals and small MTSOs alike and just am not sure how to go about everything myself.
You can feel free to e-mail me with any advice also.
I really appreciate the suggestions/help!!!
Getting own clients
I am currently transcribing for GI docs who are using the EMR system, I love it. There is barely any paper for me to handle, I fax everything right from their system to the referring physicians, once in a while I will get a physician who doesn't have a fax and so I need to mail. The final copy goes right into their system. I am currently working from home through my business. They had the equipment installed at my house, fortunately for me, I was with them for four years before I went on maternity leave and have been doing it from home for the past two years.
I also transcribe for ENT docs in my area, before I went on maternity leave I asked them to use my digital phone in system (really didn't expect them to since they were 'set in their ways' but they agreed).
As far as getting new clients, I would get some business cards printed out, and some fliers stating what equipment you will use, i.e. tapes, digital; will you be dropping the finished work off, and also turn-around-time. Then if it were me, I would take these to local doctors, speak with the office manager and offer your services, may be you can start off by offering to cover vacations (I know how hard it is to get coverage for yourself on vacation. You might have to start small and work your way up, but at least it is a start.
Well that is all I can think of, I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck!!
Best way to get clients? sm
I want to market my service in my area. I have gone to offices before in the past, but they sometimes get annoyed. I have also done mailings and get no response. Is there another way to get the OM's attention that maybe I overlooked? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Some clients won't go there
Some doctors have such rotten dictating habits they know running their reports through ASR will result in utter garbage; they have TAT to meet and they know if they take the time to have those reports extensively edited post ASR its just an extra step. Some clients know for them it will be a time and money waster; it is the MTSOs that are pushing for all ASR, not the clients. Many hospitals have tried ASR inhouse and end up scrapping it and going back to MTs. Its a lot like outsourcing in that many people are on the bandwagon, but there'll always be some that refuse to ride it.
Clients have the right to not have an
MT transcribing that reports if that MT continually makes mistakes. Not talking about the ones QA catches, but the reports that are sent straight through without QA and they catch the mistakes on their end and have to send it back. The client I am assigned at my MTSO has said that certain mistakes will not be tolerated and those that make those will not work on their account. They have the right to pull the account from the MTSO if their wishes are not followed by the MTSO.
getting own clients
Does anyone have a sample letter that I can look at to try to get my own accounts? I would really appreciate the help if there is anyone willing. I just need something to get an idea of what to cover in a letter just to get my foot in the door.
Thanks in advance.
I don't have any of my own clients...sm
so I have never had this problem. They said you were no longer transcribing his letters. Does that mean you are still transcribing other types of reports for him or is that the only type of report you did for him?
If the secretary called you before and asked questions about "How often ARE you coming to get work" or something to that effect, then it leads me to believe he was not happy with you for some reason. Sounds like he found someone else to do his work. He could have found someone to do it cheaper, who knows? I hate to hear you lost this client. I know money is tight.
Why not just get your own clients?
Just curious why you would rather subcontract when you could just get your own clients and make more money instead of paying a middle man.
MQ direct deposit
On Friday if payday on Saturday. On Monday if pay day Sunday. .
MQ direct deposit
As a rule, when the pay date is on Sunday I usually have my deposit in the account on Saturday a.m. The last pay date I think fell on a Saturday and that was deposited on Friday a.m.
They don't do direct deposit for IC's.
Nobody at SS answered my e-mails.
Direct hit on cherrypickers
Just wondering - how do you cherrypick on DQS?
Direct hit on cherrypickers!
Here's some good news - my branch just eliminated cherrypicking by disabling the Dictaphone button that sends reports back into the pool, thereby rending cherrypickers impotent! Yea!!!
Now they have to do the same frickin' lousy docs as meeee!  
Direct Deposit
Independent contractors cannot receive direct deposit typically as a standard course of events, I am told, because that would be treating them like an employee, and not appropriate for the IRS and accounting purposes.
Direct deposit
I would love direct deposit! I have worked for many services as an IC and most offer it but currently do not have it. I miss it so much!
I think it is in direct proportion to how often
they want to be "bothered" by a lowly MT with questions - lol. I say this because the more exp you have, the less questions you will have. I have seen some with the audacity to put in their ad, "quality-ready work." I doubt they know what it means!LOL!
when privacy direct first came out.....sm
it only cost $2/month extra - today I think it costs $19.95 but to me it's worth it because #1 it cuts all telemarketer calls (and I have been on the Do Not Call list since that began) and I can also take my phone charges off my MTSO business at tax time......
call your phone company and ask them if they offer anything like Privacy Director. *S* 
Can some tell me, or direct me to, about editing. Sm
I need to expand my horizons I guess. I've been out of MT work for 6 weeks with no signs of hire in the future. I've seen editing jobs..editing and editing VR..I don't even know what that involves. Any helpers out there? Thanks!
please email me direct--sm
I tried your email link through this message, but it did not work. would love to hear from you on a personal level. thx.
no direct deposit either...this is what I do...
I'm an IC for 2 companies that don't provide direct deposit and I just found that waiting on snail mail to bring my check was too undependable. I now have my checks sent overnight. Sure I have to pay for the charge of it but it is worth knowing when my money will be here. Most companies will do this if you ask them to and they just deduct it from your pay. I don't know your situation but I am able to use this expense on my taxes each year, so I definite feel that it is worth it.
Direct deposit - do you have it?
At my present job, I do not have direct deposit. I really miss it. It's frustrating me. A small thing, yet irritating!
Do you have DD?
DIRECT TYPE
I have also typed directly into Meditech through VPN. I have never heard this called "direct type" - my 'guess' would be yes!
Direct Deposit
I also have direct deposit. I get paid every other Thursday, and by Thursday morning my check is in my account. That's just my experience. Maybe you should call the company and see if there's a problem. Has it ever been late before?
I would call HIM direct...
(Health Information Management) which is Med. Rec. Normally when you call the director will never answer. Either ask directly "Can you tell me if you have a transcription department or if you outsource your work?" Or ask if they have any openings for transcription. They can only say no we don't or we don't do that here. You could probably even ask who they outsource it to.
Unless you get the idiots that I called the other day. Our coverstatino... Like above post...Called hosp. I used to work at because rumor was they had an opening. Called HIM..Do you have an opening for MT? Umm I don't know I'll have to transfer you to HR. (HR) Do you have an opening for MT? Um no we don't. Do you have opening for an at home MT as described. Umm I don't know we would not know that, let me check with HIM....No they do not. Can you tell me who is the director of HIM now? Umm I'm sorry but we are not allowed to give out that information. I had to call back and ask the clerk in HIM who the darn HIM director was.
Who in the world cannot tell you who the dept. managers are. That was so brainless. Explained that I had worked there previously and wondered if it had changed. Wonder what would have happend if I asked to speak to HIM director. Um I'm sorry she's not allowed to talk to anyone!
If you get direct deposit set up
(if your company offers it), then you won't have to wait for snail mail. But no company is going to predict what day your check is going to hit your mailbox. Pay day is the day checks are cut and sent out.
No direct deposit, huh?
x
See if you have a Tiger Direct near you
and tell them what you need. DH says mine was only $299, and he picked it up the same day, so I guess it was in stock and everything.
direct deposit??
I have never done this kind of work before and signed up to work with a lady from qmedet solutions. She wants my bank account number to direct deposit my check. I am leary of doing this because she didn't check references or want to see a resume. We emailed back and forth, she called me to explain the job and then requested my personal information. Is this the way everyone works?
direct deposit??
I have never done this before and wanted to know if this sounds legit. I placed my job information on a site for MTs. I received an email from a lady who works for qmedet solutions saying that she wanted to hire me. We emailed back and forth about whether I was interested and then she called me to discuss the job. She then emailed me forms to fill out my personal information including my bank account number for direct deposit. I just want to make sure that this is normal because she didn't get any personal references from me nor did she request any kind of resume.
Also at Tiger Direct
If you don't see one you like with pre-installed XP, you can place your order by phone and ask for it instead of Vista. You don't have that option on most of the ones with a web order. Though they do have XP PRO OEM for $139 if you want to just install it yourself.
Tiger Direct sm
Which computer did you buy from them? It's been a long time since I bought a computer, and I don't really know what I need.
Do their computers just come with the keyboard and mouse? Does it have any software on it? I have Word that I can install, so that's not a problem.
I was so worried I wouldn't be able to find a computer with XP on it. I appreciate the info!
Are you doing this direct or through an MTSO
Is this your own account or are you working for a company who is paying you this line rate?
If you're working for an MTSO, then 13 cents is outstanding. If you're doing it directly and all of your expenses and taxes need to come out of that 13 cents, then it might be a hair on the low side, imo.
LOL! May be direct but still HAPPY sm
being an MT!
I just heard clients are now
very interesting, indeed.
Finding Clients
I had gotten my previous clients when I worked in a hospital Medical Records Department as an MT. The docs just came to me and asked me to do their work at home. I am going to have a professional letter and business cards made up now to send to local doctors, just anyone in the phone book who looks good, but mostly cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery and orthopedic docs. They seem to have the most consultation letters.
Contracting own clients
It's actually two units attached and working together: A Sony BM-890 microcassette dictator/transcriber and a DTI-800 phone interface. I bought the unit (years ago) for about $1,300.00. The top unit (BM-890) is where you put the tapes in and is like a regular Sony transcriber. (I transcribed the tapes on a separate transcriber, though). The unit gives the doctors the option of pausing and backing up to listen to their dictation and make changes if needed.
Contracting own clients
I agree - to make good money, you need to get your own accounts. My long-time cardiology group account just got EMR with VR, however, so I need to find a new account now. This one was really nice in that the doctors dictated over their phones to my Sony answering system, and then I would just e-mail the completed work back at the end of the day for the office to print it all out there; I never had to do any pickups of tapes or delivery of hard copies. Just wondering now, is this very unusual, or do others here have similar arrangements? Thanks.
None of my clients have no idea what a CMT is...
Seems like they should spend more time/money educating doctors about the mere existence of CMTs instead of rolling out another level of certification.
Ditto! What do clients think when they -
It appears as though the majority of this company's managers don't even know how to type! Must look awful if they use emails to communicate with clients!
I would just tell your clients that you have expanded, now
having 2 branch offices and that all invoices are being generated out of your new office and that is where payments should be made.
One of my clients uses Chartscript
It is a little confusing at first, but once used to it, it is a breeze. You just have to be careful because the system is picky about what it will accept, such as no % signs, but rather spelled out, etc. Not hard. If I can do it, anybody can. :^)
It COULD be a lot worse. And clients and QA are much more likely
to comment on obvious padding than grammar errors, so I'd keep my head down if I were you. Just do it the right way. You say there is no QA, but if you get yearly reviews or anything, do mention you would appreciate any feedback on quality that they were able to provide. But I'd rather work with somebody who is padding their reports a bit than somebody whose work is full of grammar errors or real medical errors like I've seen so much of in the hospitals where I have worked.
For people who have their own clients....
Do you bill monthly, twice monthly, or bi-weekly? I have work from a hospital coming soon and wondered how most people bill. Also, while I'm in the process of making up a contract, what would you say is the norm in terms of the percentage you would charge if they were late in paying you? About how long after you send the bill do you expect to be paid? I know all of these things are negotiable, I would just like some feedback on what others are doing as this will be my first contract.
Thanks a lot!
"stealing" clients
Actually I DO believe what you did here was unethical. And it is the exact reason that noncompete clauses get created. Any MT who is contracting with a service has no business going straight to a client UNLESS they have been asked to do so by the service they work with. To do so and then make an attempt, successful or not, to take that client away from the service does smack of ethics that I wouldn't want to be associated with personally.
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