The biggest pro for me is the TOTAL flexibility...
Posted By: former bank manager on 2005-09-11
In Reply to: What pros - ?
As long as I get the work done, I can do it when I want to without being chained to my computer.
Plus, I don't know why you think ICs net 50% less than if they work on an employee basis. I've worked as both an IC and employee and, although I don't have benefits, I make much more as an IC.
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I like the flexibility too, and I really need it so - sm
I will be sticking with it for quite a while. I cannot see any employer dealing with me needing mornings/afternoons off here and there to go to my chiroprator (since my accident in 10/2005-got T-boned by someone who ran the light) 2-3 x a week right now; take my 2 daughters to dance 2 x a week at 4:30 and 5 in the afternoon; go the the Oncolcogy clinic 1 x a month (now, was a lot more) and also Radiology every 3 months for my 5-y/o's cancer f/u; take/pick up my kids every day at 7:30/3:30 at the bus (granted I have 2 after school options available to me so I could eliminate the afterschool pick up or at least make it later). Would any one other that a PT employer put up with that, NO , I doubt it. I tested, passed, etc. a screening position for the TSA 2 years ago here in Richmond. Was going to take the job too as they said (at first) I could work 10-2 which would have worked good for me, but the pay sucked--I only make slightly less doing MT and I am no speed demon--and it was not worth the gas, daycare, mileage on my truck (about a 45 minute drive to the airport)--especially in the summer when the daycare costs triple. So I said thanks but no thanks. If I was offered $20/hour or even $15/hour I might have done it, considering it was "national security" it was not worth it to possibly put myself in harms way. So in order to get a job outside and be worth it you have to make at least $30K+ I think, not easy to find with just a BFA and office administration experience. I hope to finish up a paralegal certificate I started 9 years ago, need to re-enroll again at U of R....pricey though, 1 class costs $900...I have about 14 classes to go to get my certificate then maybe I will work outside the home, but that will be years down the road from now as it will probably take me another 7 to complete it as I only take 1 class a semester as it is too expensive and I have way to much going on. You should probably take a course or something, good to stimulate the brain and for a change of seen. I have not been back for 5 years and miss it. Meant to in 09-2004 but then my mom got ill, then died, then Jen got sick 6 months later...just could not find the time or inclination to re-enroll. But time to do it, in the meantime I will relish in my flexibility! (sorry for the book, tend to get carried away!)
Like the flexibility and usually really like the job. Of
course, there are some days that are not so great. Worked outside the home for years and I think I appreciate being at home more because of that. Wish I had known about this many years ago when my children were small. 
I had that flexibility at MQ, but we also ran out of work so much,
x
Loss of flexibility
I haven't gotten my packet yet, but it sounds like we will have to submit a set schedule. This is a problem if there is no work within your scheduled hours to work (which happens to me nearly every day). Then I have to rearrange my life to be able to make any money. It isn't going to work for me anymore. 
Like the sound of ur flexibility
Who is it that you work for? MQ but don't know who that is.
While getting more bonuses and flexibility and
Make sure you get the whole picture, okay?
work flexibility
I certainly empathize with your plight, and I get angry when I see these companies advertise for at-home moms and service wives. I am thinking it is not as it seems - without flexibility and its hard on the MT and the family. I also am looking for that very thing -flexibility enough to take care of my family's needs and meet MT requirements. That is not too much to ask for.
I was promised I would have flexibility, then NOTHING
I agree with you about the 24-hour TAT. I think some of you are misunderstanding what I expected and what I was told. I was told in my interview that their perfect candidate for at home MT was "people with small children". That came from my managers mouth! If that's the case, how can they think typing straight 8 hours a day is possible with small children in the home with you?
Furthermore, I am the lowest man on the totem pole, so I don't do STATS or anything that is very time sensitive.
My work that I do isn't usually signed off by a doc until a week or so later!
I'm not asking for 24 hours to do my work, but a split shift would be nice and they won't budge.
It doesn't help that I'm the only home MT with small kids. All the other MTs are older, with grown kids or never had kids at all.
I feel like I'm in a losing battle. I really need this job, so I do the best I can.
I know that if I could work a better shift that works for my family, my production would be even better.
Besides, the fatigue factor of typing for 8 hours straight is pretty bad.
Your idea of flexibility obviously isn't the same as
You'll have a better idea of questions to ask up front next time.
Also, though, changes can happen that can make them change how they work.
If she wants the flexibility, go to IC status with someone else. (nm)
x
The time flexibility is
the greatest thing about this work. My daughter's are grown but at times something will come up that I need to take care of and it's never a problem.
We are very fortunate!
Love the flexibility, can't say I like the job. Anyone agree? sm
I'm an MT of about 10 years, 6 of which have been at home, and now I'm just trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.  I love the flexibility of being an MT (at home) but really can't say I enjoy being an MT at all. I like working on my own and all that, but listening to awful doctors day after day just isn't too much fun! lol I'm forever contemplating going back to school (have 2 years of university credits from 15 years ago) but then I'd have to go outside the house to do whatever, and after the gazillion costs that go with that, probably would make less money (not that I make much now, mind you!). Does anyone else feel the same way? In my ideal world, when both kids are in school (I've got 2, ages 6 and 4), I'd go back to school full time to be a teacher or something. The reality, however, is that we can't afford it. Even if we could, would I really want to be a teacher and be stuck to a schedule every day (I'm an IC now and can work whenever, just 24 hour TAT)?
So, that's about all I needed to say. Just very curious on what others feel about "long-term" career goals, kwim? Thanks for your thoughts!
Love my job there too. It's been over 2 years and I still like it. The key is flexibility
The work can fluctuate but if your patience and have some flexibility, they are awesome to work for. If you set to a certain schedule, it may be harder for you. Overall, they truly are a hidden gem.
I agree...I love being an MT and the flexibility it gives me...
nm
I agree... lots of flexibility offers
This is not the only field that offers flexibility or work from home status. Congrats on your raise! It's nice to know someone else likes this line of work....
The biggest thing I like is---
They are FLEXIBLE. They don't call you up if you are in the bathroom to see why you aren't working. As long as you do your work, they don't bother you or restrict you to a strict schedule. That was a big turn-off for me when I talked with Spheris.
My biggest issue too. (sm)
Not only that, but I finish the part I wanted bolded, return, return, and use a shortcut for the next heading, and it changes that one to bolded. Grrrrr!
biggest complaint
would anyone else say that the biggest complaint as a Transcriptionist would be leg cramps and back pain? and what suggestions would you give to help?
Does anyone know what the 3 biggest MT companies are? nm
nm
Biggest Com;pany
Spheris may be #1 because they have a huge Indian work force now.
Biggest pitfall of being an IC
is no guarantee you will get paid. See post below about MTSO not paying.
One of my biggest pet peeves, since most of
Thanks. That is encouraging. My biggest concern is
visiting family at holidays and other times. Do you bring some of your own food or just pick and choose from what is offered? Or do you go "off the lifestyle" and then make up for the damage later?
I never understood why NASCAR is the biggest
to watch cars go round and round and round and round for hours, days, weeks, months, years.......I get the gambling side of NASCAR but I don't get that it truly is (and IT TRULY IS!!!) the biggest spectator sport out there.
About $65 a month, but the biggest expense is
You have to purchase the equipment and pay for installation. The dish weighs about 75 lbs so if you don't want that weight on your roof, you can have it put on a pole in your yard and that's extra. Plus they charge to bury the line from the pole to your house ($3.25 a foot - I buried it myself). All total for me, including first month's service over $700. But, hey, when that's your only option, what do you do? There may be a company or something where you live that 'rents' the equipment for a small extra monthly fee - that's how we do our satellite TV so we don't pay for repairs. Satellite internet is not as fast as DSL or cable, but is still much faster than dialup. Plus, if you're an IC, it's all a tax writeoff. Hughes Net customer service stinks big-time and if you don't like them taking the monthly charge directly out of your checking account, they charge an extra $5 a month to mail you a bill. They know you have no other high-speed options and they have you over a barrel - so they stick it to you every way they can. 
But these are hospital reports from one of the biggest
ones here in Atlanta. At 1 time it was no name and change to the patient and now, all 4s, when the dictator dictates their name, you put the name. I know darn good and well they supposedly go along with the HIPPA or whatever the initials are because when it first came out they were given out and we had to read. These are definitely not clinic notes.
That's one of my biggest fears -- my heart goes out to you. sm
I volunteer for a local food back through United Methodist Open Door. They do not provide money for rent or anything, but they will give you some food and a referral to other agencies that provide assistance. They do ask for proof of income, but if you are experiencing a short-term situation, they will help you. They never turn anyone away hungry. I am sure there are such things in your area as well.
I hope you find some help. I am sure it is very scary right now. I will keep yo in my prayers. Good luck to you. Hope you heal quickly.
Your biggest problem will be with OP Notes.
I would buy the newest editions of Stedman's Surgical Word Book, Stedman's Medical Equipment Word Book, and Tessier's Surgical Word Book. Those three books will be your best friends in hospital transcription.
I would also invest in Stedman's Lab and Pathology Word Book too because you'll run across a lot of lab tests you've never heard of and would probably never hear about in the clinic setting.
How does one distinguish biggest issue
I've been at this a couple of years now and still too slow. Aside from my own issuse of looking things up, getting my Expanders accumulated, etc., I am wondering how to sort out some of the technical issues.
I hear a lot of talk about platforms, but I think the one I am using is ok (what excactly should I be looking for to determine that?). Also, I noticed the computer seems fairly slow in general. I use the Internet for searches, but it seems it takes longer than it should if I put a word into the dictionary search or acronym search, and so on. (I have some books but just as slow with them and need different glasses right now so have trouble reading them.)
I am certain we need more RAM, but it also seems our connection has slowed down as well. Connecting to the server takes longer than it used to and the e-mail opens up more slowly.
On top of all that, the data screen slows me down. There is always something that causes trouble, like, if they don't say a certain thing, then delete something else and check a box ... Or, they will enter a doc's name, but it needs to go in a different field, so we have to move it.
Any thoughts on these things and tips on how to work around it the best I can? Thanks a bunch!!
My biggest problem is the babysitting requests...
This is my biggest problem.. Every mother within a 20-mile radius thinks I am their emergency backup babysitter. I lost a friend over this. She asked me to babysit, I said no, she showed up at my door anyway and begged me to take her kid, and I refused. She hasn't spoken to me since. Several other mothers have expected the same thing, some that I don't even really know, and I have had to be very firm and stand my ground.
The biggest mistake parents are making...
is the use of Pull-Ups. Ever since they came out with absorbent (and now humungous sized) disposable diapers and Pull-Ups, kids are training later and later. What discomfort do they have to endure wearing these wonderful dry feeling comfortable garments? No more Pull-Ups and no more diapers. Tell him that the law is that they won't sell diapers to people who don't have children under the age of 3. That takes care of the visual of diapers in the store.
Just go cold turkey. Put him in underwear (and not thick absorbent training pants either) and get ready to do a lot of laundry for a while. Take him out for some really cute underwear with the character of his choice on them, and just be positive. If he has an accident just say "uh oh, you forgot to go to the bathroom" and just hand him clean dry clothing to change into. He'll get REAL TIRED of all the changing after about 2 days. There is no way on earth that a child of 3-1/2 has no physical control over their toileting, unless there's something wrong with them physically. So it's just a matter of him taking the initiative. Good luck.
EMR - Just found out today that one of my biggest accounts has gone to EMR. SM
They have started using an EMR system this week and are phasing out of my service. This is a big chunk of my work. Guess this is a sign of what is coming. Wonder if it is just a matter of time before the rest of the accounts follow suit!!!
Too bad!!
Dictating on a speakerphone: One of my biggest pet peeves!!
It simply should not be allowed. It is hard enough to understand a lot of these people, and then they sound like they're speaking from the bottom of a pit with the annoying mechanical, buzzing sound quality as they "push to talk". Not to mention all the extraneous noises on top of that -- drives me nuts!!
one of my biggest fears...will pray for you sister!
;)
WOOOW. You are the biggest idiot i have ever heard...GET A LIFE!
x
Trusting the other side was his biggest mistake. He should have kept himself secure.
x
Great post. The biggest gripe I have heard from available
Wrapping yourself in money will not keep you warm in old age. Just because a middle-aged man is bald or has a bit of a paunch, it is up to a woman to "light that fire". Go to it ladies.
One of the BIGGEST bands of the ྖs! Nothing lately, but HUGE back then. nm
x
My biggest fear of doing my own file or someone else I knew doing it would be to hear
the dreaded words "obese female" and "looks older than stated age!" UGH!!!!
My biggest irritant is the MT that leaves 20+ blanks in a report... SM
with the majority of the blanks being unnecessary and due to just plain laziness. They don't want to pick up a reference book or they don't own any reference books and they are too lazy to Google it.
It's almost as if I've transcribed the entire report myself!
exercise is really important; they stress that on The Biggest Loser.
nm
Biggest Loser - MTSO Edition - next season? (nm)
.
That's because NE has the 2 biggest complainers on this board daily! MQNE and MQMT!
nm
The biggest overrated Idol contestant right now is Kellie Pickler.
c
It's pure luck anymore, Steveo. The biggest bucks
s
Does Dave Navarro have the biggest head in history. So out of proportion. Smart guy though.
His piercings and tattoes are somewhat distracting but........ he's okay. Bruce? Back in the day.
TOTAL RIP OFF
This is the most outrageous thing I have ever heard - VERY BAD SITUATION!!
I have 4 total - not 5.
nm
Total BS.
What company do you work for? Give me a name!
Total gym, etc. - sm
I am being very careful. The videos online are very instructional and I am going slow and easy at first. I also have a Tony Little "gazelle" and do 1/2 hour at a time and at a good pace now that I have used it for more than 1 year. Hope to do Pilates once a day and the "gazelle" later in the day, but will pace myself.
Thank you for your concern. I did also consider the Total Gym, but went to our local Play It Again Sports store and found this Pilates for $59 so thought I would start here. If I really, really use it and like it I will possibly invest in a better one, but for now this is where I am.
p.s. Most any exercise equipment is available "used" so you might shop around before investing too much money, see how it works for you, and then think about perhaps spending your money on something either better or new.
Total Burn Out
Well, I've tried everything to change my attitude & outlook & always feel I've succeeded until I log on every morning & encounter the worst of the worst ESL or American Doc on a cell phone dictating 50 feet away from the mouthpiece with every extraneous background noise imaginable! I can handle a few of those in a row, but that seems to be the majority of what I now get, with dictation times varying from 3-4 hrs or more apart to minutes - depending on who the doctor is.
I'm seriously questioning why I'm doing this to myself on a daily basis as I, too, have only seen my income decline, my hours increase, & am mentally wiped out at the end of the day. I'm doing good to fix something for dinner, let alone anything else that needs to be done! I just seem to sit here in a daze and/or stupor every evening - telling myself tomorrow will be better!
And, Whining Wendy, you're not alone. I thought the days of crying out of total frustration & despair ended in the 60s when I was a "Newbie". Wrong!! During the last 2-3 yrs, this has & is being encountered by me almost on a daily basis - & I'm an "Oldie". In years past, once you mastered deciphering an accent, doc, etc., your days of frustration were over. Now, working for a National, I have found that every day is filled with different, new doc's, new accents, etc. Problem arises when after you finally master an "impossible" dictator, you find that in 6 months or more, since you were so "good" - you get all of his horrible, undecipherable dictation again - none of which is consistent nor repetitive of prior dictations. Back to frustration level 1.
I hate to say it, but my love for this profession has totally been annhilated. Really wish I could offer words of encouragement or suggestions but, at the moment, I have none. I'm just really saddened to see how many of us feel this way & what has happened to a once highly regarded, elite, "profession."
Never in my life have I ever pictured myself working at "Bob Evans" (Geez - could just picture it all now - dumping trays of food, etc.); however, went to dinner there the other evening & they had an Ad posted in their window for help wanted. Jokingly, told hubby I thought I'd apply for the job. Sad thing is, his reply was that I'd probably make more money & be less stressed!
I don't know where we're all headed & wish I had answers & a magic wand - but I regretfully don't. I do know I'm seriously looking into what other options are available to me.
Sorry all - just venting after a very, very bad week, on top of my normal very bad weeks, only now with a Bonus offered until the end of the pay period. Just another stark realization that with the dictators in my pool, that is an impossible, unattainable bonus to achieve unless I want to work 24/7 trying to decipher such. My price to pay for being an experienced, good, at-home, Oldie?
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