Think twice before you agree to be paid by the keystroke. sm
Posted By: editor on 2006-08-30
In Reply to: Yeah! Who do you work for!?!?! :) - MissouriMT
If you agree to be paid by the keystroke, you probably won't be being paid for any macros or IT entries. For example, if your IT entry for COPD is copdx, you'll only get paid for 5 Keystrokes and not the 37 that it would normally be if you're being paid by the character, like on a 65-character line, when the whole "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" counts. From what I understand, you only get paid for the actual letters your fingers type in.
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I agree with this, but get paid!
I do it both ways, some accounts that I get paid what I am worth and KNOW that I am the final check on my reports I absolutely read all of them, some even relisten in part with new dictators or procedures. But, when I do work for a place that I KNOW has QA read every report I do not. I would quit any job that did not fall into one or the other of those categories because you are right about patient care and that is the reason I transcribe. I have to be able to trust any MTSO to either pay ME to QA my own or pay someone else. If there is no QA then I do not work on a production basis and they pay me to do it. No one should send reports unchecked if they know there is nobody on the other end checking closely. I have to say though that I liked it better back in the olden days when ultimately the signature at the bottom of report indicated that the physician had read and approved his or her dictation. I still believe that they should all READ the reports they dictate and we type. Sigh.
...keystroke (I was cut off, I tell ya!) nm
nm
I agree with you. I would never want to be paid by the hour.
I would be looking at a major paycut I believe. I average $28-$30/hr now and am paid by the line.
Keystroke book
Someone told me there is a book called Keystrokes which tells you short cuts/auto corrects. Is that book worth the money, and where to get if it is?
My job pays by the keystroke!
nm
keystroke to macro
Hi, I tried to look at my old "jump" macro, but in XP I cannot do this. Assuming you are using an Expander (I used PRD back then) you create the name of the macro (mine was ALT-J) by inserting a "find" (so it will find @ or ? or whatever you call your place for the insert) and there the key is to create a destructive backspace so that your work will be without extra space/spaces. This destructive backspace will remove your @ or ? or whatever you use on your template and allow you to insert your data. If I could pull mine up (and wish I could do this more easily) I would just paste it here for you. Good luck! If I manage to get mine out of its "resting place" I will post it to you.
But - a space IS a keystroke, unless you only get
I agree with you. Why would we give a discount for being paid what
we're legitimately owed? Some businesses do it to encourage prompt payment, though.
For QA consulting I'm paid per hour; QA instructing (college) paid salary, QA editing paid per li
I am an IC and work for two different MTSOs as well as instruct at a business college.
Keystroke lag problem. Please see message
My computer is bogging down terribly causing keystroke screen appearance delays, input hesitation and delay, and lags in moving anything on screen with the mouse.
I use Instant Text and when the continuations go into the screen or if I cut and paste from Wordpad, the Keystrokes are randomly lagging / hesitating for seconds before they appear on the screen.
This is really frustrating. It is difficult to type cause you don't see what your typing appearing on the monitor.
This only happens in Meditech. Not in Wordpad. And it occurs at 3 PM or about that time after I have been typing since 8 AM
It is so bad, it is impossible to do a report. I did a search and found similar problem but no solution except that "Citrix and Meditech hate each other."
Comcast is my ISP. Help Desk increased speed on the VPN but that seemed to only make it worse. Has anyone experienced this and then fixed it?
Thanks! I am desperate (money is going out the window).
Yes, keystroke lag is sending me over the edge.
dd
NDMT, to record your own keystroke macros, SM
in SH: While you're typing, hit ALT+Insert, type a name for your macro on the first line that says "keyword," then hit ALT+R to turn on record (or hit the record function on the right side with the mouse).
Then just type the Keystrokes of your correction. When you're done, use your mouse to hit "stop" on the little window that's waiting in the upper right of your screen. Or hit cancel if you goof up, and you'll be able to try again.
Here's one to try: To back up, insert a period, space, and type "The" to start a new sentence (how many times do you do THAT to break up runons in a day): Turn on "record," position your cursor at the beginning of any word and type those keystrokes (back up to the word behind, hit period, space bar, and type "The"). Then hit "stop." I named mine ".t" (one guess why).
The only trick to remember with this is one more thing. After you hit "stop" it takes you to the first box you started with. With your cursor still positioned at the very end of your new macro string, use your mouse to open "tags" on the bottom left and choose "nospace." That keeps it from auto-adding a space at the end because you already usually have one there.
In case your system doesn't provide you with a macro for changing the case of a letter, here's one you'll find very helpful to copy into your macro text box instead of recording it:
{@NoSpace}{@KEY Shift+Right}{@KEY Ctrl+Alt+C}{@KEY Left} I named this one "F" because it's right under my index finger. Flicking that key (and activating by hitting "Enter" or whatever key you're using) changes the case of the letter it's to the left of--lower case becomes upper, upper becomes lower.
And here's the one you asked for to copy the preoperative diagnosis under a postoperative diagnosis heading:
{@KEY Enter}{@KEY Up}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEY Right}{@KEY Right}{@KEY Right}{@KEYUP Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Shift}{@KEYDOWN Shift}{@KEYDOWN Shift}{@KEY End}{@KEYUP Shift}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}c{@KEYUP Ctrl}{@KEY Right}{@KEY Enter}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYUP Ctrl}{@KEY Ctrl+B}{@KEY Caps}postoperative diagnosis{@KEYDOWN Shift}{@KEY Ctrl+B}:{@KEYUP Shift}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}{@KEYDOWN Ctrl}b{@KEYUP Ctrl} {@KEYDOWN Ctrl}v{@KEYUP Ctrl}{@KEY Caps}{@NOSPACE}
You use this with the cursor positioned at the end of the preoperative diagnosis. It only works if the heading is "preoperative diagnosis:" I'm pretty sure there are better ones available for copying if you look.
Have fun trying a couple out. I think you'll find them addictive. :)
Easy enough to use but keystroke lag was my main complaint. (nm)
dd
if mt paid 9, editor paid 4 or 5...how can company charge 14 and make it..sm
I know the going rate in our area is 14 cents per line. As MTs most companies here pay us 8 or 9 cents a line. Now add in the Editor rate at 4 or 5 per line..you are paying OUT more than you can charge a line. How would companies stay in biz?
Unless all work is sent by the company overseas at pennies per line, this would not pay for a company.
just curious how this works out
But how much are the US EDs gonna be paid? Typically this work is paid at 2-3 cpl. nm
:+
You don't get paid an hourly rate you get paid by line - sm
so because of how you are paid (not an hourly rate) you don't get OT, especially if you are an IC.
I would move on. I think it is so unfair not to be paid for spaces! I think we should get paid
per keystroke, but that'll never happen. I just think that these national companies are going to keep finding ways to cheat us. I found a job working for a hospital as an employee, paid hourly plus incentive, and they let us expand everything! Somebody's gonna have to kill me to make me give up this job. I will never go back to the national's again.
I feel for you though. I know that for us MTs those good jobs are few and far between and some have little choice but to work for the nationals. I just happened to luck into the job I have now. I just applied at the right time.
Good luck to you whatever you decide.
If those companies paid a fair wage, and paid more
all came out equal, people wouldn't feel the need to try to make up the deficit by going for the good stuff. I actually prefer the harder, juicier reports. But I can't make a living doing only that, because the pay is not commensurate with the difficulty. So even though I prefer not to, sometimes I have to pick up some of the easier, more boring 'line-o-matic' reports just to make ends meet. Tell your MTSO to make it work their while, and MTs will stop taking all the easy work away that you obviously would prefer to keep for yourself.
You wont show UE being paid because it is employer paid -
the employee will never have to pay this.
What you "should" be paid and what you "are" paid
sadly are two very different things. Good luck on demanding more..because someone else will just come along and take it for what they offer and they know it. 
10$ late if invoice is not paid within 10 days. At day 15 work stops until invoice is paid. Hardly
xx
Agree, agree, agree! Just listen to Benny Hinn..
he speaks perfect English, especially when asking for money! Also, in my opinion, blanks should be left in the doc's dictation if not able to be transcribed, maybe then they will know that are NOT understood. With QA fixing them, what need is there for them to care if we understand them or not?
getting paid
In a hospital setting, doctors get paid when caring for patients that arent their own, patients admitted whose care they take over. I dont think it is wrong. They need a pay check too and the time they spend is taking time away from their office patients.
Wonder if they get paid by the name?
nm
RE: Paid for looking this up
Why would you want to get paid extra for performing your job properly?
Most I have run across say you will get paid for it sm
if you ask off that day, but unless you ask off, you have to work it and will be paid the holiday pay in addition. Most I know will not pay you for it if you do not work unless you request to be off on the holiday. I think it is strange because why else would they call it a holiday, but I think it is the nature of the beast of MT.
not getting paid
This was my thinking as well. Just didn't "jive" with me, if you know what I mean.  I will check with the places you mentioned. Thank you. 
Getting paid
You are doing the right thing asking what to do before flying off and ripping them a nasty letter with empty threats. Do some research, check and double check that you did not sign a contract, get all your ducks in a row and the facts straight, then sit down and write them a very professional, calm letter outlining the facts. Send it addressed to one of the doctors specifically -- as if it goes through an office manager it sometimes does not get to them -- and ask for it to be signed ONLY by the doctor and get a recepit that it was delivered. Just outline what will be happening if you do not get your check within 7 to 10 days and follow through. But make sure that the doctors know what is happening. But you can contact your state Labor Board, Consumer Affairs or any state agency that will listen to you to get the facts. Also the State Medical Association. Be sure to mention to the doctor (s) that you have contacted these agencies and will be doing a follow up letter with them should you not get paid. You can also file under the smalls claim court to get your money but that takes time. But if you write a very professional letter, have the correct facts and they see that you do -- they will pay. They don't want to fight. But again try to get the letter to the attention of one of the doctors.
Good luck, let us know how you do.
GETTING PAID
Is anyone having trouble getting paid by Keystrokes? My direct deposit never went into my account. Any information appreciated.
Not getting paid
This has happened to me as I was owed 1500.00 and I told the owner of the company that I was going to contact the BBB in his state, my state and the attorney general's offfice in both states, boy did I get my money fast. They do not like to hear that at all. Good luck, but don't let them get away with your not getting paid. We deserve our pay on time.
You get paid???
nm
She's not getting paid to be there? I'd be so
Can I ask why the ME below is paid 20% less than MT?
x
Get paid more than you?????
Don't bet on it. The pay is commensurate with experience (which is often none!) It sure would be nice if they would pay decent so experienced MT supervisors or even MTs could take these positions.
MTs being paid over $0.10 cpl
Just curious, how are MTs getting paid over $0.10 cpl? I have been an MT for 5 years working from home and only getting $0.08 cpl. I am a full-time IC. Are these your own clients or are you working for companies that pay this much? I have experience in many specialities. I am just wondering if I should just go out and get my own clients or continue to find a company that pays more? How do you go about getting your own clients? I type over 1,200 lines a day and it just doesn't seem like I'm bringing home enough $$$. I worked at a company for 2 years and started out at $16/hour. I left because I had kids and wanted to be home with them. Any suggestions? I'm getting ready to throw in the towel.  
MTs being paid over .10 cpl
I have worked for 1 doctor, my own client, for 16 years and get paid .10 per line plus he pays my health insurance. I also work for an online company that pays .085 per line. I think to get paid .10 per line or more, they have to be your own clients and you have to work out any special circumstances between the two of you. Good luck.
Getting Paid sm
This happened to me as well. I was patient, got my money they owed me and got out of that company. There are a lot of good companies out there hiring as we speak. Good luck!
Got paid
Thank you. I finally got my check. It was dated for the 15th but only postmarked for the 22nd? The first paycheck was right on time. Perhaps it was a mail processing issue this time.
I used to be paid that way...
I used to have a job where I was paid by the dictated minute. It was 0.50 a minute to start, 0.75 a minute after 90 days, if that helps you. I really prefer being paid by line.
APC ES-500 which has paid for itself several - sm
times, don't know why I waited so long to get one! I have 20-30 minutes of battery time, which is enough time to get my work saved or transferred to a memory stick if necessary.
I have always been paid at the CMT
rate by companies that pay extra, because of the quality of my work. I have known CMTs who were horrible MTs and I'm not sure how they got their CMT, or either they thought once they had it they were above proofing. There are people who need CMT to make them feel some sort of self-worth, but I think it is a waste of time and money to pursue it.
not paid also
I had the same problem, but I only worked for 2 weeks, and was owed over $200.00. She had me do overflow work and then no longer needed me and started making excuses why she was not paying me. Get this, she wrote me an email stating she was happy she did not put it in writing that she was going to pay me ___ a line, but little did she know that she just put it in writing in the email, so now at least I have documentation of that. I think it is horrible that we work long hours, and then get stiffed when we need the money the most.
Yes, even though it's not necessary to get paid. Don't get paid for it
,
I was paid like that before
About 6 years ago, I was paid $1.85/1000 characters (MTSO was charging $3.00/1000 characters).
You might want to check with doctor regarding spaces, though.
Good luck!
NOT PAID
I took a PT job with a small co. that agreed to pay me on the 1st & the 15th. After my 2nd invoice I received no further work from the company which had sent me work 3-4 times a week. I emailed the co. on the 21st asking if my check had been mailed and was told she had to check with her husband but he was out of town so she would have to check the next day. The next day I emailed again early in the afternoon with no response. I then sent another email requesting payment in full and I received a message at 12:22 AM stating her husband did mail the check but she did not know what day and if I did not receive it Friday to let her know and she would check into it further, that they had to use money from their personal account to cover my check ($75.00). She mentioned she would be happy to pay my other invoice on the 1st as we agreed. I guess I'm just venting here but has this ever happened to anyone else? The total owed to me is $221 and I'm not about to be shafted again by someone who does not want to pay. I don't want to bad mouth anyone but if I don't receive my check today, I will be listing the company name so no one else gets treated like this.
NOT PAID
I didn't sign anything. In fact she said she pays once a month and when I said I needed to be paid either weekly or twice weekly she said she could do it. I'm thinking perhaps she was in a bind at that moment and needed the work done.
NOT PAID
Texas
NOT PAID
No.
It did for me. I get 1 cpl more than the top paid MTs
My 1 cpl extra CMT bonus adds up to about $6000 each year.
NOT PAID
This is the response to my telling this company that I would taking legal action against them. (NOT PAID POST EARLIER THIS MORNING)
xxx that is fine I am not going to get into this with you. You do what you need to do. But like I said he did mail the check so you should have it any day. If you do not have it by the time you get back let me know because I will be happy to try and stop payment on the check and send another one.
Just because someone did you wrong in the past does not mean everyone will. I am recouping from ACL reconstruction surgery and I am unable to even walk to the mailbox myself so that is why I gave it to my husband to mail.
Getting Paid
Would it be wrong to contact the actually physician you did work for through small company to ask them if they have paid the company? I never signed anything and I don't want the account or anything like that, I would just like to get paid for the work completed.
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