Two of the best companies I've worked for didn't make me test. Makes you wonder if...sm
Posted By: KyMT on 2007-12-06
In Reply to: I COMPLETELY agree. - rm
these MTSOs that mandate so many "tests" aren't just trying to see how many actual reports they can get transcribed for free. I could understand maybe a written test and one very in-depth transcription test, but 6 is utterly ridiculous. I would have definitely passed on that too and then told the MTSO exactly why.
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I've worked for several companies using this VR
I make on average $20-$26 an hour with the editing at 4cpl/straight typing 9-10 cpl 65 char with headers and footers and templates. I've been using it for several years though. There are several job ads for this software.
I've worked for companies that needed people
specifically to do certain reports. I have been hired to exclusively do ERs and discharge summaries before. It wasn't cherry picking either. They needed someone to catch up their backlog and keep the reports within TAT permanently. Evidently, other people were cherry picking and bypassing these report types because they're not as good of money makers as Ops or H&Ps.
I've worked for other nationals. I make more money at Amphion.
The difference in dictation quality, work availability, system stability, and easy platform more than makes up for the lower line rate. They don't micromanage or bully either.
Sure, that makes sense, but this person was obviously taking a test. It's not that any of us
seasoned MTs "know it all" as you put it...but can see an obvious cheater when the questions are glaringly test questions. See both sides of the coin.
test the companies... c msg
some of them are what you think they are, some are expanding.
anyone can doubt a company not only because of they have ads all the time, but also because when an ad is posted, people look to others for opinions about these ads, and you will get both pluses and minuses. but the only way we can really find out about a company is to weight all aspects out and you either go for it or not. that way, we know first hand ourselves.
MANY companies will let you test if you went to the top 3.
The companies do not have to be partnered with the schools for this to happen.
and didn't you pay over $300 for CMT test?
No---all companies require you to test - sm
one way or another. Some will hire w/o a test based on your resume and experience, and will know rather quickly if can do the job or not. I have gotten 2 jobs that way, one as an employee and another as an IC, however this was after I had a minimum of 3 years experience for this ever happened to me--at 6 years now. I am still with the IC one (since 06/2007), had a falling out with the other one but did work for them for about 9 months and they were happy with me; left as I was unable to continue working a firm schedule due to change in circumstances and they needed someone to work a set schedule, so we parted ways. But as a newbie no one will hire you w/o a test. So just keep plugging away and test a lot, they are a very good way to learn what to expect.
I have worked for OSI for a while but this makes me want to look elsewhere,
nm
I didn't have to test for my present
job. She looked at my work experience and that I was from a very large company, and took that as good enough.
What pedal is universal so I can test for various companies?
I am going from working locally to searching for a national position and need a pedal to even test most places. Is there a certain type or brand that works universally to play all types of files? I'm pretty ignorant about this whole setup. Also, do I have to purchase software to run the pedal? What about headphones or can I just use mine through the computer speakers? Thank you all for your help and expertise. It's greatly appreciated!
I have worked as a QA and as an MT which makes me an expert at SM
absolutely nothing, but I'm going to give my opinion anyway.
Here's the problem with the whole QA process. We (MTs) are told when interviewing that this or that service strictly adheres to the great and almighty, BIBLE of medical transcirption, the BS, er I mean BOS. Then, when hired and given our assigned accounts, we are told the BOS applies, but ..... we do it this way for this client, that for that client, and the other way for another client.
So, we as MTs are supposed to sift through all the crap and put out a flawless document and on top of all that, we now must also consider the egomaniacal QA person who has their "own style" of QA?
So, now we must take an awful dictator who can scarcely put together a coherent sentence and make sense of what they are saying, then we have to make sure that whatever sentence we've constructed to articulate the dictator's thoughts strictly adheres to the rules of the BOS but WAIT then we must make sure that we've broken the correct BOS rules to suit the account specifics, and then we must now contend with the QA person who has decided we should dot our I's with little hearts cause that's the way she likes it?
And we do all of this for 8 cpl ?!?!?!?!?!
Somebody stop this crazy merry-go-round, I feel sick! 
Good thing you didn't have to test sm
and it's especially a good thing if they had waved/waived as a question on the test.
Thanks..that makes sense. Why didn't I think of that? nm
nm
It all makes sense now. Why didn't you all just say that you own your accounts instead of...
giving us the impression in your posts that you had found the Holy Grail of MTSOs? LOL I truly meant that in a light-hearted way so please don't take it the wrong way. Seriously, if an MT is making 17 cpl on an account that he/she is actually "managing" as well as transcribing for, then heck no 17 cpl isn't near enough! When I was at the Q 10 years ago before all the broo-ha-ha, I was told by someone in-office that they were charging my account 23 cpl and paying me a lousy 7.5 cpl.
I don't think I'd want the headache. It's A LOT of work so kudos to you all willing to work hard so hard! At least we all know you won't be outsourcing!
That mttest website is terrible. Companies that use that test in my opinion
are just lazy. They need to make up their own test based on their own rules. Much on that test also is about commas and the newer rules are that we don't use that many of them so you could fail over things that just are not that important. Don't sweat it! If they based hiring you on that test site, then the co is not too bright. I have taken the test and passed but I think it is a horrible test for anyone. I think a better way of testing is testing someone's actual knowledge of medical terminology like a phone test. That also guarantees to a company that it is actually you taking the test. I think it is Spheris that has given a phone test ever since they were Edix and the old Your Office Genie also gave a phone test. That speaks wonders of what is in your head.
The average starting nurse only makes something like 33K. I didn't have my own
accounts. Sure you can go on later and probably make 50K or more, but you can do that in the MT world, too, in management or whatever. Nursing just wasn't for me. It was a lot of passing medications. Just when you finished a shift of doing meds, it was time for the next round. Physically demanding, too. All in all, just wasn't worth it to me. I didn't enjoy it. Some do. I was glad to find out early that I wasn't one of them!
I won't be in the MT world forever, though. It's a nice thing to fall back on from time to time. What's funny was all the nurses I met who asked me about MT work. Several others wanted out, too. The annoying thing, though, is all the ones who think because they're nurses and know some medical terminology they're ready to do MT. That'll drive you nuts!
I have had to test at every MT job I've
ever had. Maybe the 4th one is to see whether you would make stuff up just to get the lines (as some have been known to do), leave a blank, how you would flag the report, etc. I think a totally easy-breezy test would be more misleading, JMO.
The companies I have worked for did this.
I am not sure how long they were kept, or what media was used to keep them on. I am an IC for the company I work for now, and I have been asked more than once by the doctors office to pull up files over a month old. I always refer them to the service owner. It would depend on what was in the contract.
Has anyone worked for different companies
same platform but so totally different line counts? That shows you right there what we're up against, there is no standard measurement by which to pay us. I have never seen anything so ridiculous in my entire life. All of these supposed "MT friendly" platforms have the capability to count lines "cheat" us any way they want, and nobody can control that. Offshoring is just one of the issues. I have been to company X and make 800 lines in a day, do the same amount of work and work on the same platform for company Y and make 1200 lines a day, yet another company Z and average 1500 lines a day. Company X is ripping off bigtime. Post these companies names here and lets stop working for them. Thats one way to try and make a change.
What not ask these other companies that you worked for what they use?
They should be able to tell you if it's a publicly-available system or just their own.
Only trying to help. Geesh!
Okay - seriously 20 - worked for 2 companies twice each.
And actually hired to work at 4-5 others but passed on them for various reasons. Thinking I am picky or selective? LOL
The OP never said she worked there and didn't
give specific examples of incorrect training or QA.
Until they make the grandfathered CMTs take SOME test sm
the *credential* will mean nothing in my opinion. I know an awful lot of really bad MTs with three initials after their name.
I have worked for a lot (too many) of companies, and this is the norm. nm
nm
Has anyone else had this happen any companies you worked for>??
Just wondering if anyone else has had the company they work for decide to pay less money, in this case 1 cpl less, if you don't make your minimum line requirement? I have never had this happen until now. Its not just me, this will apply to everyone. What do you all think?
I worked for 2 different companies with Emdat.
The first one was not too bad. Limited number of dictators, demographics filled in properly, could move right along.
The second company sucked. Unlimited number of doctors, demographics hit and miss, they really had no idea how to use Emdat and didn't care to find out. Templates poorly made. Quit cause of the low line count.
You need the pedal specifically for Emdat, which cost under $100 a couple years ago. I had very little problem with mine. Had to use a Y connector with my keyboard. Had a different pedal for my .wave file work and a tape account I had so there were 3 pedals under my desk. Hope this helps....
If you've already passed their online test, I believe the
interview was just asking about your skills and preferences. It's not a verbal test like some other companies. Nothing to worry about. You don't need to study for it. It's just a conversation with the HR person or recruiter. Relax, you'll do great!
I worked for SS a few years ago and while we didn't have the
line count issues they were HORRIBLE. They e-mailed me last week asking me to come back so they must be in dire straights cause I gave them an earful when I left.
indeedy i have worked for companies who "control"
how much you earn by the dictation you get. Don't get too many lines in a day, or you will get the crappiest dictators on earth for the next three days of the week. OR, you will get ESLs that slow you waaaayyyy down. Been there, I know how rotten these companies can be, and I know exactly what you mean. These company owners are not your friends and not fair... Don't have my head in the sand, or maybe I had to EARN my pay!! They have good dictators that I haven't transcribed in years....but that's okay. I am used to the crappy dictators now, and get my work done very quickly, so no more slowing me down, until they decide to put me on a NEW hospital or something. Yeah, you caught on quickly!!! Good luck to you. Once you get onto all of the crappy dictators, your job will be secure. Who else can do all of the crap?
This is not a new market. Is being done with all offshore companies I have ever worked for. nm
:+
I guess I didn't realize we worked
LOL
If they make it so difficult to test, just imagine working for them. Move on.
x
Husband is a CGI animator. Normally he makes more, but currently unemp so I make more now. nm
x
Anytime I've tested, it's always been the same test on mttest.com, or careerstep. See if you c
s
So, are you working for the same company. I have worked for 2 companies and I have noticed a huge
difference in the lines I got from each company. The accounts were similar. I never ever got what your talking about but I would average 600-700 lph at one company and the other one I was lucky to get 400 lph so then I figured out they didnt pay for spaces, footers, headers etc.. and that does factor into your line counts on that platform.
I've got my fingers crossed; makes it hard to type!nm
// 
If you worked at MQ, you'd make 6 cpl for ASR
MQ pays 60% of the MT base rate for ASR.
I didn't want to make anyone sad! Like I said, sm
It is not everyday that I can do this. I have bad days too! I am fortunate right now, but I also remember, good things don't always last forever. I will take advantage of it while I have it.
I've done both, but for different companies
I would say QA is faster, so if they pay the same, the potential to make more money is with QA. Again, that is depending on the rules of the company, but with VR you end up having to change a lot more text than you do with QA.
I've worked for both
I think there are two big differences. (1) Benefits should be much better than the national, and (2) in working for the hospital, you will only be working on one account (which makes a BIG difference in my opinion). I averaged about 225 lines per hour working for national on a main account plus a couple backups. I am averaging 300+ with the hospital.
The only advantage with going with the national might be better job security. If you lost the account, at least they could move you to another one. But personally, I would take the hospital job in a second. Good Luck!
I've worked with one of their
products. It was an excellent transcription product; they basically bought another company and added the product to their line. I've read some about the owner of the company. He seems like a very above-board kind of guy. He values the special knowledge that MTs have, and we used the product without VR, BUT ... he won't be happy until his VR product is worked in to the transcription process. (I think they might focus on radiology only). He is just SURE it can improve turnaround time, but he admits that VR on its own is not very impressive and reports will always need to be tweaked by a knowledgeable MT. What he doesn't realize is that the transcription process is much more active and able to catch errors when the MT is immersed in transcribing the report. I don't believe 95% of MTs could in a time-efficient way get the complete gist of each report and catch as many dictator errors, history errors, as she could when her mind was completely involved in the transcription of every word. Doing radiology, how many times is there just the briefest pause from the dictator and the MT's mind is already filling in the next word or phrase, and then the dictator says something else, and you think - wha?? and then the radiologist realizes his blunder and corrects himself at some point. Or if he doesn't, the MT's mind is reasoning out what is right or wrong and can bring any problem up with that report. Because of noticing, that report will get corrected before it goes out to the referrer and causes a phone call from an angry referrer.
Radiology needs to go out at 100% accurate, and IMO, insisting on the use of VR will lower accuracy rates and won't improve turnaround time much at all. When I was doing radiology, the better radiologists could dictate a note in a quick and efficient manner and the MT would get on and do it within about 3 minutes. Every 20 minutes the good radiolgists would sign a batch and the reports would go out. So it was about a 30-minute turnaround time for those reports that didn't need a different radiologist to read them. Turnaround time had everything to do with which radiologist was reading and how many specialty reports there were and how efficiently the off-site radiolologists were getting on to dictate. It seems like the VR guys think the MT is the slow one, but IT'S NOT THE MT - SPEED IS UP TO THE RADIOLOGISTS.
I work for 2 companies and make
0.0825 cents per 65 character line with spaces at one and 0.10 cents per 65 character line with spaces at the other so it just goes to show it varies.
There are still a lot of small companies that make it...nm
aa
If I worked an 8 hour day I could make that much
money. I only work about 5 hours day and make good money, but I have a good platform, paid for gross lines, fairly easy to get lines, etc. I am an employee too.
She didn't MAKE anything SOUND like anything.
Your perception is warped. YOU chose to interpret it in a different way than she intended. That's your comprehension level, not her playing cards. My goodness! It must be lonely up there on your pedestal telling everyone how perfect you are. Oh, you never made a mistake. You made all the "right" decisions. Blah, blah, blah. You must be really unhappy and bitter if that's all you can do is tell everyone how great you and your life are. What's the matter? Husband cheating on you? Erectile dysfunction? Evidently, something is terribly wrong in your life, or you wouldn't be here preaching and condemning other people. You would be out living your perfect life with your perfect husband and lack of kids.
Personally, I'm sick and tired of your crap showing up on these boards all the time. I don't care if I get banned for telling it like it is. It's worth it to not have to listen to you. If we parents and single mothers bother you so much, why don't you find the dried up, bitter, old crone boards to hang out on?
and, i didn't make THAT much money nm
nm
Sorry, that didn't make sense! I mean
I put yo in the abreviated and replace with year-old. So then when I type 15-yo, it replaces yo with year-old and is perfect!
What didn't make sense to me is the first
woman was shaking in fear, yet this bomb is supposed to be so delicate that anything will set it off. You see her arm shaking. Then she pulls her hand out, and what? the other woman happened to put her hand in there and is now clasping the bomb! and shaking.
I didn't last til the end. It just disgusted me too much. Kudos to you for hanging in there. It's good when you've got a show you really like and look forward to every week, so if that's yours, more power to ya! :)
If he didn't tell her to make the macros
????? I think this is just someone trying to "get back at a doctor". I don't see the harm in giving them to him with a line rate charge. But maybe I just live by karma and not using "revenge" tactics. I believe if you are giving, then you will receive. I am not saying offer them for free. I think I would charge a line rate just for going through the trouble of printing them. I do believe that when a doctor dictates normals, they do belong to him and not the transcriptionist. The Transcriptionist transcribes them. He/she is not the "author". It happens every day when work is outsourced. The samples are handed right over to the outsourcing company with no charge. The hospital/physician does not charge the outsource company for handing over the samples. What if everytime we needed a sample to guide us, we were charged for that? It is the same argument here. The company I work for gladly hands over samples/templates to make my job easier, and they do not charge me for that. JMO. Maybe I'm just a realist. I say be a better person and give the man the macros with a line charge assessed if that makes it more fair. Is anyone seeing my point here? There is something underlying in the "don't give them your macros", and I just think it is more like a way to get revenge because of the hurt feelings in the way that he may not need the typist once these are given. I'm sure he's not looking for "the patient, follow-up, etc.". He probably wants "normal" paragraphs that he has dictated as part of a report. The typist is not the author of that, the doctor is. JMO.
I've done mttest for quite a few companies,
but none have ever asked for SSN at the end. I would either leave it blank, or send a message to tech support listed at the bottom, asking what you could put in there to make it go through, but that is too private to put over the net, when you don't know what they're doing with that after a test. It's not an offer, it's a test. They don't need your SSN.
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