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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Wanting PT QA work, is it worth it?

Posted By: Bored IC MT on 2008-01-31
In Reply to:

I'm currently a FT MT (many years now) and getting very bored with the work. It's so bad now that I'm finding myself constantly distracted (perhaps too willingly) thus not producing enough lines.  I'm more than capable...just bored.  I was wondering if doing QA PT would be worth it, on top of my MT work?  I just need something to do other than MT work to break up the monotony.  I've done QA work before but that was quite a while ago and don't know what the pay standards are anymore.


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Re: wanting to work MT
Check w/ Diskriter. They have at least one account for a hospital in Florida. I have been w/ them for 1 1/2 years, plenty of work and OT. Hired in as hospital employee.
Not wanting to work
I know this happens at every company, but why is it that when the work is there, nobody wants to get it done but when work is slow, they are always the first to complain? Do they not realize that by letting it be late that they are harming the company and could eventually lose their jobs? Or is it just Spring Fever? Anyone else going through this at the moment?
Wanting psych work
Looking for psych work.  Will work any hours or days.
Not to discourage you, but wanting to work at home

just to be with your baby is the wrong reason to get into this career field.  If you want to be a stay at home Mom, be a stay at home Mom.  If you need to work, you need to get into a field that interests and challenges you.  Otherwise, you'll find it difficult to sit down and make yourself do the work.  The ads are overwhelming about making big bucks doing MT while your children play quietly at your feet, but that is far from reality.  There are other work at home jobs you can do that don't paying for an education, like selling yard sale fodder on eBay.  I don't mean this as a slam, but I've BTDT with the babies at home while trying to work.


You should be good with grammar and English, have an interest in the medical field and a good ear, and be able to sit for long periods of time.  You might have to put your child in daycare if your first job is inhouse, because most companies don't hire newbies to work at home.  You might have to use daycare anyway if your child is demanding on your attention at every moment.


Just got E-mail from someone who is Pakistani wanting me to send them work for 3 cpl. (sm)

First off I am a MT myself, not a company and have no idea why they are soliciting work from individuals, unless they think we will sub-contract it to them.  


Edited by Moderator


I know it's work, but is it worth your time?
Or should I have said, what level of frustration can you tolerate - I should have stated in the above post that this is time consuming and can seem daunting, but if you choose to do this, just take one step at a time and choose a chunk of time you will have free, and in the end, you may just have to make the time because our computers are our livelihood and need to keep them in good shape.  Then again, you can just hire someone to do it for you; and just a clue, they use a lot of these programs too.  But registry issues, of course, that is another issue - a professional would definitely have to tackle that one.  Take care!
I believe this profession is worth fighting for...you work at BK if you want...
So we should just accept everything going on around us, like dumb sheep? What kind of attitude is that?

Answer this, are you supporting your household on being an MT. It does not bother you that in a few years you be making half what you are now, doing some dirty, low-paying job?

You are really okay with that, and think that is not a problem.

Believing in yourself and fighting for what you believe in, is what this country is supposed to be about. That is my opinion.

Listen carefully: It is the sound of the shifting of the tides coming in to divide rich and poor. If it happens, it happens, but I for one will fight it with everything I can.

I am glad I do not have your attitude. I happen to love this job, got in it because I love it, and am going to be sad when it is gone.

So many passion-less people...
Worth a shot, but didn't work for me. sm

My inhouse job was outsourced when I left to work at home after 3 years doing the same account and getting rave reviews and raises for my transcription. I applied to the company handling the same account when I saw it advertised. I was told by the company my account was outsourced to that I did not have enough experience. Huh? 18 years total. 3 years on that same account.


I guess it depends if you're still working for the hospital or not. I know that at least around here, the hospitals basically black ball you if you have the nerve to leave their employ.


Hopefully the hospital you mention isn't quite as petty as mine was. They actually started sending the tapes out the day after I gave my 2 week notice and I had absolutely nothing to do but filing for the last 2 weeks. Apparently the hospital policy dictates that there is a grave danger of breach of confidentiality once the employee gives notice.


Give me a break.


Good luck. Hope it works out for you!


Psych work - my 2cents worth
I have two psch accounts that deal with ADD and children 80%, adults with learning issues, accidents causing cognitive problems or Voc Rehab a lot lately.   I start my IC's out on these accounts because they do not demand 24 hour TAT, the reports are long -- 10 to 15 pages however I set up a lot of templates for the tests, history, etc.  A standard report of 10 pages with a 2 page letter to the patient takes about 1 1/2  to hours for my IC's to type when they first start and is between 450 to 500 lines.  I myself can do a report/letter right at one hour. (35 to 45 minutes of dictation).   This is true because I  have so many standards set up, etc.  Because the doctors gives us 4-5 days to finish the tapes, I pick up once a week on Thurs-Friday and they have to be back to them by Weds (E-mail) and I have them set up as I do, I only charge him 10.5 cpl but that is gross line and I pay my gals 0.75 cpl to start and once I don't have to proof them I go up to 0.8 cpl.  I have trained several on this account with very little medical background and they have picked up in less than a month but again I have taken a lot of time to template tests, etc.  I have had this account for almost 18 years.  Unless there is a lot of complicated work, I don't see where you will need three months training.  Also your pay is very low to me, I could see 6 to 7 starting out if you don't have much experience.    My gals do not like to give up this account once they get trained on it as they can make close to $30 an hour.   But since there is such a long TAT, I demand perfection and there is no excuse for not getting the report done or notifying me that you have had something come up prior to an hour before the report is due back.    They do that once and they are pulled from the account.   But again, the call is yours, reports are pretty standard and you can make good line counts but you also need to be paid a decent wage.   Good luck.  Patti
Yes and absolutely worth it. I love to work
outside when weather permits.  I don't do it every day because hooking up and unhooking and having to carry everything gets to be a pain, but I do it on occasion.  I also like to travel, which is why I got a laptop to start with.   It allows me to work in the car or a couple of hours a day wherever we go so there is still some income, but I also have time to enjoy time with family.  
Not worth it if you work your fingers to the bone and then never get paid
Good luck
I have work...16 hours' worth every day, 6 days a week no less. nm
nm
Are you wanting to know what it says?
x
That is not at all what I was wanting!!!
I came here for honest advice...positive and negative. I got that...and I am very glad for both views. Now it is just up to me to decide.

I have never expected to just graduate and make BIG money....I have NEVER said that or thought that. It is very obvious that most MT's don't get rich. Like I have already said...I am looking to supplement my husbands income....and I came here to ask all of you your opinions on the business....good and bad. That is all.

And thanks to everyone for that!!!!! I am sorry that a lot of you are getting discouraged about the MT business...It is worrying me too! Which is why I may not even spend the money to go to school. I have a lot of time to think about it....and that is what I will do!!!!!
Why are they wanting you to take it??
Will it mean an increase in your pay? If not, I would not waste my money. I was a CMT for 15 years (15 years ago). In the part of the country I lived then, it made a difference -- we were paid another 1 cpl, but once I moved back to the south central part of the US, nobody cared.
wanting to know more about Transcend.

I have been curious about them as well because I have thought of applying to work for them.  I am with a company now but feel I need to make a change for the better.  It is a small company and I feel I need to be somewhere else.  I just was not sure about the company.  I would welcome any input on this matter


 


Kebra 


Not wanting to start a war but sm
it just really gets old reading the same ole, same ole about SS.   As far as I'm personally concerned, there are usually 2 sides to every story.  If  I happened to be in SS's shoes,  I believe I'd be talking to a lawyer about something called "slander" and I'd be telling some folks to put up the proof or shut up.  Nope, I don't work for SS, never have and probably never will.  If I happened to be in the market for a new job, I believe I would give them a try just to see if they're really that bad.  If they were......well, I'd move right along.
wanting to go digital

and I am totally clueless!  Had a call from a cardio group today and they want to send me transcription via WAV files, guessing I need a WAV pedal??  HELP


Also, I am tired of the old tapes and want to "go digital"  I have heard of 800#'s for a call in system, but dont know of any websites.  Any help is much appreciated!!


 


TIA,


sunnyMT


They OFFSHORE and are wanting to do even more.
Pay not that good.  I have 20 years' experience in acute care, can do ESLs and was only offered 8 cpl. 
Just wanting to know if any IT users

would care to share tips on getting started with Instant Text, especially the best way to go about customizing the glossaries . . . just received my IT and I'm anxious to get going, but it does seem that there is a learning curve and takes some getting used to.


 


Thanks to all!


wanting to go digital

I have had my own transcription service for several years now.  All of my doctors are local and everything is dictated on microcassettes.  I am looking into going digital and I have heard that there are phone in services that you can go through for a charge every month.  Does anyone know who would be a good service to use or how this works?  If anyone has any info on this I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!


I have been wanting to rant too
When they start talking before the system is recording. Is it REALLY so difficult to turn it on BEFORE you talk?
wanting to go digital
Please send me information on how to go digital.

Thanks,

Cheryl
We aren't the only ones wanting
more flexible chairs for work:

http://www.oodlesofpartsplus.com/plasma2.htm
Bro wanting to use my disc to get his PC
x
re wanting experienced MT to answer q's
go ahead and e/m me if you want.  I've been at this since 1975; will help you if i can.
Most companies are wanting a Sunday through
Thursday schedule, Tuesday through Saturday, so you would still be working 5 days, but would always be working 1 w/e day.  If you just rotate weekends it depends on the company what days you would have off during the week, whether they would dictate the days you took off or you would be able to choose. 
I had lots of people wanting her, just most

not good homes based on what I required.  Tried the lab rescure, but everyone had all they could take and they would help me find her a home, I just had to keep her until then and I just didn't want to get too attached.   All the other various rescue groups had reached their limits too and taking her to the pound wasn't an option.  Even though I felt she would be adopted quickly because she was so sweet, there is absolutely zero screening and anyone that fills out the paperwork and pays the $$ can get a pet.  When we adopted the cats we were fostering there was a grandmother in there dragging her grandson by his upper arm and she balled her fist and threatened to punch him in the face.  This was not a home I would want my lab to go to. 


I'm not 100% comfortable with the family she went to, but I told them if it didn't work out we wanted her back.


We are going to build a dog lot and dog house in the event we have another stray. 


For the person below wanting brochure--sm

samples, check out the enclosed link. Tried one and did not see where there was a charge.  You will need to modify with your personal info.


http://www.hp.com/sbso/productivity/office/brochure.html


hope this helps.


Job posted wanting EMDAT exp..what's that?
xx
wanting to start using laptop
Hi all! I was wondering if anyone could help me out here. I'm attempted to use a laptop this weekend to work and be away from the house, but it would not recognize the wav files. It has Windows XP office, all the same stuff my home computer has on it, but I cannot figure out why it is not working. Any ideas? Thanks!
Are you wanting to use normal headphones
With a dictaphone?

I got an adapter for about 20 bucks from Executive Communication Systems. They have an ebay store, here's a link to an auction for the adapter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dictaphone-Transcriber-Transcription-Headset-Converter_W0QQitemZ110088564174QQihZ001QQcategoryZ25324QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Hope that's what you need!
If they are newbies wanting to get into the field

they really haven't a clue.  I have a major case of burnout, but I have also been doing this for 20 years.  I haven't had a raise in 5 years.   It isn't that I can't do the work, I can do whatever is thrown my way, but I certainly don't enjoy it anymore.  My options are just limited right now because I have to be at home, but I sure am exploring my options. 


Everyone's situation is different.  Some may be having to take care of sick/elderly parents or have a child with special needs who requires lots of care, etc.  All these things suck up your energy, but you still need a paycheck.  Someone who has children in school all day or has grown children and doesn't have any of the other issues above can focus on their job, get it done and not have to deal with it until tomorrow. 


You can't know what someone else's situation is and it isn't fair to say they can't do the job. 


 


That depends on why you are wanting to be a transcriptionist. sm
If you are looking for a lucrative field and an easy lifestyle, don't do it. Transcription is the hardest job I have ever had, and I've had several. I could teach if I wanted to. I choose this.

You can make a living as an MT. A good MT can still make $20-30 K a year without killing herself, but she has to work, and it takes several years training after school to reach this. I don't think that will change in the near future. Unless the US completely changes its medical policies and facility standards, I don't think transcription will be eliminated, at least for many years. You have much more freedom in your life as far as scheduling, etc. If you have children, that's worth a lot. If you would rather not be around people all the time, that's a plus.

However, if you need benefits, raises, PTO, and job security, you might want to look into another field, such as PT, radiology tech, etc. JMO
She is wanting to take a transcription test without
having to log into a company site (in which case she will be graded).  She just wants practice. 
Sadly, while you are not wanting to spread the name...

 


...Some other unsuspecting MT is signing a contract with these folks. 


Believe me, I felt the SAME exact way as you back when I was fooled by D&L.  I gave them the benefit of the doubt for over a month, and actually believed payment would be sent to me.  I didn't talk badly about them, well not until PA Dept of Labor decided there was nothing they could do for me as an IC.  Here it is, 1 year later, and I still haven't been paid...either have 20+ others who were all just suddenly *let go.* 


The only loyalty you should ever have in this business is to yourself, your pocket and to a fellow struggling MT.  Don't be scared to let others know the name of a company to avoid. 


Good luck dealing with PA courts/magistrates/Dept of Labor, etc.  I hope you get your pay.


They are just wanting money (kickbacks)
Very see-through. But, they may have gotten more kick backs in the old days when MTs made the money. Now adays, they are just plain laughed at, I am sure, by all. This is like an advertisement, and extremely tacky. So, why don't they pay for us to get credentialed, have the government fund this so-called program, and then have the government set true guidelines on pay scales for MTs. LOL. Just a joke IMHO. I have been in this over 25 years, and after the grandfathering joke, the credentialing business was an obvious way to make money by the organization pushing for it.
Thanks everyone for your help. I am wanting to go wireless and am clueless.
nm
If you are wanting to make it bigger, but
not affect the final report, look on your tool bar and there should be a box that has a number/percentage in it. Mine says 100%. You can increase it there so it is bigger on the screen, but does not change the "font" of the report. This is in MS Word.
new here/wanting to leave MQ/seeking a better place!
That's right, MQ has finally really, really gotten to me after eight long years!  I have told and told and told myself that it's okay there are major lawsuits against the company that imply terrible wrongdoing, it is okay that MQ seems to change CEOs every few months, it is okay that I haven't had a raise in two years, it is okay that I do a brilliant job without anyone caring... and finally, finally, it is just not okay.  I am talking to Medware who apparently won Employer of the Year in 2002 and 2005.  Can I get a witness?  Anybody work for them?  What about Spheris?  Flexibility of schedule is utterly crucial to me, and I have to have benefits, so no IC work.  Where can I go where they'll appreciate me?  I'm a former high school English teacher with 15 years as an MT (8 in acute care) and some QA experience.  Help???
religious reasons and not wanting to live together in sin
x
What's wrong with brokers wanting refunds?

Ameriplan advertises a refund if not satisfied, but then fails to do so when requested.  That's blatant lying and cheating people.  And why are the brokers dissatisfied?  If it was a good product sold in a fair manner, there wouldn't be this many complaints.  You can try to defend them until you're blue in the face, but the facts are that you're soliciting and Ameriplan cheats people out of their money with false claims.


You can't fault someone for wanting to make a living.

Outsourcing simply means that big corporations show bigger profits and the CEOs get bigger bonuses.  They claim that it's good for the economy because the companies and CEOs have more money to spend, gag me with their trickle down economics theory, but they refuse to see what it does to the working class people.  It's going to be interesting to see what happens in this country down the road as more and more working class people lose their jobs to offshoring.  What, are we all going to sign up for unemployment and welfare?  Will crime go up as we all start stealing just to put food on the table?  I wonder what's going to happen.


Wanting to buy used Word,(is this legal? ) only have works.
.
Leave it the way it is unless they come back to you wanting to re-negogiate. nm
x
If you aren't wanting responses, do not post. (SM)
Certainly, you won't make friends here by lashing out at them because they did respond to you.

Perhaps you should seek your medical advice from a medical professional, i.e., 9-1-1, a hospital emergency room, physician, etc.


Wanting to land my own local account

I am currently working part time IC for two different people, I have a little less than one year transcription exp, all in family practive or GI...I have been thinking about trying to get my own account locally but not sure about some of the "in's and out's".  Those of you who do this, do you have someone who covers for you when you have to leave town?  I have always had someone to QA my work, so if I do my own account and have a question(blank) do  you call the office and ask or do you leave it blank?  I am kinda back and forth w/ the idea, I know I would make more money, but not sure if I want ALL the responsibility. 


Companies wanting MTs with IC status but not following the rules...

According to the IRS (and I'm going to double check my information on this) there is a fine line between employee, statutory or otherwise, and independent contractor.  I especially love companies/hospitals who want the benefit of not matching social security, paying unemployment taxes, benefits, and adhereing to wage determinations so they hire "independent contractors" THEN, they start dictating how and when the IC is going to perform their work and at what volume in what period of time and mandatory weekends is an especially nice touch. And the evidence of it is all over this site and others like it where jobs are posted.


I had a guy I worked for one time who went so far as to refuse to write my check out to me, had to be to a company name... then proceeded to break all the rules differentiating between employee and IC.  I would ask if these people had a clue but I already know they don't.


You're not a failure for wanting to quit.
If it isn't working for you, for whatever reason, it doesn't make you a failure.

Individuals cannot be failures. Failure is a process, an action. You are a person.

You know, typically it is considered professional to give a working notice of 2 weeks. What about offering a 2-week notice with an altered schedule?

Generally, employees who do not give a 2-week notice are considered ineligible for rehire - an important question when others may call them for past employment information. Usually all that is asked/given are dates of employment, compensation, and whether the employee is eligible for rehire.


Wanting to buy EX125 Voice system
I am looking to buy a EX125 Voice Turnkey System, with at least a 6.5 build - prefer 7.0.  Anyone have one they want to sell?     Just found this site and thrilled to see it -- please let me know if anyone has such a beast available. 
Are you wanting an FTP server or just user software?
nm