generally this time of the year is slow for my hospital NM
Posted By: Emily Ayn on 2008-12-09
In Reply to: Is this generally a known slow...sm - blondie_1147
:)
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Is this generally a known slow...sm
time of year for MT? I know I have heard some posters on here say this is the slow time of year. I have only done this 1-1/2 years so I don't know really yet. Is this a given for around the holidays to be real slow? Do things usually pick up more after the holidays?
Generally office notes versus hospital
For my accounts anyway, my multispecialty is office notes, letters, in office procedures and acute care is hospital notes.
I have the 2007 Saunders CD and I think it's kind of slow. Hoping the QL is better this year tha
nm
New hospital next year... sm
in my area and I am interested in working the medical records department, even just working as a file clerk. I am tired of working so many hours and now making any money working for a national as an MT. I figure if I am not going to make that much money I would just like to work regular scheduled hours at a hospital. The thing is I am not sure what else I need under my belt to get a job in the medical records department. Any ideas?? Thank You!
I find that if I slow down and actually take time
to use my ShortHand Expander properly, my lines go way up. If I just start typing faster and using only the small 1 or 2 word abbreviations I use all the time, I get no where fast. You see, I have thousands and thousands of abbreviations, but the real time saver is the phrases and normals I have at my disposable. I just have to slow down and watch the Shorthand window. It may seem like you are wasting time scanning the list of abbreviations, but it's the only way to really churn out the lines. You also tend to make fewer mistakes requiring backspacing when you slow down and pay attention to the abbreviations window.
Is it accurate that Fall is a slow time for MTs? sm
For the last two years I have been doing Urgent Care/ ER work and have not noticed any slow down but I am now doing multispecialty clinic work and I keep hearing about a big slow down. Can anyone shed some light on the subject for me. TIA
Sorry even if you are slow, 200 to 400 times per hour - no time -- NM
??
Word has been slow for a long time and I just
cleaned up the Autocorrect and what a difference. Thanks for the information!
I had a friend who did two 2-year tours for that hospital
several years back. She made good money. They paid her travel there and back once a year. She lived on a compound by the American Embassy. At that time, it was more peaceful times. She enjoyed it at that time.
Be very careful ... safety could be so horribly compromised.
Paid downtime vs unpaid slow time - sm
Do MTSOs, nationals, usually pay for downtime for employees? If so, what has been your experience - ever received downtime? your company's policy, i.e., pay for two days downtime?
Also, as an employee for a nat'l, if you have a set schedule, what do you do when very little work comes in, for example one dictation/hour? At what point do you cut out? I'm new to working for a national and this has happened a lot lately - I know, the holidays. If there is little work, I usually only stay connected for two hours, let me sup. know, and call it a day.
I swear, sometimes I hate this industry!!  Any other company, at least in my state, if there is no work, as an employee, you still get paid or after a certain period, you get unemployment...something!
If memory serves (and most of the time it doesn't!), isn't it # to speed up and * to slow down
You just repeatedly hit the # or * keys to the desired speed, right?
I meant hospital for 8 years (not months)...going on 15th year.
x
I'm a hospital employee, working local at home, so I get a raise every year.
x
Can you go part-time at the hospital and
try PT with an online company to test the waters? I'm currently PT with a hosp because it's not in the budget to add staff at this time, so I researched and accepted a position with an online company. So far, it's working out well.
I worked part-time in a hospital sm
radiology department for a copule years and they did the floppy disk thing. They were huge compared to now. We didn't have a main frame at that time. Your format stuff was on the "system disk" you put in on the left nad then your disk with your work went into the right hand slot. It was this big huge monster of a "computer" thing.
That's about the time my hospital started treating its -nm
..
I think it's that time of year for most men right now.
Did you ever notice how they get crotchety in the spring and fall? I think it's testosterone levels adjusting to the change in season or something. LOL
My Mom called this morning to vent about a tiff she and my father had over something stupid. My husband and I have been having the same theme of tiff lately, too. It's all over silly little things. I actually told my husband to make out a schedule of what he would like me to be doing and when all day long because he's been a little dictator lately. He keeps interrupting my work for help with this or that or he can't find something. Geez, nobody helps me with squat, and I find everything by myself. Plus, I don't go to his work to bother him. If he'd put his stuff away, he'd be able to find it again. Instead, he blames me for running it through the washing machine when he left it out in the garage. OK. He's going to be sleeping in the garage if he doesn't knock it off.
I like this time of year best...sm
Cause like in NC, it doesn't get dark until between 8 and 9 at night. I love it...
You can also pay once a year at tax time
When you are an IC....all that means to the company is that they give you a 1099 Miscellaneous form instead of a W2. You can pay your taxes quarterly but you can also do it all at once on April 15th. Usually people who pay quarterly do so because they make a lot of money and they don't want to pay in a big chunk in April. I'm an IC and I love it! Hope that helps!
I was last year for the first time...
After 11 years as an MT, thought I'd try joining for a year. I decided not to rejoin for a few reasons.
The group health insurance is not available in all states; mine is one of them.
Although I get the same discount through employer for books, I'd hoped to try some online classes. Found that after spending 7-8 hours a day transcribing, my behind and eyeballs can't handle much more computer time. For the same reason, I didn't take advantage of the online forum and classes available.
I live too far from everything to participate in AHDI chapter meetings.
As an AHDI member, you get lots of lengthy emails in your inbox (too many and too long, I think), most of which are more about AHDI activities and not much help otherwise. You also get a couple publications, Plexus and For The Record. They seem geared more towards transcription service providers than MTs. The only thing I liked were 20 CMT Prep Q and A's in Plexus, hardly enough to justify the membership cost
In summary, if you're able to take advantage of their online helps, if you're an MTSO, medical records tech, a person who enjoys being active in group organizations and have a branch near you, membership might be useful.
I have 2 jobs. One is full time at a hospital, the other is for a urologist in AZ. sm
The urologist in AZ doesn't dictate every single day, so I usually can spread him out over the week. I work 8 hours at my full time job and then if there is work to do from AZ, I usually type until about 10 or 11 o'clock at night. If it all gets done fine. If not he doesn't worry. He is happy wiht 48 hr TAT. But since he is so good to me, I really try to get it back within 24 hours. I break his Friday dictation into chunks over the weekend. So with everything factored in, between the two, I usually type anywhere from 8-12 hours a day. But not 7 days a week.
I'd be in my pool for the 2nd time this year.
I always have more work this time of year
I have my own office account and patients try to get in their yearly appointments before their yearly deductible is due in January again so my work always picks up this time of year. January is usually a little slow for me but it picks back up by February normally and stays quite consistent the rest of the time.
I am taking for second time in the last year
I took if for a while and was without insurance so had to stop for a bit. I am taking it again. I was previously on Paxil. My doctor said that Lexapro had way better withdrawal than Paxil. Paxil would "wig me out" if I missed a day. Lexapro has never done that and when I weaned myself off before I did not notice any major withdrawal symptoms. I also did not gain any significant weight and I am not skinny so believe me I did not want to gain any, lol. We are all different though, but that is my experience. Like I said, Paxil was way way worse on both.
MIL is cooking it- IN- I did it for the first time last year, also IN-
x
Wow, what a nice way to help others at this time of year. nm
x
Used it for the first time this year and very pleased. sm
We had a deduction we had no idea existed and would not have come across if we'd done it by pen and paper. We also received our refund very quickly, less than 2 weeks direct deposited. It did take a long time to go through the whole process, longer than expected, but we will definitely use it again next year.
I enjoy this time of year when
the time changes and we start having the long days. Here in NC now it won't get dark until about 8:00, and on into the summer it will be closer to 9:00 before it gets completely dark outside. I absolutely hate it in the winter when the time changes and it gets dark at 5:30. It's depressing. I wish the time could stay the same all year.
I used Turbo Tax last year for the first time sm
last year and loved it! Only had the tuition credit, though. Everything else was just plain old taxes. I think I'll have to go back to the accountant this year, though, because now we have a rental house to claim for 2006 and I'm not sure how to do those. We have had them before and all that depreciation, etc, would confuse me. Also, I'm an IC now so I guess our taxes will be a mess in the next year since I've only been an IC for about a month now. That won't show up until 2007 taxes are due.
This is a good time of year to buy.
There are usually good sales in the week before Christmas when retailers are hoping to improve their bottom line. Also, if you wait until January, you may find good bargains from those trying to move stock during a slow time. Personally, I like my Dell. I've had three of them now and really have not had any problems. You can now get them at Staples, too.
Depends on what kind of hospital? Large urban hospital or small community hospital? SM
Also, is it a large teaching hospital? If so you have to consider there will be A LOT of different residents dictating, usually a lot of ESLs at teaching hospitals, and the residents rotate out and new ones rotate in every summer. So you can't expect to get the same dictators and build up your macros because the dictators change all the time.
I would say 9 cpl would be a pretty good offer for a small to medium community hospital where you will be doing the same dictators on a daily basis. But for bigger, urban or teaching hospitals I would want at least 12 to 15 cpl.
Sorry, that is not uncommon at this time of year. Post SM
office employees get greedy.
Full-time without OT. Made about 40K last year. nm
4
I feel your pain! This is the time of year sm
when I take advantage of my Netflix subscription, having movies delivered to my home. Also, there is PLENTY of great entertaining, informative stuff on the "cable" channels (I have a dish). I'm hooked on HGTV and DIY. The Food channel makes me way too hungry so I avoid that one. You can take a "mini vacation" just by watching the Travel Channel. Even the Weather Channel has some interesting shows.
Anybody make less than $12,000/year, part time - sm
I know at just part time (minimum 25 hrs a week) I won't be pulling in a ton of $, but I thought it would be a little more than that. Am I alone?
Any 62 year old should know by this time how to figure things out
I am older but I do not have to ask others how to get around money out of my husband's money to cover my expenses. Give me a f…ing break! All the time I have read these posts have never seen 1 person trying to be so underhanded. They are not glad to be able to make around $900- they were trying to do something against a company, IRS and anyone else she could. After all that time she comes back to rant some more and call us vipers. I am independent. Last year I sold property for $150,000. I did not pay all my independent taxes like I should but.... I had major expenses such as new computer, property upkeep on the one sold plus those taxes, my property taxes where I live and I made arrangements last year (hey, I was thinking ahead) and set up at least $46,000 in the bank JUST IN CASE I needed for the taxes this year. With all my expenses paid out, did my taxes and got back a little over $600. I did not retire, I did not flame others for what I should do, I used my head before time, not just running out and spending all and had a cushion in case I needed. I am woman, I am strong, I use my head for what it was intended. This is the way things should work, not retiring first, not having enough money, not trying to be sneaky about working and having others taking the credit and pay then paying me under the table, then trying to pull the wool over other's eyes!
$15,000.... Hospital employee, telecommuting from home, working less than full-time.
c
Slow day for me. Typed two reports in two hours. Anyone else having unusually slow day?
dd
Sedona, Arizona is awesome this time of year.
I'm 46 and I went back to school this year full time for a BSN...sm
I was worried about because, let's face it, my short term memory isn't what it used to be LOL. Plus the program is ONLY full time. They had 1000 applicants and picked the top 70 of us. If you didn't have a 3.5 GPA, you didn't get in. But I am doing really well in school - after I got past the shock of the first 6 weeks - tons of work- and I am at the top of my class. My husband, bless his heart, is doing all the cooking and we are basically kind of ignoring the dirt. My house will be clean again another day. I am finishing up my second semester, have 3 more semesters for a BSN, and then another 2.5 years to get my masters and be an advanced practice nurse. 41 is definitely not too old! You will have to work smart to save your back but it can be done. Also MT is starting a slow slide out...you would be smart to start your second career now while you still have a job... IMHO
good luck!
I made 21,000 last year working part time...
hoping when my youngest gets a bit older (she is 16 months) I can make a bit more...
Perfect time of year to get a foot in the door somewhere.
I feel for you....been there. Actually, I got my first break this time of year, doing p.r.n. work for offices that had MTs out on vacation. Get your phone book and start calling, see who might need you for a week at a time, a few months (maternity leave, sickness, etc.) You'd be surprised what it leads to. I sure wish you the best of luck with it.
Working 2 full-time jobs (for a year now), and boy am I tired!!
.
I crocheted a baby's hooded sweater last year at this time.
Had a heck of a time with it...kept sewing it until I got it right, Had To! LOL. The one side of the hood was right on at first crack, but the other side of the hood looked outrageous at first, LOL, had to undo and redo a few times. Arrgghhh. You'll get it, just keep on keepin' on!
It's cold here this morning!!! I had to turn on my office heater for the first time this year.
 Winter's coming and it's supposed to be incredibly cold the next couple days. YUCK And, with the gas prices the way they are I guess I'll have to suffer with it a little colder this year.
I *only* make $40K a year for full time work. Now I find that isn't decent is or fair?
nm
I generally...
ask for a manager on the spot. If there isn't one there, I'll call back later and speak to one. I, for one, believe in service with a smile. I haven't had to, but I do think I would ask for the number and address of corporate, either to write a letter or call. JMO, of course. 
Generally...
you are given the option of buying the modem or they will provide it. It's cheaper to buy it yourself. You will also need line filters, which allow the phone part of the connection to work.
Generally... sm
When they say 65 characters with spaces, it means that you count every letter you see and every space between those letters, and divide by 64, which equals a line.
Usually only up to 2 spaces between the period of one sentence to the beginning of the next sentence is counted, not a whole blank line at the end of a paragraph if that line is only a few characters.
Some companies pay for the actual ASCII character for the or , but that is company preference. You can come close to figuring with taking your total letters and punctuation plus spaces and divide by 65. That is the AAMT (or AHDI or whatever they call themselves these days!) standard and what I think most companies go by when they say 65 characters plus spaces.
If you're concerned about what your company counts or if you're not being counted correctly, just ask them what they count and how they count it, and then verify that that is what you come up with on your reports.
Hope this helps!
Generally...
....he will be paid within 2 months. Our biggest problem is we never know HOW MUCH the next check will be because it's never the full amount he billed them for. He's been doing this for 5 years. He really hates it, but he is a computer programmer, and most of the jobs are now overseas.
If you say you are generally happy with MDI
Why don't you just take up Liz on her offer to call her? Why come on here and go on so.
Though it seems you WANT to give constructive criticism, you really aren't.
|
