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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

questions about MQ insurance

Posted By: ? on 2005-07-22
In Reply to:

I am an IC right now and for my insurance I had to name just about every illness or hospital visit I ever have had, and if I made an 'oops' or if there is a discrepency, they can drop me at their leisure, which is scary, so i've decided to join MQ full time to get benefits.  Will this insurance cover preexisting conditions, no questions asked, since i'm a full time employee with a company?  Do I just choose what coverage I want, and what are the choices?  If any of you who have insurance with MQ can tell me what to expect, i'd appreciate it, thanks! 


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Meditech questions and Cerner questions. Any input is appreciated. SM

I just recently went back to work in the office at a local hospital. We type in both Meditech and Cerner, depending on what you are typing, i.e. Medical Records reports versus Radiology.  We are currently typing blindly in Meditech, meaning we do not have access to our line counts and must depend on management to give us our totals.  In Cerner, we are able to run a line count report and print out a hard copy of our line counts at the end of the day.

We are finding that 800 lines in Cerner equals about 500 lines in Meditech.  We are not paid per line nor do we have an incentive plan, but we have a new HIM Director who would like to institute an incentive plan and the administrator over our department has laid down the law and decreed that all transcriptionists not making minimum in the department will be written up.  Problem is according to Meditech line totals that we have been given, that would be about half the department.

The transcription supervisor has taken our concerns to the new director who told the MT Supervisor to hold off on writing people and has taken home all the line counts from the last month and she is going over them with a fine tooth comb this weekend.

I am not a very trusting soul by nature, so I am doing a little research on my own.  I've been in this business for about 15 years.  I started out in a hospital and have worked for a few services at home and am now back in the hospital setting.  So I know a few things about line count and I consider myself to be pretty well informed on trends and technology in the industry.   I would like to walk into our next department meeting armed with as much knowledge as possible.  So I have come up with some questions that I would like some fellow MTs to answer, give opinions, and maybe even direct me to websites or individuals who could give me a better understanding of Meditech and Cerner.  Here are my questions:

 


  1. Is it possible for an MT to have access to her line count in Meditech or is strictly a management function?  Any MTs that work in Meditech on this board, do you currently have access to your line counts and if so, how do you check them?  Is it an option on the main menu after you log into Meditech?

  2. How is a line defined in Meditech?  (i.e. 65 cpl, with spaces, without spaces)

  3. How is a line defined in Cerner?

  4. What abbreviation Expanders work with both Meditech and Cerner?

  5. Examples of incentive plans (if anyone would like to share that with me that would be great, if not I completely understand).

  6. Measuring productivity by minutes of dictation versus typed lines.


    1. What would be the minimum minutes required for an 8-hour day?

    2. How would one structure an incentive program based on minutes?

I was thinking of presenting the idea that we keep track of productivity using minutes instead of lines since there is such a discrepancy in Meditech.  I also worry that if an incentive plan is put into place and we are still typing blind into Meditech, what's to keep management from shaving off a few lines here and there?


Feel free to email me or post here any responses.  Either is fine.  I really appreciate any input, comments, or just plain old supportive posts would be nice too! 




I bet other insurance carriers have insurance for their employees. Why not Wal-Mart? nm
:+
Insurance

If you don't have insurance (dental, vision, prescription, chiropractic, and some locations medical) and don't have a lot to spend on insurance, ask me what I signed up for if interested.


There's a lot of information to tell and I don't want to ramble on if no one's interested.


Talk to ya later,


Andrea - Medical Transcripionist (Nashville, TN)


How can MQ take away the insurance

when the MT is paying for it also?  Does that not count for anything?


Insurance
I didn't mean they were taking it away. What I meant is taking it over not making quota. Sorry.
wish I could help on that one - I have no insurance, however, -
I work for one of the TOP docs in NYC who is internationally known, so whenever I am sick, he has taken care of me, called in favors from other specialists, etc. The only bill I have to pay is the lab bill. If you work for yourself, that might be a route to go. I even got my bill at NYU Medical Center 75% off!!!

At one time Aetna was pretty good as far as rates for individuals.

Pet insurance....sm
No flames please, but how do you go about getting pet insurance? When you say "pretty inexpensive", what range are you talking about? Please, any info greatly appreciated. TIA
UPS insurance
I have sent packages via UPS that I have packaged myself and was still covered under their automatic $100 worth of insurance.  I wonder if someone at the UPS store is giving you incorrect information?  I had an ebay package damaged and they paid for the item even though I packaged it myself.  Can you call the main UPS number and ask someone else?
Insurance
I am just curious about liability insurance for people that have IC status.  Is it required and if so where can I find out some info on this?  TIA
IC insurance
I have researched this myself and found that going through your local Chamber of Commerce is probably the most affordable way to go.  If you become a member you are then eligible to get a good rate in health insurance and they offer many different options including HSA (health savings accounts). Check out different Chambers near you though because the membership fee can vary.
Insurance
I have a liability policy for which I pay $164 annually.  This does not cover errors and omissions.  For this type of insurance the cost would be sky high, or so I've been told.
insurance
I agree.  I've had mine for 9 years as it was required and I've never used it.  The only use it is, is for a write-off as a business expense for me.
insurance
there are several companies who now offer individual plans, depending on where you are, I had BC/BS - paid higher premium because I wanted good coverage, but can usually find something for around 100.00 a month if you don't have medical problems, copay for prescriptions may be 30-35.00.
insurance q
If you're someone with few health risks (non-smoking, etc.) and no major illnesses, you can probably get a good policy with any one of the major insurers, but ask specifics and shop and compare. When I was working as independent I tried to get one myself but they want to often put you in a $5,000 annual deductible which means you really have to get bad sick or hurt to even really see any benefits paid on your behalf and sometimes if you have a common condition like thyroiditis they would put an exclusion in for the first 6 months to 12 months that you have happen to need surgical treatment for that condition, i.e. thyroidectomy, you are practically on your own because it's pre-existing. I would suggest first applying for low-key health insurance, say $50,000, and then along with history-taking, they generally do a blood draw and EKG, along with perhaps even an HIV test among others, then you've got some "evidence" if you will of your health status before applying for major medical. Then decide later, if you are approved that is, if you want to keep the life insurance as you go independenty, or get life insurance and health insurance with a prospective employer if you happen to go that route instead of independent. This way family considerations also are taken into account. Overall it's best to go beyond the hand-outs which look so colorful and shiny with smiling faces, and look at the contract benefits, exclusions and limitations of any policy, which they hesitate to show unless you pay your money first. Hope you find the right one.
Insurance

I need to find out if Errrors and Omissions insurance is needed for a contracted medical transcriptionist?


Please let me know if you carry it and how I can obtain it?


Thanks...


 


insurance
No you do not need it and if you did, error and omission insurance is VERY expensive.  I work for a company who requires general business insurance (tho I don't know why) and it costs me $168/year which I write off as a business expense but is still a waste of money in my opinion.
PIP INSURANCE

Everyone who lives in Florida should be aware that the PIP insurance as we know it is soon to expire on 10/1/07.  Please go to the web site http://www.wpbf.com/index.html.  In the center, scroll down a little in the middle is a survery that asks Do you think personal injury protection (PIP) should be eliminated?  Please go on line and vote NO.  Send this email to everyone you know.  We want hundreds of votes.


Also, please send a letter to Governor Charlie Crist,o to Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt.  You can find their email addresses on MyFlorida.com.  It is very important that they add this to their agenda on 6/12/07 for their special session.


 


Thanks for your help. 


Insurance
I was in a similar position, needed insurance for just a short period until new insurance kicked in.  I went to the United Healthcare insurance site and they have "gap" insurance that you can use for anywhere from 1 to 12 months I believe.  It sure beats the high expense of COBRA and should get you through.
insurance

 


Yes, unfortunately I do know what happens!  My husband has no insurance, but usually gets care through the VA.  In April, he had an emergency, ended up with a pacemaker, a gazillion tests, doctors, two hospitals, ambulance, etc.  Over $59,500.00 out of pocket expenses.  If the VA does not pay (it is with their review board), we will be paying until we die.  Some are taking as little as $25.00 a month, others are waiting for VA and then may reduce the charges somewhat.  It is very scary to be without insurance.  Try to get something for major hospital stays, surgeries, etc.  Also, short term and long term disability are good.  If you have any type of chronic condition, forget it.  I have diabetes and hypertension both - cannot get coverage anywhere - I have tried several times, so I can be flexible/part time.  Good Luck and God Bless You.


E&O Insurance

I bought a policy from State Farm.  It cost me $257 for the year.  I really have never heard of being able to cover it from home owner's policy, not unless it is for a small amount.  My policy consists of $250,000.


I would call SF and ask them about it.


 


Good Luck!!!


E&O Insurance

Are you a contractor for the hospital?  First, you need to make sure you know what limits they are requiring.  If they are requiring E&O ins., then they should have something in writing about the limits.  This is expensive insurance.  I used to be a CSR for an insurance agency. 


It's not something that can be obtained through your homeowner's insurance.  Homeowner's insurance is occurance-based general liability (and property) insurance, whereas E&O insurance is claims-made liability.  Specifically it covers you if you get sued because of an error or an omission that you do that causes harm to someone. 


It surprises me that the hospital is requiring it, though.  The doctors have to sign off on the reports that you type, thereby removing the liability from you and placing it on themselves.


E&O Insurance
I believe that $100,000 is sufficient, but I believe that most companies do not want to be involved in a lawsuit if something happens.  They only want the contractor to be responsible.
Insurance
Why not just contact Aetna directly? Blue Cross/Blue Shield is pretty approachable. They will send you brochures detailing their policies.
Insurance for ICs
What insurance co. does anybody use as an IC?  I will be having to find something soon.  Thanks
Insurance for IC
If you're 50 or older you can get ins. through AARP if you're a member. Premiums aren't great, but probably better than most private polices.
re questions
yes i drink green tea, but prefer black tea. No, i've never had any such symptoms from it though and have no idea why it would happen, unless there are other things in that brand of tea that might irritate the colon?
questions

i am very interested in taking courses on mt and would like some help in guiding me in the right direction....can someone help me on that


 


Questions about VR
I am getting ready to train on VR and I am wondering if this is part of the latest, newest technology in our industry that I have been hearing about.  Are just some companies going to use this or is this something that is going to be required in the future from us throughout the industry? 
Questions....

If a person takes a job and finds out they aren't happy and then looks for another job, what happens if the recruiter overpromised?  Do they find another job?  And if they find another job and that one is running out of work all the time, do they start the search again? 


Final question....if they do all this, why do so many people on the boards call people who complain about companies good-for-nothing job hoppers who are never happy?


Looking for a new job. What are some questions...sm
I should ask besides pay, benefits, and hours to make sure I don't miss anything and then find out I've been screwed later?  Should I get pay in writing to make sure they pay me what they tell me. I never worked for a National, so I am unsure how a lot of things work with them.  Thanks.
IC Questions
Hi. I just accepted my first job as an IC and I am nervous!  Did I do a stupid thing by going IC instead of employee?  They are paying 8.5 for 65-char line including spaces and returns.  Does this sound reasonable?  How do I pay my taxes?  What about social sec? HELP!
Any questions to MQ

you can be an employee and ask, what will be my new


pay under the new plan.......NOBODY KNOWS.


you can ask what do you pay to be an Editor of voice recognition....


NOBODY KNOWS


But at the same time they want people to work for them.


Now you are saying there's a new mystery something?  This is


hilarious.


No legit company every does business this way.


two questions
I am also single and 50K is what I am thinking as well. I have very minimal bills. My only "dependents" are my 3 kitties and bird. To be honest, I got into medical transcription after my first year in college. I wanted to be a veterinarian. As much as I love animals, I really love what I do and honestly cannot say what else I would want to do.
Ok, I do have some questions...
Is it possible to speak to you via private messages or something? This board is a bit awkward to use and I have a few questions for you.

Thank you both... I have a few more questions...

Is this something that will happen on a regular basis?  How often do bipolar people get like this?  Is this the worst of it?  We both watch each other's kids a lot, and my kids absolutely love her.  But I'm a little worried now that it might not be safe. 


I'm also concerned for her as she just started a new job and is working on her master's degree.  I'm afraid that she may fail at both if she doesn't get this under control.  Is there anything I can do to help her? 


ok, so you have 2 questions?
1. i'd think that is great money.

2. i gross about $1200 weekly in 40 hours as an employee.

More questions

Do you find their work flow to be consistent - you don't run out or anything? It is really hard for me to decide to make a move - am not happy where I am at and want to come back home, but have really good insurance for family - I know there is no perfect place to work, but I would just like to enjoy getting up and working again without all the office politics. Thank you for being so open in talking - I find this board much easier to talk on than the previous one I was on - more open answers. Also, what kind of platform is used. Do you have to type in demographics and if so, do you get paid for them? Do you have a good word Expander and macros? It is so hard to make changes and want to know as many specifics as I can before I apply.


Thank you so much.


more questions

Do you charge more for printing?  How did you know the price range to charge? I live in a rural area and I have no idea what people are paying for this and I would feel stupid asking them what they are paying.  Did you go to the office in person and sell yourself or did you do mailings?  I don't know anyone in my area that is doing this so I am kinda walking bling here. I am sure I can do the work, it is just sollicting the accounts that I fear.  THanks to all that responded


Have all the same questions
you do. Also does anyone have a used c phone for sale?
your questions--sm
There are no connection problems with this voice player, as you are not on the internet while you use it. You type into Word and then connect to the internet to return the files. As far as the quality of the voice file goes, the digital player has nothing to do with that either. It depends on how the file was recorded from the company you are receiving it from. my files come from a call-in service on my employers server. If the docs use the telephone connection, like they are supposed to, the quality is great. If they use a speaker phone, cell phone, or head set, it can have more *interference* on it. I have one doc who dictates onto a tape recorder, then calls in on the *system* and plays the whole 30 minute tape. He uses the tape over and over again, so it degrades with time, but I have learned to understand him anyway. I have another doc who also uses a tape recorder, but likes to do it while he is waiting for a train at a depot and while on the train. I mostly hear the background noise, which is awful, but I can still make out what he says...most of the time. so, the file is only as good as the person recording the dictation. you have good ones and bad ones, just like any other dictationists. anything else, just let me know. relax, it will be fine.
questions
good day to everyone.  i have just finished my medical transcription course.  however, i have questions regarding how to put negative points on errors on my transcription. how would you rate the gravity of an error in punctuation marks as against an error in the MEDICATIONS SECTION of the report.  for example, my punctuation error was given a negative point of .5.  in the same manner that the dictated KCl (potassium chloride) was transcribed as KCL.  would you also give the latter a negative point of .5?  if not, how many negative point would you give? thanks a lot and i hope you could help me.
More Questions

To those of you who so kindly gave me advice on working from home:


What kind of equipment should I invest in?  Do most companies us the internet. One company I talked with still has clients that us Lanier equipment.


#1 I would think would be a wav pedal and headset but what about an LX-219?


What do you use?


Thanks


Your IC Questions
You are responsible for your taxes. I recommend w/each paycheck, you put 20% in a savings account so when you file taxes, you don't have to scrounge up the money to pay IRS - or you could do like others and file taxes quarterly. You will have a 1099 instead of W2/W4. You don't establish yourself...as an MT you are either an employee with insurance benefits, 401K and taxes withheld or not.
Questions about DQS
Good morning, I am about to start with a company that uses DocQScribe and I understand that MQ uses it also. Since there is a specific MQ board here I thought I might get some answers here. I really like Stedman's Spellchecker, and want to know if it is compatible with DQS? Also use ShortHand for Windows, wondering about that. I have used built-in spellcheckers in other platforms, and just don't care for them, they just don't seem to be as good as Stedman's. And in general, your opinions about the DocQscribe platform itself. Thank you.
VR Questions

I have an office going to EMR with voice recognition software.  The OM tells me I will still have this account because there is no way the VR will work for their Indian doctor and another doctor that mumbles horribly.  Is there anyone that has experienced this?  Also, will editing of the VR be needed?  The OM mentioned that if it does work, she will need me to edit reports.  How much does one make per line for editing VR?


I know I have lots of questions, but this is my largest account and with a disabled hubby and three kids, I'm a panicked breadwinner right now.


Thanks!


More questions
Does he hold out your taxes?  Do you have benefts?  Do you get paid the same amount no matter how much or how little you transcribe or if you take time off?   Have you figured out how much you get paid per cpl or hour?  I would figure out how much I am making per cpl or hour and go from there.  Be sure to figure in the time you are not working and getting paid.  That is a little unusual to be an IC and paid monthly and not on production. 
Questions
Are you using an Expander along with the keyboard? (I sometimes mess up by assigning F keys to things that I shouldn't).  I've linked an article from Computer Hope that might help.  If it were me, I'd just go out and buy a new keyboard.  Nothing more frustrating than a semi-functioning keyboard (except perhaps a semi-functioning toilet).
asking questions

I get the feeling that many MTSO do not liked to be asked questions.  If I am looking to make a switch I am just looking out for myself.  Mind you, I send in the resume and THEY call me. While I may get some that offer 3 insights to the job right off the bat, if I ask if there is a chance to make more of a base pay I either don't hear from them or they think I should look into something else.  I have run across 1 company that was very very informative without me asking too much, but they didn't have direct deposit, and they were on the other side of the country from where I am and was just not too keen on the thought of a check by mail. I guess I'm just kind of feeling not to happy right now with all of this.  Thanks for listening. 


 


Questions

You have several hundred addresses typed out, but are they in a table format or free style?  If table, then keep the doc open, then go to Tools, Envelopes and Labels, select the label you are going to use under options (refer to the Avery label sheet for label number).  Then you click New Document.  Go to the doc where you have the addresses, select all and copy and paste.  You may have to copy and paste by table row, to make it work correctly.


If you are trying to integrate them into a Word Mail Merge doc/letter, I can explain but Word help does a much better job.  Look in Help, Mail Merge, data source, show data source, or something like that.


two more questions....

What companies do you use and what were the up-front costs?  I believe the monthly fee is around 50 dollars from what I've seen.  Thanks in advance.


I did ask those questions!!!!!!!!!!!
I did ask those friggin questions!!! My company did what a LOT of companies do--they tell you one thing in the interview and then when you actually work the job, they change it! There is no reason under the sun that I shouldn't be able to work a split shift. One of the women who has been there 30+ years said it's possible.

I know what I was told in the interview and it was that women with small kids are their "ideal candidates". Certainly they don't think an ideal situation would be to have toddlers running around while you are trying to type.

Give me a break.