As a new MT, focus on quality and don't worry about quantity. SM
Posted By: granny MT on 2007-12-12
In Reply to: Need words of encouragement - newmt
Any decent company who gives a new MT the chance, should be considerate and realize they cannot produce like a veteran MT. Speaking from experience working for myself and hiring several subcontractors, and also working for large nationals, the quality of your work will first be evaluated. With training and experience, your production will increase. If you need to reread, relisten, etc., do it because it will be well worth it. Research every word or phrase you are not sure of. In time, your brain will soak these terms up like a sponge. You will find yourself researching less and less. However, even veteran MTs continue to learn daily. I feel a good MT has good researching skills that never end. Good luck, keep your head up. Research and review your reports before submitting them.
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Quality is always better than quantity
I am a new MT as well. However, I have learned that quality is better than quantity. In the begining you may want to do thousands of lines per day. However, make sure that this is quality work. You don't want to make mistakes because you want to get high production to get money and then they may fire you because your accuracy rate is terrible.
So, take your time and always deliver the best report to your ability. Do not be afraid to leave a blank if necessary. It is always better than guessing.
What is your line pay rate? Is it an editing or transcription platform? Are you an employee or an independent contractor?
they'll fire you for not enough QUANTITY too, though!
lol
Don't worry about it
You don't have to say you're sorry. Everyone gets burnt out from time to time. This board should be a place to vent as well as to get advice, help, etc. You don't have to be sorry for having a bad day and you shouldn't be made to feel guilty for it either.
Oh, don't worry, you will....you will...
x
Don't worry so much about VR and ASR
Sure, it's growing in popularity, but it's just not very good. An MT will always have to go over each and every one. Even if this technology ever does improve, reports will still need an MT (language specialist, Editor or whatever the latest name may be) to go over them to correct all the stuttering, redundant and miscellaneous things dicators say (such as "next, next, next; hold on; go back and add ...; go back and change...; the occasional curse word when they realize they are dictating a report they either already dictated or don't have all the information for; extraneous noises; etc., etc.). There are so very many things to fix from VR/ASR reports that MTs should be working for a very long time.
Don't worry
Some people on this board try to get down on others, so don't feel too bad if you get crappy responses sometimes. Good luck! :)
don't worry
I started out only getting about 300 lines a day. For me that was about 5 or 6 reports. I've been at my current job for 10 months now and I'm up to 35-40 reports a day. Just keep at it, you'll get your speed. Just a suggestion...you might have one already, but I would definitely suggest getting a split keyboard. It's better for your hands/arms and you'll pick up major speed once you get used to it.
Not to worry
You don't need to worry about this! The advice already given is very good. If you follow it, you'll learn to understand the dictation.
The thing is that physicians dictate like auctioneers. That's a good thing, because that's why they need MTs. If they talked slowly and clearly, anybody could do this work.
In all seriousness, your ears just need to listen faster. I know that sounds odd, but it's the truth.
You can take comfort in the fact that doctors say things the same way over and over, so once you've figured him or her out, you'll understand nearly everything.
Don't worry sometimes it takes
awhile to get the hang of it. I haven't been doing this very long either and it took me looking things up alot of the time to get it right. Left alot of blanks at first. But sooner or later you'll get to know the drugs that are used frequently and then you'll turn into a pro! Don't let it get you down, take it moment by moment if necessary! God bless and email me if you want to chat some more!
You'll do fine!!
Quality
Do you have all the required word books for the specialty that you type? I mainly type OP notes and have the current Stedman's books, Google links, etc. My advice is to type the report and put in a blank for the words that you don't know or question. Then, go back, relisten, and look the words up after you have finished the report. Be sure listen for the little words that are often missed. Also, after your reports have been through QA, go back and review the report. Some MTs can go back and relisten, which is a great option. I would also save my copy and then compare it to the QA copy. Maybe someone here would offer to mentor you and offer suggestions? My method is somewhat time consuming but this has helped me. I hope that helps you a little. Good luck! 
Specials don't have anything to do with the quality. sm
They use the SUM CDs just like the other 2. Their graduates get multiple job offers. I'm very familiar with their course and I definitely would hire someone from there.
Need suggestions on how to improve quality.
Is there something that I could buy that could help improve my quality? I have been taking tests here and there and everyone keeps saying that their QAs don't have the extra time that is needed to spend with my work. I know I don't have the 98% accuracy that is needed. Whenever I do a test I look whatever I don't know up and then relisten to the file. I do all my transcribing when everyone is asleep so I don't have the distractions. Thank in advance for the help.
Yes, I believe there is a future for MTs who do quality work
You hear a lot of sad stories, but many, not all, of those complaining are just not very good at what they do for a living. That is the main reason why they lose their jobs. It isn't overseas MTs taking their work, it isn't speech recognition, it isn't even electronic medical records. It's the quality of their work. They will never admit it. In fact, they will yell and scream and protest! There are many out there who are doing well and making some good money, and no, it hasn't been going down for everyone. Just remember that there are whiners and complainers in every industry. Medical transcription is no exception.
Quality Assurance/Editing
Can anyone give me an idea on how much QA/editors make? Do they charge per 65 character line with spaces, without spaces, per word, etc.? I have always been curious about this.
Don't worry - you'll learn all that basic stuff
in school. They used to teach it in secretarial classes, of course, but if you know you want to be an MT, go to one of the top schools (M-Tec and Andrews), and you will be ready when it's time to test.
How do you make lines and maintain quality?
I'm trying to get up to company's line requirements but do not seem to be catching all my errors. Any suggestions?
If quality mattered, there would be NO MT work from India
I mean, I know you're CERTIFIED and all, but you have to be kidding...
Career Step is quality training!!!
I am, of course, a Career Step graduate. I really believe in their program and have found great success as an MT due to their training course. I highly recommend it to anyone!!! Feel free to email me or check out my website for more information ... www.MTinTexas.com.
Regardless of audio quality, the fact that she came as close as she did
to what it actually was yet couldn't get it shows that she has no idea what a salpingo-oophorectomy IS. Not to mention the other info she gave and the type of report that it is.
MT is not worth it anymore. Would not worry about past. Did need to give ID to be hired though.
.
Don't worry anon, this is the same person on the Word Board asking test questions!!
I've been searching for quality MT school- glad I found this Board
It appears that everyone can agree on M-Tec or Andrews School--by the way is that Linda Andrews and not Andrews/Holbrook?
I want to get started with training soon and I'm having difficulty deciding. I've taken both their tests and they both seem like good choices. Decisions, decisions...
focus
I guess everone's experience must be different. I recently started with Focus and have received nothing but exceptional treatment.
FOCUS
I jus quit Focus....they do not speak English, can not type English, are no help, you do not get paid what they will tell you!!! I worked 60 hours for 2 weeks for a total of 120 hours and just got my paycheck of $106. Not even a dollar an hour. I ran out of work many times. They would tell you to do it one way one day, and a different way the next time. They are reallly good with insults! Please do yourself a favor and don't work for them!
Focus
I tend to disagree with the person who said stay away from Focus. A lot of the negative postings are older. I have been working for them for three months, and I have had few problems with them. Although, they may not be the ideal medical transcription job, they have allowed myself and many other newbies a chance to gain some experience. I cannot say the same for a lot of employers out there. Since working with Focus, it has enabled me to get my foot in the door with another company. I now work for Focus and another company. If it is a foot in the door you are looking for to get started, I would not automatically discount focus.
Focus
Experienced MTs won't work for 10 cent straight trans and 5 cents VR? Wonder if those experienced guys know WHERE their work comes from!!!!!
focus what?
What is the full name of this company? Thanks a bunch!
Focus
Meagan, I am glad to hear you enjoy working for Focus Infomatics. I will be starting their apprenticeship this month, and I am looking forward to getting started.
Focus
I started with them in March, and I am really enjoying working for them thus far. I have a great account manager! Actually, all of the people I have dealt with at Focus have been super nice. Good luck!
Focus
What exactly does lack of work mean? Are you struggling to have work sufficient enough to be considered part-time or do you have just 6 or so hours of work? I ask because I want to work full-time, but I don't want so much in the beginning to overwhelm me. Also, are you an IC? How does that work for you. I would need to work some in the morning and some at night. My husband works 2-11 p.m., and I have two small children. I really need to work around these hours, I just don't know if these is even considered by them. Right now I am waiting for the internship to begin. One more question, do you use a laptop and are able to travel while working? There is times this summer that I will have to be in a different location for a week or two at a time. I'm really nervous that once I get there, my equipment won't fully work. Any help on any of these questions would be fully appreciated. I know it's alot, but I'm new to this world. All I have right now is questions and many of them. But thank you for your information and any other information that you can give. I really appreciate your time and effort!!!!
Focus
FYI, Focus is currently hiring newbies for their FOF program. It consists of a few weeks of unpaid training for a few hours a day, but at the end of the training you are guaranteed a job with Focus, and they are hiring for both pt and ft. Focus has one of the higher cpls for newbies that I've seen. They have an online test you can take. Since it has been a few years since you graduated, this might be a good way to get back into the field. I'm a newbie too, and things are really competitive right now. Best of luck to you in whatever path you choose :).
I would RUN from Focus!
Just read all of the negative posts here about them! I also heard from a RECENT graduate that she contacted them about a job. They told her that she would have to work for free until her work was up-to-par as far as quality! FREE! With no time limit?! Also, it would have to be between 10 pm and 7 am. Just contact them and ask them. If I were you, I would do what the above person said. Get your stuff together and go door to door. Just think, you probably only need 1 good doc, to get started! Just 1 to give you a chance! That will get your foot in the door for experience. My chiropractor just hired me. But before you do, make sure to do your homework for the going rates in your area for MT work, maybe call some local services and see what they charge and underbid them. Also, just ask the doctor/office manager. Tell them you would be willing to work for a little less than what they pay now, just to get in. Also, you will get paid a lot more for a private doc, than with an MTSO. Cuts out all the middlemen! Good luck to you!
Focus Infomatics
Has anyone heard anything about this company?
Thank you
focus infomatics
my friend works for them and i am starting monday. i am concerned they only pay 8 cents a line though. what do you want to know?
Focus infomatics
Yes, I have worked for this company since October of 2005. The people are terrific to work for....very helpful and always willing to answer questions and make sure you're happy with their company. There isn't always a whole lot of work available, but they are constantly trying to remedy that and keep you busy. Drop me a line if you want to discuss things further. Amber (trblmkr778@netins.net)
I also work for Focus...
and I love it there. I have had no problems whatsoever. The people are very nice and will help to remedy any problem you may have. I make 8 cpl and am making great money. I think the lack of work comes in depending on the account they have placed you on. The account I am on keeps me busy all the time and you can ask if it is possible to get a secondary accout to keep you busy during slow times.
Focus Infomatics
I am going to be testing with Focus Infomatics later today. Does anyone have any advice about their test? Also, does anyone know anything about their program Focus on Future? Since I am a recent grad, I would have to complete this 2-4 week program. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated!!!
Do a search on Focus...sm
You will be interviewed by US employees, tested by US employees, and be working with off-shore employees with heavy accents both spoken and written. I wouldn't work for them. You make your own choice after searching the archives.
Better than Focus Infomatics and MS?
Is Spheris at least better than these two companies?
Focus Infomatics
Focus is a good company to work for. I have no problem communicating with Team leaders as we use Yahoo IM. I have never had an issue of not getting paid on time. Pay is direct deposited and always on time. Team leaders are great!!! Highly recommend this company!
Focus Infomatics
I have read different posts about this company and have noticed good and bad feedback but it was from a year and sometimes two years old. What is the perception out there now about them. Is it still the same or have things changed? I begin my two week apprentiship on Monday and would like opinions of what the thought is on them.
Thanks in advance
Angela
I worked for Focus
for about 6 months. It was my first job. I really liked the account I was on, and my team manager was very nice. The only reason I quit was because I couldn't get fast enough to make any money on voice recognition. I was not in the apprenticeship program though. It was kind of hard understanding the technician that got my software downloaded because he had a very thick accent. If I didn't understand him, I would just ask him to repeat himself. He was very friendly and even laughed sometimes when I asked him say something again. Overall, I had a very good experience with them. Some people weren't so lucky. Good luck!
I also worked for Focus
It was also my first job. I only lasted a few months only because there was no work. There were days that I only got 5 jobs....I'm sure this is not the case anymore. The guy who trained me also had a very thick accent and that was frustrating at times. At that time I had to purchase a $40 foot pedal that is NOT compatible with anything but there system. It was also difficult for me to make any $ editing VR because the reports were so bad I ended up re-typing them...for .4 cpl. Not a great experience for me.
Focus Infomatics
Stay away from Focus Infomatics! They expect YOU to provide all of the necessary equipment and programs to do the job. They do not pay for training, and it is very poor training as well. I spent $600.00 getting MS Office, Shortcut, AAMT Book of Style, etc., as well as, ink jets to print all of the employment instructions. They drop you in the US the day you finish training, never contact you again, and hand you over to India. The account you train on is removed and they expect you to train again. Why?? Because they are very poorly managed. Meanwhile, weeks go by with the anticipation of working. In my case, the job never came through because of poor communication from India and the techs screwed up my computer. Don't waste your time. They also hired me at 8 cpl (in the event I actually ever ended up working) and expected me to login as an Editor at 4 CPL. What a joke. Not only that, all of my personal information is now the hands of God know who. Not a good experience at all. If they keep this up, there won't be a Focus Infomatics in the future at all. Good luck to all of you. An older MT who knows.
Focus Infomatics
I am always shocked when I read these posts because I have worked for Focus for over 1 year and they have been nothing but courteous to me. I started as a newbie and the training has been ongoing with feedback on QA scores and I have at least 5 accounts under my belt now. I will say that they have a lot of ESL docs and I hate only getting 4 cpl for editng, since editing is around 80% of the jobs. There is one account that I do on 3rd shift that is mostly typing and then my rate goes from 8 cpl to 10 cpl. I can also work whenever I want 24/7, anytime I choose and there is always work available. It was not like this initially, since I was a newbie and could only do clinics at first. I just hung in there and still trying to increase production, but I love my job. I do work for another company, American owned , but they do not have much work available on the account I was hired for right now. There are always peaks and valleys in this business, so I think it is best to work for 2 companies. I think I am very lucky to have 2 that I am happy with, and Focus has been there for me and given my great guidance. My QA scores are consistently above 98%. They even called me that day I hit my 1 year mark to congratulate me! I do admit that I am still working on understanding the Indian accent though.
Anyway, I wish you well in finding the company that works best for you.
Focus always hiring
I started there as a newbie and they were great. I still work for them part time, along with another company. They were very patient and they QA you until you are ready to be on your own. You will still get feedback even after to get off QA. They will give you a chance if you do okay on the test. They hired me even though I did not completely pass the test, but they said I did well enought to hire. Now I have greater than 98% accuracy on a consistent basis. They are a decent company, despite some of the negative posts I have read about them from others. I also do agree it is best to have more than one company once you get some experience. Every once in a while they do run low on work.
Good Luck,
Sue
No Focus does pay for the first 2-3 weeks.
I got that from the horse's mouth when offered a job. It sounds like things are different now than when you got your information
focus infomatics
is this a good company to work for? i've checked out their website, but as a newbie, how do i know if it's good or not?
Focus Informatics
Amanda, I am trying to do the MT test for Focus Informatics. I felt hopeful about getting on with them. I have actually spoken to someone there, and she has my resume and references. However, I am trying to take the online MT test for new medical transcriptionists, but the first couple of lines, I'm already having trouble understanding the dictator. Can you offer me any help or suggestions with regard to taking their tests. I am looking at starting the 2-4 week internship (?) in February, but I'm sure they will not allow me to start if I don't do well on the transcription test. I assumed the test wouldn't be too difficult since it is supposed to be for newbies. Please help me if you can!
focus informatics
I have heard they are based in India and all QA's are indian. Maybe I have misread...
Focus is great
I started with them as a newbie and they have a great mentoring program. I now work for them part-time and another company and I will always be grateful to Focus for giving me a chance.
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