Spheris questions
Posted By: Amanda on 2007-08-20
In Reply to:
I watched the recent discussion on Spheris and searched. I do still have a few questions if anyone has the time. I had posted this on the company board, but I did not get any response there. I'm seriously thinking about applying to this company. I am still new enough that I don't have a lot of options (that I am aware of anyway). So, the below questions are important to me in trying to decided if Spheris would be a viable choice or not.
1. What is their required line count and how do they count it? Is it a daily line count or a certain amount by the end of the week or pay period? How long do they give you to reach the required line count or certain speed?
2. How often do they run out of work and what do they expect you to do while waiting for jobs to come in? Are there times when it is absolutely impossible to get in you lines? Do they do what it seems MQ seems to do and open the floodgates and give you new specs with each new report when your assigned accounts are out?
3. I see this company both recommended to work for and not to work for. I guess it must be a personal preference. So, what's it like on a day to day basis? How is QA, are they resaonable and fair or do they make up their own rules as they go? ASR or VR or primarily standard transcription.
4. Is there any chance that anyone could tell me their starting rates?
From the board discussions, I hear they are better than at least two major MT companies sometimes discussed here.
Thanks to anyone who answers this. You may feel free to PM if you like. |
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Those are not unnecessary questions. VERY real questions.
If you are indeed a "big girl" then get some credible information and make a mature, informed decision for yourself.
My goodness. Where does the personal accountability come into play?
Spheris
Hello, I was offered a position with them too, and I gladly accepted. We're new MTs. Its difficult finding a company that will hire you with no or very little experience. Much less, a very well known company. The pay is not that great.. but I have been testing with other companies and am not hearing a word back from them. Go for it! :)
Spheris
Does anyone know how much Spheris starts out at? One year experience.
Spheris
Has anyone had any experience working for Spheris, and if so, how would you rate your experience with them? I have been working for Focus Infomatics since October and I enjoy it, but I am looking for something a little more steady work wise. I was offered a position with Spheris, but I am used to being an independant contractor and using my own equipment. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! Nervous in IA
Try Spheris.
www.spheris.com
Have you tried Spheris?
I know they only require one year of experience, and I believe they are known for hiring newbies. I always see postings from them for jobs.
I've also heard about MediVoxx, which I believe is voice recognition editing. I heard they hire newbies, but I also heard it is difficult to hear back from them sometimes.
It took me about five months to land my first job. Don't give up! Do extensive searches on the internet for companies and test with all who will allow you to. I know it is frustrating, but it can be done.
Best of luck to you!
Spheris
Does anyone know if they provide a computer for their employee?
Also does anyone know which companies, besides MedQuist, provide a computer?
Thanks.....
not spheris
No way would I work for Spheris, nor would I recommend them to anyone else.
Ex-Spheris
I used to work there. I had no problems with them. They gave me a chance with very little experience at that time. I only left to find to find better insurance.
spheris
thank you , that is very good to know.
Spheris
Has anyone worked for Spheris before? They are ALWAYS advertising for work and I'm wondering what they are like.
Thanks :P
Spheris
My cousin got a job with Spheris right after graduating from CS. She likes them but said the pay is a bit low - though she also contributes some of that to her being a newbie.
You might want to try Spheris.
Also, check out MTDaily. They have a lot of companies on there that may be looking for part time help. Good luck.
Spheris does (nm)
x
Spheris does.
nm
Did they buy Spheris?
bn
Question about Spheris
I was wondering if anyone has worked for this company, and what are they like? I have been offered a position there and was curious to know if this is a good company?
And Spheris is definitely hiring because they sent me
a postcard in the mail. I've never worked there before, but they want me to apply there. I haven't heard good things about their software in the past, so I doubt I've ever applied with them.
Yes, Spheris will hire you...
You don't have to go to CS to get hired on at Spheris. You will have to pass their employment test (unless they have some kind of deal with TRS). The reason that Spheris started their program with Career Step is that the majority of CS grad new hires were unable to perform adequately in acute care positions with the education they received with the regular course materials.
I wouldn't say Spheris is better.
Spheris vs. mRecord
I am in a bind. I just graduated and got a position with mRecord. I went through the STT (Spheris training track) through the school I graduated. I was hoping that they could work something out with a schedule that would work for me and my family. Since I had been waiting for their offer (sometime next week), I did except a position with mRecord, but getting set up with them has been horrible. They gave me the wrong manuals to print off. I had reviewed these wrong ones for about a week and a half before they caught their mistake and sent me the right ones! Now I have to review new ones and forget the old ones that I had been reviewing (wasted time and ink)! I still don't have a working logon ID (they finally figured out that was their fault too), but it is still not resolved! I am about fed up with them even though everyone there has been nice. I haven't actually done any transcription for them, and I'm not sure after all this if I want to, or if I want to persue the offer Spheris will be giving me! My head hurts thinking about all of this! 
My question is, if anyone has worked for these companies, I would love to hear your input (good or bad)!
Thanks for any input!
Sha
Does Medquist and Spheris pay you when you
first start and are in full QA? I know Focus Infomatics does not and they expect you to work for 2-3 weeks in training before you get what they call DSP (direct submission priveleges), plus they expect you to spend approximataely 600 minutes long distance (don't know where to) during that training. So, I was thinking about taking the MQ or Spheris plunge because of the NAZI QA where I currently work. I've been doing fine for a year, no complaints or problems, then they put me on a new account with a ton of specs with little explanation and no examples. I kind of feel like I've been hung out to dry. But, I can't really afford to work for free, which is why I did not take the Focus job even for a couple of weeks.
I've read negatives for MQ and Spheris, but realize lots of people still work there anyway, which makes me wonder just how bad bad really is.. Is Spheris a better option if I don't really need health insurance? What's the pay like and QA like for both. Which would be considered better and why? The "cesspool" madness sounds like a real turnoff. Thanks in advance for any shared information or opinions.
I had the same problem with Spheris.
My account was pretty much all ESLs. I could work a full 8-hour shift and get nothing but ESLs, mostly all new residents on top of that. I could not make any money, especially at the low rate they pay for acute care. It was just too stressful of a job to only be making minimum wage.
I now work for 2 different companies. One account has no ESLs at all and the other one has 2, which are both very easy to understand compared to the ones on my account at Spheris. I now have a much better pay rate and am able to get in a lot more lines (my lines have doubled since starting my new jobs).
But I would not have gotten either of my accounts if I had not worked for Spheris first. I did a full 6 months before quitting. Neither of the accounts I have now hire new MTs and one required multispecialty experience. So I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me as a new grad, but it was not the type of company I wanted to build my career with.
Questions....
What course did you finish? How did you do? Do you have a kick-a$$ resume? Where are you "training"? Are you being paid for it? Where have you applied? What is your strategy? A little more information, please!
Help !! - Questions!!!
im signing up for the online transcription course through CareerStep and im really looking forward to it. these next few questions are aimed to those who are already a transcripitionist or anyone who knows the answers.
1. how hard or easy is it to find a job once you are graduated?
2. how much do you make starting out? and how much could you potentionally make?
3. is it hard to find a job that allows you to stay at home and do your job? especially when starting out?
4. what are your hours like? both at home or in a clinic?
5. is careerstep (if known) really helpful in finding you a job after graduation?
i have 2 kids and want to make sure this is going to be worth it if i have to work in a clinic and pay a babysitter.
thank so much in advance for your answers. even if you cant answer them all, any answer is very appreciated.
Same questions?
These exact same questions were posted a few months ago by someone saying that they were doing an MT class assignment. What is up with that?
new MT questions
Hello all you fabulous MTs!
I am seriously considering training to become an MT; however, I have some questions for you. I have noticed many of you discussing MT companies who are hiring overseas as well as many of you who are having trouble finding work. I understand the difference the prestige of your school makes and am wondering if there are any of you who have graduated from Andrews or M-Tec who have had problems finding work. I'm also wondering, from those of you who have been in the business for many years, what you see for the future of the MT profession. It looks like VR and EMR have been on the horizon for a long time and could jeopardize the industry but how many of you think this is rumor and how many of you feel it is a legitimate concern? I would hate to spend at least a year of my time and approximately $4,000 training for a career that will be obsolete soon. Oh, and one more question: Are there any of you out there who have successfully found work that pays well but you find the work unsatisfying? I'm trying to convince my husband that this job won't be too boring! Any advice you could give would be much appreciated.
Spheris will hire grads
from Career Step without even making them take an employment test. There are many other large nationals who allow grads from CS, M-Tec and especially Andrews to take their employment test, and if they pass, they are hired WITHOUT 2 years experience.
Don't call it BS if you don't know what you are talking about.
Who said anything about Spheris? The message was about accidentally getting into MT
I wouldn't want to encourage people to do it that way. I don't remember anyone mentioning Spheris. Maybe they did. I don't have time to go look. I am with those who think it's not smart to "bumble" into MT.
Career Step & Spheris
Career Step prepares you to start with Spheris in acute care and that is at 6.5 cpl. After about 6 months, you can be promoted to 7.5 cpl. Most acute care accounts are reserved for ppl with 2 years experience. That is quality training if you ask me.
Spheris employment question
I've been interested in Spheris for a while and just did a search here. What interests me most is that they seem to be favorable to hiring newbies, of which I still am at one year. The only negative thing I saw was about offshoring. Was there anything else really bad? I'd like to know if they habitually run out of work for MTs, if they keep shuffling around around accounts or give you stable accounts, QA and I guess the general working atmosphere. I know they consistently advertise, do they over hire or do they really have all that work? Is there anybody here working for them that can tell me those things? The nice things about this company really do seem to be nice and encouraging. Thanks to anyone who answers.
Spheris line counts
How hard is it really to get the required line counts? What is their required line count? Anybody know? Thanks.
yes spheris has mentoring program
I did some editing for it... seems pretty good. I wish I had had a mentoring program.
SOAP Transcription, TRS, Spheris, maybe OSI. nm
s
Worked for Spheris for 6 months.
there are better places to work for that pay much better. For the new MT, they have a great training program and mentoring, but I did not stay there longterm as the pay was very low and the benefits were awful. I only wanted to be an employee for the medical benefits, but their medical was more expensive than if I purchased it on my own. The account I was on was also horrible (mostly ESLs). I was stressed day after day trying to make my line count. Since being away from Spheris, I have never had an issue with meeting line counts and actually do 2x the amount of lines each week working 10 hours less. I don't know what it was about there, but I just couldn't get over 120 lph. I would never go back there, but I did learn a lot while I was there.
Question about spheris company
Hello, I was wondering if all MTs that have worked for Spheris could give me some input on how they are as a company. Also if you like them or dislike them and why
Thank you I start training with them on March 17th
Spheris hires their grads
x
Spheris hires new graduates
Good luck!
question on questions
If you were a new MT when you started out with this doctor, what did you do for 'QA' and where did you go if you had questions, etc.? I am thinking of doing this and would really be interested to know how you handled that? Thanks!
interviews: questions to ask?
hi, all. didn't want to hijack "not sure's" thread...
i know what to ask when interviewing for a nursing position; the from-home MT thing is going to be a new one for me. i've searched before asking this (maybe didn't use the right key-words). any suggestions for what to ask a company?
here's what i've jotted down:
1. CPL;
2. percentage of ESLs (not terribly huge, as i've worked with lots of foreign docs, both as a nurse and as MT);
3. soft-/hardware used;
4. TAT (if not stated in the offer/job-description);
5. not sure how to phrase this...what the company considers "a line" (as in "how many characters);
6. whether the rate includes spaces.
any other ideas?
BTW: you guys are terrific. thank you!
Questions regarding IC status
I just received a position as an IC. I have never been one before so how do I figure taxes and such? Also, I have been told that I would be able to deduct a lot of things since I do this out of my home. What are some things that I can deduct? I was guess internet service but couldn't figure out anything else.
Thanks for the help.
after reading some of your questions,
I wouldn't say you got the best MT education to be had. I also don't see where you have interest in doing for yourself (that Stedman's Work At Home issue). While you are looking at your insular little world, you haven't been around the past, well, even 10 years, to see the changes that have brought down this industry. Ten years is not even considered one generation. There will be need for GOOD MTs still for many years to come, but those positions will be held by the very best MTs to be had and who are still willing to work for the pay that goes down over time. Many other positions that are now MTs will transition into something different, something still with a living to be offered but different just the same.
Just this year, my employer restructured its pay scale so that in order to make the same cpl, I had to produce an additional 4000 lines per month. If I didn't, I suffered a pay cut of 1 cpl. Obviously this has not happened to you. I've been at it much longer than I suspect you've been an adult. I do not plan to leave the industry although my alternate education is already in place. I'm lucky because my skill set is very much in demand. I am a high, accurate producer with flexibility and if I'm making money, my employer makes much more.
But I didn't get there by patting myself on the back and asking questions that some research would help with and save myself the embarrasment of my peers for not having done the research.
As to what school to go to, read the writing on the wall and take one of the top 3. This industry has changed just in a few short years and if you don't know everything that everyone is doing, someone without education from the top 3 will have a more difficult time getting placement after schooling.
JMHO, which is free, and you're welcome to do with it what you will.
Pricing questions for new mt
I just got an account with a local doctor doing clinic notes part time. Will I be considered an MTSO since there is no middleman? Is .11 cents a line reasonable for 24 hour turn around? How long do you stay at that rate? The only transcribing experience I have is from Career Step where I graduated two years ago. I am in the southern Illiniois area. Is it recommended to charge more for consult notes? I have seen examples of $2 per page and .6 cents per line.
Also, is anyone aware of the HIPPA requirements for emaling transcription files back to the doctor? He sends them in WAV files and I send them back password protected.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
I guess I have two questions?
1. Why is it such a shock to newbies that the field is so hard to break into?
2. Why aren't the people who sell these MT training programs telling newbies that it is so?
Questions from a Newbie
I'm just finishing school with At-Home Professions (doing my final now) and have 2-3 job possiblities. One is working for 2 physical therapists and I will find out more about it today or this week. The other is the one I am leaning towards and would like your input on; It is working in Neurology Surgery (very specialized) and at first it is working for a very good friend at a lower pay scale just until I get the confidence to do it on my own. What do you think of this option? There is a chance I can get a job with my friends boss, however I thought it might be good starting off to just work for her, that way I can have someone editing my work etc. After I have the confidence and a little experience I can work for the my friends boss.
By the way, all the newbies looking for work-all of these job possiblities have just been from friends and asking my husbands cardiologist about who he uses.
To answer your questions
I'm an IC and was given the IC Manual which does not refer at all to any reviews, raises, etc. I do cardiology and can produce about 175 lines an hour, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the doctor. Since I'm an at-home IC, I have no one else to compare my work to, that's kind of why I started looking around to see what I could find out. Since my one year anniversary is right around the corner, I figured that would be the time to approach the subject but I wanted to have an idea of what I should be looking for!
Almost graduated and have questions
Hi everyone! I am new on this board and will soon receive my certification. I have one more semester to go with an internship and everything. I have a few questions though.
1. Is it wise to start posting your resume before you graduate , and if so, how much time before you graduate do you recommend starting this?
2. For a new MT, what is a reasonable rate of pay either per line or per hour?
3. Do the grades you make in school really make a difference? I have a 4.0, but some people tell me that they don't even look at how well you did in your classes.
4. How do you know a real online transcription company from a scam? I'm sorry, but I didn't even know that transcription scams existed before seeing some threads about it here.
5. (last one I promise) I am doing an internship for someone local this last semester, does this really count as experience or do you always have to do internships with the company you get a job with before actually becoming an employee?
Thanks to anyone who responds in advance!
Good questions!
Here's my opinion:
1. I wouldn't post a resume until I have finished my course and graduated.
2. You will start at the bottom of the totem pole because you are new and inexperienced. It varies from company to company. I wouldn't work for free. With some companies it will depend on how well you test for them.
3. Yes, it does and each company defines their own standards for hiring newbies (if they even hire them).
4. Do thorough research. You should not have to pay to work. I would ask the company to provide a couple of employees to speak to. I would be very, very careful of accepting at face value any posts on any boards. They are anonymous, no registration required, and you literally have no clue who you are taking the advice of.
5. You should list an internship as just that.
full of questions....
Hello! I am 21 years old looking to do the training to get certified as a MT. Of course I have LOTS of questions. First of all, how hard was it for you to find an "at home" job? And also, is anyone willing to tell me how much it pays? I've seen all kinds of figures and have tried to figure out just how those figures are, well, figured. I just have a hard time believing you can make that much just for typing reports. Any help at all on this would be GREAT! Thank you!
seriously considering the MT field, but I have a few questions!
Hello Everyone! first of all, I want to say thank you for all of the great information I have found so far from these boards. I am very seriously considering being an MT. I currently work full-time as a Transcriptionist in a Psychologist's office and I really enjoy it. However, I believe I would enjoy the medical field more. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate you guys answering...
Can you make a decent living as an MT working for an online company? (i.e. Spheris, Focus or accuscribe?) Currently, I would need to make at least 25k a year to suppliment my husbands income for our family, and I do not mind working full-time.
I believe I am going to being training with CareerStep... will companies like that consider hiring me if I test and score high enough, even without prior MT experience?
Thank you so much for your help!
Formatting Questions?
I am looking into becoming a MT, can anyone tell if there are any other references or templates available for formatting a medical transcription document or is formatting info only outlined in the AAMT Book of Style? Also, are there different formats for different reports?
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