You pay for equipment that may or may not work. You purchase it
Posted By: me on 2008-03-30
In Reply to: AMA Associates - Donna
through a third party so AMA is no help with getting your money back, although they told you what company to buy it from. You don't get paid until your work is good enough, but your work is never good enough, so you work and work. Now I can't figure if they actually have real work and so you're working for free and they are making big bucks, or they don't really have any work and are making their money on ripping you off on the software. I figure where has got to be some connection to the software company.
They have many, many complaints still unresolved with the BBB. They have moved to a different state and changed their name at least once that I know of. They also represent themselves as very religious.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
- AMA Associates - Donna
- You pay for equipment that may or may not work. You purchase it - me
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
You buy the full version and then you purchase the upgrade to
d
What equipment will I need?
I will be graduating soon and the school I'm with doesn't do placement. What equipment should I have right away (foot pedal, c-phone, ....) to be prepared when I start taking tests? Where exactly is the best place to get the equipment?
Thank you for the help.
equipment
I am a newbie, just finishing up school and I have no idea what kind of equipment I should be looking for. Can someone give me some idea's? Should I jump into digital? Thanks
Equipment
I would wait until you get your first job to see what your employer would like you to have so that you can comply with company specifics, etc. I know that some companies require you have a certain type of wav player, etc. Good luck and welcome to the MT world!
Equipment and pay
Couple questions. Is the dictation equipment portable, ie., could I plug it into someone elses computer???? Also, we have to buy our own equipment, or do some schools include it in tuition?
Also, translate per line, into what you make per month and how many hours you're working. If you get a certain amount per line, how many lines do you type in how many hours of work, and what would your pay check be.
Also, I found out that MTEC works with vocational rehab centers across America, SO I can get help with paying for the course!! Yahoo! They may pay for all of it, since I have a disability.
Equipment
I see from previous posts that you have to get your own equipment, and that the type may depend on who I work for. Hopefully the school will educate me on these issues. Will they?
Equipment
I need a line counting program that can be used on Windows XP. I am using Microsoft Word. I also need a good medical dictionary on CD that can be used on Microsoft Word. I only have a couple of small part-time accounts, but I need these two items. I've looked on the boards and I am just confused as to which ones listed are best. Please help!!
GC from NC
Equipment
Thanks. I have the hard copy Stedman's. I have an older Stedman's on CD. But I doubt if it is compatible with Windows XP. I appreciate your help.
equipment
I tell my students not to buy anything - reference books, equipment, etc. until they have at least 1 client -- then it's tax-deductible. Also, ask your new client if they have equipment you can use. Many small offices have a spare transcriber you can use.
Rosie
advice on equipment
 I need advice about the type of digital handheld wav recorders. I need to get one that I can set up at a Doctors office and I am not sure what to get or even how to set one up. I need any info on the best ones to use and how to get it up and running. HELP!!! I know nothing about that stuff. I just took courses and they didn't tell me anything about that stuff. If you have any advice I sure would appreciate it. 
You should be marketable after all that, equipment or not. If you
s
Stedman's equipment - I do mostly Ops. I also
use the abbreviations book a lot.
www.drugs.com or www.rxlist.com for drug references. I have Dorland's but in 22 years I think I've only used it twice.
Questions about Equipment
Hi everyone - I graduated from US Career Institute earlier this year. Since that time I have moved out of state and am new to my area. I have put together a marketing packet including a letter of introduction, a flyer describing my service, a business card, a reference letter from my school and a coupon for one free report to try my services.
I have a list of 65 doctors that I will methodically start marketing but what if someone actually gives me an opportunity?? AAK! I was told to get a Start/Stop pedal as it is the best, but I see that the Infinity USB-1 is much cheaper. Also should I get a microcasette transcriber too? Anything else I should have?
Any positive feedback is appreciated.
Actually it's better to HAVE the equipment IMHO (sm)
because how easily you will lose your client if they need you asap and you have to wait to get your equipment ordered.
I was fully functional with equipment in place before I got my first client and I'm sure glad I was!
There are new procedures and equipment all the time
so you can't possibly know it all, but you need to know when the doctor misspeaks, you need to have a good grasp of the systems so if you don't know the word you at least know where to look for it by knowing what system it is for. If you only do clinic it is easier, especially if you do family practice or if you only do urology dictation because then you only have to learn one speciality. If you do acute care you're going to have to have a good grasp of anatomy and terminology, even if you don't do Op notes.
MT books and equipment for sale
Getting out of the MT biz and want to sell my word books, spellchecker software, C phone, wav pedal, etc. Anyone interested please email me. See inside for list
Stedman's word books: $16 ea including shipping Psychiatry/Neurology/Neurosurgery 2nd ed
Surgery including Anatomy and Anesthesia
OBGYN 2nd ed
Endocrinology GI & GU 2nd ed and 3rd ed
Pathology & Lab Medicine 2nd ed
Equipment words 3rd ed
Oncology 3rd ed
Orthopaedic & Rehab 4th ed
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary including respiratory 3rd ed
Plastic Sx ENT/Dentistry
Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols 2nd ed
Other books:
Handbook of Commonly Prescribed Drugs 14th ed $5
Mosby's Rapid Reference to Diagnostic & Lab Tests $5
Drake & Drake Pharm Word book 2000 & 2003 $5 ea
American Drug Index 1999 $5
Current Medical Terminology Vera Pyle 7th ed $5
Stedman's SpellChecker for Word 2000, 2002, 2003 $18
ea
Medical Acronyms, Eponyms & Abbreviations 3rd ed $5
Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed hardback $15
101 Best Home-Based Buisnesses for Women 2nd ed $5
An at home medical transcription training course - all manuals, text and tapes included. Contact me for price.
C-phone model 0421 $125 - good working condition
wav pedal $25 - older model uses game pin port, good working condition
Two microcassette transcribers with foot pedal $40 each
But you're not going to be any better off if you have the WRONG equipment. nm
x
disagree with scam part about equipment above...sm
keep in mind that if you are applying to a company who is hiring independent contractors, that the IRS definition of employee vs. contractors hinges on three main areas, one of which is how much control the "employer" has over the worker. If the employer is providing equipment to get the job done, the IRS tends to look upon this as more of an employer-employee relationship. So if you are applying for a job that is independent contractor status, remember you are self employed and have to provide your own equipment.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor Status is a hot area of IRS Audits.The IRS, state taxing agencies, as well as the Departments of Labor (which are responsible for Unemployment tax collections) have been stepping-up their audit activities. The purpose of the audit is to misclassify a subcontractor as an employee. The taxing agency can then collect the taxes which "should have been withheld" as well as large fines, penalties and interest. So if you want to be an IC, expect to provide your own equipment.
company is trying to sell you the software/equipment
it is a scam, not requiring the software/equipment. The company can offer payroll deduction, but an outright you must buy this from me first is a big red flag.
Disagree. We have a gravy account that we, as IC's, provide our own equipment and pay for
a token to get into the software. Big deal. You pay $150 for a C-phone and $150 for the token but then you make scads of money! So would weigh the ROI (return on investment). Not a hard and fast rule to never buy equipment you can't use on another account.
Got to transcriptiongear.com and then click on Transcribe Equipment. The C-phone is down the list a
s
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates.
Training and education really does make a difference. Some people just have 15 or 20 years of very bad experience. They may be fortunate that one employer was willing to hire and keep them, but if that one closed, they would be in trouble. It all depends on the person. some new graduates are a better bet then some experienced MTs. I would prefer to find an experienced MT with great skills and a teachable attitude, but many experienced MTs know everything and are only willing to do things the way they've always done them.
most psych work is included in multispecialty hospital work..sm
contracted to a medical transcription service that requires multispecialty experience because of the hospital work. Unfortunately, very rarely can a medical Transcriptionist these days be given only one specialty when working for a service or hospital. We have to be well versed in multi specialties. The Turn Around Time on demands have increased, and thus the service or hospital gives the MT many different types of work. Learn as many specialties and gain as much experience in different specialties, which in turn will make you a more valuable MT and more apt to gain employment.
Just be sure not to pay for work. There is an MTSO below who apparently charges to work for them (sm
It might be tempting when you're getting desperate for work to pay someone so you can work for them, but don't do it. You can buy software and a foot pedal on your own, so don't let them fool you. If you are approached via e-mail from this site by an MTSO saying they have work for you, please read the posts below before making any decisions.
Can you share where you work that the work is plentiful? nm
s
Work for MTs
I was hired before I even graduated or had begun job hunting by a large transcription company. It was the easiest job I have ever gotten. I was hired because I attended a top-notch school (M-TEC) and did well in the program. There are plenty of jobs for well trained MTs, even new ones.
Work through it
Type the report thorugh the first time. Look up any you are not sure of to gain understanding of the report. Listen again full through and fill in blanks. Then listen again to problem areas to pick out works. Never guess. Leave blanks where you are not sure. Any hard dictator takes time to learn and multiple listens to the voice file to complete it to the best of your ability.
FT work and PT Mt work...
can this be done or am I getting in over my head. FT in-house, not MT and PT MT at home.
Anyone else doing this?
looking for work
Hi,
I would suggest NOT going to companies.....try docs you know personally or that have their own practice. That is how i started, just walked in, gave them a business card and flyer and made a deal, that if they gave me a chance, i would reduce the cost for the first 30 days. i got my first doc that way five years ago and he has referred me to many and i am still with him in addition to two others he referred to me! It is wonderful.....set your own hours, no rush on anything. good luck!
Cindi
Not enough work
I am actually an employee and they do have set hours kind of. Technically they say set hours but I have 2 split days and was told at the beginning as long as you get hour 40 hours in. But also at the same time, the first 2 hours of my work day I have been getting mabye 10 dictations, but they still ask you to tell them if you are not going to be around at any of those times, and when you will make up those hours. It is just frustrating because everything was starting to click into place. Finally getting up to 1300 lines a day and making some good money!
Not enough work.
I have been working for about 1-1/2 years now in med trans, almost a year for this one company. Still pretty new at the lingo and how the business side of things run. But lately, there has not been enough work with the company and I am sitting around for hours getting only a few dictations downloading. Your are assigned an account and also a backup but I was just wondering if this slow time thing is normal? This has been going on now for 3 weeks, also kind of has been occurring every now and then since this summer. I am just wondering how long what the usual is and how long should I wait until starting to look for another job?
Thanks
maybe her son will go to work for her too. nm
:)
Here's what seems to work for me
I have a very active 16-month-old and there's no WAY I can work when she is awake. She needs my attention every minute at this age. She stays home with me fulltime. I get up at 7 am and spend the mornings with her till naptime (around noon till 2 or 3pm) and work when she is napping. I then work after she goes to bed at night, usually from 8ish to 11 or midnight. I still get about 6-7 hours of sleep a night and although I could use a little more, it's so worth it to have my sweetie home with me :) I'm lucky enough to have a 24-hr TAT with no set hours and this helps immensely too. I tried part-time set hours and that was a bust at this point in our lives.
I also have a mother's helper (a 14-yr-old neighborhood girl) who comes 3 afternoons a week for 2 hours to watch and play with my daughter so I can get a little extra work/catch up on housework time. I pay her $4/hr and she is thrilled to get it.
Where there's a will, there's a way! :)
work!!
I work for a local dermatology clinic. I applied like crazy to more than a few nationals and no one would hire me even though I was passing their tests. But I like the fact that I can still work at home the majority of my work day, I have to go into the office to pick up my tapes and print what I typed the previous day. I live close to the office so it's not like I'm breaking the bank driving into an office 15 to 20 miles away everyday, and my children don't have to spend 9 hours a day, 5 days a week in day care like they did when I had my office accounting job.
want to work...
I am looking to work from home as an MT. I just finished school and have no experience. I am willing to do an apprenticeship is necessary. Anybody got any ideas?
I did some work for them.
They are a pretty good place to work, as far as I know, I am new too. Good luck!
Need work!!
Hello,
Im a new MT graduate looking for work. Please if anyone knows of any companies that will hire new MT graduates, please let me know. Or if you are company willing to give a chance let me know.
Thanks,
Sonnett
Seriously, looking for work!
I recently completed my at-home education and am also having a tough time getting work. I am a mom, both of my children are in school. I am extremely hardworking and eager to start work. Does anyone have advice for me on what to do next? I have joined AAMT and have posted my resume in a number of places. I have applied with many of the large companies via internet. I am so frustrated with the testing process, not knowing how I am doing. Maybe these companies just don't want newbies? I also made several attempts to solicit work through local Doctors. With all of my effort, the only lead I received resulted in a $600 loss with TA Assoc. I am sure you have all heard of them! Help?
No work yet.
Here it is Tuesday morning 10:00 and no work yet. Yesterday it was about 2:00 before anything arrived. Does every company have this problem?
No work yet.
I have an even better one: How would you like to get backup accounts with "no work" too. What a joke.
Would MT work for me?
Hi!
I am a 53 year old nurse with over 25 years nursing experience. In 2005 I moved to a Caribbean island with my husband who was itching to retire.
I have done some writing since moving here, but I miss my medical career. Unfortunately, the island I live on does not want to give me a nursing license, so I am looking for replacement career! I am not ready for retirement.
Although I could certainly do the course work, I wonder if being located "off shore" would decrease my employment possibilities. I do, however, maintain a U.S. address for business purposes. I would like the imput from MT's out there.
I heard from a company called TRS Institute who says they hire off shore workers after completing their course. Anyone know about them?
Thanks,
Jen
Help, no work...
I just started with a new company and there has been no work for over a week. I have emailed and IM'd, and all they will tell me is that there should be work soon, that is, when they respond. What do I do now? Wait, or start looking again? Why do they hire when there is no work to do?
Work
Hi Karen,
If you would like some work until the other comes in, please let me know. If you have WP and a wave player, I would be willing to discuss overflow work for you.
Thank you,
Debbie, WRU Transcription in Illinois
work
I guess it all depends what wage you are making. There are some companies that pay newbies better than others. So may be that is what you have to look at.
Is this the one where you pay them $100 and then get to work for 2 cpl?
javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
Anyone work for MQ?
I have used the search function on this site to try to find out what really is the problem with working at Medquist. Basically, all I get is that they restructured which affected people's accounts and line counts at the time, got rid of bonuses and 401K matching and don't answer emails. As far as QA feedback goes, on one hand I read that you never hear from them and on the other that they pester you all the time.
Surely, a lot of people do actually work for them. I was thinking of applying. I don't really find the above all that horrible. Am I missing something?
Enlightenment would be appreciated. Thanks.
Work there Now!
This place has really changed since being bought out by Nightingale (formerly Scribes) There were a lot of cuts which in turn, made a lot of MTs and employees leave. However, all the good ones stayed and are growing with the company. There's also been a lot of turnover in the office, but again, it seems like it's for the better. The air of the company seems to be getting lighter and talking with the girls in production is a lot of fun these days! "more fun than..."
I really like it and don't plan on leaving any time soon! Plus, where else can you get paid training with a QA standard like none-other! That's why they get the good accounts! And moving towards EMR, this looks fantastic!
Nope, not going anywhere!
OMG!!! Why would anyone work for that?
New grad or not, no one needs to work for such low wages. Sha, I really hope this is not what they offered you. If it is, you need to run from this company. They obviously don't value their MTs. Even if you do 400 lph editing, which new grads can rarely, if ever, do, you would only be making $5 an hour! I thought 5.25 for straight transcription was low, but 1.25 for editing? That is ridiculous! 
looking for work.
I am looking to do psychiatric report transcription mostly but have some experience in the hospital medical fields also. I have about 2 years psych experience and 6-8 months medical experience. Can anybody help.
Amber
MT work available
Is the only work available from nationals VR/ASR rejects?
I need work!!! Please help!!!!
 PLEASE HELP!!!! Desperately in need of work.I do not have exprience, but I do have a CNA certifcate, and I am familiar with medical terms. I have a dictation pedal, and software. Please help, my husband is sick and unable to work at this time. We have 2 small children, so I have to be working from home. Sincerely... Amber Holt
|
