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If you ever worked for Spheris, you are classified as insane.

Posted By: ......................... on 2005-10-08
In Reply to: What in the world did they want to know? - say what?

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I also know Spheris would fire you if they knew you worked for MQ. That is a BIG NO with Spheris!
nm
I worked for Spheris...
It was a positive experience for me. I never had a problem with being called if I stepped away from my desk, guess it just depends on which supervisor you get? I only quit because working a FT job in addition to Spheris as PT became too much.
I have not worked for Spheris
Just by reading the archives, it doesn't seem that Spheris is any better than Q.  I would have to say that Transcend is better than the Q in my experience.  There were times we ran out of work but not as bad as Q. 
when I worked for Spheris
Went through this with Spheris, and sooner rather than later we had to punch a virtual timeclock, then it seemed that suddenly there weren't enough lines to fulfill our line count and requests to work overtime to make up for lost lines were denied, so there went all incentives/benefits. 
i worked for spheris 4 years sm
i worked in radiology part of spheris.  i had a great supervisor.  the pay is ok.  my problem was no raises, or if they don't want to give raises, at least acknowledge people some how.  there were a lot of times when we had to help cover while people were out sick or hurricane katrina stuff.  i had been there 4 years and never a raise.  (no one got raises).  another big issue for me was they send work to india.  i don't like that at all. that's one reason why i quit.  i now work for a company as an IC and they don't send their work overseas.  they are much more personable.  i worked for Spheris when it was edix, and i liked it much better when it was edix. 
I worked for Spheris for 4 years
They expect you to keep your required linecount weekly, pay on time, pay is on low side, they offshore, insurance is not good, supervisors and QA are good. Overall they are decent.
Well, I worked for Spheris for three years ...
Speaking of Spheris from the perspective of a past employee, I wasn't impressed at all with the company in its role as my employer. The best that I can describe their corporate mentality is that of a sweatshop -- low wages; poor, disorganized, unresponsive, and often inexperienced management; woefully inadequate benefits; and only minimally helpful QA.

However, if you're asking about the quality of transcription, I found that for the most part my colleagues were very quality oriented, most very experienced. Despite a lack of validation on all fronts, i.e. pay, appreciation, etc., they took pride in their work and put out quality documents.

I hope this helps.
Spheris - worked there recently
I worked there for 3 years, left in July. I made good money there, but I've heard that they are starting people out at a lower cpl now than they did 3 years ago. I thought they were basically fine to work for until they started switching all their accounts to ASR. When my account was getting ready to switch, I gave my notice,as I don't think you can make any money doing ASR. Insurance expensive,schedules vary, icentive pay was decent, but think that is being eliminated with new platform/ASR. In my opinion they are not such a good place to work anymore, unless you don't mind doing ASR for a pittance. Overall they were fair to me, but not very much communication with employees.
when I worked at Edix ... (now spheris) (sm)

when they were trying to get more hospital accounts within a system, they would promise them the moon and assign an absurd number of MT's to my accounts ... so that I got virtually NO work on my regular accounts and had to ask for more accounts -- which became time consuming and more importantly NERVE WRACKING to work on so many relatively new accounts all at once -- again -- some of which I got very little work on .... (very different from really learning one or two accts, adding another -- learning that -- then adding another -- truly I was a wreck -- oh and my line count truly sucked -- so when I saw there was an opening at a local MTSO, I lept ... I was stressed out and making no money ... and I had been on these teaching hospital accounts (my favorite) for over 5 years ... sad)


That's what the message above about accounts up for renewal (as in contracts) meant ... in my case, Edix hoped to get more hospitals in this national chain (most national hospital chains, I think, use more than one service so that if something happens they aren't completely left in a lurch) -- at the time I left probably almost 10 years ago, Edix also had a VERY unstable platform that was down a great deal ... trust me -- it was hell


DUH, I worked for Healthscribe before it became part of Spheris.nm

Then why leave? I've worked for Spheris
I would let them keep their $500!
Having worked for Spheris before, I'd vote for Webmedx.
I tried to get on with them, but I was working three part-time IC jobs at the time so I couldn't get their test files completed on time.  I got maybe two hours of sleep three nights in a row because I had so much work dumped on me.  Blown chance!  I wish I'd blown off the IC jobs and finished the test instead.  The test reports were easy enough for me to do.  I asked for an extension on the test due date, but never heard back from them.  I understand their need for TAT, but they have to realize that it's tough to squeeze testing into an already overloaded schedule.  I'd much rather work one steady job than three IC contracts.
Worked for Spheris a couple of years ago
I worked for Spheris and would not recommend it to anyone who wants the least bit of flexibility in their schedule. You are expected to punch in and out to the minute on an online timeclock according to a very strict preset schedule. You aren't allowed to deviate from it without jumping through hoops and getting time off approved or adjusting your schedule, and you can't ask earlier than 2 weeks before the date you want changed. Kinda puts a damper on making vacation plans that may never be approved. I prefer a more open 12-hour window to work my 8 hours in, with no one keeping electronic tabs on my 24/7. I'll bet the FBI knows less about what their employees are doing on a minute-by-minute basis. I do have to say that their platform is pretty awesome, though. Wish the company I'm at now had it.
A friend of mine worked for Spheris
and she said they really sc***ed her.
I worked for Spheris for quite a while. Honest answers inside. sm

Their rate of pay is pretty average, compared to other companies. They way they count their lines is fair and honest, no matter what you might hear from others. Depending on who your supervisor is, the schedules are somewhat flexible. Some supervisors are pretty lenient with the schedule, and others are very rigid. Overall, the people there are pretty nice. If you're just basically looking for a company where you can go in, get your lines done, and walk away, they're probably a good fit for you.


But there are definitely bad points, also. There's not much in the way of feeling like part of a team. You pretty much feel like just another number to them. If don't give them what they want in terms of lines or overtime or whatever, you'll definitely hear about it. They love to ask for you to work extra or switch your shift to accommodate them, but they don't generally feel like paying back the favor. They're famous for turning down PTO requests for no particular reason, no matter the reason for the request.  The recruiter will promise you there's plenty of opportunities for advancement, but really there aren't. I've known gals who have worked their butts off for them for years and still haven't gotten anywhere. The only way to get a raise is to move up in levels of difficulty, and the levels that pay the most per line are the accounts that have tons of ESL's and lots of very difficult report types, with sometimes pages of really crazy account instructions that have to be followed.


In  my opinion, if you go with Spheris, you'll make the most money if you take on a medium-level account, probably with more clinic work, where there aren't so many ESL's and not so many crazy instructions, because if you can crank out the reports at 6 or 7 cents a line, you'll make more money than struggling thru accounts that pay 9 cents a line but are terrible to type.


I have worked for MQ, Spheris back when it was Edix, Transcend and OSI. TransTech is by far the bes
The pay is decent, probably not the highest in the business but not the lowest either. The benefits are good. Pay is always on time. Great bonuses. Great communication and most of all I really like the people and it makes me enjoy being an MT again.
Yes, it is about the almightly dollar. I worked for a hospital who outsourced to Spheris
and the only reason was NOT because they could not find available MTs but it was because it saved them money from having to pay benefits etc..
That is insane! Ugh!
No one in America can make a living on that, including those people who offer that pitiful rate. Where are they coming from?
That is so insane!
You'd do better as a Walmart Greeter, Dollar Store Clerk or flipping burgers. All of which are in demand jobs as we all shop there. The offer of 1 cpl is so insane and purely shameful! You would even get better pay than 1 cpl sitting home on your couch collecting welfare. That company just irks the life out of me for this and I don't even know who they are.
That is so insane!
You'd do better as a Walmart Greeter, Dollar Store Clerk or flipping burgers. All of which are in demand jobs as we all shop there. The offer of 1 cpl is so insane and purely shameful! You would even get better pay than 1 cpl sitting home on your couch collecting welfare. That company just irks the life out of me for this and I don't even know who they are.
That is so insane!
You'd do better as a Walmart Greeter, Dollar Store Clerk or flipping burgers. All of which are in demand jobs as we all shop there. The offer of 1 cpl is so insane and purely shameful! You would even get better pay than 1 cpl sitting home on your couch collecting welfare. That company just irks the life out of me for this and I don't even know who they are.
That's an insane analogy.
We're not talking trying something that "may" taste good to some.  We're talking people's livelihoods here.  Some can't afford to just "try it" if they're living paycheck to paycheck.
That's the most insane thing I have
ever heard in my entire career! I wouldn't believe anything that came out of OSI's mouth!
That pay is insane. No one could live on that.
xx
Obviously they don't have bills to pay. Insane.

You're right - their QA people are insane
There's never been a month that they couldn't find anything on a particular report of mine to complain about so they said that I put a comma in the wrong place just to have a mistake to document.


Plus, their QA on the account you mentioned is INSANE
If you're not one of their personal favorites, they will keep picking, picking, picking, tearing your work apart making sure you have at least a few errors - you know earth-shattering, life-threatening ones like putting a comma somewhere they don't approve of, just to make SURE you don't get that highest pay rate. Then next time you change it to what they said it was supposed to be last time it's wrong that way too - you have to have mistakes on your reports you know!

Power trip from hell, and messing with people.

No thanks.
That is INSANE!?! No wonder things are so effed up~ nm
.
I'm not posting contracts. You're insane!
I don't care if they don't believe me. I'm the one getting paid. What do I care if they don't believe me? I can understand the problem with others getting hired in at higher rates, but truly that is their situation, not mine.

You're real sharp but not I'm not dull enough to bite that! LMAO
This industry is insane... they treat you like garbage and ...
you get no respect... here is the deal... many women want to work from home to be there for the kids... the MTSOs know this and push what anyone will put up with to the limits. It ain't worth it.

do not believe anything the lying management posts. They are insane and ridiculous.
xx
I still feel like a team player of Spheris, as the shackle scars are still on my legs! Spheris was

Micromanaged to the microsecond, or ms!  Horrible. And part of a team?  Total opposite - part of a team as in prison.


Don't imply you're worried at all. Just stating fact that Spheris does NOT allow a Spheris MT
work concurrently for MQ - no exceptions.  MQ, on the other hand, does not have the same feelings as Spheris.  Just all I had to say so that MTs aren't misled into thinking they can do the same "legally". Even went to the ropes on this issue with Spheris, as I was professional as well, and wouldn't share info, etc. The point they raised was that MQ is their direct #1 competition, and if I was typing for MQ and doing great work, that was in direct conflict of interest with Spheris' best interests.  Guess which one I obviously stuck with!!
Thank you, Spheris recruiter! Anybody wanna place a bet that there are lots of Spheris
HELP WANTED ads on the job board?? So funny!! Out of the blue, Spheris, we love you!! Lets all run and apply NOW!!
Spheris - any spheris employees out there care to s/m
comment on the new Cornerstone platform, good, bad? Will we all be going to SR on this? Thanks.
I worked for a temp agency for 3 years..LOVED it. Just worked. No counts, no hassels, GREAT pay..
No benefits at the time.  I even learned pathology while temping (8 months on that assigment).  I loved the variety, the ability to say I'm not available such and such time.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I didn't need benefits.
A company is ONLY supposed to verify that someone worked there, what dates they worked, whether PT o
and last date worked. It opens everyone up to a lawsuit if more is given, so most companies are told by their attorneys and business advisors to verify only.

No one has a right to a reference, only verification of employment.
It worked! Latest suggestion from DJ's email worked. nm
nm
If I worked a longer day, I just put my regular shift, 3p-11p, or whatever. If I worked sm
an extra day, then I was told to fudge the hours around on the other days so it all came out to 40.  I didn't really mind -- have learned not to expect overtime in this profession -- and I was happy to be able to work whenever I needed to get the lines I needed.  However, them telling me directly to fudge on my time sheet would seem to be a violation of the wage and hour laws.  I suppose it doesn't matter now if they do not even have enough work to make the minimum line count necessary.  Several of the companies I thought were golden seem to have gotten a bit tarnished lately … sad. 
My experience with Spheris isn't bad at all. I have been with Spheris sm
6 months and already have 40 hours PTO. I was shocked.  Spheris is a  great company.  After 90 days I did get my sign on bonus and didn't even have to ask.  There is soooooooooooooooo much that Spheris offer I wasn't even aware of.  I am so glad that I didn't listen to the negative posts on this board in regards to Spheris because I am a happy camper.
Glad it worked for you. I have worked for companies
that were more reliable and paid without the delay I had. Maybe you started before they started doing that but it makes no difference. I TOO am a single parent.

You are not trying to argue? Sounds like you not only are trying to argue but you are just waiting for anyone to post anything about the co on here so you can just get out there and respond, which seems to be the way I have always noticed it. It's like all the MTs or whoever that work there are just waiting to respond.

This board is about the good points and bad points about companies. I am telling my experience.

The people were nice people though, but my experience was not a good one and I will not say it was.

I can go a week after the end of payday and even 10days later but that's it. Kids would starve.
Best company I have ever worked for, and I have worked for a lot!
I can't believe some of the things these people say here, and have to wonder if it just the same person or two bashing. I have been at MDI for four years and I do not have a low workload and I get treated very, very well.
They one I am not sure of. I have always worked FT for them. I have worked both IC and employee
and I always did way over 12,000 a pay peroid. I am sure they are pretty comparative to other companies. You definitely could contact a recruiter by applying if they would answer all of your questions up front. Good luck.
MQ vs Spheris
I worked for MQ about 5 years ago. I wouldn't recommend them. Not enough time to go into it. I understand things may have changed, but I still wouldn't recommend them. From what I've read on boards, they haven't changed.

I've been with Spheris for almost three months now and I really like it. I'm making good money working Mon-Fri and I'm not getting hounded by a supervisor for petty stuff. I enjoy working for Spheris. I say, give them a try!
Spheris is

Spheris is hiring for all shifts, PT and FT, acute and clinic.  I've been with them for about a year now and am really happy there, after having worked for 2 other nationals that I didn't have such great experiences with.

I'd be happy to pass your resume along to a recruiter, if you'd like, or answer any questions you have.  My email is carasoffice@yahoo.com.


Good luck!


Spheris...
They tell everyone that - not to say you are not a good MT.  But I was too, but when I reapplied, they said no - I think because all their new Spheris management is installed now, the ex-Edix management is probably gone (except those who fit in with the new regime), and they just don't want to be bothered with ex-Edix people.  Just my theory.  At any rate, plenty of us have posted on this board, so it is obvious that most if not all of us are not being rehired.
Try Spheris. NM
x
Spheris
TO: MTMQ... Why are YOU making this business? Are you the board monitor. It's none of your business what anyone Or when anyone posts on this board.
Spheris
And just how they going to get anyone's identity on here. What she is doing is NOT dishonest, It's smart because even if they do find out, she has another job to cover herself. BusyMT'ing is diong the right thing by protecting Her interests, which you have to do in this dog-eat-dog MT world. My hats off to you BusyMT'ing. You go girl. And if you really think about every MT company is competition for another MT company no matter how you look it. If one is independent, no company has any say what you do.. IC is the way to go. More pay and you answer to no one but yourself...
Yes, we will see. Spheris has only
acquired one company. Spheris was formed with the merger of Total eMed and EDiX. So, Spheris itself has only made one acquisition - HealthScribe/Acivis.

I think they have to get this acquisition settled before buying anything else and when/if they do make another purchase, I think it will be more global oriented, not US-based like MQ is. That is strictly my perspective.
OSI or Spheris
My husband came home on Friday and said he was going to be laid off soon.  I am still trying to accept this and what it means to our family budget.  I got a job offer from Spheris and OSi to begin in their mentor programs.  I am really lost and don't know which would be better for my family.  Please everyone give me the heads up on both companies.   I know Spheris offshores, but have plenty of work.  OSI seems to be running out of work.  Which program should I choose.  Both recruiters tell me their companies have plenty of work.  HELP