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Were you hired hourly or by the line, employee or IC? just wondering if it makes a difference...

Posted By: Curious on 2005-10-14
In Reply to: MDI-FL out of work?? Nooo wayy.... - jcn

I opted for hourly and wondering if it woudl be better do it by the line. It is hard to know if you do not know the software program or what the transcription is like ESL etc.. Just wondered what your experience has been like.


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IC or employee status, makes no difference at this point. nm
x
Like that makes any difference? I am IC and the
company has me working hours already set up. When I first signed on was told would have to know which days and hours. I do not know how others do but as an IC am certainly bound to work set hrs.
Thank you for clarifying that. It makes a big difference! NM


Makes a big difference when you can actually say, "I love my job." :-) sm

I recently switched jobs, and for the first time in a VERY long time, I actually look forward to working.  I love the people, the pay is good, and I love the work (cardiology).   I also have found out I am much more productive as an IC, working when I want, which actually turns out to be more hours than a straight 8 hours somewhere as an employee, but it doesn't seem like it is so much because I work whenever I want to (like right now when I am up at 3 a.m.!).


I'm glad you found a company you're happy with.  I have always heard good things about AccuStat.  It is nice to see positive posts instead of just the negative.


 



Thanks for info. Makes a difference whether I apply or not.
nm
It makes a big difference in mine. So happy.
nm
Don't know about cherry picking, but time of day makes all the difference (sm)
If I worked day shift, got a fair mix of work. The days I worked early evening, seems like I had to work through 8-10 pieces of rejected poop to get to the regular mix. I thought perhaps a lot of people ended their shift when a crappy one came up and therefore the next shift had to wade themselves out of the doo-doo.
Holidays and OT offered on the weekend - always makes a difference (sm)
anywhere you work. Also, I think some of us (newer hires) are getting up to speed and pulling more work from the accounts. This is all part of the process. If they plan to take on new accounts they have to be sure the current ones are well covered.
You've got to be kidding! It makes a HUGE difference. I sure wouldn't want to work with

I think it depends on experience, account hired for, etc. I was hired at .08 per line sm
but after 90 days went to 0.085 and then 0.09 about 90 days after that. I am now at 0.0925 and have been there a year. I have to point out that the line rate might not be the highest but I can verify my counts, have plenty of work, get paid on time and have a great manager. To me, leaving a bad national and the headaches that went with it was well worth the cut in pay I took. Funny thing is that I took a pretty sizable pay cut but make more money ?!?!
You're lucky you got hired hourly before they did away with it.
x
Difference between employee & IC status
Although I recognize some of the obvious differences between employee and IC status, could you be kind enough to point out more specific differences I may not be aware of?  Pros/cons?  Thank you.
It's the same business. MT. No difference IC vs employee
x
I have friend that makes 5 cpl as IC. She was hired right out of
zz
If your hired at an hourly rate and you run out of work, then you dont get paid anything??
Just saying, you worked a total of 3 hours one day, ran out of work for two hours, then for that day you only get paid 3 hours? That would suck and it wont pay my bills.
Can someone tell me the difference between IC and employee and what hours are you expected to work
as an IC. Are your hours flexible as an IC.
Several months ago a company called Charts in Time (CIT) hired some MTs off here. Just wondering how
it turned out for those MTs as I turned it down and wondered if I should have taken the job. Thanks.
Curent MW employee and wondering what...sm
you are talking about? I guess I am in the dark here, but my account has a lot of work and everything seems fine. Is there something I need to know?
Yes, that makes you an employee...
You can always report them to the IRS.
Difference in pay per line?

I posted earlier but may not have been clear.


When you get paid $.08 per 65-character line with spaces and have been making $.09 per 65-character line without spaces, is the end result in pay the same? 


Actually, I am comparing work done in Meditech to other platforms out there.  Anyone with any input on this would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks.


IMO, anyone being hired as a NEW Employee or

 


In my opinion from what I have read and heard, there are very few MTSOs who do not use VR, and even those who have some straight typing are quickly or slowly moving towards more and more VR.  The few that do have straight typing are pretty well staffed, and the MTs who have those accounts are usually the ones who have been with the company a long time and have been told they will not have to transition to VR as long as there is straight typing because they complained about having to do it.  It seems to me that the companies who would have the most straight typing would be the small ones with less than 50 MTs, who are all Independent Contractors.  However, by the time you pay your own taxes, Social Security, etc, you are making a lot less per paycheck than you thought you would, and small MTSOs can easily lose accounts to larger MTSOs or EMR, so there is always the fear that you will run out of work at any time. 


 


In my opinion, from now on, anyone being hired NEW with any MTSO will be put on mostly VR because the company knows that is where they want ALL their MTs to end up eventually.  So, I would not put too much stock in looking for a company that has straight typing.  It probably will not last long.  Unless you do not plan to work for any one particular MTSO for more than a year or two, you  might want to look at what else is important to you. I am also currently looking for a new MT job and VR is at the bottom of my list of priorities. 


 


I am looking more at Employee status with good benefits.  If the President's Healthcare Insurance Reform passes, EVERYONE will be forced to buy insurance whether they want to or not.  Working IC for 7 or 8 cents a line and then, on top of paying my own taxes and Social Security, being forced to either buy my own insurance or pay a 13% gross wages fine if I do not get health insurance will mean I will be working for the company for Free.  I might as well get with a company that may be able to provide insurance for me at a decent price now and not have to worry about it later.  Even if the Healthcare Insurance Reform does not go into effect until 2013, I am old enough to know that those four years will go by in a flash. 


 


I am also looking for MTSOs who have a decent VR rate, because I know that will be my salary soon enough, along with a decent platform, and maybe some flexibility and paid time off/holidays.   I have given up on a decent straight typing cpl rate, which I will never see.  Also, I am asking about minimum lines per day or pay period, since almost everyone runs out of work at some point, and the less lines I need to get in, the less stressed I will be when the work runs out. 


 


Just something to keep in mind as you are searching new opportunities. 


 


Good Luck in your quest. 


 


A fleeting thought.  I always laugh when one person posts I do not have any work at ABC Company, and someone else immediately chimes in, I have plenty – ask for more accounts.  The second poster has no idea what position the first poster is in.  Maybe the second poster is one of the lucky ones who has been with ABC Company for many years, has a particular speciality that is plentiful, and has been lucky enough to get the best accounts.  Maybe the first poster has asked for more accounts time and time again, and has been told there are none that fit with her skills or schedule.  I think most times the poster who says I do not have any work at ABC Company just wants an acknowledgement of their frustration and not an indictment that they are not trying hard enough.  Give them a break!!!!


 


 


 


2 cents more per line is a big difference, if you do the same work
I do not know if you'll make more at Spheris, but they do pay on time, their supes and QA are decent, insurance is not, and they have incentives, and overall are okay except they offshore.
Difference in line counts with/without spaces

I'm looking at swtiching companies but I'm tryint to figure out approximately what the pay would be like.  If I take the new job I would start at $ 0.005 less than what I currentently am paid but I would be paid for spaces and the job I curerntly have does not pay for spaces.   Any imput is appreciated.


Thanks


I just got hired as an SE after being employee status for MQ (sm)

for many years..I'll be doing Radiology at $1.25 per report..


 


 


What I'm sick of is being hired as an employee...
....then after working for more than 40 hours being told, Oh NO we don't pay OT. Their further comment was that the MT can work as much as the MT wants, but just no OT will be paid. WHAT??? What would you do? Turn 'em in to IRS? Of course, since the time sheet can be doctored on their end, what chance would I have to win a case like that?
New Employee too.. Just hired today..
Haven't started working yet of course but was just hired today..  Worked for YOG when they were still around, hopefully its still similar.. 
Line pay is a LOT more than hourly pay
I make 3.5 cpl doing QA and make about $900 per week. Can you top that?
Line rate and hourly
Okay, if you get paid 2 cents a line and there are no errors and you don't have to do a QA feedback, that is different. I used to get 3 cents a line and not have to give feedback and then they switched. I think we should have to give feedback, but it takes time and no raise was given. I also have a $14 an hour job. They are both part time. I can make more on the 3 cents a line.

do they hourly or line requirement? - nm
nm
Is Precyse QA pay hourly or per line?
nm
Hourly versus line
Do not give up your hourly job. I had an hourly job until about three weeks ago and then hospital outsourced and now working per line. Everyone is running out of work and we have to wait on reports to trickle through. We are not making anything like we used to and will have to take a second job just to make up for loss. We are all depressed and upset and as usual they have overstaffed, but they said they would not, but they have. If you like your job stick it out. At least you will know what your paycheck will be.
I was responding that QA line pay is better than hourly pay
Not on the VR subject, but I was answering the QA person who was complaining about how she would NEVER work for line pay in QA. In fact, it pays about twice as much as hourly pay because you get credit for the whole report. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
I liked hourly until I found out I could make more on line pay. nm
x
I've worked both per line and hourly..sm
so I wholeheartedly agree with you that, as an hourly MD, there's no justification for subquality work or passing the buck along to QA when not absolutely necessary.  Maybe that particular MT wanted to show how much work she could produce in so much time.  Neither is it justified by a production-paid MT.  It would be inexcusable in a regular state of affairs where, at one time, an MT was able to make a fair living, whereas most find it difficult if not impossible to scratch out minimum wage and having to do 8 hour's work of work in 12 or more hours.  But, as you did agree in your post, it is certainly understandable in the latter case.  MTs are fed up, burnt out, etc, and realize they're for the most part getting a rotten deal, especially as paid-per-line, home-based ones, and the bottom line, whereas it used to be quality work and being able to take pride in it being replaced by rushing to get enough work out to keep the lights on and kids fed.
Does Focus still pay QAs per line? Wondering if that's
x
Hourly rate? That's a laugh. Try 6 cents a line nm
//
TransTech does - Hourly in addition to line rate
/
No line rate change, we are being converted to hourly
n/m
QUERY - What is the lowest cents-per-line or hourly

I have been looking for an MT Employee job for a couple of months and I have noticed that more and more job opportunities are asking for Independent Contractors rather than Employees.  Out of the hundreds of MTSOs out there, I could only count less than 2 dozen MTSOs who offer employee status. 


Between off-shoring to India and VR, it has almost become impossible for a single MT to make enough to pay the mortgage, etc.  Medical Transcription is becoming a secondary employment in two-worker households.  If some of the MTSOs who hire ICs would admit that they are actually hiring employees and treat them as such, MTs might have a better chance of getting paid what they are worth.  With less than 2 dozen MTSOs offering employee status, they can pretty much set their wages and we are stuck with it if we want any benefits at all.  They are on the verge of almost a type of price-fixing or monopoly.  We need more employers to create more competition for the well-trained MTs looking for work. 


There is an ad for employment as an INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – Editor at $10.00 per hour.  After the Editor pays taxes and Medicare, etc (which can be 20 to 30%), they are actually working for less than minimum wage. 


I am interested in knowing if anyone would take a position for this wage and also if you think this is actually an Independent Contractor or really an employee. 


Below are the IRS guidelines for IC versus employee. 


I think if the IRS audits this company, the MT will be stuck dealing with the IRS for years to get their money back. 


WHAT DO YOU THINK?   Is this IC Editor job really IC or employee? 


Thanks. 


*****************************************************


 


In determining whether the person providing service is an employee or an independent contractor, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and independence must be considered.


Facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence fall into three categories:


1.    Behavioral: Does the company control or have the right to control what the worker does and how the worker does his or her job?


2.    Financial: Are the business aspects of the worker’s job controlled by the payer? (these include things like how worker is paid, whether expenses are reimbursed, who provides tools/supplies, etc.)


3.    Type of Relationship: Are there written contracts or employee type benefits (i.e. pension plan, insurance, vacation pay, etc.)? Will the relationship continue and is the work performed a key aspect of the business?


 


Type of relationship refers to facts that show how the worker and business perceive their relationship to each other.


The factors, for the type of relationship between two parties, generally fall into the categories of:


·   Written contracts


·   Employee benefits


·   Permanency of the relationship


·   Services provided as key activity of the business


Written Contracts


Although a contract may state that the worker is an employee or an independent contractor, this is not sufficient to determine the worker’s status.  The IRS is not required to follow a contract stating that the worker is an independent contractor, responsible for paying his or her own self employment tax.  How the parties work together determines whether the worker is an employee or an independent contractor.


Employee Benefits


Employee benefits include things like insurance, pension plans, paid vacation, sick days, and disability insurance.  Businesses generally do not grant these benefits to independent contractors.  However, the lack of these types of benefits does not necessarily mean the worker is an independent contractor.


Permanency of the Relationship


If you hire a worker with the expectation that the relationship will continue indefinitely, rather than for a specific project or period, this is generally considered evidence that the intent was to create an employer-employee relationship.


Services Provided as Key Activity of the Business


If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of the business, it is more likely that the business will have the right to direct and control his or her activities.  This would indicate an employer-employee relationship.


 



 


Not flaming, but wondering. How do you know you get paid for every line if you
nm
I was wondering that - have been looking on line for refurbished computers SM
Do you use a desktop or laptop?
Your first line makes no sense.
x
Hourly rate PT hours & fewer line requirement
Title means nothing at my company. All I do is assign work.
Webmedx Editors, how are they paid (per line or hourly)? Do they reimburse for
CMT examination fee or pay part of it?  Do they give any kind of consideration for MTs or Editors with their CMT?
About money, line rate is one thing, but hourly figures are another sm
Traditional: 8.5 cents per line. Top out at 225. $19.25 an hour.

Speech: 4.5 cents per line. Top out at 500. $22.50 an hour.

I split between the two and right now, that is running $700 a week or $36K a year. Not a huge salary, I know, but more than I made 10 years ago.

Could I push harder? Sure, but I don't need the money because I have structured my life so that I only need 1/2 my income to live on and I live alone. I like the part about not being exhausted on my days off, about being able to give up a terrible PT job, and having time to paint AND be able to have expensive, high-quality art supplies.

I am happy as a clam and I do not think that VR will take my job!!!! My only worry right now is that my painting is taking off with art shows, commissions and internet sales. I won't be able to work full time as an MT if this keeps up, and I know it will. I love being an MT and when it ends in favor of my artwork, I will be joyous over one and very much saddened over the other. It is and has been a wonderful career for me.


About money, line rate is one thing, but hourly figures are another sm
Traditional: 8.5 cents per line. Top out at 225. $19.25 an hour.

Speech: 4.5 cents per line. Top out at 500. $22.50 an hour.

I split between the two and right now, that is running $700 a week or $36K a year. Not a huge salary, I know, but more than I made 10 years ago.

Could I push harder? Sure, but I don't need the money because I have structured my life so that I only need 1/2 my income to live on and I live alone. I like the part about not being exhausted on my days off, about being able to give up a terrible PT job, and having time to paint AND be able to have expensive, high-quality art supplies.

I am happy as a clam and I do not think that VR will take my job!!!! My only worry right now is that my painting is taking off with art shows, commissions and internet sales. I won't be able to work full time as an MT if this keeps up, and I know it will. I love being an MT and when it ends in favor of my artwork, I will be joyous over one and very much saddened over the other. It is and has been a wonderful career for me.


Mine pays both ways, hourly plus line incentive over certain amount.
x
'Nother poster also wondering if spaces are included in that line pay?? nm
s
Your line rate depends on what acct you are hired for - sm
the difficulty of the acct dictates your line rate; PT vs FT doesn't really matter. Acute care varies from 8-9.5 CPL, plus production (bonus) incentives and shift differential.

When you first start, 100% of your work goes to QA until you are released on that acct. Afterwards it seems to depend on the acct as to how often you are reviewed. 98% or above is required but there is a detailed policy about mentoring, etc, posted for us to review.

Yes, you have access to older reports by doctor or by patient in real-time, as well as samples posted for reference on the community page.


I am by the line and employee...
don't think the status matters.
If your hired FT and you fail to meet line counts, you'll lose your benefits including any PTO
that you have acrued. So, it's best to stick to what you signed up for or you'll get moved to PT status and have no benefits.