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always so vague. What is it about this company that causes so many posts, good and bad? nm

Posted By: curious on 2006-02-07
In Reply to: Not nearly enough for all the headaches. - Try somewhere else first. nm

nm


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Why is it that when anyone has anything good to say about a company, there are always the posts sm

turn the whole thread ugly.  Then the posts are all removed, and the company looks bad because the good was removed with the bad.  Yes, Keystrokes pays to have an ad on this forum but it is just an advertisement like the ones we have on other medical sites, in magazines, at trade shows and in other publications. 


I am going to set the record straight for those who are intersted.  If you are not, ignore the post. 


Keystrokes has grown from 5 to over 200 transcriptionists, from $50,000 in revenue to over $5 million dollars in revenue in 8 years, with the majority of the increase in the past 3 years.  This is public knowledge, available on the website, Inc Magazine site, Aspatore books, etc. so there is no reason to delete this. 


We have 100% account retention.  We recently declined meeting the price of an offshore company when a few of our radiology accounts went to voice recognition in the same health system.  We chose not to do voice recognition with them by not meeting an outragiously low price.  We do not outsource and stand firm on that regardless of what other do.


Keystrokes has been changing over the past three years, not disputed, but the changes benefit the MTs more than anyone.  Our rates are higher than many (not all) companies, our schedules have some flexibility, our managers are all MTs. 


We have caught a lot of grief on this board for various reasons, and a lot of it seems to be from the same few people.  Or from those who talk nonsense.  I truly hope that people reading these negative posts see sour grapes when they read them and understand.  Yes, there are some bitter people out there but they are ones that either did not make it through the initial period, have poor quality, have zero reliability, have made gross patient care errors or have breached HIPAA regulations.  Yes, there has been a turnover, but we have a great team in place and those who work at Keystrokes like/love working there.


We have heard that only a very small percentage of transcriptionists actually visit the MT websites for anything other than the job openings.  A big reason is the pettiness and ugliness that the posts seem to bring out.  Another is time.  A lot of MTs work on computers all day long and want to spend off work time off their computer. 


If you have questions about Keystrokes, go to the company for answers. 


I defend the company that I work for but have made a promise to myself to stop visiting here and two other sites because they really just take up time that should be spent on other things.  I hate that the bashers will still be bashers and that no one can defend a company (any company) without being attacked.  So the bashers are the only ones that post.  I wish you all the best and rest assured, Keystrokes will continue to grow as a national presence, and will continue to attract customers and MTs and will continue to make both very happy.


I agree with the posts below, I think it is a good company. SM
You do receive good training on the computer. The whole week of training is on the computer. You will start IMMEDIATELY on production with your account. That is my only complaint.
AllHealth in GA - Good company, good equipment, any info about this company? (sm)

What type of work do they have?  Any op reports?  Appreciate any info. 


That's because all the posts, good or bad, get
deleted because it turns into such a mud slinging competition. They are like all the others, good fit for some and not for others. Good luck!
Awfully vague

All that vague wording is a red flag to me.   


Transcriptionist:  So when will I be up and running? 


Answer: 


 


vague?

k, all I did was do a search for Smartmed and a ton of stuff came up.  Problem is that it is not recent. 


 


ANYBODY have recent info on them.  OR are they offering 10-12 cents because of problems keeping people, still cumbersome software, etc. 


Something is telling me to run away from these people, lol.


From the archived posts not much good
to say about them.  Hard to get lines, it takes a rocket scientist to figure out your line rate, there is lots of work because they have a high turnover, management issues, they are currently training women in other countries to do MT work, don't know if they are currently offshoring.  Evidently this is a sore subject and previous posts with this information has been deleted. 
There are many good posts in archives
They seem to have a good platform and plenty of work.  I just applied myself after looking in the archives and reading the most recent posts.
Don't know how you found good posts about NJ
x
Yeah, could you be a bit more vague..NM

when vague, keep moving (I WOULD)
.
That is a rather vague answer...they pay about the same?
There is a large window of about the same in this field anymore. Ive seen as little as 6cpl and as much as 10cpl. Are you saying they pay about 8?
No information, but their job ad is very vague. - nm

and posts like these are why good threads are removed. Why does everything have to sm
turn so nasty all the time? Grow up. Some of us want real answers.
I have talked to 3 companies that I really like and seem to have a lot of good posts here. sm

Once I sorted through the nasty and bitter posters and then the cheerleaders, for lack of a better word, a few companies seem to be truly good companies to work for.  All I am looking for are a few specifics that will tilt the balance for me.  I do want to say that all 3 know that I am talking to the other 2 and I was surprised at the reactions.  ALL 3 of them only had nice things to say about the other 2.  They did not bash those companies or try to sell me on theirs, just gave me facts. I was impressed by that.  There were 4 that I originally had narrowed it down to, but one of them went on and on about how the others were horrible and I would be better going to them.


Here's what I need to know about MDI Maryland, Keystrokes and TT.  I just want the facts, not the bitterness.  I would really like answers from MTs who have been at one or more of them for more than 6 months.  I think that 6 months is a good evaluation period.


Do they pay on time?
Is the pay correct?  If not, do they fix it right away?
Do they run out of work on a regular basis, not just during slow periods?
Can you reach a manager when you need one?
Does IS return your calls?
Do they give feedback if you ask for it?
Do they send work offshore that you know of (worked for a company that said no but really did)?
Do you get a good feeling from them/gut instinct?
Would you refer your friends or family to them if qualified?


Thank you in advance.  I am trying to decide by Monday and these are things that current and past employees can answer.  Please do not give me vague answers like don't go there or they're great.  I really am having a hard time choosing.



Read the archives. Many posts, none good. nm
 
I don't think that's true or fair. Most of the posts about KS are good. sm
I work there, have worked there a while and am very happy and know many, many others who have been there a while and are very happy too. They have improved rather than fallen apart as many companies seem to do. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fair, caring, well-paying, high line count, good benefits providing company. I am in acute care but know many others in radiology and ortho and clinic. Yes, we compare notes with each other (many came from Edix and MRC) and everyone is happy. They keep getting new accounts and the new accounts are getting bigger and bigger.

I agree that OT pay (or lack of) was a problem but when they said no more OT work, many complained to the point that they said to work the production you want.

It is disheartening to sit back and read posts that are so negative when I know the opposite to be true. It can chase people away from working for a wonderful company. I think we see more posts because there are more employees and because they are always hiring due to new accounts. I also know that every manager, including the owner, that I have ever talked to, really cares and really wants to continue to make Keystrokes better and better. I think they are doing a great job.

As for running out of work, I know that there are ups and downs in transcription and they try to be fair during those times, spreading the work around. I also know that sometimes when a new account starts, the volume will be go up and down because they are working on the perfect staffing mix.

If you are having a problem, not getting enough work, etc. you really should talk to them. They will bend over backwards to make it work for you.
Good grief? I made 2 posts.
Sorry that it bugs you that someone may have a differing opinion. That does tend to happen on forums though. Funny that you don't say good grief to others that have posted multiple times to this thread. Just to me. I thought the point of a forum was to carry on conversation, but guess I am just allowed 1 post per thread. Got it.

While $12-13 is better than minimum wage, it is not enough to justify giving up my weekends and holidays for. Guess you didn't really get my point after all.

I have been looking for a new job, by the way. The fact is that all I am getting are offers of 7 cpl, even from companies that require evenings and weekends. As I said, I don't mind working if I am paid accordingly, but I am not going to take a job at 7 cpl that requires me to give up my life. My time is worth more than that to me.
Go vague on them. Most don't care about why you left

or where you worked, as long as you pass their test.


JOB DESCRIPTION:  Independent contractor for assorted local and national accounts.  Worked on blah, blah, and blah specialties.  Experience in basic four, SOAPs, blah, blah.


May I ask why you were not happy? Vague statements don't help very much. sm
If you don't feel comfortable posting here, please feel free to email your response.
Thank you for clarifying - post was very vague
I was very shocked to read this post. I have not defamed, posted or made negative comments about KS since leaving - not once, and I would have been very disappointed to know they did not show me/us the same courtesy. Again, thanks for clarifying.
Testing requirements often way to vague.
In defense of those experienced MTs who do not pass muster when testing with new companies (and we hear that a lot, that they just aren't up to snuff somehow), I have to say that sometimes the failure may not be with the MT at all. Some MTSOs behave as if the specific ways they want their tests done are the ways ALL reports are always done at every company in existence. A really experienced MT knows that there are MANY ways to transcribe a report (verbatim, modified verbatim, edit for clarity, for example). The MT can hardly be faulted if the MTSO demands absolute verbatim but the MT has always worked where editing for clarity (not being creative, but producing a superior document, IMHO)is the order of the day.

I always have to roll my eyes when asked to test as if you know every detail of the BOS!! - when really the BOS gives very broad latitude to change/edit unclear and sloppy dictation. How are we supposed to know how any particular MTSO wants its reports done, unless it SAYS SO - and they rarely do. It's often a no-win situation for the MT - tweak the report to enhance clarity, and the MTSO is sure to want strict verbatim. Go strict verbatim, and the MTSO is sure to think they don't want you, you're way too rigid and the final report is unreadable because of dictator error that you faithfully transcribed.

I always say, do the report the way you would want it done if you were the patient in question. If the MTSO hates it, you didn't want to work there and be asked to do what makes you uncomfortable, anyway. Eventually you will find an MTSO that appreciates your skill and is a good fit for your talent, so keep on testing, and don't let it get you down if they don't call back. Again, it may not be that you aren't proficient, but they are simply looking for a different style and neglected to tell you about it beforehand.
Gee, I tried real hard to find those good posts,

but all I could find, in addition to the other complaints already listed, were complaints about being in the "middle of an 11-minute job when it was pulled and given to someone else," "There has to be a better way NOT to make a living," "I know I am going to end up on food stamps," complaints of no compensation for down time and BTXT being down and MTs not being notified.


If there were one or two positive comments about it on there somewhere, they are certainly overshadowed by all the justified negativity, outrage and frustration that's there.


I wouldn't wish this company on my worst enemy, and you should be ashamed of yourself if you recommend that anyone apply there for employment these days.  It used to be a good company, and like the song says, "Used-to-be's don't count any more."  Although I don't expect them to "bring me flowers" I do expect to be able to earn a living wage, and those days are quickly disappearing.


InHealth has had good & bad posts. Bad ones concern the owner. nm
s
Oops - some posts did show up for them - mostly good, but anything else would be great.
Any other details? Decent medical/dental? Is 10c a line possible?
I have been there awhile. The good posts are because over the past few years sm
they have really worked hard to improve employee relationships and it has worked. There are no problems there anymore. They used to say they were growing pains and we all wondered how long they could say that. Now I am glad I stuck it out because all the old problems (and I mean old being over 2 years or more) are gone. Great company to work for.
Posts from the last 2 yrs said not a good place to work. Lots of MTs
s
Interesting posts. It is good to hear both sides

I can understand the employees who want everything and give very little back.  Very frustrating.


But then you have the situation described for the employee where there is no job satisfaction, no family/personal life allowed or frowned upon by management and no chance for promotion.   And then being compared to an Indian who has a completely different social environment. 


I know mothers who are IC and while they do take time off during the day for their kids (how dare they make dinner for those kids and hubby) but then they work long into the night after kids and hubby have gone to bed.  There are no weekends with their family either.  And the work reward is the pay will be lowered because the client wants to pay a lower rate.  It is not exactly incentive to work hard without any breaks and ignore the family in favor of what the company needs.


I remember years ago working for a start up company and the manager did not want the single girls to date at night and instead work late.  She thought they should be devoting their time to their career in transcription.  Well a Transcriptionist could do that but whether she worked harder or not the pay would be the same and she would always be a transcriptionist.  The manager on the other hand if the company did well would receive promotions and raises I am sure.  So that is the difference....management perks vs worker bee perks.  It was easy for her to give up a social and personal life because the rewards but the transcriptionist typing straight for hours and hours would see the same pay day in day out, no advancement or recognition for working harder other than not having a manager angry. 


However after reading that post I will be aware  and really give it my all. I do understand the need for a better work ethic.   I see what the management wants and needs.  Especially when managers are spending Thanksgiving with their families and the transcriptionist is working for 7 cpl with no break.  It is the American way of doing business.


I got an email from them today as well....it was very vague about what positions ....
were available.  And the person who sent this email sent a mass mailing to several (at least 25 or 30) transcriptionists at one time.  Seems to me this person is canvassing or trolling per se.  I'm very uncomfortable with this one because I've never heard of them nor are they in any archives here on this board.  I am also looking for any information on this company.  Merry Christmas all.
MedWrite1.....anyone ever hear of them? Got a VERY vague email.....
stating that they have about 12 MT positions open.  Nothing else, no specialty or anything.  Thanks.
Talk about a vague response - changed since when? in what way? sm
I've been with Webmedx for 8 years and nothing has changed lately for me. I'm happy, plenty of work (in fact lots of OT), same accounts that I've worked for years, same manager. What has changed for you for the worse?
I was curious, but it was rather vague, and no I didnt respond. nm
xxxx
There are bad posts about every company...

And for most companies, there are also good posts. 


There are a couple bad things to really listen to--late/no pay is one of them.  However, most have an opinion based on personal preferences.  Some people don't like OSi (or Spheris, or Medquist, or fill-in-the-blank), and some people do.  It's all based on a personal preference, and that's why many people say again and again that every company is good for some, bad for some.  No one company is going to be perfect for everyone.  The most balanced views acknowledge the good and bad of a company.


I currently work for OSi and have for almost 2 years.  I loved working for them as an MT and hated working as QA.  I am back to part-time MT, and while I'm generally happy and still would and do recommend them to MTs, there are some things I don't like.  Just as I assume there will be some things I will not like about the company I go to next.  But as far as OSi goes, they ALWAYS pay on time, the account coordinators are great, and most of the management are nice and try their best to be accommodating. 


The honest truth is that I would not recommend arguing with the QA department, or at least to pick your battles carefully.  However, mostly the QA dept leaves you alone unless you fail a review.  Just don't ever work for QA there... lol  The QA dept is seriously the only bad thing I would say about OSi.  And they're mostly good people, just very inept at QA sometimes. 


So all in all, I say OSi is a good place to work.  Despite my personal distaste for the QA dept, they are not terrible and do not really affect your day-to-day work.  I recommend them with all honesty and I think that MOST MTs would find them a good place to work.


They have great accounts, some very good line-makers.  I seldom run out of work, but cannot say that I never run out.  But when I do, I have the choice of going to a secondary account.  I really do like all of the accounts and the sound quality is never a problem (at least for me--and obviously there are times that docs dictate on cell phones that sound as though they are on a motorcycle, going 100 mph).  But the overall sound quality is great, and ExText is my favorite platform thus far. Again, the account coordinators are very good, very friendly, and very easy to talk with.


Lisha


Good thing it did end up here. Post about squecky clean posts has already been
:+
Does anyone recommend a pretty good company that is good to work for, pay always on time and plenty
of work.  I know that is asking a lot, but just curious?
That's what I'm thinking. The ad is intriguing but so vague. Would love to know if anyone find
xx
There are also POSITIVE posts about this company!
The owners are not mean.  They are very friendly and caring. The company has a load of work.  They are having pay problems right now, but are working to solve the problem.  They are upfront and honest. One must remember that a poor attitude can affect any nice person.  This "viper pit" of a board is certainly proof of that.
Just because someone posts positives about a company....sm

doesn't mean they're in management, and you're presuming that someone who posts a positive is a manager is pretty ludicrious.  There are plenty of MTs out there happy with their employer... even some folks happy with MQ even with all of the legal problems that company has ongoing.


Unless someone makes a statement about someone in particular at a company that is completely false then there would be no reason for anyone to request a trace to find out who a poster is.  For example, on most internet boards anywhere you can say something like "XYZ company stinks" and be OK, but if you said something like "XYZ's payroll department paid me only a fraction of my earnings and failed to correct the problem" without proof to support your statement then you could be potentially held liable for posting false information.   If you did have proof of in this instance a payroll problem and proof of where it was attempted to be resolved then you'd be safe. 


I have. The company I work for now posts when
they have openings, but I was hired before they started posting.  I'm going on 6 years now with this company.   I have also received 2 other offers from smaller companies that don't post. 
No company is able to remove posts. (SM)
Only the Administrator and moderators, such as myself, have the ability to do so.

Please take up your questions with the Administrator.

Goldbird

Not many posts cause small company

You didn't say if you interviewed for acute care or clinic.  There is not much chatter on this board because Axolotl is a small company.  About 20 to 25 acute care and 20 to 25 clinic MTs. 


Your questions:


Platform: can be slow depending on your accounts


Incentives: none to speak of besides overtime


Benefits: comparable to good.  Depends on what you need


Communication:  Average


Flexibility:  If you comit to working 7 am to 3 pm you better be there are 7 am.  If you don't call in they might call you to find out where you are because they are so small and need everyone to be there when they say because of turn around time.   No timeclock to speak of so you can work as long as you want to get in your 1200 lines per day if there is work.  When there is no work you have to leave after your shift even if you have not gotten your minimum lines in. 


ESL:  If you are acute care you could get stuck on a couple of really nasty ESL accounts where you can go for several days getting mostly ESL and not enough others to average out the lines.  So if you are not real strong and love to do ESL getting lines in may be a problem during an 8 hour shift even after several months. 


Like any company everyone's experience is different.  What is great for one may be a disaster for another.  I have been with them less than 9 months and there seem to have been quite a few MTs whose names seem to suddenly disappear so it seems like Axolotl may not have been a good fit for those MTs.   


If you have other specific questions, you can E-Mail me. 


Good luck in whatever you decide. 


 


Strictly IC, good company, hard accounts, good platform.
Good pay, always on time, no direct deposit though.
Is Transcend a good company with a good platform to work on. They are advertising.
:
Webmedx hires some ICs. Good company. So sorry for your loss. Good luck!
x
TransTech for many reasons, good pay, stable company, good benefits
and flexible.
I have looked around the last 6 months and have found nothing better. Have turned down numerous jobs, and have finally decided to stay put. The better insurance plans were announced and even moreso than ever, I am staying put, and my paycheck is happy about that because it is getting better every day. Good luck to you.
TransTech is a good company. Debbie is the owner and a good one at that! nm
n
Good company, great people, good benefits.
Affordable insurance. Good luck!
When someone posts positive about a company it has to be a recruiter. sm
x
I think the less posts about a company, the better. It's the bad companies that get all the pres
:}
No MQ posts allowed on Company board. (NM)
x
hiGoldberg - can a company delete posts here?
nm