Anyone work or have ever worked for...sm

I worked on that account with a company other than Transcend. [2008-09-07]
It was the worst. I was glad to see it go. Sorry for whoever got it.

However, some of MQ's work is being subcontracted out to other companies, nm [2008-09-07]
nm

Keystrokes has great ortho accounts and a wonderful manager over the ortho work. sm [2008-09-07]
I have worked with them for 4 years and will never leave unless something drastically changes. I do not post here normally as it seems that there are so many negative people, but this is one I felt I could answer without being attacked.

I like ChartMatrix. Have worked on it for a couple of years...sm [2008-09-07]
There are 2 versions, the one they've been using for the past few years and a new one they're rolling out that can also be used with ASR. I like the new one a lot better than the old one, but the old one was pretty good. There are a lot more Keystrokes with the new ChartMatrix. I have not worked on Enterprise, so I cannot comment on that. Sorry.

It has been my observation that when work trickles to you while others are getting plenty, the compa [2008-09-06]
dd

No work @ SoftScript? [2008-09-06]
There has been a shortage of work (at least for me) at SS. Now, I see that they are hiring!?!?!?! Is this the norm there? Anyone else work at SS and have the same problem?

If you work for Transcend and do VR [2008-09-05]
how many lines per week are you doing? Is it possible to make any money with their VR accounts?

I'm pretty sure we work for the same company [2008-09-05]
Does the company name start with a V? Does this QA power-monger's name start with a V? I started with them about 15 months ago, also. After 1 week of QA, I felt very comfortable with the quality of work I was sending them, so I stopped sending blank-free reports to QA. It was that simple. No one stated I did anything wrong. Now, only reports with blanks go to QA. (E-mail me).....

Sad you have to come to this website to try to find out anything, they are already out of work today [2008-09-05]
nm

No work @ AllType [2008-09-05]
Is anyone else frusrated with the major lack of work at AllType?! I've been with them for a couple of years now and have never experienced a drought like this. Are other companies experiencing the same? I think I'm going to have to start looking elsewhere...I can't afford to not have any work whatsoever for an entire week! Not cool...

Just know the work fluctuates. If your willing to do [2008-09-05]
ESL accounts, then you can bounce around to different accounts, but this also leads to problems as every account has different account specifics to keep track of. As we all know, doing ESL does slow down your line and the money is just not there so I have just stopped working there.

I work in-house at a local hospital... [2008-09-05]
And it's been pretty much famine conditions there, too. We're having to use our VH hours when we're called off for lack of work. I don't know where you're located, but I'm in central California. Perhaps it's a nationwide phenomenon for some reason. Hang in there. The powers-that-be where I work keep telling us it's just temporary (although I'm preparing for the worst). ~hugs~

Try Webmedx. They run low on work, too, sometimes, but overall a more reliable place. NM. [2008-09-05]
Good luck.

Continue to turn down work. [2008-09-04]
That's okay, limit yourself. It leaves more work for people like me who can walk into a job and transcribe most anything. I don't understand folks that don't want to learn and then complain that they can't find a job. Go figure.

Yes, if she actually wants work, free or otherwise, [2008-09-04]
most indeed count, then an MT will have resume, advertisement, whatever free of errors. As someone who did a lot of hiring, I can tell you that if there was even one so-what error, as you say, the resume was passed over. If you can't proofread something as important as a resume or request for work, then it's hard to fathom you will proofread medical reports any better. I hope she took the advice and watches more carefully next time, rather than listen to advice that it doesn't matter.

Exactly. You should never work for free. [2008-09-04]
Our industry is bad enough for newbies without starting a trend wanting them to work for free....

To the person who wants to work for free [2008-09-04]
I have been a successful MT for three decades. I suggest that you: 1. Not work for free. People get what they pay for and besides, you are undermining hardworking MTs by this ill-conceived plan. Life is difficult enough for working MTs without being undercut by their own, or at least by a wannabe. 2. You need to learn basic proofreading skills. If you cannot proofread and eliminate the errors from your on-line ad for yourself, how will you proof the work I sub out to you? Why should I trust you with my clients' work? How you proof anything is how you proof everything. Not being critical, just trying to offer a helpful and practical view. Compete honestly in the marketplace, pay your dues, earn your place and don't give away the professionalism you are trying to develop. Good luck to you.

farming out work for free [2008-09-04]
I totally agree that too many people have been out stealing identities, in fact, it just happened not too long ago at a Michigan hospital that an MT subcontracted her work and stole the patient's SS #s and is now going to be prosecuted along with the person who gave her that work without letting her employer know! She should get a real job who hires newbies and who have QA to check it! There are plenty of adds I have seen on this board offering newbies jobs for lower pay, but stil!

FutureNet lack of work [2008-09-04]
How about lately? Anyone else notice the lack of work and the hiring of new MT's? Also they do not treat their regulars with respect.

Isn't it also illegal on both ends to work for FREE? [2008-09-04]
There are labor laws in the United States, right? I have been an IC and MT, never an MTSO or subcontractor, but my husband has, and when he subbed out work or had temporary workers, he had to file 1099s for them at the end of year, etc. We can't even employ nannies off the books anymore in the USA, right? Second, on reading the OPs follow-up posts, something is way sharky about the OP. Not an innocent newbie at all, by the tone of things. Now he/she is running radio ads? Working getting paid twice what they should be? Whatever on earth that means, and I'm sure none of us are interested. Just a waste of board space, again. In fact, shouldn't this post be removed, since they basically admit they are ADVERTISING for work?? That doesn't stay on Company board and should be removed. Can someone tattle, please?

No, Paul, you are not. Left last year due to lack of work, but not lack of respect. It's a shame [2008-09-04]
I liked 'em a lot.

Maybe they are referring to other work types [2008-09-04]
H&Ps and consults are still H&Ps and consults wherever you go. As you know, each facility will have specs, any differences (should there be any) would be listed there. The company you were talking to might have been referring to OPs, cardio and specialty procedures more so than the basics. Just an idea. I would not let that company get you down. With that much experience, you'll get a job easily enough. Good luck to you. God Bless.

I work for eTrans and love it sm [2008-09-04]
I've been with them since April after I got fed up with the Q. I have never had trouble making my line count without killing myself to get it, and the people are very helpful and friendly. Line rate depends on how much you produce, so it's up to me, myself, and I to make the money I want. I use their platform but know that they are getting some ExText accounts started also.

What's "out of work" for you? Are you meeting your [2008-09-04]
minimum line count or barely scraping by?

they are constantly out of work. Will show 40 jobs and a minute later none. [2008-09-04]
nm

This is the best post I've seen on here. [2008-09-07]
I hadn't heard of Futurenet, but you must be good if you respond as you and remind people of loyalty. I was fortunate someone took time with me, as I had been away from this for a few years and needed to reintegrate. I'm barely making a crust, because it is the slow period of the year ~ it was always that way for me. I appreciate what goes into training on both sides. For me it's like trying to build a business again. I really appreciate the interaction and correction, as I'd like to be the best I can be and many little things have changed. Truthfully, I had burned out in this field and I didn't know if I wanted to get back into it, but I love it and I'm glad I was given the opportunity. I guess I've been reading a lot of these posts, as I used to work for Medquist, but when I wsa there they were fine ~ but things have changed all throughout this world in the past few years. Sometimes, we need to vent though, and perhaps it's better to do it in here where it's a bit more private. Ok .. back to lurking ~ :o)

I agree with Xanax [2008-09-07]
I started work with VTS 2 weeks ago and they have been great. It seems like a very good company to work for. I was off 100% QA in just over a week.

I quit - VR sucks! [2008-09-07]
I quit Transcend. The people are nice but the work is ridiculous. Its very little pay for sometimes having to rework the whole report. I had about 60/40 when I started and when I left several months later I was 95/5. I tried to ask for accounts that were type only and I also mentioned about several doctors that shouldn't be on VR who gave me good lines and had good normals they used as well. They had accents and VR would mess them all up. It was easier to type the whole 10 minute or more report myself and faster too... but the pay was half because they sent those doctors to VR. The people who work there laugh about the funny things VR puts but to me its not funny... its insulting that they give us that kind of work and not pay us anything. I left there for a company I am in love with who only does straight transcription and not VR at all and I am making more than I did at Transcend and not having to hate my job.

MDI-MD [2008-09-07]
No work. There is nothing left to say. You make a committment for lines. Beg plead and offer to work and rain other accounts. No work still. Main account disappeared. Not notified or given a replacement. No work. I have complained, I have asked for more work. To no avail. This is not libel its simply an MT waiting for work and every day there is none.

Just a thought... how do you think they [2008-09-07]
How do you think they would handle letting you go? With even the worst MTSO (and I've run into many) I always offered a notice. Most of the time, they seem offended and decline, but at least I offered one. Let me assure you - even the best MTSO that you have worked for can lose accounts overnight, and as an IC they owe you nothing in terms of a notice/severance pay. They may *feel* terrible, but the notice/income would not be forthcoming. I don't see how they could give you a hard time. You simply point out that the promised/anticipated work has not materialized and you have found a better fit for *you* :)

Webmedx insurance question - coverage for self and spouse? (sm) [2008-09-07]
I saw posts regarding 1,000 and 2,000 deductible. Is this the difference between BCBS gold and silver plan? Also do they have a category for just yourself and spouse or is it just family. Since family could include umpteen children, I would think there would be a cheaper class for just you and spouse? Not eligible for quite a while and haven't receive info yet from company. Just trying to make sure this will work for us or if I need to seek different employment. We will be needing me to cover us as hubby is retiring soon. TIA

Search archives - there was some in the past. SM [2008-09-07]
I worked there for a very short time several years ago. Then, I had straight typing. They were kind. Platform was similar to Ext. Trustworthy - not. I was cheated lines as in they were taking my spaces and diving in half so I was only getting paid for half of my spaces even though specifics stated double space after a period. Once I figured that out, left with no notice.

Keystrokes has great ortho accounts and a wonderful manager over the ortho work. sm [2008-09-07]
I have worked with them for 4 years and will never leave unless something drastically changes. I do not post here normally as it seems that there are so many negative people, but this is one I felt I could answer without being attacked.

I agree 100%...I have been at Keystrokes for 2 years doing Ortho [2008-09-07]
and I love it...best company I have worked for...

Texas Transcend Accounts [2008-09-07]
We just got 2 non-Chartscript accounts at Transcend and I work on both of them. One has hardly any ESL so far and the jobs are nice and long. The other is smaller and has a couple of ESL but they're pretty easy to understand and there are a bunch of samples available. So far, everything they've said about the number of ESL has been right.

I like ChartMatrix. Have worked on it for a couple of years...sm [2008-09-07]
There are 2 versions, the one they've been using for the past few years and a new one they're rolling out that can also be used with ASR. I like the new one a lot better than the old one, but the old one was pretty good. There are a lot more Keystrokes with the new ChartMatrix. I have not worked on Enterprise, so I cannot comment on that. Sorry.

Just a few comments - sm [2008-09-07]
First of all, I have been with the company for a long time and I have floated along with a lot of changes since starting with them. Some of the changes were very easy, some not so easy and maybe even a little painful at first. I was leary about switching to VR but if I wanted to stay with my primary accounts, I had to give in and go with the flow once again. I'm glad I stuck it out because I love VR. The only problem is that I end up running out of work sometimes because I am faster now. VR isn't going away. That's pretty clear. You either adapt or find another career. I made the choice to find a way to make it work in my favor. ESL doctors aren't going away either. Same deal. We have to learn to figure them out or we won't have any work. Lastly, I find it disturbing that you would name a client in a public forum. Most companies, including Transcend, discourage or even forbid naming of their clients for obvious reasons -- the competition is tough. Whether or not you think the account is terrible, there are people working on that account who might really like it. My primary account used to be the dreaded account but I personally loved that account and still do, years later. I have come to think of it as MY account and I would be furious if a competitor came along and snatched it from me. In the future, I would advise that you use more discretion when discussing accounts. Better yet, don't discuss them at all. You aren't the only one working those accounts. Some of us like them, appreciate a challenge, live up to the challenge, and we WANT the work. Don't cut us off at the knees because you aren't happy.

They are hiring because new accounts are coming on. sm [2008-09-07]
This will straighten out the work shortage everyone is feeling right now.

Confused, this thread is not about you. Stay on subject. [2008-09-06]
My original post (please see the top of this thread)was about the responses the poster Jennifer received in a thread below, responses from those who had the audacity to say an IC should hit the ground running; after all, that's how they marketed their business. This post is not about how you are 1000% times happier doing what you do. It is about the misconceptions people who are not independent contractors have about being one. Any independent contractor who contracts with an MTSO is using the MTSO's proprietary software or whatever is necessary these days to perform work for an MTSO. There are many, many platforms that are created, and most of them are anything but easy to use, again created by heaven knows who without a bit of experience of what it takes to do medical transcription. I dare say that even you placed in the position of working for an MTSO would need some guidance/training/informationwhen starting an account. Unless you have filed with your state's Secretary of State, have received corporation papers and certification for your business in whatever form the business was created(partnership, sub chapter S, LLC, etc., etc.),are filing your quarterly payroll taxes with the Dept. of Labor even if you are a one-armed business with no employees, paying your quarterly state and federal taxes, have an EIN#, you are self-employed, an independent contractor...not a business owner. You will file under a 1040. When you no longer want to continue with your business, you will follow all the necessary steps your state/local has to dissolve your company with your state and with the IRS. Today, doing business the way you do, if you decide you want to become employee status, you will not go through those steps of dissolution because you have nothing legally to dissolve. If you disagree, then you should speak with all those accountants and lawyers you have. If you apply for a mortgage, apply for a credit card, or a car loan, when asked your occupation, you will state, self-employed. You will not state I am Miss Big CEO of XYZ Medical Transcription unless you have the legal right to a legal entity to state such. So, yes, you are confused. You may have your own accounts, employ no one, but this post wasn't about contractors such as you. This post is about the misconception some have that an IC WORKING FOR AN MTSO needs no training on any platform whatsoever, need ask no questions at any time, and can run from day 1 like an Olympian. That is just not so for us who are working in the real world of being an IC contracting with an MTSO, learning their platform, having the necessary account information to perform the work under contract, and interacting with some of the most pompous individuals one can meet. Jennifer has experienced the real world of being an independent contractor today. She needs advice that is helpful to her situation and does not need to be flamed by those who have not one iota of experience of being an IC. I salute all those MTSOs who value their contractors, who do everything possible to help them succeed, who consider them a part of their team. They are few and far between, but they are still there, praise God. When we find them, we stick with them. If it makes you feel better about yourself (as if you need that), yes, you are an independent contractor. You are just not a legal business owner. You are self-employed. I hope there are folks here who will reconsider their insensitive responses to Jennifer, who by the way is living the experience in the real world of being an IC working for an MTSO. I doubt Jennifer marketed herself anything other than she is, an independent contractor willing to perform contract work for a company seeking independent contractors to perform the work of THEIR BUSINESS. If submitting a resume is marketing, then all MTs are marketing themselves, employee status or contractor status. An MTSO or any employer wants to know what you have done, when you have done it, and how long you have been doing it.

I am really tired also of being tied to my computer . . . [2008-09-06]
In all reality, all I need to do financially is put in 5 hours which should be easy and done before 1 o'clock in the afternoon. BUT, I have to stay close and milk the work so I can try to get to it first in order to get the lines. I think it's time to quit MTing forever. This is not the first time something like this has happened to me . . .

Agree mostly [2008-09-06]
I loved working at Transcend until they went VR- The enjoyment I once had is gone. Even though after 4 months I've worked my way back to almost pre-VR paychecks, my paychecks will never be what they were. Its like dog-eat-dog world now, everyone trying to make something close to what they did pre-VR. Work goes quickly.

Any companies offer part-timers chance to buy into group insurance? need coverage .... [2008-09-06]
I've been looking at prices for solo medical insurance and while I can probably afford some coverage, I'm feeling rather paranoid about having insurance canceled if I actually get sick -- I'm fairly ignorant about what protections may have been passed and may just be responding to other people's horror stories. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure I want to work full time for any of the nationals ... they seem to have gottenawfully rigid wrt daily line counts within certain fixed hours ... some days I'm simply creaky and hate feeling pressured ... so part time to start seems more reasonable than jumping in with both feet. Any infor or recommendations appreciated ... Thanks!

Not that I have to explain [2008-09-06]
myself to you I will respond. I decided to join Iridium4 weeks after I was contacted by them. I also was told thatIridium outsourced, which was thereason for my original post.I would never work for a company that outsourced and I wasn't going to jump ship before I had some information.I worked on the account for 8 years at my previous employer, and like most professionals give notice of their intention to leave. I left my previous employer with the understanding I would be transcribing the same dictators, which has NOT happened. I have one,and that decisioncame from the accountadministration becauseit was the DOCTOR's choice.Do you feel shafted by everyone that started working after you because you were there first, or do you just have something against me? So much for the teamwork I keep hearing about, and how great everyone is. Maybe next time you'll reveal your true identity so I can respond to you directly.

thanks -- will check them out ... sm [2008-09-06]
I can do rigid scheduling and production for the 20 hours a week they require for part time ... hey, I might even be willing to work evenings for 20 hours a week ... hey, I'd be happy to transition to full-time after getting my feet wet ... it's the 1200-1500 lines/8 hour shift requirements that I can have NO PROBLEM doing on a good day with familiar accounts andwork available but which easily can stretch into 1200 lines/12 hours or more when work is unavailable or there are platform problems (why I left last employee status national gig) ... Thanks for the tip ... . will check them out further! S.

don't let the bad companies discourage your abilities [2008-09-06]
I have been thru AlphaScribe (good), YOG (good), MQ (horrendous), FutureNet (not so good), and now my new VTS (wonderful).... just keep shopping around. When I'm on the market looking for a new job, I just tell myself I'm selling my best product: Me. I don't look for a company who will hire me, I look for a company who gets the honor of having me work for them. When I do get the job, (huge stones) I congratulate them for having hireda damned-good transcriptionist. Then, all I have to do is be a really good and loyal MT, til they burn me and I take my toys and go play somewhere else. My confidence is never shaken by a bad employer.

While I don't think the terminology [2008-09-06]
from clinic to hospital, I think the biggest difference is in the quality of the dictations. You'll have umpteen ESLs, residents, NPs, PAs dictating and it's just a faster paced environment. While they can be more involved (the HPs and consults) at the hospital level, you'd probably need to make sure you have a good grasp of laboratory terminology, every speciality, etc.It's basically just more variety in terms of specialites and then add in the dozens (if you're lucky) to 100s of different dictators on an acute care account.If you've done the clinic work for 20 years, have you tried at least testingto seewhere you are and possibly get a feel for how easily you could make the transition?

FutureNet [2008-09-06]
I am so grateful that God gave me enough sense to recognize where some of these comments come from. What's amazing to me, and extremely sad, is that some of you have evidently been with this company for a while. If that's the case, then you already know that this office staff does everything they can to make it better for the MTs, and you should be ashamed for your lack of loyalty, not only to the staff but to the company as well. We are all experiencing the problem with little or no work, but look at the boards; that's not just with FutureNet. To say that the company has over-hired; I guess I misunderstood because I thought we were all remote employees. How could you possibly know how many MTs we have, and how could you possibly know what the staff is or is not doing? It's very easy for us to sit back and criticize because we have absolutely no idea; we are all concerned about ourselves, but that staff has it all to deal with. To say that they don't care if they lose MTs is ridiculous. I would imagine having to hire and train each MT is not something they relish having to do any more often than necessary. And, before it comes up as it always does, I am not management. I am someone like you who works for this company; the difference is though, I know beyond doubt that FutureNet and its staff will be hard to beat, and when you decide to leave this company, you'll quickly learn that. But, if you choose to stay with this company, you need to reassess the meaning of loyalty, and if you get upset because you are removed from an account, then you can bet that needed to be done or it wouldn't have happened. This is the most easy-going QA group I have every worked with, but you'll find that out as well when you decide to move on.

I didn't realize that had any straight typing accounts. [2008-09-06]
I've been there about 5 years and I only get about 5% straight typing, 10% max. What platform are you on? I work Escription and it is all basically VR. I truly hope what they promised you actually exists.

No work @ SoftScript? [2008-09-06]
There has been a shortage of work (at least for me) at SS. Now, I see that they are hiring!?!?!?! Is this the norm there? Anyone else work at SS and have the same problem?

FYI OSI full time is 10,000 lines ppp [2008-09-06]
Now, if you can just get enough work available to get that, and not get on one of the accounts where they take a good 9-11% of lines right off the top, you'll be doing good.