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Care to share where you're going? [2008-07-02]
I think you're missing the point [2008-07-02]
entirely. This is BOS related, not company, not individual, but simply BOS compliance. As an MT you should bring the proper tools and knowledge to your position. If I had a nickel for everytime I heard in school they taught me or but at my last company they did it this way I'd be rich, rich, rich. Good grief, to even entertain QA was helping pinch pennies by replacing your three with 3 is just absurd.
At least in your next job you can say my last company taught me to NOT spell out numbers!
Sorry, you're right. It's 39 hours [2008-07-01]
AND 150 lines per hour.
But If They're Ripping Us Off... [2008-06-30]
Why do we just sit and not take a stand? Why should they be allowed to continue to rip us off on lines, etc.?
I don't see how they'd know you're "working for [2008-06-27]
the competition either. It's not like someone would be on DQS and something else at the same time.
You're probably not going to like my answer [2008-06-26]
BUT..individually is best if you want to ensure you get everything you want to keep. I just went through that process and found out the hard way. Do it indivually at first and save yourself the time and trouble. The whole process (old and new system) is archaic!
Been with MQ for years...no ASR training yet and yes we're all ..sm [2008-06-26]
supposed to eventually be trained on ASR.
From what I hear about it, I can wait...pay is low enough.
You're awesome, thank you!!!!!!!!! NM [2008-06-18]
L
So by leaving blanks on the easy ones, we're [2008-06-09]
Seriously, if I leave 20 blanks in my report and you're able to fill in all 20 of those, I'd actually be helping you meet production. Perhaps we could work out some kind of deal -- say 10%?
That's villain, by the way. You're right; knowledge is power :). [2008-06-06]
nm
You're right, Sassee [2008-06-05]
We do all have the same common goal. The problem is when we try to discuss it calmly and intelligently, we always get the trolls who try to cause trouble for everyone. They have an agenda for us NOT to unite and are trying everything they can think of to discourage us. We just have to ignore them and keep moving forward. I think many of us are coming up with ways to fight this, but many others would like to see us fail and so they post inflammatory/insulting posts trying to anger and divide us. It is not going to work this time, though.
You're quite welcome! nm [2008-06-05]
x
Do you think it's OK to put that you're currently [2008-06-05]
working at MQ on your resume? Are they going to start asking a lot of questions or do you think it's sort of already known in the business.
Its fine. It looks good that you're currently employed [2008-06-05]
as opposed to not employed. Also, I have spoken with many companies the last few weeks, at least a dozen, and all are very well aware of our situation, completely sympathetic, and none of them really even discussed it much at all. Total understanding and compassion, from strangers. Good luck and have fun.
They're probably reorganizing the work pools [2008-06-04]
You know -- to give the easier stuff to CBay India. I'm sure you'll be getting work soon -- the crappy dictators with the bad sound files.
You're right mtkidlet-see message! [2008-06-04]
We aren't supposed to leave any error messages, just supposed to fix it, if possible-LOL! We can leave a short message of how we found something, etc.
To MTs: For some comfort, if you are getting error reports and points off it is just because QA only started using QASAR this week and we are still getting used to it. I would just ignore any critical errors or points unless your super contacts you.
However, it will be a good teaching experience for you to go back and look at your reports for future reference.
Hang in there-it will be okay!
You're right! [2008-06-04]
I do not care anymore. I used to care in the past, but not anymore. Why should I? I understand that our private information is already easily available. I have other ways to support myself. I am finishing my degree in Technical Communications. Ihope to be an Editor for a medical journal some day. I also have other skills. I am in the process of creating a clothing line which I design and manufacture, which I can do here in the US. If that doesn't work for me, I will find something else. I have confidence in my skills. I am happy to have been an MT for a long time, and it was great while it lasted. I will be happy, too, when I am finished with it.
That's why I was not overly concerned about [2008-06-04]
offshoring, though I was very opposed to it years ago when it started. I had accepted that, and can accept that. I'll out-transcribe anybody who wants to compete with me. But, again, with MQ to be owned by an Indian company, who boldly in the past and as currently as this week, states that they want to eliminate us, well, that is a horse of a different color. I don't understand the comparison, as there is none. Iwill work alongside an Indian MT, a New Zealand MT, a Canadian MT, a Filipino MT, an Irish MT, who is part ofour TEAM,andI understand the concept that they handlethe shifts and workload thatI can't. But I will NOT work for another country, any country, even the US,whoopenly states and brags that they want to eliminate me. It just makes no sense, and there is no comparison. So, I'll gladly go to another company, American owned and who won't offshore, and compete against the Indian MTs, or any MT of an origin who wants to destroy me. Bring it on, friends!! I KNOW the US MT will prevail, so that's not a sweat.It takes 6 levels of Indian MTs to still have to have US QA their work, and there are still final errors galore. But I have no interest in workingfor the competition, who states that they want to get rid of me. What's with that? This is America and we have BRAINS and OPTIONS. Don't forget it, anybody. This may have caught lots of us by surprise, but it ain't over. I'ma tad plump from years of sitting on my pittard,but I ain't singing yet.
You're with CBay currently, or with MQ? [2008-06-02]
It takes a wee bit once they take over, but then it happens. They haven't officially taken over MQ yet, so I figure we have a few months. Do you work for CBay now in another company?
I know who you're talking about but she wasn't [2008-05-30]
Big difference.
I think they're getting to that, right after mailing all [2008-05-28]
We are your friends. We are your friends. Don't be afraid.
Great Link! You're the bomb! NM [2008-05-28]
nm
You're welcome and Happy Job Hunting [2008-05-27]
x
Sorry, You're right-it just didn't sound right to me [2008-05-27]
at first, but that's right. Anyway, I still stand by the rest of the post. I think there is just a lot of frustration right now and we do need a place to vent. For those in denial, they simply don't have to read it. Thanks for the correction-I apologize!
That's not what they're telling me! [2008-05-27]
you betcha! My last day was Sunday and [2008-07-02]
I'm off Friday and Saturday and work Sunday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. so last Thursday I clocked out at 11:00 a.m. and never went back. So lovely just coasting on a 3-1/2-day weekend before starting my new job on Monday! Love it! I'm so happy withmy new job. The people are so nice and concerned that I do well during the learning curve. And I love 11 CPL! No ASR! 10% ESL! I work my same schedule. I found the best company to work for. Who knew it would be so easy to land this spot. But I believe there is a spot out there for all of us that matches just perfectly! Good luck to everyone out there who is looking!
I agree; sometimes the ESL dictators are [2008-06-29]
better than some of the so-called English-as-a-first-language dictators.
I'm assuming the original poster is getting out of MT altogether, because there is no way to avoid ESL dictators simply by leaving MQ.
As far as I am concerned, ESL dictators are the least of everyone's concerns about MQ.
I don't even mind too much going into the big cesspool anymore. I have a quick system to note all the CP differences. In fact, a lot of times the new dictators are better and clearer than my primary. That said, I do have a large hospital in CA as my primary---many horrible dictators. I know them like the back of my hand but I feel so bad for anyone who gets that account for the first time!
But, if it's not one thing it's another. The cesspool, the ASR pay reduction, getting sold to Cbay, and now this crazy thing about the line counts getting screwed with. You'd think they would have learned their lesson (MQ) when they got busted last time! Jeesh!
This job is a crazy roller coaster! I'll ride along so long as my paychecks stay where I want them. Getting harder and harder to do, though!
ASR was forced on me, too - sm [2008-06-27]
It was about 80/20 in the beginning between transcription and ASR; now it is the reverse and them some.I was also told that everyone has to be on ASR, but by the end of 2007! There was no option to not learn ASR nor to get out of it, then or not, according to our PS. Goodness, it is so tiringbeing lied to when you this is your living. Of course, some people obviously do not take that into consideration when they onlyare only concerned about theirbottom line, and have no concern whatsoever for the workers who allow them to make that bottom line. If only we could turn the tables on them.
Stepping up... [2008-06-25]
Okay, against all popular opinion and likely to bring half the board down on my head by going against the majority - I just have to jump in here. I actually love my job at Medquist. I work PT flex - 4 hours a night - 11p - 3a - and haven't had any real problems with Medquist or my supervisor. Other than 1 call from the impact room inquiring why I wasn't working on sunday night, which I informed them I never work on Sundays by choice and haven't for many years, I guess I stay under their radar by working my chosen hours, getting my line count in, and not making waves by spouting off indiscriminately about things I cannot change that do not really affect my paycheck at this point,.
My supervisor, a very nice gentleman in Florida, has bent over backwards to accommodate my changing hours and make up hours over the last 3 years while I coped with a precious, 11 months younger brother dropping dead at work of a massive heart attack, a UTI that turned septic and kept me out of work (and nearly out of this life) for 2 weeks, problems with being able to work 4 hours continuously due to constant pain from a herniated disk that tends to act up more on a daily basis than ever before, pain from arthritis in my hands that keeps me struggling to type 100 lph consistently, time away from the keyboard to help my sister, whose husband of 50-1/2 years is terminally ill and in the hospital more than not, moving into a new apartment and finding out on moving day (a saturday) that the internet high speed that was supposed to be up and running - guaranteed by good old ATT- was not only not hooked up, but wasn't even available in my area!!!
During all this, I kept in contact with my supervisor and if he took heat for my non-working hours, he never let me know. He has always been upbeat and cheerful and helpful and supportive and even if it annoys me sometimes that he takes way too long to answer e-mails or phone messages, I keep my mouth shut and think good thoughts about himbecause I figure he just might be helping some other soul whose day or month or year or even decade is going as badly as mine seems to be.
So, go ahead and say what you want, tell me I'm naive and foolish and wearing blinders as far as Medquist is concerned, but I continue to thank them for the job and the paycheck and my supervisor and my account, which has more wonderful doctors than not. If I end up doing the nasty accounts on saturdays, which happens more often than not, I take it in stride and figure it's part of my due for having wonderful doc's the rest of the time.
Light and Love and Joyto all of you out there who really need it in your lives right now.
Starsong, a happy Medquist transcriptionist.
I start a new job Wed and went to flex P/T JUST IN CASE [2008-06-16]
things don't work with the new job, but they pay more and I have a feeling things will be just fine. I also have an MQ computer so wanted to stay flex so I can keep the computer for awhile longer (though the new job is on the laptop, that's all I've got).
I switched to flex right after the news of CBAY, just was the last straw. My sup called me after I'd emailed her with the info. She asked a TON of questions and wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving MQ for good (I've been working with them for 13 years now).
So I think they definitely are concerned about people leaving. Has been a lot more work the past couple weeks too. GOOD.
can we say reality check?? [2008-06-14]
Well, I can certainly see that you've done your homework -- you know your stuff and I totally agree with you. I know people want to be optimistic when it concerns their livelihood but it is ever so blatantly clear what is going to transpire here -- it's just a matter of when, but I have a feeling that it's going to be sooner than later. The rose-colored glasses need to come off -- CBay is listed as #3 in the lineup and they are certainly going for the #1 spot in a very big and probably viscious way. Sorry to pop someone else's optimistic bubble. Ya know if by chance things do turn out wonderful then I for one will be so grateful, but one only has to look at today's economy and the picture is not a good one, especially when it comes to outsourcing of American jobs -- seems to be the trend and it's not slowing down and it seems our politicians aren't really tooconcerned either from what I can see -- they don't need to worry -- they've got their big fat salaries that we tax payers pay for -- maybe when we go broke then they'll realize what a mess they let us get in -- better get off my soap box.
Whoa, Nellie! [2008-06-06]
Wadda ya mean, mark you down?!? I know nothing of this! We don't score with QASAR anymore. We only fill in the blanks (when we can), but we give no point value. What's happening on the end we can't see?
As far as learning goes, I started transcribing in 1977, so I'm not a newbie, and I really believe other MTs could learn from me. Truly, I have learned from MTs whose work I've Q 'd.
We only have the capacity to give general comments. I try to give the feedback. For instance, I had one of those ridiculous blanks that obviously made no sense. So, I wrote a note to the MT that, knowing what the doc said was wrong, and the account was not specified as strict verbatim in the CP, I was putting in the correct word. But, I wouldn't advise the MT to do that, but rather leave a blank like she did. I'd rather take the hit than have the MT take it. Their job is hard enough!
Now that you've mentioned points, I am concerned. So, please advise....points or (heaven forbid) penalties happening? We're as much in the dark as all the MTs.
oops, should have said all MTs and QA sm [2008-06-05]
Thanks for your response...I think we just need to get to the point, avoid the emotional stuff, and focus on problem solving. What can we do next? Can we consult a lawyer? Come up with a petition? Maybe we could come up with a standard letter to send to doctors, hospitals, politicians, anti-NAFTA groups, groups concerned with homeland security issues, groups concerned with identity theft, to MQ, even to CBAY?
Sure, YOU care and other MTs care... [2008-06-04]
But YOU and other MTs are not in a position to make any major changes. Maybe in the past, but not today. MTs are only becoming concerned now that it is affecting THEIR jobs. So, really, it is not about securing private information, it is about securing YOUR cush job. Let's be honest here...
VR/SR Advancement [2008-06-04]
You are correct about VR advancement, really, technology advancement. One of the big teaching hospitals, primary acct, first went to VR and then started having the clinic docs fill in a template (I don't know how they are doing op reports)....Docs were not happy, but they adjusted last I heard. I do belive court reporters are in the same type of situation, not outsourcing, but there is some talk about court reporters not owning their own stuff it sounds like VR is in the picture.....now that would be something. The hospital primary acct that went to templates was only concerned about cost they were payingMQ.......I'm in my mid60s have gone from manual typewriter to computers.....who would have thought? Everybody......just get/keep/maintain marketable skills.
News Flash... [2008-06-04]
She was not referring to plans for her future job, she was referringto planning for her MT job not to be offshored. So, what exactly is that plan?
As far as your future is concerned, good, I am happy you did not put all of your eggs in 1 basket. It would be foolish to do otherwise.
I know EXACTLY how you feel. [2008-06-03]
I have worked for one company almost 20 years ago. They were bought out by this company and then merged with that company and then bought out by this company and so on. Now here I am today with Medquist, not really my choice. I was told about 2-3 months agoby my regional manager that a lot of MT's used to complain of having no work (I was not one of them) and would run out of their primary accounts,so now the National Pool was formed. I was told that the company was trying to get it under control, but right now I wasin the pool for typing over 200 different accounts.The managerknows about the client profile reading and everything else when it comes to National Pool. She had tried to tell the higher ups about it andyou guessed it, nothing.Finally the company is now working ontrying to go from 200 accounts to about 50 accounts that I would have to type whenmy primary, secondary,3rd account and so on were low in work. I askedher if she was tryingto make me quit. She of course says absolutely not. Us MT'sare all needed to work for this company and appreciate all wedo and so on. Basically I had to learn to live with it.I was angry, upset, wanting to throw the computer out the window, cry, could not sleep, did notknow what to do, andI could go on and on. I talked to my PS and told her I was making less than minimum wage and thankGodI workin a state with minimum wage around $8.00 an hour which MQ has to payme for. Finally justthese last few weeks, Ichanged my hours to evening and now I am much happierand making more than doubleand even triple the amount because of getting my primary account.Also plan on going to school this fallduring the days and getting out of this so called profession. I have worked every evening andEVERYWEEKEND FOR YEARSand these last three years I decided enough is enough and just worked days, but itreally sucked with the cesspool for the last 5-6 months. I honestly do not know what to tell you. I do know the company is not really concerned about MT's, but more about their clients. The company is really focused on making the client happy, not MT's. I really do not mean to be negative, but stating what I was told and what I am doing now.
NOPE - everything we correct whether it is a QA marker, a comma, a double space, [2008-06-02]
has to have a reason given for it. I used to be really careful about commas, because where they are placed can change the meaning of a sentence. But after QASAR gets instituted again this week, I won't be. Takes too long to make all these corrections and, since our suits are more concerned about our production than quality, they will get just that - QUANTITY NOT QUALITY!!!
They Called Me [2008-06-02]
I got called as well about 2 reports just as my last job was just finished for the late shift. Being nice, I answered the phone. Even those in the I/R have a job to do, so we should never take that personally. Ever wonder what those employees are saying amongst themselves as well?
It was very apparent to me that this lady was clearly concerned about the report getting out of TAT based on the obvious stress as she discussed it a bit more. I didn't go there, but simply would not be rude to someone in her situation.
I was given the length of the 2 jobs, which they calculate differently than we do (in minutes), so keep this in mind if you decide to take a late job, etc. I told the nice lady that the first job sounded like a hang-up, and fortunately it was. The second one ended up being far less by her calculation to considerably more on the MT end. But the reports would have been out of TAT. I got stung because the report was a combination of having beenpoorly dictated and a bad soundfile. So let that be something to consider if/when you take one of those late jobs.
I also received this email from my PS last week as [2008-06-02]
stated down below about aweek ago. It is the exact same letter that was sent to managers and PS's. I am still worried and feel uneasy about everything. Why? My PS is very, very concerned about TAT and wanting all work to be done. I cannot understand why, but I do know the company is very concerned about TAT. I assume it is fear of losing clients, but really do not know the main reason.All I know is that it is a very, very big deal to get all work done.
Good point about Unemployment Insurance [2008-05-24]
Let them pay.
Too bad a couple of years agothe house and senate voted down a bill that would include service workers in the current unemployment insurance laws that are for factory workers regarding losing their jobs to overseas competition. Factory workers get longer than 6 months of UI (double I think) and get all kinds of money to retrain in other industries.
Why did they vote it down? Because it would be too expensive. Of course when the polticians and their corporate masters talk about offshore outsourcing out of the other side of their mouths, they insist that it is only a fraction of US jobs being lost and we should not be concerned.
p.s. and hospitals are complying [2008-05-24]
from the article I saw on the news, leading hospitals are making a very concerted effort in sensitivity training and are concerned about their image in how they treat gays
Received an email from manager this morning [2008-05-23]
that said she is aware of rumors and that there is nothing to be concerned about. All of a sudden people are in a panic and emailing the media, etc. Is there really need for all this concern? I don't like outsourcing any more than the next person, but does this mean we will lose our jobs?
nobody said it would happen overnight [2008-05-23]
I think you are wrong about the motives (to be disruptive). We have a right to be concerned about another big US company being owned by an overseas company.
Do I think it'll change in the next 3 months? Probably not. Six months -- we will see changes be it further reduction in pay, just the crappiest of work left, etc. I would be more concerned if I was in management right now.
To me this is bigger than MQ .. we are becoming a country of consumers rather than producers .. and in my opinion, that is a very bad thing.
Are you as an MTSO doing anything to bring awareness to YOUR perspective of where the problem starts?
You do indeed have some valid points, but bottom line -- are we going to sit back and let more of our jobs go overseas?
I hope you do choose to get involved and fight for preserving the American workforce! And those same administrators and doctors should also be fighting it --- rather than just finding cheaper solution to solve the problem and to heck with the American people doing the job!
I just sent it to my senators... [2008-05-23]
...and forwarded it to my mom with instructions to forward to all her church friends. It is not just MTs who should be concerned about this, since the outsourcing is primarily to India, Pakistan, and other hotbeds of Islamic fundamentalism.
My account is usually pretty busy.... [2008-05-21]
I signed on for 1000 lines per day 5 days a week, and I rarely run out of work. The 1 or 2 times I came up short, I just tried to make it up later in the week, but no one was concerned about it and I didn't ask for another account. I didn't mind the break and it's not an everyday occurence.
We have a 24-hour window, not 12, and I don't think they outsource (but I could be wrong).
The minimum count required per day is 700 lines. I think if you want to work less than that, they don't pay as much (like maybe 7 cpl).
my take [2008-05-16]
I think MQ is more concerned about people giving samples to these sites than us looking at them. And, while I would never dream of EVER doing that, I do believe there are some employees who would not think it through and do it. :(
Also, with that being said, I don't think anyone should expect to reference these sites if you are disputing a QA finding and expect for MQ to change their minds, as I take it that MQ approved sites would be considered. It is their indication they feel it is a quality, reliable site.
I may be entirely wrong -- please let me know if you think I am.
I don't use them, but will check out the sounds-a-like for doctor's names mentioned below now.
How old? Have you ever heard of the sputnik generation [2008-05-15]
When the USSR beat us into space, they tested all the school kids, put the smart ones in accelerated classes, put the mid-level ones together, and put the lower levels into vocational classes.
In the 1960s the only thing educators were concerned about was making sure everyone felt good about themselves.
I have a brother 20 yrs younger (37 vs 57) and his education compared to mine was worthless.
My ex is a college professor turned provost; he is appalled by the lack of knowledge todays college students enter with.
Now you see where all this whining on this board comes from, and it's not their fault they feel so privileged.
I dread the day when the last of us are gone...have you ever read the Kornbluth sci fi story, Marching Morons. He was way ahead of his time.
Odd isn't it? [2008-05-09]
Now that you mention it, I was also concerned about not hearing from my supervisor this week - not at all. And this is after I left him 2 phone messages and had a MQ friend e-mail him because I did not have any Internet since 5/3 until 5/8 to be able to work. I was sure they would think I had just bailed on them and end up firing me for not showing up for work! It was very frustrating! Nothing even in my Medquist mail after I had my Internet up and running again. I wonder what they are all doing?
It does give one pause [2008-05-09]
I received that email also. It surprise me. Actuallypuzzled would be a better word. I've been here 28 years and they never seemed concerned about the way doctors dictated before. It does make you wonder.
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