in that case, i put each system on a new line, with a subhead if given nm

Did system restore help? [2008-11-29]
I have a MQ computer, HP, and I just plug the flash drive into the USB slot on the front of the computer. I then go to the file where my expansions are (user.aco), right click on user.aco and hit copy, then go to My Computer in the Start menuand select removable disk,right clickand then hit paste and your expansions will save to the flash drive. I had support put the user.aco file on my desktop so I could easily find it and save them regularly. WARNING: On the flash drive I use, I have to click on theSafely Remove Hardwareicon in the tool bar on the far bottom right of thedesktop and go through steps to safely remove the flash drive or I will lose some information I have saved to it. I think that there are different kinds of flash drives and I do not know if the directions to safely remove the drive are different for different devices, but thought I would mention itas you said you did not knowhow to use the flash drive.

What is the cents/line range? [2008-11-25]
I know there are some people get 9.5 cents/line and some people getting 7 cents/line for transcription, typing not ASR. What is the bottom cents/line for _typing_ transcription. TIA

secret to high line count [2008-11-25]
I now know what new wonder drug those in management/high line count producers must be on: IT IS CALLED - MQrackcocaine. That must surely explain how **** thinks MTs can edit 600-642 lines per hour. I recently had a psychiatric report that was about 4200 seconds, excellent dictator, minimal changes and it generated 425 lines and took me about 1 hour and 20 mins to carefully edit with proofreading of every single word. So unless you upload a pile of jobs without editing, I DO NOT believe (with 30 years experience as an MT/ME, 5.5 years on ASR with MQ) that any MT in their right mind can edit what they state. Sounds to me like they want quality to suffer by cracking the whip (possibly due to crap produced by off-shore, non-English speaking MTs). I also believe that management is posting fake messages on this site that state the 1-hour challange produces 500+ lines per hour. That is utterly ridiculous. Post an actual itemized line count from a specific MT that shows how many jobs are signed off in an hour......then maybe I will believe the claims to fame of producing 500 or more lines per hour. MQ ceases to amaze me. The last thing that shocked the heck out of me is when QASAR first came out and the little explanations that showed depending on what type of error MT made...case in point MT is tossing the job over the fence (not exact words but close enough). The other reasons were nothing but accusatory. The world is not a perfect place, but the longer I work for MQ the more confused I get. Oh well, next ASR report and then later I will go grocery shopping and I had better grab a case of KRAFT dinner. Now that is cheap eating and in several months from now I will have a larger butt to type on. On the good side of things, it is a beautiful winter day with sparkling frost on the ground. HAVE A NICE DAY, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. Sincerely, fellow MT who shares all of your feelings/opinions/frustrations.

high line counts [2008-11-25]
We all know if we practice the challenge that QA is going to come down on us. Can we blame it on***** and say that he told us to go as fast as we can without any regard for accuracy of reports. That should let us off the hook!!! Now they can't hold our mistakes against us since they told us to do it.

2 cents a line [2008-11-25]
Is that really how much they pay? I knew it had to be low, but I never heard an actual number.

All C-pool here. Line count atrocious. (NM) [2008-11-24]

line counts [2008-11-23]
I am a bit confused about the line counts. How long does MQ give you to reach the minimum line counts? I'm still in my probation period but I can't seem to get past 700 lines/8 hours. I seem to average around 650 after about 6 weeks. I don't know why I can't get beyond this. I've done 150-200 at other jobs in the past. I've been trying to setup expansions and wonder if trying to use them could be slowing me down --- basically, just having to think about the expansion and it not coming automatically. I'm at a loss to figure out how to get beyond this count and don't know when I'm expected to achieve the 800 lines/8 hours. Thanks

they wanted me to buy a C phone and have a phone line [2008-11-23]
x

Line counts and spaces [2008-11-21]
When I review my feedback in Qasar, why is there only ONE period after each sentence and not TWO?????? Is this how we are being cheated? After reviewing in Qasar and then looking at it as it is to be printed for the facility, miraculously there are 2 spaces after each sentence. Something is not right.

2000 line days are long gone [2008-11-21]
Old, Old, Old MT, Me too. I've been with MQ for about 12 years now, I started in the Fort Lauderdale office. I started out doing transcription temporarily while I was in college but got hooked with the mass amounts of money I made back then. I even told all my friends, stop whatever you're doing and do transcription - you can work from home AND take a look atthis paycheck !! Line count bonuses - weekend bonuses, etc etc - always amounted to hundreds of added dollars to my paycheck. I often made more income in bonus money than with production income. It has been a lonnnnng time since I have seen a decent bonus that added more than just a couple of dollars. My production used to be about 2000 lines a day, I was the highest producing Transcriptionist in our office. I had the same account every single day and tons of full reports in my shortcuts. All I needed to do were make a few minor adjustments to each and then I was off to the next. Now, with ASR I am very lucky to do 1200 lines a day and I can't even describe the money I've lost over the past few years with the decreased production. Now, the company email that announces that they are paying too much money and will be cutting our ASR pay. I am trying my best to be positive in this economy and be grateful that I have a job but I truly wonder how much longer I can survive on the little bit that I make these days. Anyway, just wanted to chime in, Old Old Old MT to let you know you are not alone. I'm not really what I would call an old timer but I have certainly been around MQ long enough to know that the days of 2000 lines are long gone.

Line counts [2008-11-20]
What the hell is going on with line counts??!! I have worked with MQ for the past 7 years on the same account, never having fell below line counts for any particular day or pay period. Now, I cannot seem to make the line count every day. I typed my ass off and the lines are not adding up. I am really frustrated over this! How could this be happening when in he past, consistently, I have had over 20,000 lines per pay period??????

Line count [2008-11-20]
I don't know if everyone else knows this and I am just noticing this, but when I bring up my reports checked by QA, it looks to me as if there is only one space after the periods even though I put in 2 spaces. Could this be bringing down the line counts?

I wonder if, based on the minimum line [2008-11-20]
count calculation, if a complaint can be filed with the labor board for not being paid minimum wage when meeting the minimum job requirement.

AAMT, just want more money to line their pockets...nm [2008-11-20]
x

Correct. It doesn't show on your line counts... [2008-11-19]
just on your check. You can do the math and figure it out, and I've always been paid right on that. Not sure how they keep track of it, as it doesn't show up anywhere else, but I have always gotten paid my regular rate.

Please can I take your ASR for 6 cents a line! [2008-11-19]
x

40 yrs as MT and now will be making 5.4/line ASR, and 99% of [2008-11-19]
nm

Drawing a line in the sand [2008-11-19]
The bad thing is they have us over a barrel because we have no real contact with each other - only on this board, and that is really a small percentage of employees who are on here. How long do you think it will take for them to lower us to 50%, 40% and so on? We have to draw a line in the sand somewhere. They may want you to think that you are the only nut that wrote in, but you're not. We need to stand up. Even if nothing gets done from it - at least we had the self repect to try.

What I don't get is why the case is being [2008-11-19]
settled with a payout to some fund or charity. Am I understanding it correctly that MQ has to pay but not to the MTs? How can that be just? The money should be paid to the MTs individually and let each MT decide how it will be spent. Afterall, we are the ones who were stolen from. I just don't get it. Whose idea was this, and if it's MQ's idea, why do they get to decide?

Case has been going on for years. . . [2008-11-19]
I don't know what else I could tell those lawyers that they don't already know. I contacted them (the ones in Atlanta) about 2 years ago and told them my story. They have been working on this line count issue for years. Personally, I wouldn't want to sue them myself as it can take just as long and who knows if I'd even have a case, what with those Indians being in power now. I do have a few other bones to pick with MQ other than line counts, though, and could personally keep that on the back burner. Who knows why they offered this settlement - I doubt it is what the plaintiffs are asking for, and personally don't know how they could accept the money going to ahdi.org unless that is their personal web business. Why would we ever benefit from classes from AHDI? I want that money I lost back in my pocket, not on some website.

minimum line count? [2008-11-19]
Oh, I have a minimum line count now?

News on MQ Central re: line count lawsuit [2008-11-18]
Have you all read the message about the settlement of the line count lawsuit to be heard in a courthouse inCamden, NJ, in February 2009? MQ is now obviously making us pay for this lawsuit out of our own pockets by dropping our salaries once again. Shouldn'tTHEYbe the ones paying the measly $1,500,000 for playing around with out line counts since 1998 in the first place? Wouldn't it be great if we could get up a crowd of MTs outside that courtroom on that day and scream to be heard to the judge? Or at least let those lawyers see what other outrageous atrocities MQ has done to us MT/MEs. There's time to gather momentum for this date!!

line count question [2008-11-14]
I am fairly new to MQ, started in April and was able to get my line count no problem until the past few weeks.. (I am part-time).. I had one week were I was off but the next week was able to barely make it. I retained my same primary account but all my normal doctors I had grown used to don't come to me anymore? Plus, can anyone tell me if not getting your line count has an affect on your paycheck? thanks.

We were paid by the page, not the line [2008-11-14]
I don't remember exactly how much they expected us to get done in a day - I was always part time. I do know in general, I would get more work than I could do in one day and I would call and tell them the next day only to send another tape or two or three, whatever. I wish I could remember what the pay was when I first started (28 years ago). I'm sure it was less than a dollar a page, because I remember when I got up to a dollar a page. In those early transcription days, they used to assume it would take you 3x the amount of time to transcribe; 30 minutes of dictation would take you 90 minutes to transcribe.

I want more line counts by wanting more [2008-11-13]
I have emailed my CCM about it. She answers all my questions, but this one question, if I can work more hours in a week. Something is not right. Then I read below of others not meeting quota and they are not getting written up (which is great), but something does not seem right. Now the CFO is leaving. She has been with Medquist for awhile. It seems to me they are getting ready to sell the company or something. Do you think the company would let me work more hours in a week? I am not asking for benefits, just 6-8 hours more a week. Is it difficult to get more hours?

Sorry [2008-12-04]
I am sorry, but you do not know what the heck you are talking about regarding the dictating system and how work is downloaded--so quit blowing everyone off like you do know and belittling us oh powerful one.

FYI--fact [2008-12-04]
No all dictators dictate directly into the system. A lot of them have what they call walk-abouts that they dictate into and can be downloaded into the system at any time. I have a dictator that dictates up to 3-4 days on his walk-about and they dumps that all in the system in one day. I do not believe they do it to tick us off it is just their way of dictating and part of their practice. Another dictator on my account dictates all his full physical exams on the weekend from the previous week (clinic work). It is just what he does. Work does not come in consistently. Doctors as well do get busy and get behind on dictation and need to catch up, again dumping work in the system when they have time to catch up on their dictation.

I have had them call me [2008-12-04]
WHILE I WAS WORKING to ask me to jump on the system and pull some work in. I said, um, I would be happy to but I am working my scheduled shift already. He said, oh, okay then hung up. No calls for OT for over a month, no calls back on tickets either.

how can that be? [2008-12-04]
The system does not work that way - there is no stopping point between a dictation job being created and it going electonically into the system, ready to be downloaded (other than being washed through ASR if coded to do so). Are you telling me that you believe ONE person in a facility is actually controlling the release of electronic voice files to the system for transcription?! Even if there were a whole department of people doing so, that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and defeats the purpose of digital voice and transcription systems completely. Does your PS have a bridge to sell, too?

Here we go again . . . [2008-12-04]
Yes, that is how it works - the MQ management conspires with the doctors and administration of the hospitals specifically to annoy you and sirupte your schedule. Get a grip - doctors dicate whenever the heck they want to, they dictate directly into the system so there is no THEY that are holding work just to pi$$ you off, and if you really had ever worked in a hospital you would know how cylical the work is and always has been. And no, I am not management, just an MT with 35 years of experience who does her job as asked by MQ, is not freaking out by every single little change and can remember to be grateful that I can earn full-time wages and have absolutely NO work expenses, thereby incerasing my take-home pay by 25% over those who slog to an office or, in our case, some dungeon in a hospital.

Honest [2008-12-03]
I have been able to get my line count okay this week (Wed and Thurs are the worst days though) and have made my usual $$ both yesterday and today but only because I have altered my work style since we had another reduction in pay. No one can really tell you what is the best company for you. I worked for another company that folks raved about online that I felt was worse than MQ and that was before the pay cut. Everyone is different. Hey, if you don't like it, look for another job.

Warning. . . [2008-12-03]
It suddenly seems all the rage for someMTs (and you know who you are) to transcribe mg as milligrams. This is seen as blatant line padding. .and out of all the accounts I QA, there may be ONE that requires this expansion. Please note that in every single case I warn the MT once, put the name on a list, and the next timeIadvise the MT's supervisor and my own.Cut it out.

You might want to have a talk with ASR as well - sm [2008-12-03]
On quite a few jobs ASR types out milligrams instead of putting mg. If someone is flying though attempting to get a decent line count, it could be left by mistake and the only one padding the line count is the program. While I'm here, what is the rule of thumb for when the doc says time seen is 1500 hours. If you put *time seen* as a header and then put is 1500 hours, half the time QA takes out the *is*. Just an example, as it happens after several headings. That is not padding, it's just putting what the doc said.

Don't be nervous. My interview was mostly [2008-12-03]
about what I feel most comfortable doing, hours, pay, etc. You've already completed your testing -- this is just talking. They are hiring you based on your testing, not your personality, so try not to sweat it! (I'm shy, so it helps me to keep that in mind.) Also, have a figure in mind of what you want per line because most companies try to get you cheaper and then negotiate a little higher, so it usually doesn't pay to accept the first offer, especially if you think it's too low for your experience level. You can always tell them you'd like to think about it and get back to them, so don't feel pushed into saying 'yes' right off the bat.

The cesspool is not going to end. [2008-12-03]
This is working for management. They get their turn around where they need it to be, doesn't matter that the MTs struggle. It upsets me that hard working MTs really expect or hope that things will improve. I'm not being a gloomy gus, I just hate to see anyone struggle with this expecting things to change or get better. Mr. 644's email was their way of smoothing things over, implying that we can make money here when for most MTs it just isn't the case.

new ASR person [2008-12-03]
Well the first month is great because you get paid the same amount that you are making as an hourly wage. But after that, it is all downhill. However, if you are one of those people who can do 644 lines an hour along with regular transcription do another 400 lines an hour, good luck, because you will be knocked down to 4 cents a line. it can become a little bit too much when like me had 90% ASR and 10% typing. I would rather type and get my lines.

I started with TT last June when we got [2008-12-03]
our original pay cut. After 16 years with MQ I was really ticked off. I still worked FT both jobs until last June when I went part time with MQ. Had to just to keep the same salary. I will not do speech with TT as I am not willing to work for that line rate, but they have been really good to work for. I still stay part time with MQ and it is nice having a back up when TT is slow, or vice versa.

Yes, we do know that. It's just a such [2008-12-03]
a slap in the face that Mr. Big 644 would wave this in our face. I'm sure he has no idea and does not care what a Transcriptionist does just so long as he appears successful and has a fat salary. It makes me cry that some get the gravy and the rest of us have our health care held hostage because we have difficult accounts - such as ESLs and residents who have no idea what they are saying, change their minds and have dictated the equivalent of two reports, but we only have lines for one. Yes, I have gotten a bit bitter. 644- Share the gravy or don't tell me someone else gets it and hold up their line count to me as your standard.

It's not too difficult to offshore accounts when your "store front" is in the United States [2008-12-03]
in this industry. Think about it if you were a doctor, for instance, in a group practice of say six physicians. You are offered great line rates for transcriptions and your office manager pursues a US based company (at least according to the address, although the company has an 800 or 888 toll free number, which could be anywhere in the world). Sad to say this physician practice has absolutely no idea that their dictation is being sent overseas. I think it is even more disgusting that the patient has no clue. I know that a ban on sending medical transcription overseas will be a tough obstacle, but I believe that every U.S. citizen deserves to know and have the right to choose where their personal medical history is going. I'm quite confident that foreign patients would not like their personal information being typed by a U.S. transcriptionist. Let us all get real in these times of mistrust and turmoil.

I totally feel your pain. Just be careful. Here's [2008-12-02]
First, sadly, you can never believe a word of anything from your supervisor. Watch the wording - the account went with another vendor. That wording does not necessarily mean that the account is no longer wiith MQ. MQ calls our International Labor Partners (ILPs) vendors when they feel like using that wording. We have lots and lots of vendors, even in the USA. Let's say you call the client. Eventually someone along the line may ask your name. If the account is still with MQ, they may very well complain to MQ. Its happened before, and to me! Also, if the account did truly leave MQ, most likely it was due to quality and not just price. Sadly, even though you may have been a great MT on the account, the client won't know that and not too many MQ MTs have been succesful following their account once MQ ruined it. Prior to that, many MTs followed our accounts to MQ, but not vice versa. Just be careful.

They may have some type of template [2008-12-02]
already set up, but I cannot believe that the system would know what text goes under what headings. The system isn't that smart. LOL

how do I word a 2 week notice... [2008-12-02]
if its less than 2 weeks? I was offered a transcription position for a local hospital, the pay is NOT what I want, its actually the same per line as I'm making here at the Q, but its more steady work and while they have ASR at the same 60% rate that the Q is doing, they have less ratio of ASR to transcribed reports, so I will technically still be better off, and it will be working at home soon (after in-house training) so I am taking it because I intend to start going back to school when I start working at home for this hospital, at least for now even though its the same pay I've made per line that I've made for the past 10 years without a raise, its a steadier job so for now I have to take it, I can't afford to stay anymore... anyway, so I start on the 15thwith an orientation, that date can't be changed unless I wait a whole month later which I can't afford....so that leaves me with less than 2 weeks as I work Su-Thu and I dont want to work the sunday before the orientation day.... so, how do I word it since its not technically a2 week notice? Should I just say this is my notice of...I don't know how to word it. I need to get it out today though. Also, do you just send it to your CCM or someone above him/her as well? thanks in advance!

thanks! [2008-12-02]
Its not a better pay as far as rate per line, but its one hospital, and its regular enough that they said a few times a month they offer OT, they ask for volunteers for holidays, they have lower cost health insurance so I may actually be able to afford insurance for the first time in 5 years...but I admit I'm still senidng out resumes for other places, because I am feeling like the pay rate is too close to what it is here, and I need to start saving money since I dont have a 401K since I couldn't even add to that ever! I need something more, so this is just a stepping stone to something more I'm sure...but while I'm not extremely excited about this new position, I'm more excited about taking that first step to helping me support my family better and have a less stressed ME so my son has a less stressed MOM to deal with. :) thanks!! now I feel like I can take a big breath....

thanks, I will! [2008-12-02]
I just discovered this forum a little over a month ago, I thought I was alone in my issues and struggles, only to find there are many others who have similar issues, complaints, financial changes with all these changes, and so while it sucks to have so many people not happy, at the same time is a huge relief and validating to know there were others and it wasn't just me. It was great to have people to vent to who truly understand how this line of work goes, and who understand the ups and downs...so I will definitely let you all know how things go.

Also, please remember that while you may not [2008-12-02]
pay rate of your new job, it will NOT be like MQ in that I am sure you will get routine raises, especially in a hospital setting. Seriously and honestly, I think MQ is the only company I have ever heard of in any line of work who has gotten away with no raises for so many and for some for years and years. So, it will always go UP at your new job! I am so happy for you. I started off working in hospitals, and miss them so much. You will feel like you are actually part of of something, and you will be! I even miss the cafeteria food! I lived in South Florida and the hospitals there had gourmet food for the staff, 24/7, including steak and lobster tails!

Im hoping the raise thing will be true... [2008-12-02]
I guess what disappointed me is that for 10 years I've made the same cpl as I was offered, no raise in 10 years, and to be offered the same pay rate was disappointing. I worked at this hospital once before 10 years ago before I moved out of that state, now I'm back. This position is for at-home actually, which is what sold me on the position. The last time I worked for this hospital they didn't have at-home positions and paid an hourly rate, now its at-home with a per-line rate. The more I have my great support system at home talking to me, the more I know that this is the best decision for my small family, even if the pay rate is the same, I would have my primary never change, whew! That in itself will be a huge improvement! and I'm considering going back to school, so I can do that as well once I figure out what I want to do next. :) thanks for that outlook, which my own little moral support system here also have mentioned, that while I may be disappointed ofthe pay rate per line, its going to still be more money than where I am in the long run because I'll get used to one hospital, I'll have likely a raise possibility, and at least for the immediate future I will have a stable job,and I will still be able to be at home with my son. :) sometimes it helps to get outsider's points of views to see the bigger picture, and see how much better the situation can be.

25% pay cut [2008-12-02]
Since ASR is _not_ saving me anytime, and I am getting 50% ASR lines, with the new 60% line rate cut, I calculate that I have effectively been given a 25% pay cut.

Honest answer please [2008-12-02]
I worked for MQ asbout 4 yrs ago and left due to lack of work. We had just started the vocie recognition and it was working great and then they let God knows who on there it became easier to use the macro'd reports and fill them in, especially for the ER work. My company I am at now is iffy work wise.. The only reason I left MQ was lack of work but I am reading all these neg comments on here and now I am having second thoughts...Should I come back or no? Please feel free to email me if you want in case you don't want your answer to be seen. I am waiting on my paperwork now...Problem is no dayshift schedules, which really stinks,,,Please let me know what is going on I am a single parent with my second starting college next year can't afford to get screwed over...

To QA [2008-12-02]
I got a couple stern words on my reports lately saying that the ADT was easily found, which really ticks me off. I spend more time than even should (in my opinion) trying to get the ADT to come up. I have no idea why it doesn't always show up when I type it as opposed to when QA gets it. Frankly, I can't imagine why the info isn't in the system when it's dictated, anyway, as the patient has already been seen. I now have the same thing for the report on my screen. While I appreciate all QA does, when I get remarks like this, I document the editor, etc. I also review what QA corrects and make appropriate changes, so this isn't a slam on QA. This is just an area that really gets me. Maybe someone wiser than me can shed some light on this. It sure frosts me when an Editor thinks I'm just faking it when I'm clearly not. Thanks.

Are you saying you didn't get the [2008-12-01]
memo where he told us that MQ's top producers were transcribing 426 lph, and editing at a rate of 644 lph. He even then went on to give us instructions on how we could increase our line rates so that we all could become this fast and encouraged us to take his challenge....Then he also had a bridge for sale, but we all passed on that one..... If you didn't get this E-mail you can always call or E-mail your CCM, and you may or may not get an answer because obviously they don't work full time anymore, or if they do part of their job is not to pay any attention to our E-mails. I haven't figured out what the new management team does or doesn't do yet, it must be another one of Mr. 644's secrets...Good luck...