line rates at Medquist

Is Medquist Cbay? (sorry I'm dumb) [2008-12-03]
I recently was laid off from an account I typed for for over five years. The in-house Transcriptionist left, and they couldn't ever hire anyone to replace her, so they are now going to Cbay. They were nice and gave me two weeks notice. I've been trying to read about this company. Is it right in that Cbay bought Medquist, or am I reading this incorrectly. Can I contact Cbay and inquire about a job with them (maybe I could do one of the five doctors I've done the past five plus years). Thank you kindly. This is the second time this has happened to me right before Christmas.

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]

Medquist has acknowleged that they send work overseas for quite some time now. [2008-11-24]

This is the answer, MedQuist! [2008-11-24]
Dictator: Albuterol inhaler ASR: Beer inhaler Yes.....that certainly would help right about now!!

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

medquist [2008-11-23]
I used to work in a job paying a lot less than what I am making at Medquist, even with the cuts, so am going to stick it out and see what happens.This job has paid me more than I have ever made. We still have benefits andpaid time off now if full-time. Hopefully, they will see that outsourcing our work to India is not the best idea and things will turn around for us. I have tried some of the shortcuts suggested by *****, i.e. speeding up the dictator, fillling in blanksof meds, doctor's names, hard wordsat the end of the report and did increase my line count somewhat to 325 and that is without proofing. I really don't think speeding up a dictator is a good idea as you may miss a word, lab value, etc. I don't think there is any way to get to 644 an hour unless, of course, you have an account that has a lot of standards.

Medquist's last straw! [2008-11-23]
I've been working for MQ now for 8 years...and I've seen so many changes take place, some good, but most bad. My pay has been cut more times than I'd like to think about and after this last pay cut, now 60% of our basic line rate...I've had enough! I'm a high producer, I put out over 3000 lines every day...and I can't work much harder than I'm already working! I get stressed out and my blood pressure goes up, just trying to keep up my pace, and I don't want to see an early grave. I decided to do something about it...I re-vamped my resume and I hope to have a new job before the end of the year. I'm sorry, MQ, but I've done my best for you, and this is the thanks I get?

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

Medquist has been losing money [2008-11-23]
for at least 3 years. I checked Spheris and they are also in the red. Don't expect any raises and do expect the ASR rate to be decreased again in the future. If you can get out of transcription - go! Also tried to work as fast as I could today. Managed 300 lines per hours for about 1/2 and 1/2 regular transcription and ASR. My forearms ached at the end. It's not worth it, at least not to me. I think if you do push that hard for any length of time you will have arthritis and/or carpal tunnel in a very short time.

Me too, rather see MedQuist win than lawyers...nm [2008-11-21]
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.

MedQuist Tier 3 highest or lowest level? [2008-11-21]
nm

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

Where on Medquist.Com do you find the (sm) [2008-11-19]
link about the law suit - and opting out or not? I clicked on news releases and did not see it. I'm not with MQ any longer but was during the law suit years. I appreciate the help! Take care - Ex-MQ MT.

MedQuist new motto [2008-11-19]
Attention all MTs: You are living in the year 2008, but we are going to pay you like it is 1978. Corporate will take the money that we are saving -- they always do! I always thought that the most important part of a transcription company was the MT, since that is how the work gets done, but I guess I was wrong. Maybe the guys in suits should try transcribing for a while and then try living on that salary instead of the hefty one they get now. Screw you, MedQuist.

new ASR pay rates [2008-11-19]
That's gotta be the best laugh I've had all day. Before long, we'll be paying them to work for them ...

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.

MQ to pay 6.6 million for overbilling [2008-12-04]
Google Medquist and hit news and this article from 16 hours ago is there where MQ is paying the government 6.6 million for overbilling. No wonder they cannot compensate the transcriptionists; they have no money left!

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.

Ms Cranky Pants [2008-12-03]
I did read the posts below. But really, your post wasn't very nice. You did warn us and you did tell us to cut it out. I'm sorry for jumping on you. I think we have all had about enough of Medquist and I take offense to just about everything right now. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. By the way, that was the first negative post I have EVER posted.

hahahaha [2008-12-03]
if i'd hadn't already swallowed my sip of coffee, i would have spewed it on my computer at that one! yea, run, don't walk, from any possibility of working for medquist. we are only still here because we can't find other jobs. yet.

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.

Is Medquist Cbay? (sorry I'm dumb) [2008-12-03]
I recently was laid off from an account I typed for for over five years. The in-house Transcriptionist left, and they couldn't ever hire anyone to replace her, so they are now going to Cbay. They were nice and gave me two weeks notice. I've been trying to read about this company. Is it right in that Cbay bought Medquist, or am I reading this incorrectly. Can I contact Cbay and inquire about a job with them (maybe I could do one of the five doctors I've done the past five plus years). Thank you kindly. This is the second time this has happened to me right before Christmas.

Applied for a job [2008-12-03]
Since Cbay took over the account I had, and they bought Medquist, I went to the Medquist site and started the job application process. If you only want to work part-time, don't waste your time going through it because, once you finally answer all the questions, it tells you they are not hiring part time.

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.

Another account gone? [2008-12-02]
Has anyone heard if another large radiology account, possibly 2, have left Medquist and gone elsewhere starting this week? There has been no work for nearly 16 hours in the account and no answer when asked about what is going on. Last time this happened they waited a week to tell us the account was no longer with MQ.

OMG! OMG! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS. [2008-12-02]
http://health-information.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=189369 I went to Google, typed in Medquist and then at top of page, I hit News and this is the report that came up first. IT SAYS TO GO TO MTSTARS.COM in the article. From the East Comes Light Posted on Dec. 1, 2008 By Rebecca A. McSwain, PhD, CMT View/Post Comment E-Mail Article Printer-Friendly Permalink Ex oriente lux (From the East Comes Light) (Latin proverb) Over the last 10 years there have been, to guesstimate, a billion words expended on offshore MT. Unfortunately, these words have often generated more heat than light. That is to say, offshore MT is an emotional issue, and enlightenment in the form of facts is sometimes hard to come by. For example, an outfit called ValueNotes, which researches and analyzes international business trends, suggested in 2006 that current revenue from Indian MT was $195 million yearly and would reach $647 million by 2010. ValueNotes, however, is based in India, and may be inclined to have an exaggerated view of Indian MT trends. Given that many large U.S. clients - hospitals and clinics - require guarantees that their work will not be offshored, it's difficult to say where this vast expansion in Indian MT will come from. It is undeniable, however, that large U.S. medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs) now have a presence in India (Spheris and MedQuist are examples). For a good sampling of how U.S. MTs feel, go to the MTStars Web site (http://www.mtstars.com), Main Forum, and search the term offshore. Hold on to your hat, and get out your saltshaker for the grains of salt you need when reading some of the posts. Many people blame offshoring companies for the precipitous drop in MT wages in the past decade or so. But is there really good evidence for this? There have been myriad downward pressures on transcription pay. First is the nationwide panic about soaring health care costs. The value of MT is often not understood by administrative/financial decision makers in health care institutions, and MT becomes an easy target for those seeking to save money. Second, the increasing and continuing costs of technological change have, in my opinion, siphoned off billions of the dollars allocated to medical records - sometimes with good results, sometimes not. Some of that money, I believe, has come out of our (MT) hides. Third, I believe the promises (delusions) of automated transcription have created a reluctance on the part of financial decision-makers to spend the money necessary to train and retain skilled MTs, because, after all, in 5 years we will all be replaced by a computer. (Not. But that's another topic.) Finally, MTs should consider that their loss of income may be part of a larger trend of lower or stagnant pay in health care occupations. Nursing pay, for example, did not increase for many years in spite of an acute shortage of nurses, and nursing can't be outsourced. (See http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/354/15/1648 for one discussion of nurses' wages.) I worked in India for 6 months and still count some Indian MTs as friends and colleagues. I didn't believe at that time, and don't believe now, that offshoring is the source of all the ills of MT. If the value of medical transcription is understood correctly by hospital and clinic administrators, if quality and service are paramount, then our shared goals can be achieved by a worldwide collaboration of well-trained and appropriately compensated MTs. That would be the dawn of a new day! Rebecca A. McSwain is currently working as a production MT for a national service. She has worked as an MT supervisor, business owner, instructor and QA manager. She's a member of AHDI and the American Medical Writers Association. She has a PhD in anthropology and continues to work on anthro-related writing projects in her spare time. She can be reached at rmcswain_985@fuse.net.

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.

How much did you make last year? [2008-12-02]
I am a new Medquist employee and I read about paycuts. Just out of curiosity how much was your yearly income?

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.

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...

I totally agree [2008-12-01]
I mentioned before that this company knows exactly what it is doing, and even though we may think that changes suddenly happen, that is far from the truth. They implement things knowing full well what they do. The bottom line is money, always has been with MQ and always will be. They don't really care if you stay or not, and what you say here has no bearing whatsoever on how they feel. I am sure they don't lose any sleep over any of what is said. We do come here to help one another out and to cope with what is going on, and some of us stay for the benefits because when you get older they are harder to get, but after seeing what is posted here, I feel so very sorry for those that are truly struggling. Please don't stay here if you are not making any money and can't even afford to keep your electric on or buy food! MQ is not going to come along and suddenly take pity on you and pay your bills. I finally went with another company, who by the way actually has a couple of accounts from MQ now,and they are NOT ASR. I guess that says something. Eventually they will lose other accounts, but will replace them too. It is good to speak up for yourselves, but a very small percentage of MTs do that with MQ, and I am sure they know all about the negative comments. My Dad told me when I first went to work don't think you can't be replaced at any job, because you can. Do the best job you know how, keep up with what is happening in your field, and utilize your skills, but also know when it is time to move on while you still can. I have always remembered him telling me that,and he was right. I wish everyone well here, and absolutely despise what is happening, and all the grief this is causing. Think Twice was right MQ is 100% in charge and control, and they can and will do exactly as they please.