IT is good for that

Good luck, but you'll need your CMT... [2008-11-21]
The only other way possible I can think of, and someone above already mentioned it, is have another Transcriptionist train you. That's how I got into this field. However, most transcriptionists aren't in the situation to train to nor do they probably want to. If you do choose to do online courses, I would personally recommend CareerStep... just stay away from PCDI! I have two friends going through CareerStep and they both are enjoying the course. Otherwise, this isn't a job you can just walk up to and start without any knowledge. If you want an easy job like that where you need no training, or training on the job, try a gas station or fast food restaurant. Sorry, I'm not trying to sound harsh, just truthful. You need a lot of training before working as an MT, as another poster said, it really is like a second language! You have to learn terminology, pharmaceuticals, anatomy, etc. However, I wish you the best of luck. If you *really* want to become an MT, then you can do it!

good resource site? [2008-11-19]
We used to have two people type radiology, but it is going to now be put in the general report pool. I have one book from stedmans, but am kind of nervous. Do you have any good websites?

community college. those online courses/schools are not very good and [2008-11-19]
very expensive. but don't do it just to work at home.

Good for you. [2008-11-18]
You should report that other company looking for ICs to the IRS.

That is a good idea. My friend and her ...sm [2008-11-17]
husband have started selling dog shirts on ebay and they are making some extra money at it.

Crazy question... does Express Scribe actually convert audio to text? Sounds too good to be true.. [2008-11-17]
It does state this on their web site. I was curious if anyone has used this option, and if so, does it really work? Thanks again~

I think you have a good point [2008-11-16]
I was there once. Where I lived at the time was a small town. Those commercials make it seem like it is so easy to get work as an MT. Not 15 years ago in a town with 1 small hospital and maybe 6 docs it wasn't. I absolutely hate those commercials because they are not realistic.

going on my 17th year of it and feeling good about things sm [2008-11-15]
still loving it just as much. I work for a hospital and they just sent us home to type so everything is new again, new system, new challenges. I need to be challenged or I become bored, so enjoy things at the moment.

That's good advice. Thanks. [2008-11-13]
no message.

You're good for awhile, don't worry! [2008-11-10]
If you wear out a keyboard, then worry! Had my laptop since 9/11, can still read the keys or in a few keys almost invisible but, I know where they are! Do well! Quit being nervous, it slows you down!

You're good for awhile, don't worry! [2008-11-10]
If you wear out a keyboard, then worry! Had my laptop since 9/11, can still read the keys or in a few keys almost invisible but, I know where they are! Do well! Quit being nervous, it slows you down!

You're so kind, thank you for the good thoughts! sm [2008-11-10]
She does have to be on a high-fiber diet. They think this might be related to H-pylori, even though she tested negative for it. I told her lets not worry until we have to, easier said than done, but she is a worrier, and yes, I have inherited that from her as well:) I was reading up on this MALT lymphoma and if that's what she has, it looks like it is pretty treatable if caught in the early stages, so we will pray. Thanks again. I will update when I know more. Thanks for posting - means a lot:) Jen

Good or bad MT [2008-11-08]
Can someone tell me how I to know if I'm a good MT. I have tried looking for some free online tests, but I can't find anything. I'm constantly worrying about losing my job because I don't know if I'm any good...I just recently got put on a new account and I'm always having to blank now. I am wondering if this is just how the MT world is or if I suck at what I do....please HELP!

Good poll! [2008-11-06]
It makes me feel like I'm not the only one struggling!! 1. $1900-$2400 2. Yes, 3. 3. 6 cents (only 3 hours per week), 8 cents (30 hours per week), and 7.5 cents (10 hours per week). 4. About $2000 for bills, gas, and food. 4. Umm...we should have a little bit of surplus by my calculations, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

Good poll! [2008-11-06]
It makes me feel like I'm not the only one struggling!! 1. $1900-$2400 2. Yes, 3. 3. 6 cents (only 3 hours per week), 8 cents (30-40 hours per week), and 7.5 cents (15-20 hours per week). 4. About $2000 for bills, gas, and food. 4. Umm...we should have a little bit of surplus by my calculations, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

I don't think you'll get a good answer from the info... [2008-11-06]
you provided. It varies too much from location to location. I've seen some MTs on here that say inhouse in their area make less than $10 an hour. Our local starts newbies (providing they pass the tests) at $16.79 an hour.

Does anyone have good text expanders for vital signs data? [2008-11-05]
Do you any of you use text Expanders for the numerical portion of vital signs for example, 130/80 ? I have lots of expanders but none for the actual numerical data. It really slows me down either having to look at my number row or switch to the keypad. I do have some, but nothing consistent. Anything ideas would be great, thanks!!

A good expander pays for itself in no time at all. [2008-11-05]
Word files corrupt too easily so be sure to keep a backup for when you've lost all your shortcuts. Also remember that you can only use autotext in Word and you're working harder not smarter. JMHO.

Good to get the other POV, and some perspective. Thanks. NM [2008-11-05]
x

Here! Good to meet you. That guy was [2008-11-02]
something else, but did give me a chance to learn ops at an hourly pay, so I have him to thank. That was a long time ago, and far far away! Memories! Hi to all my friends who worked in the room with no lights, and the money tree with the bugs. LOL.

To good to be true [2008-11-01]
If it sounds to good to be true, it no doubt is. It could be due to the fact that many QA people get sick of QA and most don't get paid as good as MTs generally. It's a pretty dull job and I am sure you'll have to wear some pretty heavy duty armor. Your the cop on the beat so to speak.

Good luck -- it is not cheap [2008-10-31]
I had a job offer that required it too. They didn't offer me enough per line to even afford it. I spoke with a lawyer and he said the company should carry that-- not the MT. You cannot get it just from your local insuracne person, you have to go to a speciality company like a doctor or nurse would use. I think you can buy it from AAMT.

Good One! [2008-10-31]
Yes, maybe the boy should bend the teacher's hand!

They will only be as good as what SM [2008-10-31]
sound quality of files you receive from your company and/or your tapes, etc.

I feel lost---is this as good as it gets? Need advice PLEASE [2008-10-29]
I have been doing MT now for almost 3 years. Previously to being hired, I had never done MT before, but I had worked in a hospital system and public health for a total of about 19 years and I had a Bachelors Degree to boot, so I was hired. I worked for a medical clinic that housed about 100 doctors of varying specialties. The QA person never helped me, nor did I get training--I was pretty much on my own. Reports were pretty simple, so I was able to get by without anyone helping me. However, the boss was a horrible woman, a supervisor of medical records who was ALWAYS firing people for any little infraction. If she didn't like you, you had even more problems. She didn't like me, so she made my life hard. I was short 100 measly lines of a goal she set and she made my life h-e-l-l. She constantly wrote me up about it, even those I was sooo close, but other people that she liked, didn't have to have to meet goals. Anyhow, I got fed up and quit. I got hired at a hospital in acute care--a friend who worked there got me in. This time, I had feedback. Unfortunately, acute care is something I had no experience with and now my issues are QA. You get dinged for any mistake and I can't pass QA! I've been there for 5 months, but I'm scared I am going to get fired. NEVER have I ever had to worry so much about my performance or getting written up and/or fired. I've been having nightmares I am going to get fired. I dread opening up any emails I get from QA--a fellow employee checks mine and she is VERY anal and dings me for everything. I feel like they think I'm not getting it and I believe they are circling the wagons to get me fired. I feel so dumb when I get my QA feedback. How could this be? I know I'm NOT dumb and can do this job. Certainly someone who made the Dean's List at an acredited school, has enough intelligence to excel at this, right? I'm just ready to give up. I'm scared to quit, as the job market and economy is pretty poor, but with my work experience and education, I've never had a problem getting hired. MT has been the WORST choice ever for me. I have a small child, so I thought this would be a good fit for me, but it's been a disaster. Is this the way it's going to be? Am I expecting too much of myself too soon? I just feel like there isn't any learning curve anymore. I feel so all alone, I can't talk to my co-workers about it, because they never share their QA scores or line counts. I'm so freaking frustrated and stressed about this. Any advice on my situation?Is thisthe way of life for an MT?Thanks

I don't post here super ofte, but I could use some thoughts [2008-11-21]
I have worked for many, many docs as an IC. You always do the dirty work, reprints, redelivery, etc. I did all those willingly and then was told on Friday by Peds manager they had someone to work in the office. After about two months, they called and wanted me back. I went back with about 20 tapes she had not done and just did not show up one day. Little man syndrome, one doctor whom I worked for, called it. Be encouraged, you will probably get him back. Sounds like you do very good work. I have had so many just like this I have lost count and now work for a company with NO money - ha. The docs around here dictate to the company I work for and the hospital pays for it! Another day in the life of a transcriptionist. There are probably errors in this too so go ahead and nit pick.

Anyone work at Terra Nova? [2008-11-21]
I'm thinking about applying to Terra Nova for more than one reason and I was wondering what it is like. Good... bad? What is the pay rate? Minimum line count? Do they treat you decently? How are the dictators? I searched the archives and didn't see much information on them. I'd love to hear more about them before I apply. Thank you! :o)

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO [2008-11-21]
I don't usually post anything on the internet but I was hoping to maybe get some positive feedback. I started as an MT in 1990. I worked for Kaiser in So CA for 15 years. I transcribed all work types and all specialties for hundreds of doctors.I took pride in my work and found it challenging on how to find ways to get the reportsdone faster. I had a very good job -$22.00per hour when I left - (they are union.) Ihad to leave because I had to have asubacromial decompression for impingement syndrome on my right and left shoulder. I still have flare-ups from pain. It was due to my job, and they could not honor my work restrictions when it was time to go back (I could only work 4 hurs a day)so I had to leave. That was okay with me - I had been commuting 100 miles round trip for years and I was burned out.I started a small transcription business of my own and had a few accounts - (I did them all myself.) I also have worked for a few transcription services throughout the years. I am not bragging by any means but I was always told that I did a very good job and I had very particular doctors. About a year ago my husbandcontracting businesstook off and he told me I did not have to work anymore. That was fine with me. Only now, due to theeconomy, the contractingbusiness is down. Anyway, I have to go back to transcribing as we have no money. I mean NO money, and we owe a lot. I have never been in this situation in my life and I am very scared. My point being - asyou all know when you stop transcribing hospital transcription for a time you lose a lot of your skillsI guess you would say. My confidence is way down. I have failed a few tests. I am 51 years old and I am scared to death. I have to find a job. Why can I am so down and I thought maybe some of you had been through this before. I did not mean to tell my life story, but when I explain to my husband or my friends they don Anyway thanks for listening....

ANY ONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT TERRA NOVA [2008-11-21]
JUST HEARD ABOUT THIS COMPANY AND WONDERED IF ANYONE KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM GOOD OR BAD. WHAT WORK PLATFORM DO THEY USE. TEXT OR SPEECH. PAY RATES??

I make more editing or transcribing SM [2008-11-21]
depending on how the lines are being counted and how good the SR is at transcribing the dictator at a particular institution. Compensaton is particularly subjective and variable in editing, which offers opportunity for lowballing in a period when hospitals are pressuring hard to keep costs down. I prefer editing, though. As said, it's significantly easier on the wrists, you're a lot more productive, it's somewhat higher-level work and (if the job survives at all) likely to become more so, in part because only a high-skilled Editor can figure out the leavings of these very clever transcriptionist-computers. The days when a content slob with flying fingers was a valued MT are fast departing.

I don't post here super often but I could use some thoughts (m) [2008-11-21]
and support. Don't flame me for sounding weak or needy. I had a client call me out of the blue today (actually his secretary called me) and told me that I was no longer transcribing his letters. But were clear I'd still be transcribing for his partner. I asked why, she said she didn't know what his gripe was but that he made her be the bad guy. It feels personal to me, not because he did it on a personal level, but I guess it hurts like a personal attack because my work is very serious to me and I'd hate to think that he thought I wasn't do my job well enough. I know I was. I often felt undermined or a little accused by the staff at times. I was supposed to pick up x number of times per week and about a month ago they called and said now, how often ARE you picking up? which sounded like they were not believing I was coming when I should. I pick up after hours, have my own key. Other times I'll get lists of reports they need. Some I've given them weeks or months earlier. Some I don't have at all, BUT not because I lost them, because they weren't dictated. I keep a physical list of all reports on each tape I do and if it's not on the tape, it's not on the list. I mentioned this to the sec. once before in my defense when she's said he dictated such and such when he actually only thought he did or accidentally taped over it something, kwim? Things are so tight for us right now as they are for so many of us. I guess I just need to vent and ask if this has happened to others? Where you felt undermined and let go unfairly? Or if you've just had doctors come and go every so often for really no good reason? I feel bad. These doctors' wives are my friends (were before I worked for him) and I think that makes it feel more personal. I've been very good about and tried really hard not to mention personal in the office or the office when I see them socially so the two are separate. I just feel like he was unhappy with me and I often wondered if he was just by the questions the girl asked me and made me feel like she thought I wasn't doing my job right. But I really thought if HE had a problem, HE would talk to me so I was okay. Guess not, huh? Thanks if you even read this far. If you have a prayer or two to spare for me that it all works out, that I find work fast to replace this income and that my family doesn't feel any effects from it. Also that the relationship and my feelings are healed, that I can overcome it. I'd just appreciated any shared experiences. Thanks. (P.S. Not in the best frame of mind right now, so I apologize for any typos or errors. This is my disclaimer that I'm not going to proofread this, lol).

I too am an IC who has worked for 2 doctors sm [2008-11-21]
for quite some time (going on 6 years now). Fortunately things have been going well and I get along very well with the office staff, as well as with the docs, though I don't see them much. We have hit some rough spots though, like when I was told I was doing too much work! I work full time at a hospital in addition to my IC work and most of my typing for the IC work is done on the weekend. Two tapes a day usually means I have between 5-8 tapes every weekend. One time I brought 8 tapes on Monday, feeling very proud of all the work I had done and I was slammed for causing their secretary too much work! Sheesh....so now even if I do all my tapes I only send in 4 at a time. Oh brother! It's tricky trying to keep a good working relationship with everyone. I hope you can resolve your issues. If I were to lose my IC work, I would be devastated, financially and personally. Best wishes to you!

most employers use the Book of Style sm [2008-11-21]
for standards and I would get one and read up on it to know the latest info...what did you fail on your testing? Speed? accuracy? You can certainly brush up on these things with practice tapes/dictation. Have you thought of typing independently for clinics in your area? Don't forget about psychiatric clinics, physical therapy clinics and other, less obvious places where documentation is necessary. Go personally to a doctor's office, speak only to the office manager there and tell them you are looking for work, perhaps at first only as a helper/coverage for their current Transcriptionist (I cover many doctor's offices for vacations). It will get your foot in the door at least. I have had two doctors ask me to be their full time transcriptionist after their own had left because I was their vacation coverage and they knew I could handle the job. Keep your head up! Perhaps working at a local hospital is the way to go. Good luck to you!

I would find another profession [2008-11-20]
As an MT with 20+ years experience,I am finding another career...I can't imagine just starting out in this field, as those of us who have been here for a long time do not get treated fairly anymore...you can't make money, very few online companies appreciate anything that you do. Like I tell my daughters who are all under 21 years of age, get a degree in something and then if they want to do this type of work, do it as a side job, but don't count on it to make a living...it just can't be done anymore. Good Luck!

I do both. [2008-11-19]
Up until last week I worked as a nurse 3 days a week and anIC MTthe remaining days. My nursing assignment was out of state and has come to an end, and yes, it defintely paid better. I love typing and being able to stay at home, and if finances weren't such an issue it would be worth it to me to trade the extra income for some peace of mind. I have to find another nursing job because personally I just can't generate the same money doing MT. As far as being able toease into transcription because one has a nursing or medical background--I agree with the above poster that it's not that simple. My first MT employer hired me specifically because I was a nurse and lived to regret it. They areseparate, specialized fields and have nothingin common other than terminology. It's amusing to me that people often think MT requires no special skills or training. The best advice I could give anyone (nurse or not) wanting to enter the field is what has already been said: Find a good school or training program and don't expect to take shortcuts.

Don't sell yourself short [2008-11-19]
Hiring seems to have slowed down quite a bit over the past couple of months (from what I've seen). I have four years in and have been looking for a second company and I can't even find one right now. I know four years is nothing compared to most, but still. I could take my pick in companies this past spring/summer...this always happens though. There will always be a slow down depending on the time of year. Give it some time, you will find a company THAT PAYS. Good Luck!!

Work for Free [2008-11-19]
I'm telling you, DON'T WORK FOR TOTH. They will s c a m you out of $130 or more before you even start to work, as they charge you this ridiculous fee just to set up your computer. Believe me, there aren't too many companies out there, at least in the 11 years that I have been doing this, that charge you to set up your computer, and if they do, it's usually only $30 to $50. Don't stoop to their level. They have no regard for their MTs, and they live beyond their means in a big house, with a mortgage that is about 5 times the average mortgage, and their car payments are about 3 times the average car payment. I know them personally, and they're not good people. Wait until after the holidays. This time of year it slows down, as doctors take vacation, etc. It is usually slow this time of year. Things break usually in February.

Sarah, I'd strongly recommend training SM [2008-11-19]
in a medical program in a community colleage, bypassing all the MT schools, and not aiming specifically for MT training. It seems likely that many those of us doing this work in future won't be doing THIS work precisely, i.e., transcription, but rather filling whatever future medical/clerical need evolves. It also seems likely that good-paying jobs will require a higher level of knowledge in future as mechanical dexerity (i.e., keyboard speed) becomes much, much less important. For that reason, going for at least a 2-year degree with a good medical knowledge base is recommended so you do end up with a decent-paying job as change progresses. If at that point you wanted to do at-home medical clerical and wished to start with MT, if at all possible it would be best to begin by getting a salaried position in a medical office or hospital to carry you while you developed experience. The learning curve is very long and flat, and much of the angst displayed on these forums comes from people who still aren't making a living on a production basis after months and months of investment. BTW, I read a newspaper article this morning suggesting that the current fiscal crisis could actually precipatate an overhaul of the medical system, forced by a desperate need to save money for patient care. I'm wondering if most of these nice long verbal reports could something the bureaucrats decided could be slashed. As I mentioned before on this forum, England went to the EMR, with doctors poking at the 1, 2, and 3, and A, B, C, and D, a long time ago.

good resource site? [2008-11-19]
We used to have two people type radiology, but it is going to now be put in the general report pool. I have one book from stedmans, but am kind of nervous. Do you have any good websites?

Yeah, i need the extra cash [2008-11-19]
my husband passed away in january. I need the promotion or I have to get a second job and I thought to work at home would be good because I still have a 15 year old at home. Oh well, I was trying to get prepared, but God will provide. I'm sure it will all work out. The hospital I work for has been very good to me so I count my blessings there. Thanks!

I'm okay with it just on my lap alone, but [2008-11-19]
I have my chair as low to the ground as possible and I still have to elevate my foot pedal on books to alleviate the stress on all parts of my leg. I also have an ancient set of PC speakers that I prop up my other foot off and on depending on what feels good.

So sorry about your husband...sm [2008-11-19]
Workng at home is good when you have kids. Look on the job boards. The ones that are hiring will be on there. There are a few that need help.

Ooma [2008-11-18]
Just stumbled across this new VOIP that sounds too good to be true. Normally I'd say Then it must be, but judging from the number of 5-star reviews on multiple websites, I'm seriously thinking of trying this out. Anyone here tried it? Apparently you buy the hardware like a mini-router that just routes a single IP address. Anyway, it looks like it would pay for itself in 4 months, & after that phone service would be totally free. Anyone here tried it? I might just jump in but keep my land line for awhile in case it doesn't pan out.

While a nurse might have a head start [2008-11-18]
on medical terminology, there is so much more to being a successful MT. Most companies will not accept nursing experience in lieu of actual MT experience, either. I'd suggest to your friend she enroll in a good MT school. Actually, I can't understand WHY a nurse would want to make the switch. These days, pay is going down, down, down for MTs and the pay could never compete with nursing pay.

been doing MT for a long time!! [2008-11-18]
I still love the world of medicine and the language of medicine. I think if you don't have that love for it, you will not be able to suffer through the highs and lows of this field, and there are plenty. I am in my 16th year and have done everything from MT to QA to teach, to supervising, and I still love to sit down and transcribe. If you have a good company or a good hospital to work for, there's always plenty of work which makes for the ability to make plenty of money. You will get faster and faster as the years go on, and if you don't have a ShortHand program yet, get one. You'll never make money without one.

use the back of the card [2008-11-17]
to tell things like your turn around time, years of experience, specialties (though you don't want to if you are branching out because it may scare potential clients if you are not well rounded), what type of dictation/transcription you offer, as in tape, digital, FTP transfer, call in system, etc. Good luck to you!

interruptions in your day [2008-11-17]
Hi all! I have been at this now for about 9-1/2 years and now that I have gotten serious about trying to work it like a normal job, it seems EVERYTHING gets in the way!!! arrgh. I work for two companies, one with assigned doctors (not much work) and one with pool work. I am struggling to consistently work enough hours doing the pool work. The money is good and the lines are decent, but it seems I have a hard time committing to it. With the assigned doctors, they have XX patients, and I know I do those patients and I am done. I can't seem to finish out my time with the pool work. It is just stupid. Anyway, after giving it a bit of thought this weekend, I decided to work my schedule like this. I will say because I have done assigned docs for so long, I am geared towards having a schedule of XX patients to work through and I don't have that with the pool work. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6-10 pool work, 10-12 assigned doc, 12-4 pool work. The issue I am having is my phone is ringing or there are issues with the kids, etc. So already this morning, basically 4 hours today have been shot due to phone/kids (HUGE ordeal this morning - I still have two kids at home, 16 and 17 - the joy of parenthood hehe). I just feel like I can't get anywhere. Currently I am doing the assigned doc and of course no one is calling, no drama, etc., so I will go right through his work with no problems. How do those of you who do pool work schedule yourselves? I think if I could ever get myself on a schedule with the pool work, which there is plenty of, I would drop the assigned doctor. My thinking is December 31 Maybe my brain is just stuck on checking off patients on a list instead of playing beat the clock doing the pool work HELP!!!!!

Yes, I feel the same way... [2008-11-17]
If you do not have 20+ years like I have, then the newer MTs find it a struggle to make a good line count. If you have to stop and look things up, that takes time. Some of us who have been in the biz for a long time can think quickly and do not second guess what we transcribe, therefore, moving on and making that line count.

try herbs for sleeping [2008-11-16]
I don't work 3rd shift but do have insomnia. I've found that herbs work nearly as well as prescribed meds for sleeping, and I don't wake up feeling groggy. Valerian is good, as is skullcap, but it seems that combinations work best. There's one called Sleep Like a Baby from a mail order company, HCBL, that works really well.

Nothing is forever....see message [2008-11-16]
But it's better to go from good to bad than from bad to worse!