Transcription to Coding

Transcription vs.coding [2008-11-28]
Coding is definitely a plus when billing or transcribing. I would recommend that you take an Anatomy and Physiology class before moving onto the coding or transcription. Go to a good school, such as a community college. Do not get caught in the business college trap. Been there, done that. Coding and transcription training can lead to other things besides just being a coder or transcriber.

Actually, its not that good, try this one. Google it: Medical Transcription: What's in it for y [2008-11-25]
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billing vs coding sm [2008-11-25]
I'm posting here because hardly anyone visits the billers coders board. Could someone tell me the difference between medical billing and medical coding? I have the impression that the biller just inputs data already coded, etc.for insurance andthe coder actually assigns the codes thus needs more indepth knowledge. Would being a medical biller helpin becoming a medical coder? Has anyone done either or both? What is the pay range for each? Thanks.

transcription pay [2008-11-21]
being a Transcriptionist for 10yrs I make about $40,000 a year, just wondering is that the normal????

Types of reports in radiology transcription [2008-11-19]
Can someone tell me the types of reports there are in radiology transcription. I've transcribed for years and have experience transcribing so many things and I think I've got enough experience to transcribe radiology but not positive exactly what comes through to radiology transcriptions as I've always been considered acute care. Just curious about the types that come through to radiology.

WARNING: TOTH TRANSCRIPTION [2008-11-18]
Hello! It's been a while since I have been on this board. I'm still receiving e-mails from MTs telling me that they have been taken advantage of by Toth Transcription. From what I understand, Toth is now advertising on www.craigslist.comfor new MTs to apply with them. Every time I receive an e-mail from another MT, she tells me how she has not been receiving her paychecks, and how after many attempts at contacting the Toths, she hasnot received any replies to her e-mails or return phone calls. It's no less than criminal what they are doing to people, and the more people that come forward with their experiences, the better our chances are at putting them out of business. I can't stress enough how underhanded and manipulative their hiring process is, and how abusive they are to their MTs. If you don't want to see them get away with this anymore, you have to act on this, and warn anybody and everybody about TOTH TRANSCRIPTION in Wexford, PA. They prey on newbies fresh out of school, and out-of-state applicants, because they know that as long as you are out of state, you have no recourse to go after them to get your money. ****** I am in touch with other MTs who have been put through the wringer by Toth, and they are fighting back tooth and nail. Don't feel hopeless and helpless, that is what they are counting on. Stand up for yourself and get fighting mad. ******* DISCLAIMER *****************Postings of this nature are the poster's personal opinion should not be considered as substantiated by MTStars. Under no circumstances will MTStars be liable for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained from this message. MTStars.com cannot effectively monitor validity of material/information posted on its Message Boards and, therefore, makes no representation and warranty with respect thereto. Any discussions regarding this situation should be handled via email. Contact/Reply OP (original poster) using the Reply by Email link below. MTStars Team

Nonmedical Transcription Jobs? [2008-11-08]
Can anyone tell me any legit companies that provide nonmedical transcription? I think I'm getting burned out with the medical transcription industry, looking for something different. Thanks!

Psychiatric transcription [2008-10-18]
Up until 18 months ago, I worked for a very large hospital system in MI earning 11 cents a line and making about 1500-1700 lpd for everything from SOAP notes to neurosurgical procedures. The system brought in a she-wolf who hired her longtime not-very-bright sidekick and I saw the light and outsourced myself to a national service. Now my former coworkers are making I think 8 cents a line for transcription and 3-4 cents a line for editing on Escription. I'd like to say that if you show the powers that be that you're trying in good faith to make their expected line count, perhaps they'll be willing to negotiate when they see what they're doing to the talent. I wish I could, but that wasn't my experience. I can, however, pray for you--but then, I pray every nightfor all MTs in the US and Canada.

home coding [2008-10-16]
I am currently a coder working from home and have done so for 5 years. In our area (midwest) very few hospital coders work on site now; almost all work from home. It is only a matter of time before most, if not all, coding is done at home. Office coding is probably different because oftentimes the physician office coder also does the billing so has to be on site to answer billing inquiries.

Toth Transcription [2008-10-16]
I too, although I'm ashamed to admit it, was a victim of Toth Transcription. I worked for that company(husband/wife team) a few years back and was taken for $4,600 and some change. How that much??? It’s the way he pays (or doesn’t pay I should say). You submit a bill for the previous month’s work so if you quit he ends up owing you 2 months of work which is what happened in my situation. In brief, he sent me a check for my work…..I quit (for various reasons but from all other posts you pretty much get the picture of why)…he stopped payment on the check (sent me an email stating good luck getting your money) and never paid me the last check that was owed to me. I did take him to court (in my town), got the judgment against him and was in the process of freezing his bank account when he decides to file bankruptcy. That was in 2005. Still haven’t seen a penny and the bankruptcy is still active. I’m now very happily working for a local hospital and GETTING PAID!!! All I can say is please stay away from this company unless you want to work for free. They have done this to soooooo many people and they keep getting away with it. PLEASE TRUST ME!!!

coding at home [2008-10-15]
I have a friend who has worked for several years coding inhouse and has just recently started working from home making a lot more money than she made at the hospital.

coding learning [2008-10-15]
Both Andrews and M-Tec have coding courses. I had a discussion with Redpen about the possibilities and she thinks it will be at home eventually.

Coding [2008-10-15]
There is a definite advantage to being an MT and switching to coding. I found a course through an adult education course (excellent course and virtually free except for the books) and it was great. It is difficult and very technical, more than just assigning numbers to diagnoses but I liked it. The thing is, at least from where I am (So Cal), I would have had to take a huge cut in pay to take an entry level position, work into coding, apprentice, and then once certified, then the potential for earnings is there. Also, I think you really need to have a lot of experience before you can do it from home. I can't take any kind of step backwards in pay or I'd be pursuing it. Who knows, maybe I still will. I just want to alert everyone to check their adult education programs, ROP, and local colleges first before paying a lot for this education. Good luck!

Question about coding pay sm [2008-10-15]
I've heard that coding eventually will be paid on production, so much per code. Any truth to that? I hope not. I'm currently in school for billing and coding. IMO production-based pay is what ruined MT. How are the at-home coders paid? Also how long will it be until coding is also offshored. Thanks.

Is medical coding a dying profession like MT? [2008-10-14]
My income is in the crapper and keeps getting worse and worse. I love working at home, been doing it for over a decade, so looking into something I can do at home. So what about medical coding? Offshore problems? Technology advances pushing out the real person coder? Any disadvantages? Worth learning and getting into at this point?

Coding [2008-10-14]
Is not really done a home yet anyway from what I have heard. You need to do it in an office or hospital. That may change.

Try DIT Transcription [2008-10-11]
They are wonderful to work for. I just started and am glad I found them. Keep the one you have as part time if you like and check out DIT part time.

Was it Toth Transcription? [2008-10-09]
Good luck if it was Toth. I've been waiting for my money for four long years now!

I believe that this was applied to transcription [2008-10-04]
is so the record would be more consistent all the way through.

TOTH TRANSCRIPTION [2008-10-03]
MUST READ: STAY AWAY FROM TOTH. In brief, whether you give them 2 weeks notice, or 1 day's notice, you will not be paid. (Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong on that point.) They realize you need the work, but they are not worried about YOU. They bring in the cash, and don’t give you a second thought. They hire newbies and any unsuspecting MT that is desperate for a job, or just out of school. They reel you in, give you work, collect the money, and live their lives. You won't be paid. This is the sad truth about these 2 ($%&@. Take if from somebody who knows them personally and who worked for them years ago. I never kept my mouth shut, which is why I did get paid. Other MTs at that time told me their paychecks bounced, or “They were in the mail or got lost in the mail”. Sound familiar??? This is the wife's business, but the husband ran it into the ground. He is rude, condescending, threatening in his manner and tone, and does not know the first thing about running a legitimate business. He was years ago and is to this day one of the nastiest, but dumbest men I have ever met in my entire life. He couldn’t hold down a real job, so he took advantage of his wife’s situation, and took over. Trust me. Tell anybody you know DO NOT WORK FOR THESE PEOPLE. Next, MTStars.com was highjacked. Do not go to this site to look for work, unless you check out the companies on there thoroughly before applying. Some of the companies posting on there are probably not even aware of what happened to the site. Recommended sites: MTStars.net; again, that’s (.net) NOT .com. Also, MTDaily.com is a good one. How to stop Toth and shut them down: First, start with law suits. Toth knows that nobody will sue them because your legal fees will more than likely exceed what Toth owes you. If you can find the means to do it, SUE THEM. If enough MTs that have fallen prey to Toth's unscrupulous business practices can come together on this, quite possibly they can be shut down. There are honest, legitimate companies that will hire hardworking MTs. I know from experience. I feel so bad for anybody that has worked for these people and not gotten paid. I will try to check posts as much as possible, but if you don't get a response from me, you may e-mail me at kahluasfight@yahoo.com. Good luck, everybody!

hourly rate for non-medical transcription [2008-10-01]
Hi, You asked about rates...I charge 125.00 per recorded hour of audio and have no problems getting work.

Non-medical transcription rate. [2008-09-30]
Does anyone charge an hourly rate to do non-medical transcription? If so, could you please tell me how much? I just got a job offer to do non-medical transcription, but she wants me to give her an hourly rate. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.

That's the medical transcription industry [2008-09-29]
Which is probably why, when someone with 15+ years of experience applies with these companies, they get a big song-and-dance about being 'not quite what they were looking for'. That is, if they even hear back from them at all.

Need some advice please on best way to learn new types of transcription [2008-09-24]
Hi everyone! I have been transcribing for 8 years, mostly radiology, some gross pathology, and noninvasive cardiac studies. I would love to learn a new type of transcription, maybe Acute Care? Can anyone please point me in a good direction? I've almost completed my AA and have taken medical terminology, a&p I and II and labs, and am very familiar with the medical language. Does anyone know of a company that will train me and pay me (a lower rate of course) to learn something new? Thank you so much for your advice in advance!!

Our pay at Medquist is 30% less than straight transcription. nm [2008-09-24]
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Just venting about TAT.... [2008-12-04]
If these hospitals are so picky about turnaround time...These docs come in on Saturday night and dictate 50 charts from the last 6 months that they haven't done, every report is 15-20 minutes long, and by cracky, they had better be typed and on the chart within 48 hours, or the transcription company gets a fine. OK. I feel better now.

I love it. [2008-12-03]
I can type 180 lph hour doing straight transcription and I can edit at an average of 600 lines per hour when I edit reports via escription. I make a lot more money editing than I ever would doing straight trans. This is also from 5 different accounts (big accounts) with 2 different employers. My average is relatively the same with each account. It really depends on the person though. The potential is there but it isn't going to work our for everyone. Good luck!

This account is sounding like both old MT sm [2008-12-03]
and the office staff are extremely disorganized. Other than making a list of the patients you transcribed, I would not get involved in any pre-transcription listmaking. That's the office's job. What should be happening is that they give you 1 jump drive for every 1 or 2 days' dictation ALONG WITH PATIENT LISTS FOR THOSE TWO DAYS. They have patient schedules in the office or a sign-in sheet, I am sure. They can at least provide you with those. As far as duplicates, state very firmly that due to the state of the records prior to you doing their transcription, they are probably going to have some duplicates and that you expect to be paid for everything you type. This is simply a cost of doing business the way they have been doing it in the past (or associating themselves with) and they are going to have to eat that cost. It's not your problem. If they give you any trouble with any of this, I would drop the account immediately and let them find a sucker to do free typing for them.

I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm [2008-12-02]
First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided. I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it. I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc. I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income. As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are: How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription. Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice. I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start. Thanks in Advance!

More money with eScription? [2008-12-02]
That's what I was afraid of is that if the correcting is too much than how could I possible make more money than doing regular transcription. I thought it might be possible to do twice as many lines per day by editing rather than transcribing, which is what I would need to do to make the same pay.

Make your expander lists portable [2008-12-01]
The esp file can be saved as mentioned.The next step is to make it work in Bayscribe. One solution is to use Instant Text and import your esp file. Once your Expander file is an Instant Text glossary, it is portable and you can use it on any MTSO transcription platform. MarianneTextware Solutions

Bose Headset [2008-11-30]
I remember someone talking about getting these headsets. Did you get them? Did you like them for transcription? I'm hoping to get them for Christmas, but would like to know if they are worth it.

Transcription vs.coding [2008-11-28]
Coding is definitely a plus when billing or transcribing. I would recommend that you take an Anatomy and Physiology class before moving onto the coding or transcription. Go to a good school, such as a community college. Do not get caught in the business college trap. Been there, done that. Coding and transcription training can lead to other things besides just being a coder or transcriber.

Doctor's hate to dictate. I can't tell you how many docs [2008-11-28]
have told me over the years how dictating is their least favorite part of their job. This is why so many of them suck at it. I used to the transcription supervisor at a teaching hospital and I used to have to train the new residents each year on the dictation system and I used to beg them to dictate slowly and clearly and I would bribe them with promises of food. I would stock the chart completion room where most of the dictated from with all kinds of snacks and treats. Docs are so sweet when they are residents. Then they turn ugly as the years go by!

billing vs coding sm [2008-11-25]
I'm posting here because hardly anyone visits the billers coders board. Could someone tell me the difference between medical billing and medical coding? I have the impression that the biller just inputs data already coded, etc.for insurance andthe coder actually assigns the codes thus needs more indepth knowledge. Would being a medical biller helpin becoming a medical coder? Has anyone done either or both? What is the pay range for each? Thanks.

Reply to all who responded [2008-11-24]
I never worked for a doctor's office, so forgive me for going off track a little. I went to my doctor in May for a followup of a problem I had gone to him before that. He had no record whatsoever of me even seeing him on the previousoffice visitand chalked if up to a transcription error. (I think they transcripe in their office, however.) SO, no record of me being there or the problem, and of course the doctor can't remember every patient's problems. I am not blaming the Transcriptionist here at all; I tend to blame the doctor. Who knows, maybe he DIDN'T even transcribe it.So, I think sometimes the doctors should be held responsible instead of blaming somone else. God bless.

Actually I use it and.... [2008-11-23]
I would have to say that I just put it all in regular mode and listen to almost in regular transcription mode and make the changes. I find it easiest for me. In edit mode, I find it difficult to have the cursor moving, I must take my foot off the pedal, make the change, then restart the pedal. I just couldn't do that! So in order to be able to use both foot pedal and cursor, I just don't it with all the symbols and stuff.....Make sense?

somebody help!!!! [2008-11-23]
Ok I have been transcribing for 10yrs for a hospital. The hospital is being bought out by some company I am scared to death of being outsourced:( I know it seems like outsourcing is really putting a damper on the transcription career making it miserable for alot of people out there that went into this field. Sooooo does anybody know how would I go about starting my own transcription business??? I am sure I would have to be licensed insured or whatever but will somebody PLEASE explain to me in detail the whole procedure in going about this if it is worth the headache?????

UI [2008-11-22]
Once they calculate how much you will get, it is put into a fund for you to take from. It is supposed to last up to 26 months, but if you work part time, they keep the first 55% and you get to keep the extra 45%, which also extends out the amount of time you can receive as you are not using all of your money from the fund. My position was eliminated back the end of February and I still have enough for two weeks yet, and now have been contacted that I can extend it another 13 weeks due to the bad economy. I recently started in a multinational marketing company working with the advertising dollars from Fortune 500 companies and the money I am making with them may get me out of this dilemma by the end of my 13 weeks, hopefully making as much as I was while doing transcription, but working a lot less hours and being my own boss.

MT is not that easy. [2008-11-22]
Years back when CEOs were taking over hospital transcription departments many had no clue about MTs. One even hired a hair stylist because she said always wanted to be an MT. In his mind, a hair stylist had what it took to succeed. She didn't last long as she never dreamed it would be so hard. He hired quite a few RNs thinking they also would have what it took. Most of the RNs had a hard time also and decided to leave. This CEO was so disappointed that these people didn't succeed because he liked them. He often treated seasoned MTs with 20+ years experience with disdain and dislike as these women were older, not as pretty and not as apt to kiss his .... as they knew what they were doing and felt they should get some respect. Sadly we are not respected enough or appreciated enough as not just anyone can be hired off the street to do our work.

quit [2008-11-21]
Tell them to find another transcriptionist, payment due in full and make sure to let EVERYONE else in the local transcription community know that they don't pay their bills. Depending on where you live and how much it's for, you may be able to sue in small claims. But, yeah, definitely cut your losses now.

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....

You are paid so much per minute of [2008-11-20]
dictation. However, remember that the rule of thumb is that for every minute of dictation it takes 3 to 5 minutes of transcription time. In some instances you could work all day for not a lot of money, depending on the dictator.

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.

Types of reports in radiology transcription [2008-11-19]
Can someone tell me the types of reports there are in radiology transcription. I've transcribed for years and have experience transcribing so many things and I think I've got enough experience to transcribe radiology but not positive exactly what comes through to radiology transcriptions as I've always been considered acute care. Just curious about the types that come through to radiology.

new mt [2008-11-19]
Most MTs take a course either by mail, online or in community college, etc. There are some companies that hire new MTs but I'm not sure of the names at this moment but MTjobs.com sometimes have one advertising for MTs that need no experience. In my experience, the best way to get employed as a new MT is to try a local transcription service in your community once you get schooling and try to get hired, that way there is someone there to help you if you have questions.

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.

Tell them to find someone else to do...sm [2008-11-19]
their transcription work.

New MTs... [2008-11-19]
Reply to: wahmnet@gmail.com [?]Date: 2008-11-11, 9:20AM EST Opening for entry level transcription. We have four departments; Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology and Dermatology. We have openings for entry level transcriptionists. We will train eligible applicants as per our needs http://www.medtranscriptionarena.com Location: world wide Compensation: $50 Telecommuting is ok. This is a part-time job. Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please, no phone calls about this job! You may contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

I use these....sm [2008-11-18]
from Transcription Gear. They don't hurt my ears, and have a mono/stereo setting, as well as an easy to reach volume control on them. I love them. http://www.transcriptiongear.com/store/FLX-10.html