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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Even small MTSOs?

Posted By: LK on 2008-05-13
In Reply to: It's happening all over. We have to adapt or find - other jobs.

I know all the bigger companies are moving to SR, but what about small MTSO's?
Are they also moving exclusively to SR? I know of very small MTSOs in my local area that still are picking up and delivering tapes. Not that I want to be in the dark ages, just don't want my pay cut in half to be fixing a garbled mess spit out by the machine! MT's at my company who have already moved to SR are finding they are making a lot less money doing it. They get half the pay, but it does NOT take half the time to do the work!


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maybe ... small MTSOs can go either way .. sm
pay small because they are small ... or pay well, and say they appreciate quality work, and joke with you about other MTs they have on their payroll ..... and then you realize they are probably making the same remarks about you behind your back too.
Small MTSOs that I know are not

The only reason they use subs is that the client needs more work done than they can physically do themselves.  Most small MTSOs did not start out wanting to be an MTSO at all, but just having their own accounts.  Then there is too much work and they have to use subs.  And most of the line count is forwarded on to the subcontractor, not kept as profit for the MTSO.


I am just such a small MTSO and I make more money when I don't have subs because I can spend my time typing instead of listening to blanks, setting up templates, explaining format, etc., doing payroll, etc.


Small MTSOs
should not comingle personal and company funds for many reasons, some of them tax reasons, some of them other legal reasons.
The big companies and the small MTSOs are
what I avoid. Give me a medium sized company any day. The big companies treat you like a number. It's nothing but corporate B.S. The little MTSOs are always stressing out and you're the only person they have to work for them. Both want you available 24/7 and to sit there doing nothing if there's no work or the system is down.
Medscribe/FL has several small MTSOs that
they contract with to do some of their work but Medscribe doesn't actually own them. I think Southscribe is the name of their larger contracter that is in Georgia. By the time someone actually gets the work through one of the small MTSO's, it has been rerecorded at least 4 to 5 times so the quality is horrid.
d~
I think you're better off without the histrionic, small MTSOs (sm).
My experience with the small companies is that the owners are typically emotional and don't run things professionally. Surely they're not all this way, but my experience so far has been 100% this way. You're better off without the small-timers, but if psych is all you can do, I'm not sure where else you can find psych-only work.
Small MTSOs ... How much do you charge for copies and envelopes?
NEED HELP....DOC WANTS ME TO MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING AND ENVELOPES PLUS HE DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR TEMPLATES AND ASKED ME TO DROP MY RATE....WHAT TO DO???  PLEASE HELP!  THANKS!
2 small MTSOs, IC, work 8-10 q.d. ~6 days a week, ave 2000-2300 biweekly, 10 yrs exp. 0.06gross and
;
What do you consider small or big? nm
nm
NOT everyone, some are too small for

]]


Small co
Milner Transcription - Atlanta, Ga
About 50 MTs
If you need one (very small fee)
nm
Yes for a very small fee
.
Yes for a very small fee that is

Probably a really small co OR the sm

recruiter is temporarily assuming job duties for an account supervisor while they look for someone or maybe a leave.


Put your questions here and we can tell you.


And what about the MTSOs that ...
yell and scream and write nasty emails just because they happen to be in a bad mood? And that goes for some QA people I can think of too. They don't know or care to be civil. I suppose the double standard would apply here though. Only the peasantry should be given psychiatric tests?!
MTSOs?
Is this the correct board for me to ask a question of other MTSOs? I'm new to these boards.  Thank you. D
MTSOs

Thank you!  I have been in business 12 years and, if you can believe it, I have never implemented any guidelines for acceptable error rates from my transcriptionists.  I have 19 transcriptionists and am finding that I need to do something to make them realize that they can no longer be lazy and just figure, oh, Dell will fix it.  We have reached a volume of work where I cannot fix lazy transcription problems any longer.  I am unsure how to go about this?  What are various ways to figure out the allowable error rate?


Thank you for all the help you can provide!  D.


MTSOs

I currently do offer a three tiered pay scale where the transcriptionists work their way up -- but I nevertheless find so many things they simply are not looking up or aren't sure of themselves and so will put question marks.


Do you know how the nationals figure the 98% accuracy? That's my real problem, I don't know how to go about figuring the 98% accuracy. 


Good luck on getting that big account!!  We have a large one starting on 02/01 and I'm nervous that with the sudden increase in volume I won't have the time to QA the way I have to now.  In my area it is hard finding really top notch transcriptionists -- the couple I am having trouble with have been with me awhile and I've tried and tried to train them but they lack self confidence and don't THINK about what they are typing -- hard to teach that THINKING skill!!!


Who are the top 5 MTSOs (most MT's)? nm
nm
To all MTSOs...sm

I am just curious.  I am sure it is very hard for MTSOs to find dependable, well-trained, honest people that work their required schedules as it is hard for dependable, honest, hardworking MTs to find companies that pay well, when they are supposed to, and have decent accounts and availability of work. 


My question is where are you?  I have close to 15+ years experience in multiple phases.  I have been burned by 2 telecommuting companies already.  I have been employed with this last company for over a year.  I thought they were great but over the past 5 months or so things have began to have turned sour.  Plus absolutely no benefits are offered.  I can handle not having any benefits as long as everything else is good. 


I have been skeptical to change jobs but things have just gotten to where I am completely dissatisfied. 


If any MTSOs are hiring, I would be happy to take any test, send resume, etc.  I just don't want to be burned anymore.  I love this profession but times have changed.  But like I said, it is hard for the MTSO as well as the MTs.


MTSOs
My opinion, I think part of the problem is with offshoring and the fact that offshored MTs can be paid less, therefore dropping US MTs pay. According to a lot of posts and my researching, MT pay has drastically dropped over the years and it's not getting better. Maybe if the MTSOs would post on what changes are happening on their end that makes them lower hire-on pay, that would help. From an MT standpoint, it seems that MTSOs are dropping MT pay but still lining their pockets, which is not a fair assessment, but that's the way some see it. We work hard and have to have a pretty much ongoing education to keep up with the medical terminology. I know some with 20+ years of experience are very frustrated that they cannot get a decent line pay. I don't know what MTSOs can do to make the situation better. Not all MTs are unhappy with their situation. I am very happy with the company I work with, although I do miss the statutory status and bonuses that I previously had at MQ, but times are changing and we have to adapt, and no I DON'T like it! Anyway, this is just my opinion.
MTSOs
I figure, it could get worse and for me, it actually has, so I try not to complain too much, but it does get frustrating and I try to look at it from both points of view, even though I'm not an MTSO and never actually owned one myself.
MTSOs
In the last 5 years that I have worked for an MTSO, I have seen a lot of changes in these companies and the way they treat their employees. When I first started working from home for one, the pay was good. They didn't bother you. They got your work to you...their were benefits. Now...with more experience and even certified, I get the run around too. Take a typing test with 20 minutes of dictation. Like being certified isn't good enough? My biggest concern is the fact they need to rethink how work-at-home employees should be treated. They tend to group us all together and try to treat us like we work in an office. It just isn't going to be the same. We obviously made this choice to work from home for our families. We give up a lot working from home, but they try to pretend that we should pay the same dues. The fact that they NEVER EVER CLOSE is a big one. Not to many companies out there make their employees work all hours, all days, all holidays with NO!!!!! reward for it. No thanks, nothing. They expect you to work on Christmas day in your home where your family is celebrating, perhaps 5 - 10 feet away and not participate?

For instance, I had to work last Christmas (and trust me, I've paid my dues on holidays). But it was a new job, so I had no choice. Sure I started late. I spent the first 2 hours celebrating with my family, opening presents, etc. As soon as that was over, I got on here and started working. I made my line count well before my shift was to end, but I got the mean e-mail about not working.

I think they need to get real. We work from home. We don't leave our problems at home when we go to work. Sure, you have to separate home from work while your working but I think they need to treat us with a little respect. Perhaps realize that we sacrifice for a reason instead of pretending that our reason doesn't exist.

Maybe they should take a clue from Google on how it treats its employees? Man I would just love to work there!

I feel so frustrated in this occupation lately, that I don't know what to do. I get the run around myself. Scheduling interviews and putting your whole day off for it and then the recruiter doesn't call!!! But e-mails saying sorry can we reschedule? NO, we can't.

I've seen and done it all in the last few years, offshoring, holidays, bad employers, horrible bosses. Its been a long time since I enjoyed my job.

Sorry if this runs on, but its late (since I have to work late shift to compete with the overseas people because they work while we sleep!) but I'm tired. Time to go to bed!

Here's hoping that something in the future happens and once again, our jobs are great and we brag to everyone about it!

This is what I believe about MTSOs

Most all of them are probably offshoring work secretly or not.  They overall don't respect their MTs.  They offer baloney rates.  They lie through their teeth.  They offer steak and deliver animal chow.  They punish all MTs supposedly because of the faults of a few MTs.  They keep tabs with countless instant messages and phone calls to keep their ignorant little children in check.  They are constantly running ads because they can't keep good MTs. 


How can any industry survive with this treatment?  I think almost every one of them is offshoring whether they admit it or not.  What other explanation could there be?  It can't be simply because the MTs put up with it.  There HAS to be something else behind it.  MTs as an industry don't put up with any more crap than any other type of employees.  BUT the MT industry has a way of offshoring work with nobody the wiser, unlike other industries and I think that is what is behind the whole sham. 


MTSOs

The way I see it (and probably others) is the reason many companies are struggling or not making it is because they did it to themselves.  Coming from a hospital setting, it's like comparing USA to Aruba, and I'm not talking scenery, here!


 


MTSOs

The way I see it (and probably others) is the reason many companies are struggling or not making it is because they did it to themselves.  Coming from a hospital setting, it's like comparing USA to Aruba, and I'm not talking scenery, here!


 


MTSOs
Shutting down the in-house hospital transcription department. Given the names of Alliance, Transcend, and Central Transcription Services. Not much of a choice. I need benefits. HELP!! Any information appreciated.
Those MTSOs
should spend the time making their company better instead of pretending it's so great.

You just wonder about people!
MTSOs and others
From what Im reading here on this board there are definitely some less desirable companies out there to work for.  There have been warnings many times on this board about these companies.  Its a vicious cycle it just keeps coming round and round, same company different month or week.  It could be that recruiters for these same companies keep posing as MTs and hooraying about what a great company it is, lots of fuzzies and smiley faces to reel people in.  Then, those very same people that were reeled in come back here to complain.  Heres a clue for ya, if the company is not talked about on this board its probably one of the rare ok places to work.  If you see too much bragging about a company then red flag- guess what, its a sneaking low down recruiter people!!!
if you ask me, MTSOs - sm
can cut corners by doing their own hiring and eliminating these recruiters.

with over 30 years experience I have said no to low-ballers because I started 20 years ago on production at - guess what - 8 cpl.

My personal favorites are the 'difficult' (and they know it) accounts that offer 7 - 8 cpl and claim commensurate with experience.

uh - run that by me again, and this time with a straight face, please.



JUST SAY NO, GIRLS. We can put them in a corner, too.



MTSOs
I work for 2 different services, one pays 10 cpl with differential for any weekend and holiday work typed. The other pays 9 cpl, but is very easy clinic work. These people who complain about not making any money on 9 cpl just aren't keeping their butts in their chairs.
MTSOs
Boy, you are correct!  I used to think the horror of horrors would be to work for someone who was not an MT.  For the past 10 years or so it seems that more than likely the strings are pulled by the suits who probably can't even type.  There are also those MTs who have sold out' and managed to get into management and they are just puppets for the suits so poor MTs have few anymore who will stand up for them. You are loyal to your MTs and chances are most of them reciprocate.
I think most MTSOs don't want MTs with
they don't want to pay for it. And it's quite obvious in my experience that the same goes for their QA people, as well!
$$$$ by MTSOs
As a past MTSO from the days gone by - not now... you cannot make a profit if you don't charge 3 times what you are paying your employee... so, 8 cents a line to the employee - the MTSO is making at least 24 CPL. Don't kid yourselves. We are all getting the screws from the MTSOs of today and they are getting rich as H-E-L-L.
you are so right! Plus the MTSOs sm
to put up with the whiny MTs who are worrying about what the MTSO is chargin and other things that the IC shouldn't even care about when its none of their business!
Need for MTSOs?

Despite working for an MTSO, it seems to me that I am receiving my work directly from the hospital already.  It's just that the MTSO QA and Admin people have access to the same platform and jobs as well.  In order for a job to go to our QA department, we have to pend it to them.  Otherwise, it goes directly to the facility.  I am an IC.  As I see it, the only thing that the MTSO has provided after my hiring has been the computation and delivery of my paycheck and QA when required.


If I were an IC working directly for a facility, I would be happy to cover stats for an additional fee.  Plus, I would charge an additional fee for the more difficult dictators, for rude behavior such as eating when dictating, for heavy lookups that could have been prevented if the dictator had provided sufficient information, and for those times when I have to spend several minutes listening to non-dictation, such as when the dictator is just having a conversation with a colleague or other person on the tape, apparently not able to push a pause button.   Contrary to these extra charges, I would look forward to being able to communicate directly with the facility to possibly effect changes/improvements.  As it is, I work for an MTSO whose owners are apparently afraid, too lazy, or noncaring to confront the facility in order to correct some problems that continue forever, never to change, that affect only the MTs and QAs.


Even with all this, I would bet that the facility could save money.  After all, it seems that right now there are a lot of people at the MTSOs that do not produce work, but still are receiving paychecks.


MTSOs would like you to believe that, but they
are ultimately responsible for the product they sell.
FYI - A lot of MTSOs do have
offices. Not everyone can work from home. The MTSO I work for has at least 20 people in the office.
Don't let the MTSOs and other
negative posters run you off. SOME people obviously don't like that you stand up for MTs and speak out about us getting a raw deal lately. I for one completely appreciate it.
NY MTSOs....sm
I am speechless, why so rude???? Geez, I am not saying all people from New York are that way, but I have worked for 2 services out of New York in my MT life and they take the cake for being so nasty.
Small MTSO

I am a small MTSO and I have two part timers that work for me.  I try to allow them to make a good living but there are costs of running a business.  I do the pick up and deliveries, I print, I buy the paper, toners, etc.  I do the invoicing.  I do the customer service.  I do the QA, etc.   So when I make 2 to 3 cents a line, that is sometimes barely $5 to $7 an hour after gas, paper, etc.   I keep my line charge reasonable -- 0.11 to 0.12 and that allows me to pay 0.8 cents per line.   But if my gals use their brains to use word expanders, templates, etc. they can make $16 to $24 an hour (200 to 300 lines per hour) which to me is fair.    I pay them on time often first and sometimes wait for the check to come in.    But you guys we do not make a lot when subcontracting out.   But if a document is 400 lines I make $8 to $12 for the report and that is before all my expenses.  So we are not jiving any of you.


 


 


Small companies
Please list the names of some small companies. I need to get out of a big national but don't know where to turn. Thanx.
To Small MTSO

No suggestions here except to keep up the great work and appreciation for your team.


I agree, don't waste your time on the ignorant's on this board that think everyone is out to screw the MT...it's a sad fact, but there are some who just have such blackened lenses to see through.  It sounds like you really appreciate your team and there are more employers out there like you, really there are.


OR - sm = small message; nm = no msg NM
nm
oh by the way.....*S* small message...sm

did YOU write the acronym book?  HAHAHAHAHAHA -


Well, I've online over 10 years and on boards/forums and SM means small message versus NM meaning no message versus LM meaning long message.


To each his or her own *S*  It's not etched in blood.....*S*  Hope you have a better 2006.  *S*



Not small, not huge. When I was there it had 350+ MTs.
x
wow, this is a pretty small
x
Three small accounts that I do by myself..sm
I do not do any type of billing for the accounts, just do the work like regular work that I download from the company...so I think that would be a good reason for a raise.  But, I don't want to say anything to make them think twice otherwise because these accounts that I have are really good.  Does that make sense? 
Must be a small company
It is a small company. Sorry if you're not impressed with my work. It works for me. I could do over 1,000 if I wanted to, but this suits me. I have another part time job that supplies me with income also.
and that is only a small part of the
problems they have. Communication is nil, rude people to deal with, and total chaos.