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Good thing it did end up here. Post about squecky clean posts has already been

Posted By: deleted. lol nm on 2006-02-13
In Reply to: This is weird, I was actually under the thread I was - responding to...how did it end up here?? nm

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Awesome news. Too busy to post - it's a good thing :)
Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
The only thing I don't agree with is that the posts from management
would keep me from there. I think they are small enough to be personal. I think they will learn as they grow though to not react so strongly that this too shall pass. I know that a friend of mine who works there is a lead Transcriptionist now and is learning to be a manager as she goes, so not all of them are bought like at MQ and Spheris and the like. I think they are all transcriptionists who have been promoted from what I understand which might explain a lot of why they feel they have to defend the company.
good thing it is a temporary thing sm
because people with your attitude don't stay in anything very long anyway. Nobody has to listen to that crap to keep their job.

You don't know me either. you can say old fart all you want (when did 53 get to be old fart....too funny) but at least I am a valuable employee who can get a decent job!
Every week a different company has bad posts. The funny thing is that sm

it just goes round and round.  How about doing something about it rather than arguing back and forth.  I think we all can agree that there are good companies and bad companies but that for the most part they are all pretty similar.  Slipping through the cracks?  It happens.  Be the squeaky wheel and call the company.  Obviously they need people if they hire.  Perhaps your resume was stuck to another or your message not written down correctly.  Perhaps you misunderstood something and need to clarify it. Perhaps they misunderstood something and need to clarify it.  If you have chosen to work for a company and did your research, then you have to decide after a month or so if it is the right company for you or not.  Transcription is a very small world and these service owners talk amongst themselves.  They work on making transcription better not how to burn and tick off the next applicant.


Be realistic.  These companies all have good and bad points.  The really bad ones are obvious with the paychecks that do not arrive for months and those that continuously bounce checks and those that rip off their employees with fraudulent line counts.  But the ones that are constantly attacked on here are the ones that have been around for awhile and will continue with or without you.  MQ, Spheris, MDI, Transcend, Transolutions, Keystrokes, Heartland, TransHealth, OSI, Precyse and Cymed are going to continue to hire and fire and have happy MTs and MTs that do not like working for them.  The truly bad ones like XXXX and SS, to name a few, the ones that only have horrible posts are the ones that will fade away. 


what makes you thing she is stressing? you are the one with urgency in your posts. nm
I just don't get 'worried' out of her posts at all.
Had the same happen here, heard the same thing, good references and good ....sm
job record will get you better $$$ if you are willing to promote yourself, search like crazy, talk to everyone, etc., but I have never been paid a cent more for CMT, what a waste, and all the years I paid my dues to AAMT, what a joke, they did NOTHING to better our field, just took the money for better conventions, as far as I can see.
Please do not post job-wanted posts. SM

If you are looking for a position, please read our Job Seekers board.  You may also post your resume on our free resume bank.


If you have questions about a specific company, please ask here on the Company board.


However, we do not allow posts asking for good companies or good pay, etc.  Ask about specific companies. 


If you have any questions, email the Administrator or myself.  We will be glad to help you.


Goldbird


 


Please do not post job-wanted posts. SM

You should peruse our free Job Seekers board for job advertisements.  We also have a free resume bank for you to submit your resume to.


Otherwise, you should not post job-wanted posts.  Please ask about a specific company.


If you have questions about this, please email myself or the Administrator.


Goldbird


and posters who post posts to themselves--sm
as in either agreeing with or disagreeing with, just to get the flames higher. There is one below who did just that, just to see who would agree with someone who was flaming her for being hard on *whiners*, but she outed herself and admitted she had done it just to get *credit due her*. I think we should all be *registered* under a forum name, so that when we post, it will not be quite so anonymous anymore and potentially stop a lot of the incessant picking on of other posters and their opinions. and this is just my opinion. This is the only board I have ever frequented where a person is allowed to post under any such name they want, and cause such havoc. jmo.
One thing is certain, if you don't post you

want get any response.   I have posted and gotten many responses, some for small companies offering 7 cpl as an independent contract despite me having 20 years of experience.  I have had offers to QA offshore work for 3 cpl.  I have had offers from some of the big nationals.  I actually did accept a position from my resume and worked there for nearly 7 years before they sold out.


I have posted my resume too and weeks went by without a response.  There is no guarantee, but it doesn't cost anything. 


 


See my post above...I love to read posts like yours!
I'm ecstatic to be on board with Transtech and reading posts such as yours from long-term TT'ers makes me smile that I'm part of the team now as well.
You got it! Great post! Odd thing, though, is
I have always been paid on production, but boy you made me remember the joy, absolute joy, of digging around in med book after med book and finally finding that obscure term! Or drug! It was such a tremendous feeling of accomplishment! And nobody knew we did it, right? It was just a personal triumph, and knowledge gained. Knowledge is so wonderful. But somehow that's what I feel seems to be missing these days - so many MTs don't care about knowledge, nor want it. They have no interest in searching for a term or even trying. That's the part that I don't understand. Again, I was on production, at first holding a baby on my lap while balancing my IBM Selectric, lining up all my colors of paper with carbon, and my bottles and bottles of Liquid Paper in matching colors. One typo and you were looking at half hour of whiting out each copy in its particular color - and trying not to let your tears smudge the rest of the job. But boy did we learn, and boy did we produce nice work! And over the months and years, my production grew and grew with my knowledge. Wish more MTs operated the same way and cared about the knowledge first, production later. Nice meeting you, by the way! Another crispy critter here, too!
Sure does, and the only thing anyone dares to post is
what they thought was funny from a VR error, that the line counts are slow coming in, or is anyone else having a problem. You do not dare to post anything controversial or you will get the pink slip you have been looking for.
With all the negative posts in response to a positive post, I am

surprised that anyone posts anything here. 


I do not work for Keystrokes but I like to see what is out there, and the benefits they are offered, if coupled with a decent line rate and steady work load, are better than most I have seen.


Gone are the days of fully-paid pension plans.  Gone are the days of three weeks' vacation.  Employers cannot afford these, and not just in transcription.


If you aren't interested or do not like something, just ignore the post.  You obviously were interested or you would not have read it.


Can't we cut back on the nasty posts on this board?  If it does not concern you, don't criticize. 


If you are not looking for a new position, don't gripe about ones that are being offered.  If you are looking and a company's line rates, benefits or perks don't meet your personal requirements, why cut that company down?  Just move on and good luck finding what you are looking for. 


I agree with the poster about being mad at the entire industry, but I still love my career choice.  It has been a good fit for me and has allowed me to live a nice lifestyle. 


If I wasn't happy, I'd move on to another career. 


Recent posts in the archives too. Open your post and then near
the bottom click on the blue related posts to bring up most recent ones.   They pay 8 cpl, dictators are horrendous, they have very frequent turnover. 
I really think MDI could clean up a lot of
problems if they would communicate with the remote MTs.   We had weekly conference calls for 2 or 3 months, then 1 for 1 month and then none.  If I did not know MTs on other accounts, I would think there was nothing put out in communication, but several of my friends get little things like notes where they might need additional help or other little things going on in the company. I have had 1 e-mail in last 6 months stating where they needed additional help.  Why?  Because I have a team leader who thinks she is going to control everyone and her idea of controlling is to limit the amount of work you are allowed to do.   This team leader idea was the worst idea they ever had when you have a team leader like this one!!!!!!!! 
Just came upon this post and LOVE it, thanks for posting, have one thing to add....sm
This past year I had a lot of changes, some okay, some pretty bad, but one of the only consistently bright spots has been my job this past year since Februry. Just wanted to share, as they are hiring, perhaps someone else would not like this position, but I have been MT for close to 30 years and feel very compensated, cared for, content, un-stressed, and happy.

My company is on the west coast. They have many accounts from clinic/acute care, sports medicine, ER, primnary care, and just about every specialty. They truly strive to match up each MT with primary accounts, and also with accounts you are familiar/comfortable/proficient in. Work is strictly IC, and they truly work it that way. You basically choose hours/how many/when, there are no weekends unless you want to work, no holiday coverage (unless you want!), very flexible with personal days, sick days, etc, as long as there is sufficient notice for coverage; pay is always corret and ON TIME, although we are paid monthly; Yes it was a drawback the first month, but after that I just took that fat check and budgeted it, no problem.

One of the best things is that we are paid by the GROSS LINE, which is a line is a line is a line, everything counts, spaces, returns, macros, certain headers, it adds up fast and to the the MT's benefit, believe me.

Our platform is MedRite XL on Crescendo network, very easy, fast, user-friendly, Word-based, all you need is a high-speed connection, Windows XP, sound card and foot pedal, training is very laid back, kind, helpful, and very rapid if you have been an MT for quite a while. My boss was just asking me if I knew any fairly seasoned, dependable, well-rounded MTs, and although I have a few friends in the field, they are busy with other jobs they have been at for a long time....I am not a salesperson, I am not a headhunter or anything, never even been QA, I actually over regular old transcription, but I really love this company, I have had some horrible experiences, and these folks have been a JOY to work for this past year. Please feel free to e-mail me with questions, I did not give the name so as not to be too much of a cheerleader. Happy, peaceful, prosperous, and very healthy new year to everyone out there!
I have deleted one of your posts. Do not post names of employees on this board. Thank you. nm
x
I used to clean the grill at BK...
Your post brought back gruesome memories! I also manned the fry station - quite fun during those hot summer months. Hmm...come to think of it - MT doesn't seem quite so bad now that I think about it.... 
You and me both. I basically just clean up
for brand spanking new MTs at one-third of their line rate.  Depressing.  But am making a little money while looking for other jobs.
That's because all the posts, good or bad, get
deleted because it turns into such a mud slinging competition. They are like all the others, good fit for some and not for others. Good luck!
Then email that too! I want a clean board and I think Adm does too!
XXXXX
And I'm sure even the janitors who clean their buildings -sm
But when was the last time you got a C.O.L. raise, or a merit raise, for that matter? Here in the western U.S. a gallon of gas is now $4.00 in some places, a box of cereal (which once you open it, is in reality HALF a box of cereal!) costs $5.00, rents are high, etc., and MTs still make about 7-8 cents a line - if that.
It only takes a second to clean my toilet. Want to
x
who is going to clean up the bad ESLs' VR reports? I ..sm
Is this a way to weed out too badly dictating ESLs doctors from VR?
The only thing I noticed was counts slower to post - but accurate,I think
nm
Wow .. I caught them doing that post-dating thing on the postage meter several sm
years ago, dating it on the postage meter for when it SHOULD have been mailed, then the actual postmark being 5-6 days later -- I thought they would have wised up by now.  My experience there was not a happy one.  At the time they paid by gross line, which was nice, but I was on a nasty account in FL and would run out of work a lot.  When I'd call in and tell them that I had no work, the woman would blow it off and laugh and tell me to just take the day off.  I had no other source of income, so oddly enough I didn't find it  amusing. 
Why is it that when anyone has anything good to say about a company, there are always the posts sm

turn the whole thread ugly.  Then the posts are all removed, and the company looks bad because the good was removed with the bad.  Yes, Keystrokes pays to have an ad on this forum but it is just an advertisement like the ones we have on other medical sites, in magazines, at trade shows and in other publications. 


I am going to set the record straight for those who are intersted.  If you are not, ignore the post. 


Keystrokes has grown from 5 to over 200 transcriptionists, from $50,000 in revenue to over $5 million dollars in revenue in 8 years, with the majority of the increase in the past 3 years.  This is public knowledge, available on the website, Inc Magazine site, Aspatore books, etc. so there is no reason to delete this. 


We have 100% account retention.  We recently declined meeting the price of an offshore company when a few of our radiology accounts went to voice recognition in the same health system.  We chose not to do voice recognition with them by not meeting an outragiously low price.  We do not outsource and stand firm on that regardless of what other do.


Keystrokes has been changing over the past three years, not disputed, but the changes benefit the MTs more than anyone.  Our rates are higher than many (not all) companies, our schedules have some flexibility, our managers are all MTs. 


We have caught a lot of grief on this board for various reasons, and a lot of it seems to be from the same few people.  Or from those who talk nonsense.  I truly hope that people reading these negative posts see sour grapes when they read them and understand.  Yes, there are some bitter people out there but they are ones that either did not make it through the initial period, have poor quality, have zero reliability, have made gross patient care errors or have breached HIPAA regulations.  Yes, there has been a turnover, but we have a great team in place and those who work at Keystrokes like/love working there.


We have heard that only a very small percentage of transcriptionists actually visit the MT websites for anything other than the job openings.  A big reason is the pettiness and ugliness that the posts seem to bring out.  Another is time.  A lot of MTs work on computers all day long and want to spend off work time off their computer. 


If you have questions about Keystrokes, go to the company for answers. 


I defend the company that I work for but have made a promise to myself to stop visiting here and two other sites because they really just take up time that should be spent on other things.  I hate that the bashers will still be bashers and that no one can defend a company (any company) without being attacked.  So the bashers are the only ones that post.  I wish you all the best and rest assured, Keystrokes will continue to grow as a national presence, and will continue to attract customers and MTs and will continue to make both very happy.


From the archived posts not much good
to say about them.  Hard to get lines, it takes a rocket scientist to figure out your line rate, there is lots of work because they have a high turnover, management issues, they are currently training women in other countries to do MT work, don't know if they are currently offshoring.  Evidently this is a sore subject and previous posts with this information has been deleted. 
There are many good posts in archives
They seem to have a good platform and plenty of work.  I just applied myself after looking in the archives and reading the most recent posts.
Don't know how you found good posts about NJ
x
The only good thing I can say about SS is if you

go to work for them you'll not have the experience to know how horrible they are and when you leave you'll realize how horrible they were.


The sound quality is horrific.  Some accounts have ESL dictators that are horrendous and I have 20 years' experience and do 85% ESL.   Management is a joke.  They don't know how to treat MTs.   The only reason they offer the mentoring program is they can't get good, experienced MTs to work for them. 


 


 


 


Good thing you did!!!!!!!
x
I did - not a good thing..
I did radiology. Lots of demographics to populate and training sucked.  Not a money maker.
That was really the only good thing going for them. nm
 
Well the invite to come clean my toilet for free still
x
I agree with the posts below, I think it is a good company. SM
You do receive good training on the computer. The whole week of training is on the computer. You will start IMMEDIATELY on production with your account. That is my only complaint.
always so vague. What is it about this company that causes so many posts, good and bad? nm
nm
and posts like these are why good threads are removed. Why does everything have to sm
turn so nasty all the time? Grow up. Some of us want real answers.
I have talked to 3 companies that I really like and seem to have a lot of good posts here. sm

Once I sorted through the nasty and bitter posters and then the cheerleaders, for lack of a better word, a few companies seem to be truly good companies to work for.  All I am looking for are a few specifics that will tilt the balance for me.  I do want to say that all 3 know that I am talking to the other 2 and I was surprised at the reactions.  ALL 3 of them only had nice things to say about the other 2.  They did not bash those companies or try to sell me on theirs, just gave me facts. I was impressed by that.  There were 4 that I originally had narrowed it down to, but one of them went on and on about how the others were horrible and I would be better going to them.


Here's what I need to know about MDI Maryland, Keystrokes and TT.  I just want the facts, not the bitterness.  I would really like answers from MTs who have been at one or more of them for more than 6 months.  I think that 6 months is a good evaluation period.


Do they pay on time?
Is the pay correct?  If not, do they fix it right away?
Do they run out of work on a regular basis, not just during slow periods?
Can you reach a manager when you need one?
Does IS return your calls?
Do they give feedback if you ask for it?
Do they send work offshore that you know of (worked for a company that said no but really did)?
Do you get a good feeling from them/gut instinct?
Would you refer your friends or family to them if qualified?


Thank you in advance.  I am trying to decide by Monday and these are things that current and past employees can answer.  Please do not give me vague answers like don't go there or they're great.  I really am having a hard time choosing.



Read the archives. Many posts, none good. nm
 
I don't think that's true or fair. Most of the posts about KS are good. sm
I work there, have worked there a while and am very happy and know many, many others who have been there a while and are very happy too. They have improved rather than fallen apart as many companies seem to do. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fair, caring, well-paying, high line count, good benefits providing company. I am in acute care but know many others in radiology and ortho and clinic. Yes, we compare notes with each other (many came from Edix and MRC) and everyone is happy. They keep getting new accounts and the new accounts are getting bigger and bigger.

I agree that OT pay (or lack of) was a problem but when they said no more OT work, many complained to the point that they said to work the production you want.

It is disheartening to sit back and read posts that are so negative when I know the opposite to be true. It can chase people away from working for a wonderful company. I think we see more posts because there are more employees and because they are always hiring due to new accounts. I also know that every manager, including the owner, that I have ever talked to, really cares and really wants to continue to make Keystrokes better and better. I think they are doing a great job.

As for running out of work, I know that there are ups and downs in transcription and they try to be fair during those times, spreading the work around. I also know that sometimes when a new account starts, the volume will be go up and down because they are working on the perfect staffing mix.

If you are having a problem, not getting enough work, etc. you really should talk to them. They will bend over backwards to make it work for you.
Good grief? I made 2 posts.
Sorry that it bugs you that someone may have a differing opinion. That does tend to happen on forums though. Funny that you don't say good grief to others that have posted multiple times to this thread. Just to me. I thought the point of a forum was to carry on conversation, but guess I am just allowed 1 post per thread. Got it.

While $12-13 is better than minimum wage, it is not enough to justify giving up my weekends and holidays for. Guess you didn't really get my point after all.

I have been looking for a new job, by the way. The fact is that all I am getting are offers of 7 cpl, even from companies that require evenings and weekends. As I said, I don't mind working if I am paid accordingly, but I am not going to take a job at 7 cpl that requires me to give up my life. My time is worth more than that to me.
Blanks can be a good thing!
They prove you know what you don't know! Very important in this work. Just be sure that all else you transcribe is right on.

My goal was always for 100% (thanks Scrapper), but really no more than two blanks in say 3-6 reports, and that has landed me lots of offers.

My first test, btw, was with MedQuist. I asked before transcribing the test how the scoring system worked in order to judge when to say when if it got impossible. No harm in asking!




Consider it a good thing they never got back to you..sm

I worked for them for a year.  They never answer e-mails or get back to you regarding anything.  The platform is great but the sound quality is horrible.  They move you from account to account and I always ran out of work.  Not the most professional company around.


One good thing about America - sm
if you want a job, you MAY have to conform.

EVERYTHING is being outsourced. If you do not want a job because it hurts your feelings that the people who OWN the cmpanies oursource, then that is just dandy with me. Maybe I'll take your perfect job and be happy with it. Your loss.
Agreed - I think it's a good thing.
.
Good thing that have not contact me....
because I will definitely not go back. Do you know what their new company name is?
That's another good thing about TT - they don't bother you (sm)
constantly with emails.  I wondered about that when I first started too (3 years ago), but you'll soon come to realize they leave you alone to do your job.  If something is wrong, they will let you know.
...a good thing to have. Really helps! NM
s
Good one! I am going to do that exact same thing when I get off.
Perhaps something of this nature would be viable as it is as a letter to the Editor of our local newspapers?