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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Have you considered keeping the job you have

Posted By: wej on 2009-09-16
In Reply to: Not Sure What To Do...Any Suggestions? - Victoria

while working for a new company, that way you can decide if you like the new one before jumping all the way in. Your old job can be your safety net. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you!


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who tried keeping me down....sm

First, I got rid of the husband who consistently tried keeping me down and shooting me down, and my sanity comes first, in 1991, and then in 1997 I made up business cards, and every Thursday (my only day off) I solicited another medical center.  I sold myself and only walked into the offices of which work I wanted to do.  I got 5 doctors and surgeons that first year.  I went down to 2 MDs/ surgeons (one went into receivership which is a form of bankruptcy and 2 witches I dumped) , and so in 2000 started *moonlighting for MQ*......and still working for MQ and have 4 surgeons.


But every single Thursday I went and solicited another center in my area(s).  And if I ran out of work again today?  I'd do the exact same thing.  *S*


Best of luck to you......*S*


 


I'm keeping it...sm
But I won't use their uninstall software. I'm computer saavy enough to figure out what to uninstall on my own and that will leave on everything I need. They aren't getting off that easy.
just one more way of keeping us all
and make sure nobody's work is worth giving them a raise. rather ingenious when U think about it, albeit unethical.
Actually they are keeping
companies are offshoring and laying off or cutting pay, Transcend continues to grow it's US MT workforce and retain pay rates.  There is a reason they are in the ranking they are. 
Thank you. I have been keeping a notebook
but have to email jobs, not fax, daily so thought it would be easier to do in a word document. Did not know about the Alt+tab, that should be of great help! Thanks again!
I had trouble keeping up with my
The QA department wants to proof everything before you get paid, therefore what you typed may not be what you get paid for.  I couldn't ever figure out how much I was going to receive.  People were real nice, accounts good, but there was room for dishonesty in line counting in my mind.
TT time keeping?
Do you punch in and out during the day for breaks, lunch, etc.   Do they have a built in time clock on their system or do you keep a manual log and if so how exact do you need to be.  Do you make a note of every potty break, etc.?  Do they use these minutes against lines to figure your LPH rate like MQ does? 
IMO, MTSO may do this as way of keeping MT in
x
You are right!!! thanks for keeping it real
KK
I have been keeping a list ... SM

I am sure these are not all the Escription companies, but this is what I have noted over the last couple of years.


Transcend, TTS, MVTS, Superior Global, Deventure, Proveros, Focus, DeVenture, AlphaMed, Sten-Tel, Medical Ink, Chase, Lee Perfect, Spryance, Milner, Central Transcription Services, On Point Medical Transcription.


Keeping it fresh
Okay, now don't everyone jump on me here.  I've read the posts and I know the hardships we all face every day, BUT how do some of you keep it going after all of these years.  I mean sometimes I think that if I have to type one more report I'm going to go nuts.  Some of you have been in this longer than me at 15+ years. I have to do this another 15 years!  I live in a remote area so I can't just go get a job anywhere.  Some of you have done this 30 years.  What keeps you going?
What is the problem? Are you having trouble keeping up?
nm
Thanks so much for the info, Fran, keeping it under my hat!! NM
nm
Keeping TT benefits question

TT says that we must work 80 hours in two weeks to keep our benefits.  Obviously I know this and am scheduled to work 80 hours in two weeks.  However, when running out of work is an every other day thing now, can they take away your benefits if you work say 72 to 75 hours?  I know they tell us there is always work at night or on your one weekend day off, but I picked my Tue-Sat schedule for a reason - because I have a life outside of work and don't have time to work nights or my days off!


It's not you. It's the Universe keeping you safe
My mom always said, If it's for you, you will get it. There is something better right around the corner. Good luck to you!
Good Luck Keeping Your Job at Heartland!!

I think I have had enough! Yes, I admit, I currently work for Heartland and truly thought they wanted a domestic team. I didn't think much of the managment changes and truly thought we (domestic MT team) would be okay even if HIS was sold, well think AGAIN!

We are being fed a load of crap from the new President (Dennis Paulik)!! The below was sent to me annoynomously. I think that all US-based MTs for HIS should up and leave! Why wait, obviously, he has "other" intentions that don't include us - the USA TEAM!!!!!!

Heartland Information Services, Toledo, Ohio, which employs 1,400 to 1,500 foreign transcriptionists in three cities of India, may help explain why. Dennis Paulik, Heartland's vice president of sales and marketing, says that HIPAA standards are applied to all transactions, including anything outsourced. The company leases private, transoceanic lines, so all transactions are encrypted from the time the information leaves the hospital, to the moment it is dispatched from Heartland's U.S. offices to a transcription center in India, until processing is complete and the medical transcript goes back to the hospital.

Paulik says he hears time and again that there aren't enough U.S. transcriptionists, and that those who do still work here are an aging population--the average trained American transcriptionist's age, he says, is about 59 years. It's one reason his company was formed, he says.

"You're going to have a growing need, and fewer transcriptionists," Paulik says. "It reinforces that point that people have just got to go overseas."


I can understand keeping tabs- but I work for them
and if I take a bathroom break, get a drink of water, etc., etc. I don’t hear about it. I can only think if you are gone from the computer for a period of time, say 30 minutes and leave a report on, sure they can know. I don’t worry about the foot pedal coming up and down and them counting because I always try to have it on and fast forward. I know they know what you have worked on, your line counts, and like that, but if you take a bathroom break, come on now!
Not many..but I got mine for the satisfaction of having it. Keeping it current is my pleasure..
nm
sounds like Medquist keeping track of all times
my company does not do that
Anyone know whether Transcend is keeping the same insurance this year or changing?
thanks
Then we ALL need to start keeping track of our hours and anything that falls
below minimum wage - we need to start reporting these companies - don't care if this is caused only because of a decrease in starting VR or whatever causes it, no work, downtime if not paid, EVERYTHING included.  I do believe that might get the MTSOs attention.  They can't fire us all.  Looks like India MT situation might be in trouble so the MTSOs should be very cautious that perhaps they can't rely on offshore forever in the future.     
My 1 cent (keeping it low so opinion doesn't get offshored).
I agree with a lot of the other people. I will say, though, that I would be A-OK just working on Word since I'm assuming getting a the DocQScribe set up for a bunch of people might be cost prohibitive, at least at first.

Also, since you are talking hospital transcription, that is going to mean 7 day a week coverage. If the need arises, I would rather see rotating weekend coverage rather than requiring everybody to work every weekend.

Also, while cross-training is great for vacations, sick days, heavy work, it would be terrific to be able to get an account and not have to chase the work across 6 different accounts in a crazy MT version of musical chairs. I guess that would mean not over-hiring.

It may be unpopular, and it's probably easy for me to say because I've been at this for so long, but since we don't really establish seniority at a company, I would love to see some sort of reward for years on the job. I think I bring more to the table than someone with 2 years, and it would be great to be rewarded for that.

I'm sure I'll think of more...it's been so long since anybody asked what could make my job great that I had given up even thinking about it!
so, keeping in mind that decent means acceptable standard,
nm
What about keeping a timesheet? Is that required since you just meet a line count? SM
Do you have to keep track that you worked at these certain hours each day, or do you just log on and work and meet your line count and not care what time it is?
Have to agree ... keeping the lights turned on, food on the table, and sm
a roof over my head is pretty good motivation!  Plus, I do not want to exist.  I am single, but I want the same things my married friends have with 2 incomes.  Since I haven't found the seeds for my money tree yet, I work.  As I mentioned below, I have been an MT for 30+ years, but I have worked the last 10 years or so at home, and it is MUCH different than having to get dressed up and drive over town.  Working on a Saturday or evenings or anything is not so bad when you can sit wearing a t-shirt and shorts and have your doggie curled up under the desk. 
There is NO Medical Record keeping in India for hospitals/physicians.
//
What I read was that they opened a center in India BUT were adding work for them and keeping their
domestic work force as well.
Workin, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that one of the suggestions will work for you too. nm
nm
What is considered
an average salary at today's rates for someone with 20+ years of experience who can do all types of medical reports but prefers to do op notes? 
I had once considered them too
at the end of last winter when I was getting ready to change companies, but I ended up going with Keystrokes instead, and I am really glad that I did! I can't believe some of the things that Deventure has done lately. It just makes me sick. Do they have no ethics?
have you considered
or are you crosstrained? I know it's not always like this be right now for instance the account I work on is very backlogged...Glad to here someone else is happy with them though!
I think anything after 12 pm is considered
second shift, like 3-11, 1-9, 2-10, something like that. When I fill in on afternoons, I usually work 1-9. Hope this helps.
Believe what should be considered
is that not all ICs have the same arrangements for payroll deductions, for instance, one company I know of takes out for Soc Sec, Disability and state tax; only federal tax is left up to the employee.
Have you ever considered
maybe you're not a good MT?   I mean, I'm not getting my wages cut every month and in fact I'm making great money.  Maybe this just isn't for you?  It's okay, it isn't for everyone. 
You use your own computer, FT is considered
6000 lines per week, 1200 lines a day and part-time, I forget? Call and ask would be your best bet!
Actually, Andrews is considered one of the best
Definitely in the top two.  Their graduates are very highly sought after.  If they charge more, it's because they are very well worth it.  If you do a search for Andrews School, you will see this is true.  They are definitely not one of the rip-off schools out there.
Considered this company first, but now
I think there are too many company plants or pets posting for it to be real. Sorry. This board does not normally have people volunteering at will to ask all the pertinent information about a company with ready-made answers in all categories. Sounds like a few ploys other companies used and those companies were terrible.




TransTech- what is considered
x
Are lph also considered? I heard
that Spheris also required their MTs to be up to a certain speed by typing (or editing) a predefined number of lines per hour in addition to the daily lines and number of hours requirement. I wanted to apply to them once, but figured if they ran out of work all the time (which I read), I would not be able to meet their preset requirements. Maybe some other companies have this requirement to stay employed, so did not apply.
TT, what is considered 1st shift? What is 2nd?
x
have you considered an air card?
Check with Sprint, Verizon and some of the other cell phone carriers. I got a USB air card through Sprint, and the connection is great!!! However, there are several factors that come into play with these, including how far you are from a cell phone tower, but at least with a USB card, you could utilize it with a laptop or a desktop as long as you have an available USB connection. Hope this helps.
All things considered...
You have no right to pass judgment on MQ MTs who complain. You don't do ASR and you don't visit the pool often (and when you do it's 3 hospitals vs others 25). You are not in the same situation as most MTs at MQ. If/when you go through these changes and hardships, by all means judge away. Walk a mile...
What would be considered good pay for
an MT working a nat'l, knows the basic 4/multi-speciality, 10+ years experience?  I was just offered a job for 9 cpl (65 character line/spaces paid), no bennies.  Is that good/bad/ugly?  Should I hold out for more?  Opinions needed.   THX
Has anyone ever considered that not everyone is cut out to be a great MT? Not everyone sm
can do every job. I personally would not be a good teacher, because my patience and dedication are not in that field. Unfortunately, I realized that 3 years into a teaching career.

To make money in this field, you need to be fast, accurate and focused. You need to be able to sit down, work for 8 hours and produce a certain # of lines or reports. Not everyone can do that, but it is not a bash on those who cannot.

Just because someone has been doing something for a long time does not mean that it is the perfect choice for them. There are options out there that might be better for you.

Doing something for a long time, no matter how hard you practice, does not always make you good at doing that. If that were the case, everyone that takes piano lessons can be a professional musician or every girl who takes ballet for many years can be a prima ballerina. Unfortunately, not everyone can be good at everything.

Trust me in this: If you look in your heart and find what you want to do and are good at, you will be a happier person and work will no longer be painful, whether that be as an MT, a teacher, a musician, a SAHM, or a circus performer. You have to find what works for YOU and being miserable every day suggests that it might be time to make changes.

Life is too short to be so unhappy. Talk to your husband and figure out something that can work for everyone. I am sure he does not want you unhappy all the time.
I've Considered That
I have several musical instruments as I have 3 now grown kids and I used to play in community band myself. I considered it, but there's only a 30 day limit on getting them back, and the amount they offer is supposedly about 1/4 to 1/3 of what you would get if you sold them outright, so I am worried that if I don't have things squared away in 30 days, I stand to lose $2000 worth of instruments (and sentimental value), not exactly priceless but still unlikely to be replaced soon, for $500-600. I suppose I could start with the one that would be missed the least (the flute) and take/reclaim them one at a time as necessary/able.
Have you considered medication?
For your Joan of Arc complex?
That would be OK. They didn't want you doing more than 40 hrs a week as it's considered OT. nm
.
12,000 lines per pay period to be considered SE...nm
nm
Well, I make 10 cpl, which is considered maxed out
by most all companies - so I am at the ceiling of my earnings - I do 1200 lines per day, and if I only work 5 days a week, that $600 a week, and those are full solid 8 hours. I used to get paid by the page, and it was an honest size page. Over the years, the parameters kept changing - we never saw the final report, but I swore if I did see my company's version of my page, it would be the size of a bath towel! So while my page rate eeked up a nickel or quarter here and there, the size of the page ballooned out! Or the margins. Then when we were forced to cents per line - which is when I swore I'd quit this business - the same thing happened over time. I used to make 11 cpl, but it was a short line! Now the characters in the line keep getting longer, and the ambiguous things like headers and footers and patient info don't count as pay, and my salary loss is the result - there are lots of us out here in the same boat. So while it is great that you are making $30K your first year in, does it make any sense that those of us who are lifers are making the same as you? It doesn't. Yet I stay here because first of all it is my love, and I still choose being independent and working from my home. I could never change that - but its a sorry trade off. As others have said, it is a sad industry where when you become a master at your trade, you made literally the same as an apprentice. Again, I have applied and interviewed at probably 40 MTSOs. All were great to me and begging me to join them, but not one could offer anything near even the 10 cpl I am making now.  All blaming, of course, the market and the cheap labor offshore, high cost of overhead, etc. My company has explained how my work should be easier now, what with all the technology they have developed, but you know what? I actually don't find that much of a difference with all the bells and whistles. I still love to type in boring old Word and use even their Expanders without any problems.
Fighting low wages: Has anyone ever considered trying to (sm)

organize MTs throughout the country?  It seems like, judging by what I read in MR forums, that part of the problem is that when people first come into the business, they have no idea of what their hard work is worth.  Regardless of the fact that hospitals want to pay the lowest possible price for transcription, the only people who should be settling for less than 10, 12 or more cents/line are ESLs in India, etc.  American workers should be standing up for American wages.  Yes, there are some companies who will say, Fine, I'll contract with India.  Believe me, you wouldn't want those companies as employers, or to work for hospitals or clinics that operate that way.  Heck... I sure wouldn't put my care in the hands of a doc that uses offshore transcription services, that's for sure! 


SO, what I'm saying is, there must be some way to bring MTs from all areas, and of all experience levels together (OUTSIDE of AAMT, which has been in large part responsible for alot of the problem!), and organize for a decent living wage and health benefits.  If all of us were to stop working for 3 days, 1 week max, do you think that work would all suddenly be sent offshore?  I don't think so.  Some might, but then again, it's a good way to week out the undesirable clients & employers. 


I think we our often our own worst enemy when it comes to wages.  If we continue to accept less than what we're worth, then that's all we can expect to earn.


Also, I'm surprised that some entrepreneuring MT company hasn't cashed in on all the newbies and in-school MTs out there who just want experience and a chance.  Imagine if one of the larger, more respected services were to open an MT SCHOOL as well.  They would receive an income from instruction fees.  MTs could gradually cross over from student to trainee.  MTs could earn extra money as teachers.  (And should be paid well for it, too.)  The company training the MTs would have first pick of the best and brightest for work in their own company.  Beyond that, there would be more money to be made when it comes to referrals. 


The healthcare industry needs to be more educated in the fact that transcription is a vital part of their work, and how well their reports are done is a direct reflection of their competency.  If you look at how much money is wasted in these establishments on FLUFF -- excess management, inept management, some community programs, and in some cases excess in building glitz and glamour, one has to wonder why they feel transcription is a less-valuable service than those provided by their janitors, groundskeepers, or food service personnel.


One way to fight the low-wage problem is to continue to lobby for an end to offshoring of personal information, not only in the healthcare industry, but in ALL American industry.  NO personal data: phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. should EVER leave American soil without the express written consent of the owner of that data.


Another way to fight low wages is to do as much research as possible on prospective employers.  Remember, they are not just interviewing you, you are also interviewing THEM!  Go with the best-paying company you can find.  If you are new to the field, that will be harder, but in your case finding the best learning environment is your best bet, and then work hard at getting proficient enough to be able to LEAVE a low-paying employer ASAP for a better-paying one. 


In terms of being an IC, I know it's difficult to deal with people undercutting you.  But once again, don't forget that when someone turns down high-quality transcription and goes with the lower-quality provider, simply because of a couple-cent-per-line difference in cost, the way to look at that client is Good Riddance!  I used to have my own, non-MT, service-related business.  I had two ways of weeding out the undesireables: 


One was a waiver of liability.  If they squawked about signing it, or started picking it apart like they were big legal experts, then I knew right away they were a future legal liability.  (Of course, that is less of an issue with MT... I don't know of MTs that make clients sign waivers!  It's just a 'fer instance.)  But the best way to weed out the cheapskates and nit-pickers was to charge a slightly HIGHER fee than my competitors.  I offered a higher-quality, more personalized service than my competitors.  So I stood firm on my prices.  And you know what?  There are clients who will actually LOOK for the higher fee, knowing that if you can command and get a higher fee, you are probably a better service provider. 


Also, steer clear of new clients who want a special deal or discount right off the bat.  They will NEVER be satisfied; give them an inch and they'll take a mile.  I believe that discounted rates are EARNED, not given out on demand.  A long-time client who is honest, pays on time, tips, is slightly flexible, etc., who gives you steady, reliable work that is easier to do, should be rewarded with a deal.  But that deal should only be between you and them, and not broadcast to other clients.


Some of my BEST business clients turned out to be people who at first pooh-poohed my fees, and went with the cheaper provider.  Quite a few of them came crawling back on their hands and knees later; sadder but wiser, and more than willing to pay what I charged.  And often they had such a big mess that needed to be straightened out (usually caused by the cheaper provider) that I initially had to charge EXTRA, on top of my normal fees, to straighten it all out!  These people often came to be my biggest TIPPERS, as well! 


 I think we have all been conditioned to believe we are lucky to have a job at all, and we need to start rethinking that.  MT's need to stick together, network, lobby against offshoring and unfair pay, UNIONIZE if at all possible or beneficial, and be far more VOCAL.  The normally quiet nature of most MTs and their behind-the-scenes work usually works against them when it comes to fair labor practices!  Those of us with many years of experience & skill need to TURN DOWN job offers that are insultingly low. 


Anyway, that's my take on the el-cheapo employers & clients, and the low pay they think we'll get down on our knees and thank them for!   


Happy 2007!  


1099s are not considered late until after Jan. 31.
m