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I applaud your honest reply. You will go far with your honesty! sm

Posted By: tulip on 2007-04-30
In Reply to: Spheris - SM

I observe many coming on this board and bashing companies, but never once blame their lack of skills for not being happy or quite yet competent to do the work. We were all new MTs at one time. Hang in there and keep working hard; you will be rewarded. I just had to say how refreshingly honest your reply was. No, I don't work for Spheris.


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And as my above reply to your post, I applaud you.
x
Thanks for your honest reply. Trusted my instinct
and my instinct does not want me stressed out in the least. Does not make for a good work environment. Will stay where I am. Thanks again.
Thanks for your honest reply. Unfortunately, I have also worked in the medical insurance billing
side of it and I see how our prices go up and how the insurance companies pay the doctors less and less, yet these insurance carriers gouge people with their ridiculuous preminums. I understand insurance companies having to raise rates due to skyrocketing health care costs but the kicker is the insurance companies are only allowing a fraction of the billed charges anyway. If they were actually paying out all these claims at full, I could understand the rise in preminums. Well good luck to you and do not think about it, pooping blood does not sound healthy at all and would call for a colonscopy and then a huge bill and then another rise in your preminum.  Vicious cycle I tell ya.
Well, I applaud you for
taking a stand, any stand, at least you're doing something.  I pretty well guess though that the big suits have already figured out exactly how to get around the scenario you promote.  IMHO, and I'm too old to care anymore, the solution lies with MTs for these big *sshole companies forming a union to collectively represent them.  Pro-union or anti-union, doesn't matter, it's all about the workers standing together as one voice, no matter what occupation we're talking about.
yes it is and I applaud your son. It is sm
also a free country if the other poster wants to ask wahtever question she wants to ask. You don't make the rules.
I applaud your decision
In the beginning it looked like AAMT was going to be a good thing but I don't believe anyone can name one thing they have done to better the lives of MTs.  They sold us out years ago, about the time they started taking corporate members.  Doesn't the fact they have corporations in their membership tell anyone ANYTHING.  Who has more money the huge MT companies or the MTs?  Yep, greed took them over too.  And as for the CMT exam, most physicians never even heard of it!!!  I for one, have never had any prospective employer even ASK if I was a CMT or not, even those companies who advertise a premium for CMTs.  I WAS a CMT, am not a CMT now and refuse to ever consider having ANYTHING to do with AAMT ever again.  They are a big root in the evil in the world of MTs.
Flame you? I applaud you!
That was a remarkable post. You have guts to be able to lay it on the line like that. Yes, you have to work SMART in this field. I am fairly new at this, a little less than 4 years as an MT, but I am doing very well and do better every year. I make a fair bit more than what some of the MT's on this board say they make who also say they've been at it for 20 or 30 years. The response I will probably get for this is how unfair it is that they don't make more money than I do because they have so much more experience. My question back is why AREN'T they??? It's not the big bad MTSO's fault. This is a field that rewards talent and ingenuity, not tenure. Don't get me wrong, knowlege is invaluable, but it should enable you to produce more and therefore make more money. Now I'm going to put on my flame-proof suit, just to be ready!
I applaud them for giving feedback. YOU, however,
should learn to spell (with meaning!!) before you go slapping people around. Advise indeed... pfffft.
I applaud your tenacity to fight
this.  Don't get me wrong...I am an IC who has also gotten really irate at MTSOs who have continually wanted to have their cake and eat it too.  You may be right about your taxes.  It may be beneficial to you in the end and you may even get a refund.  However, if you have claimed office in the home, etc., you will end up owing your share of taxes (well, come to think of it, once you deduct the self-employment tax you may still come out ahead).  Since you have been with the same company only a year, it will not affect you that much.  I have been working as an IC for the same company for 14 years and in the early years it was very flexible and accommodating to me to take time off for vacations and for my kids' activities but things have certainly changed from the perspective of MTSOs skirting the law for their own benefit and pocketbooks.  Let us know how your fight goes and good luck
I applaud you for being resiliant and taking initiative
strong, resourceful women who do not have to be victims. 
What is all of this about, who is the recruiter? did you email them? Just curious. I applaud Msla MT

for being honest. She tells it like it is and thus far has anyone proved her wrong??? I think NOT...


And that would be an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. LOL.
Typical transcriptionst. :)
Appreciate the honesty! Thx. nm
m
Thanks for the honesty!!

It's obvious that you don't have a horse in the Transcend race and that you're objectively describing what really happens with this technology.  If you don't mind my asking, as a hospital employee, are you paid on a per-line basis or an hourly basis?  Because I think that also makes a difference.  If you're paid by the hour, you have the "luxury" of taking more time with a particular job to make sure that job quality comes first and are free of worrying if you're making your line count. 


I can't wait to read these boards about six months from now.  I want to see if all the Transcend cheerleaders are still cheering.  I believe it's human instinct to want to believe in and be loyal to and defend the company that employs you.  Two months ago, I was still a cheerleader and very loyal to Transcend, but when you are working as hard as you always have and suddenly, without any warning, you find your income has dramatically decreased and have problems paying your light bill, something is drastically wrong.


How about some honesty for once
Office staff = loose lips.  The name of outsourcing company starts with the letter N.  Do you want me to continue Romey??
Well.. in all honesty..... they were my ... sm
favorite national that I worked for... and believe me.. I've worked for most of them.. the only reason I left was because I was offered an editing job somewhere else... (lets say.. a Soft place in H E double hockey sticks) and at Transcend I don't think you can move to editing until you have typed there for a while.. Anyway.. my biggest gripe with them could only be that they were still using the Voicewriter phones which were a nightmare for me.. for some accounts becasue those hospital accts felt if they were getting their work done for a certain price using what they had.. why should they get something newer... Well.. those phones .. at least mine..was possessed or something... if my roommate even sat in front of it.. it literally would shut down and not work for a half hour.. anyway.. others were using voice wave files and I was dealing with this antique phone with bizarre set up.. which eventually i lost 10 days of work becaseu of. they have an awesome tech support team... and a good software platform.. .. i thought....
looking for honesty :) thanks.

Right now, I am employed as a full-time psych. Transcriptionist in an office.  I currently make 25k a year.  Before I make the plunge to invest in my MT training, i really need to know if I can realistically make the same amount of money my first year. 


i would really love to get into med. transcription, but my family's financial situation requires that I make no less than 25k a year.  I do understand that you make the least in your first few years, but im not sure we could afford that right now.


Is it realistic to expect 25k a year my first year? or should I wait until my family can afford less?


I reallu appreciate your honesty! if youo would like to reply by email, that is fine too.  Thanks so much!


Honesty please
Is it necessary for you to work at home or could you work in a doctor's office or hospital or outside the home? I was thinking a temp agency that specializes in medical personnel like Diversified Medical Staffing. I worked for them and learned a lot of different branches of medicine, drugs, etc. Granted the jobs are not permanent with bennies, but if you are looking to educate yourself without having to fork over $5K to someone else, I would try it and see. I also made a lot of useful contacts that I was able to utilize when I started my own business. I had 13 years of urology when I started from home but but was able to get into some temp jobs when I was downsized and enhance my employability. You can also get Stedman's books that will help you out along with the AAMT BOS.  I guess I would say do what you have to if your family depends on your salary.  Good luck to you.
Thanks to all of you for your honesty.. sm

Those are the things I needed to know.  I will keep looking and not give MQ another thought. 


Honesty, No Way!
Well, they can't be honest because they don't know how to problem solve. If these companies could learn how to manage, fix the problem where the source is instead of dumping all of it on the lap of the MT, they could level the playing field and well, it'd be a whole nother ballpark. If they kept track of how long it takes to transcribe Dr. Can't Speak, they could have a case to charge the hospital more who would, in turn, counsel the physician. But, as long as they are think the only way to get business is to tolerate any and everything, then, they can't be honest because they aren't willing to accept the responsibility for any of it. It doesnt cost them anything (except ridiculous turnover). Very immature managing in this industry.
Thank you for your honesty!! nm.
nm.
Thank you for your honesty.
nm
She asked for honesty
if you need to learn other MT lingo, you will not make close to what you are now, for a while.
In all honesty, the whole reason they need the MT

With no clients, there's not a need for an MT.  I think it's great the companies put the client first because after all they are the butter for the bread. 


Honesty is not the best policy?
I had an interview with a company who I know is hiring yesterday and when they asked why I left the company I was with, I was honest with them.  It was a simple error on my part and all of a sudden the mood changed in the interview and they didn't have anything right now...try in a couple of months! It doesn't pay to be truthful any more, I guess, but I'm not so sure I would want to work for a company anyhow who doesn't feel it is worthy of taking a look at me, even though at times I may have flaws.
Honesty a problem for you?
Or harsh reality?

Sorry, if you think it's okay to turn down positions with the current economic situation and then have someone whine about turning down a 'wonderful' job because it inconvenienced her, YOU have the problem.

There are countless MTs that would love to have the opportunity she just turned down. I'm delighted one of them will now get the position they're willing to work for.

I suspect you're REAL problem with my post is that I'm not a Bible-thumper, hehehehe.


Honesty, Loyalty, and Integrity! sm
A company that will be honest, no matter what the cost. Integrity to keep our records and work in the USA. Loyalty to your entire staff, let them know how important they are to the company, as well as loyalty to your clients. Keep your TATs and promises to your clients. Keep your promises to your MTs.

A decent line rate such as 10 cpl or above and flexibility!

Hope that helps!
Thank you and to poster above for the info. I appreciate your honesty.
the info and your honesty.
Blunt honesty is needed
We need to be blunt and honest with each other.  There is no time to sugar-coat or beat around the bush.  It was good advice that was given to you by the previous poster.  The truth is that you cannot make money by waiting.  I know that I delayed searching for another job, and now I am paying for it, because it does take a while to learn a new company, new platform, and to receive the first paycheck.  I waited for my original company to come through; all that happened was my bank account bottomed out.  Hindsight being 20/20, I now wish I had moved on much sooner!! 
Your honesty is refreshing,Tonya.
Thank you for posting, and thanks for being so forthright.
Let me ask you this, please. In all honesty and not being snarky, how could/should we prepare ourse
for something like this? I've been an MT for 15+ years. This is really my first experience working for a large company though. I typically have local clients. This is really a new deal to me. What would you suggest to prepare ourselves and for future reference if we're working for another company, how do you prepare for this possibility? Thanks in advance.
Please read the post honesty is the best policy about ATSI
The post is  on this board and will tell you all you need to know.
Gosh..thanks for your honesty. I have not found ONE positive about them. I'll pass. You saved me
a lot of trouble it sounds like.
whups - sorry, reply to wrong "who wants to be" reply
if I only had a brain...

Again, sorry to BTDT.
um, only 1 harsh reply; the other 3 were in reply to the 1
nm
Thank you for being so honest!
I work for MDI-FL and I know they post on here but I don't say anything on here that I have not said to them or would say to them. Honesty, it's an amazing tool, huh? Again, thank you and good luck to you!
Many honest MTs/not all bad
Yes there are many dishonest owners I am sure, been there as stated above. But rest assured, there are some great MT and owners out there who are very honest and will pay for the hard work we do, I know I work for one!!!! Just beware of the ones who have numerous accounts floating around among all their MTs, being done all times of days at their convenience(as they are working their day job at the same time)and dont always have time for you, and promises of many new accounts to come that you never see. These are the ones to watch for. I think all MT need to look out for this behavior and warn others to run when it comes their way. Make sure you are being mentored on your work and not doing there work that they claim as their own. Get your credit where it is due. keep looking good, honest owners are out there.
honest MT
I know myself of that practice with PJ transcription. She had her pay with her day job while mentoring me and getting my pay for my work also, must be why she gets paid vacation and I did not. Well I learned the hard way.
Yes, and I'm not being mean just honest..
There IS a difference.
Well, to be honest
Most companies don't consult their employees when they decide to sell. Someone either was ready to retire or tired of the business. Face it, it is a high-stress business.

I have a feeling not just the MTs were surprised.

No need to be mean, but do be honest.
In this case, I would tell her that most companies cannot provide the kind of help that you were, and what she needs is to go to school (or back to school). If she presses you and says she just needs something easier, explain firmly but kindly that radiology is mostly anatomy and contrast terms, so it isn't one of the more difficult specialties, but it does require near 100% accuracy, which is why you tried so hard to help her. If she is not willing or able to return to school, she should think about another kind of work. Just say it as kindly as possible IMO.
To be 100% honest
Thank you for your response.  I totally agree.  Actually, I've already decided not to accept work from them unless it is way over the limits and 300% better than any job I could ever find anywhere else on the earth.  What I am wondering now, of course, is just how I can best JERK THEIR CHAIN in each of 2 scenarios---a BAIT and SWITCH where they offer a different account than what was originally advertised, and a we needed you yesterday for this account, but someone better came along and now they have quit?   But, I guess I already know the answer to this.  It's kind of like letting the telemarketer go on and on with the speech, asking complicated questions, taking up their time, pretending to be interested, and finally saying NO.
Well to be honest....
A lot of times a terminology course is all you need providing it's thorough. There's almost no point in learning the equipment in school because so many places use their own equipment which you may or may not even be trained on. Each place I've worked I've used something different. Tell her to take the term. course and brush up HARD on her English skills and everything else can and will be learned on-the-job. My friend only took a term. course, worked in the Med. records dept as a clerk first, then there was an opening in our MT dept which pays more so she just jumped in the deep end. We were all there to help her which was time consuming but we were happy to do it and she was eager and wanted to do well so she absorbed as much info as she could and now she's been doing this for 4 yrs and is working at home.

Tell your friend to go for it. I wish her luck! :)
okay, then let's be honest here....sm
It is really no skin off my nose whether you care about me or not.  That does not negate the fact that MTs should behave as professionals if they wanted to be treated as such. 

Bottom line......The levels to which I have read of some MTs stooping to on this board does not belie a professional attitude.  Personally, the whole thing makes me pretty nauseous.  Backbiting, conniving, and manipulating may get you to the top of some professions but it won't keep you there long because there will be someone somewhere along the line that will pull the rug out from under you. 

In the immortal words of  Forest Gump.....that's all I have to say about that.
Thanks for being honest! (nm)
x
To be honest...
I wouldn't do it unless you really like working twice as hard doing VR for half the pay. I worked for them for a while until I went from 80/20 to about 60/40 or less typing/VR. The VR takes a lot of correcting and on top of not making money, it was pretty boring...much like monkey work to me in my opinion. I also had a few doctors who were accented and I could make great lines typing from who went to VR because they passed the testing but their VR reports were horrid and took me longer to review than to just type it. I would never do VR and especially not for pennies. I hope this helps. They seemed like a nice company but it was just more work than it was worth without any challenge for my brain.
To be honest
It's the wave of the future and even companies such as MDI-MD are making the transition.

My honest advice would be to stop fighting it, join a great MTSO team, and learn it. Make sure you get decent pay for it and just go for it. Unfortunately, I don't think any MT will be able to avoid it for much longer, so it's better to get on with a good company and learn it before it becomes mandatory.

Just my 2 cents...
ANP is not honest

Why did I keep working for them after 3 months?  You don't keep working with ANP - you are lucky to get 1 to 2 files A MONTH with them.  If you make $100-$150 A MONTH with them, you are lucky!  This is not steady by any means. Larry will tell you that it can be hit or miss on the workload when they sign you on, but they absolutely do not have the work that you think.  They have a calendar that you put your work days availablility and how many hours of dication a day you want - you will never, ever get that - not even close.  I went the entire month of May with ZERO files.  They have their favorites and that's where the work goes.  I know this because I accidentally was sent a e-mail that definitely wasn't for me to see.  It is not medical transcription at all - it is medical seminars and if you haven't done general transcription with multispeakers and poor audio, you will be in for a surprise.  You don't just sit there and type - you have PowerPoint presentations and slide presentations you have to look at while you're typing to see where you are at and what they are talking about.  It is rather time consuming.  Bottom line is they don't pay you for whatever measly pittance you earned!


To be honest
I don't think you're gonna get a straight answer anywhere. I just suggested Transcend direct because they're the only ones who COULD make any type of guarantee, but I'll betcha they don't ;-)
Just be honest and tell the truth.
If the service is one of integrity, they'll appreciate your honesty.

Let's be REAL honest now (sm)
Obviously, you are the Director over the QA Deparment and the QA Manager's boss. Knowing you, I am sure you are totally embarrassed at how things have turned out in that department, but what are ya to do?!!! Sure can't admit that you made a mistake, can ya? That wouldn't look good for you.

You more than anyone should know how bad the QA Manager's quality was. She was on 100% QA for over a month. That doesn't sound like somebody with experience, and on a clinic account none-the-less!

We all know that you kiss butt, because you can't do anything else. We also know that you could care less about the quality of a medical record. AND that is real sad! Let us all know when you and OSi start appreciating MTs.