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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

That's the type MTSOs take advantage of, and

Posted By: RIP OFF. Pore lil' ol' me, I'm - sm on 2008-08-22
In Reply to: your name "just me" tells me how minute you feel, - and possess no dignity. SM

just too minjute and worthless to be paid what I'm worth, stand up for myself, or take a con-artist to court. (Hubs probably beats her, too.)


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    Anyone know of MTSOs that have you connect with hospital and type directly into Chartscript?

    The advantage is that as an SE the
    takes 7.5% out of your check and pays the other 7.5% themselves.  So if an SE and an IC make the same amount of money in a year, come tax time the IC is going to owe more than the SE to Uncle Sam.  An SE can still take deductions on work-related expenses.
    Take advantage of...

    the pauses the dictator makes.  As he/she is pausing, you are looking up at what you have transcribed so far, reviewing it. 


    Try proofing a line backwards, from right to left.  Don't read every word but look it over from right to left.  Things will STICK OUT at you because your eyes and mind are not used to seeing the written word in this way.  Looking from left to right is natural and you miss things easily.  Try it out.


    The more you practice, the faster it will get.


    Good luck!


    I'm so tired of getting taken advantage of

    I thought I had what was a great position, with a good company, I loved the work, but had an instance where I had to request work not be sent to me for ONE DAY, and now my job is posted on the internet.  Work was still sent to me, and I did it - but you know, did you ever try to sit and type with a 104 fever and a terrible urinary tract infection?  I was sitting at my desk with tears rolling down my face - my husband came and asked me if I was crazy.  I just didn't want to lose my job.  Now, they're looking for my replacement.  Maybe I really need to get out of this business ... there is no human component anymore.  No one genuinely cares.  Maybe I should have gone to the ER and had them put in a catheter and I could have worn a leg bag. 


    Oh well, thanks for listening.  Back to work ... what a sad state of affairs.


    I'm so tired of getting taken advantage of -
    No, I've been getting 1/2 the work I normally get, so that's not it. I just will NOT continue to keep them within TAT and cover their butts if they're looking for my replacement. I'm not an idiot.
    Administrative Advantage

    Any info anyone has on this company would be greatly appreciated.  I'm just looking to do some part time work to make a little extra money.  I'm looking for the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Couldn't find much in the archives.


     


    TIA!!


    The advantage to the MTSO is
    having good coverage on multiple accounts. The advantage to the MT is having work to choose from on four different accounts. You see people on the boards complaining about their single account being slow - this is one way to address THAT problem.
    I do about 7 accounts. It's to your advantage to do more than 2 or 3 (sm)
    Trust me, it's a very short learning curve since they all use ExText as far as I know.
    They ABSOLUTELY use it to their advantage! - sm
    Back in the day, when all or most MT's worked on-site, MT was a whole 'nother job, and people who did it were treated like respectable human beings. But once the majority of MTs ended up at home, and INVISIBLE to both the employer and their fellow employees, it was far to easy to start taking advantage. Nowadays the majority of MTs most likely have never worked on-site like some of the more long-term MTs have in the past, and they don't even know what it was like not to be treated like an invisible piece of machinery. It is most DEFINITELY time for MTs to start to become involved in their own futures, if they are ever to even HAVE one in this field. We have to start squawking - LOUDLY. Our voices have to be heard not by the MTSOs, who will do NOTHING for us, but by hospitals, doctors, nurses, and unions, labor attorneys, legislators, and the average American citizen. The more people know about the degrading practices of the MT industry, and the larger the number of people that know it becomes, the better our chances become of bettering each of our personal situations.

    Working at home is a blessing in many ways, but it has also been a curse in that it has kept us isolated from the doctors & medical institutions, our employers, and our fellow MTs. That isolation made it easy for the concept of sending American dictation offshore to gain a foothold in the US. We need to continue to network with other MTs including those still working on-site as well as at home, compare notes, companies, salaries, business & employment practices, ideas, etc. The internet is a powerful tool that may have robbed many of us of a decent wage. But if we turn the tables and use that tool in OUR favor, then things can change.
    You can say that again. Never for the MT. I get sick of being taken advantage of for their benefit.

    Has anyone worked for Administrative Advantage

    Is there really an advantage to staying local? Most

    It doesn't seem there's any more guarantee of stable work from local MTSOs than the national ones.


    If you do want to stay local but work at home, also try Southern Transcription Services, located in Taylorsville, I think.  They have a good reputation. Google them for their web site. 


    Administrative Advantage? Anyone know about this company?
    I got a job offer.  Please tell all good and bad.
    That is what I would do. What is the advantage of Vista? There are so many problems with it.
    There are wonderful instructions on the internet for repartitioning. I even did it before all the instructions were on the internet. Good luck!
    You should have taken advantage of bonus all weekend - most did.
    nm
    IC or employee - sick of being taken advantage of?

    AFter reading some posts regarding being taken advantage of and being treated like an IC by companies when its convenient for them and being an employee when its convenient for them, I must wholeheartedly agree. Therefore I decided to do some research and came up with rules as given by the US department of Labor regarding the definition of an IC.  You will be surprised by what you read below.  This is just an excerpt of a longer report.  Perhaps next time a client tries to boss you around, you might want to show them this:


     


    US Department of Labor Handbook


    Part 1: Independent Contractor or Employee


    Probably the main reason you became an independent contractor (aka consultant, freelance and IC) or want to, is to be your own boss. Unfortunately, some U.S. companies don't fully understand the difference between independent contractors and employees. Even among companies that do understand the difference, there are those that attempt to exploit the relationship, because it's clearly to their advantage to do so.  The cheaters (and naive) misclassify workers as independent contractors, but still attempt to control them as employees. In doing so, they reap the benefits of both worlds, while depriving independent contractors of the very reason they became independent contractors in the first place: to be their own bosses.


     



    • Companies are not your employers per se, but your clients. As such, they are not entitled to direct you in your work.
    • Of course, your clients have a right to say what they expect for the rates they're paying you, but only as it relates to the outcome of the project.
    • It's your right to decide when, where and how to get the project done.

    HERE IS THE BIGGIE


    ****In other words, by U.S. law, an employer cannot classify you as an independent contractor, then dictate when, where and how you work, as though you are an employee. It's all about degree of control and independence. ***


     


     

     


     


    The Advantage Transcription Service
    Has anyone done any work for this company out of Los Angeles? If so, were there any issues regarding line/character count. TIA
    It should be "when I see people being taken advantage of" --nm
    xx
    The MT industry is taking full advantage of the
    stick it to your employees, than when they have little time and no money to go out and find something else. Make those poor suckas feel darned LUCKY to have their pathetic little peanut-paying MT jobs.

    You just KNOW, though, that someday.... SOMEday.... not tomorrow, or the next day, but EVENTUALLY ----- somebody is going to do a total boot-plant on their sorry a$$es.

    That day will be a cause for celebration across the land.
    Comparing figs & plums. Advantage/disadvants to
    x
    "chuckle" raise in 3 days, not to their bottom line advantage is it.
    Hey gooble up this one if you like. Not me!!! I could understand if hourly, but we are not. WE are the one who lose already, learning there program, acct spec, formats, the various QA preferences, learn/get an ear for each dictator. We LOSE BIG TIME because it takes time for all that above stuff, we cannot just sit down and zoom off. Hey but grab IT see how the attitude is toward MT with 6 cents offer, it says something ya know.
    Webmedx watches every min you type or don't type.
    I personally didn't like logging off to go to the bathroom or get a drink or whatever. Drove me nuts. They were too regimented for me. Not sure if you are aware they do that. Part of working at home is the flexibility and they just weren't. Good Luck
    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.
    Please understand that MTSOs
    must provide a client with a quality product. If an MTSO continuously allows poor quality work to be sent to their client, then the MTSO risks losing the entire account.

    Many MTs assume that because they have the ability to send a report to QA that this makes it ok for them to do sloppy work. When I first started as an MT, I averaged 100 lines per hour, sometimes less, because I would check my work as I went along and then I went back over it again. I would work 9-10 hours a day in order to meet my quota.

    It is better to make less money and have a job than to get a lot of lines (that are of poor quality) and lose your job as a result by being terminated.

    I think it is very fair that you were fired, especially if the issue has been discussed with you before. If you are fortunate enough to get another MT job, take your time and focus on producing a quality product.
    Okay, then that confirms some MTSOs... sm
    DO withhold federal and some MTSOs don't withhold federal. Medquist DID for the nine years I was an SE there.

    It's a point worth noting to ask about in a job interview if anyone is considering SE status... 'cause it sure is a nasty blow when you have to pay quarterly taxes and there's nothing there to your credit.
    What in that MTSOs rant
    made you think SHE had gotten past grade school? Did that sound respectful to you? Power outages happen, cable outages happen, family deaths happen, jury duty happens. I broke my back for someone like her and when the above things happened to me, one right after the other, way beyond my conrol, I got the line about the client wanting me off the account because of three errors in two years. I will tell you this....it was the best thing that ever happened to me. No more stress, no more harassment, no more Harpy. It's a beautiful thing.