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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

To all my fellow MDI'ers: Things to ponder...

Posted By: steph1 on 2009-08-24
In Reply to:

Hi all


I have been with MDI for over a year now (part time) and really like it! Most times my accounts have work. I am going through some changes at home and am really trying to make some serious life changing decisions so would like to get a few opinions:

My husband and I separated in April. I have been home for 6 years with my youngest child, and he is in first grade this year and absolutely love being home for him. Summers of course are the most difficult, I do not send him to day care and we do more things together in the summer, love it!  However, as of last year I have been trying to get into a local LPN nursing school here and have succeeded and am scheduled to begin September 8, but here is my dilemna, I am having second thoughts!  I now don't know if this is something I really want to do and why I am having these thoughts. I do like being a medical transcriptonist, but feel a little burned out at times. Plus, I am not sure if I can afford to go to school, my first loan installment (cost of living) will not come until November.  I have a little money set aside, but it is going quickly. I am trying to determine if I can support me and my son on just an income from MDI or if I should really change gears and go to school. I love the flexibility of working at home and am sure I will miss this, but nursing school is very demanding and the job itself once I am out there. Like I said, I love being a mom and able to have the freedom of doing this from home. So, how many of you support yourselves or your families on the income from MDI and is this something I can reasonably expect to be able to do? I have been doing this for 15+ years so I am definitely experienced. Plus, I do not like the idea of worrying about taxes, but if I go to work as an employee I will lose more of my freedom. I like being an IC. I did work for Medquist for almost 7 years and left them to come here and there is a world of difference between the 2 companies.


What would all of you do? Stay with MDI or go to school? And if I do go to school, I would keep MDI very part time at least until I was through with school. But, do you think with all the changes going on in the transcription world we will eventually have no jobs or our jobs will change drastically? How can I decide what is best for me and my son?


Please any and all suggestions welcome! Thanks!




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A couple of things to ponder and solicit opinions
This is not the only odd thing occurring at MDI-MD. Let me give you my opinion of what's happening with YOUR situation, and perhaps you can venture an explanation to my oddity.

First of all, I often read the threads on the MQ board and from what I gather, once an account is shuttled over to VR, the only dictators left for straight transcription are either new dictators or the ones who are so horrible that VR can't translate them.

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say you are being left with the dregs that cannot be converted to VR. It might very well be this is an example of what you will be stuck with from here on out.

Oddly, on my MDI account, there was no work on one of my clinics for 2 days. I found it strange but thought perhaps the clinic had not been seeing patients for a couple of days.

Imagine my shock when reports dictated on SEPTEMBER 4th did not show up to be transcribed until SEPTEMBER 8th.

Where where those reports for 4 days? Perhaps over in India and the ILPs fell out of TAT and so MDI begrudgingly had to bring them back for the American MTs to catch up? I have worked on this particular account for over a year, and NEVER have reports not been in the cue ready to type immediately after they are dictated.

This same scenario occurred again 3 days later; dictation that was 2 days old suddenly appeared (a different specialty within the same clinic).

Yep, strange things are definitely going down at MDI-MD and I expect it's going to become even stranger the closer to January we get.

What's that linen from All About Eve? 'Fasten your seatbelts, folks...It's going to be a bumpy night!'
Fellow MDI'ers, is it just me or do the worst dictators seem to be on on evenings and holidays?
I don't mind a mix. We, of course, all have to take the good with the bad, but when I'm getting almost exclusively terrible dictators for working these kinds of hours without an incentive pay and am taking an excessive number of hours just to make a decent line count, then something is wrong.  I know I have a responsibility to the patient, to the facility, and to MDI to put out a quality document in a timely manner, but I also have a responsibility to my own financial health to be able to meet my own obligations.  This is getting to be a ridiculous situation.  I don't remember this account having such a concentration of challenging dictators as this. Sorry to vent like this, but this is really getting to me today. Life is just passing me by as I sit at this computer making little to no money, and I'm finally tired of it.
How are the DRC'ers doing? Any changes for you guys? Things okay? nm
s
Another point to ponder........
A large percentage of MTs work at home.  We are not anywhere near the company's office to be aware of what is going on, what polices are being introduced or abandoned, etc.  Sometimes we tend to be caught up in our own space and just assume that the company is taking care of business and looking out for us.  (I really think these big corporations have used this to their advantage.)  From what I have seen over the years, this is NOT the case.  Maybe it's time for us to get involved again.  Feedback welcome.
Question to ponder.....

I am an instructor at a local community college teaching transcription as well as medical records and coding....my question is this.  This new stimulus package that Obama is proposing talks about funding $20 billion to computerize medical records and make them more efficient.....how do you see this affecting our jobs as MT, or any part of the medical records portion.  I would love to discuss this with my students and would appreciate any feedback all of ya'll out there might have.


 


Thanks in advance


Some other factors to ponder Maggie...sm

I've been in the MT field for 16+ years now, produce quality work that I have always taken pride in, and my work ethic, well let's just say I do not think that there has been one weekend, Christmas day, etc. that I have not worked in 16 year iin this profession, and those times being mainly at night.


I agree with some of what you state, however with that said, you may want to ponder a few other things. I have met many, many hard working, highly experienced MT's who likewise produce quality documents, take great pride in their work, and even have a stronger work ethic than I.  I hear the same story, over and over from MT's such as they, the lack of respect in general for this profession declining over the years, along with declining wages, outsourcing, etc.


Another thought that you may want to ponder is regarding outsourcing. There are subskilled and substandard MT's in the US, however they are in a minority. By far most are intelligent, hard working and dedicated individuals.  The reason that this industry is being outsourced has little to do with the quality of the US MT. The industry is being outsourced strictly due to the ability to procure cheaper labor elsewhere. Period. Yes, the Indian MT, etc., works hard and does not whine as you state. They are paid 3 or 4 cents per line for their work. I don't know if you are aware of the cost of living in India, however it is far below that in the US; for example monthly cable television is $5.00 per month, etc., so the rate that is being paid there furnishes that MT with a nice lifestyle, thus nothing to whine about, as this industry used to provide to the equally hard working US MT.


It is often convenient to point one's finger at a small handful of people in a given profession and state that to be the cause of an industry that is declining in the US. Even if that were the case in the MT profession one also then needs to take a look at other professions such as engineering, the IT industry, support centers, etc. that are being outsourced, and likewise in those fields the jobs are not being outsourced due to the incompetance or lack of work ethic of the American worker.


Hey all you TT'ers out there..

Hey have had my first talk with TT.  Checking out hardware issues.  May be coming on with ya'll.  How's it goin'


 


P.


For FT'ers, that's another way of saying they pay OT (as they should).
nm
help any MDI'ers...
did you do the dnr changes?  Did they work for you? did you proceed past the certificate warnings?
MDI-FL'ers, can you do 250 LPH, even with heavy
nm
DSG'ers...are you happy?
Thinking about coming to work with DSG and I would just like to pick up on the feel of the company before making a definite decision.  Everything sounds good.  Is it easy to get lines on DocQscribe?  Can you see your line count at all times?  Are you treated fairly and honestly?  Work load okay?  Any info appreciated.  TiA
The MQ'ers just don't like to admit that (sm)
they are working for a company who abuses them, and they stay there and put up with it, kind of like an abused wife.  I for one believe you, cause my company is also hiring a lot of MQ'ers.  There really ARE companies who values good MT's.  It's really sad they can't believe this, but I guess it makes them feel better for putting up with the abuse.  Who knows.  Congrats on your new job.  BTW, I have never worked for MQ - came close, but didn't.    Thank the Lord.
Hey former MQ'ers. Question for ya.
How much do you miss DQS?  How does your new platform compare?  I guess I'm looking for reassurance that after 12 years, I too can learn new tricks.... ty!
TT'ers, how can I put -yo right after a number
nm
Don't you TT'ers have any work to do?
Geez, stay off the boards and go to work.
Former D&L'ers **Please read**

While the message board here at MTStars is a great portal to spread the word, at the same time, this is a public forum that allows anyone access. 


We've decided to move our discussions to a PRIVATE forum solely for former D&L employees and ICs involved currently in the nonpayment situation.


This is a private group created for us.  It is a moderated group, and you will be asked to prove your identity before you are permitted access.


D&L'ers please join here:  http://groups.msn.com/FormerDL


Calling all MDI-MD'ers...

I have just been contacted by MDI-MD for interview.  I could sure use your imput esp if you are an old MQ'er.  If you would like to respond, could you please E-mail me?


 


Thanks so much!


Hey MDI-MD'ers, newbie has a...

Question.


 


I am getting used to some ESL guys and have to go back to listen to blanks that I have left.  Could you E-mail me with any tricks of the trade where I can book mark or note where, timewise, I am in the report at that time so I can go back more easily and find my blank area?


 


Thanks.


Thanks for letting TT'ers know...
I have almost 40 years of experience and was quoted 4.5 cpl on editing, AND I have been with TT for a few years already.  Now I know I have a bargaining edge since you are being paid 6.5 cpl.  How in the world did you manage that?  I would definitely try editing for that, with the incentives and all.  So glad you posted this.  I really do not want to leave the company. 
So what do all you QT'ers think: Will they/have they sold the company to them? nm
xx
old DDI'ers,anyone work for Proscript?
Just curious.  Are there any old ddi people who have recently gone to work for Proscript (out of Sarasota, FL).  If so, how is it?  Do you enjoy it the way we enjoyed ddi?   Thanks
I was told they are not currently hiring PT'ers
nm
JLG'ers wanna take a bet on which day checks
and the 10th is on a Friday ?? Maybe on the 15th???  Still no word on DD??
MDI'ers we need to join forces
I am brand new to MTStars and can't seem to figure things out. I am floating the idea of maybe we join forces, perhaps try to form a Co-op, and maybe if we combine we could start our own company. Maybe a pipedream, but I believe it can be done. We all have resources, we all have brains, and we have been told we are the best in the business. Please help me spread the word, please contact me privately, and let's figure out a way that we can get off of MTstars, start communicating privately so that we can actually be productive. We do have options but time to do away with the anger and starting thinking out of the box. Will you guys please help me?
A welcome to MDI'ers from the Transcend trenches

This is addressed to all the MDI-MD MTs who are still spinning from the news last week of the merger with Transcend.  I am nobody special, but just someone who tries to find the positives in any situation.  WELCOME ABOARD to what will hopefully be a great next stop in your career. 


            I know many of you loved MDI and are leaving for greener pastures rather than seeing what Transcend has to offer.  But things were obviously not all red roses and rich, dark chocolate or the Transcend/MDI-MD merger would never have come about.  Nobody just woke up one day and decided it looked like great weather for upending hundreds of lives with a corporate merger. 


            I don't think there are many people out there in our profession or in any other profession who like change.  Change is uncertain.  It eliminates any sense of knowing what is coming next.  I do not handle change well.  It is for that reason that I began immediately scouring the job boards when I learned that my company was merging with Transcend earlier this year.  Transcend is a big company.  We were their second merger of 2009.  I believed BIG equals cold and impersonal, all about the profit margin.  They send work offshore.  I had only been on board with my company for 4 months, and my benefits had just started.  (Why is it you seem to need your insurance the most when you DON'T have it?)  I was scared because I had left a large MTSO and did not want to work for another one.


            We were invited to a conference call hosted by my company president and the president of Transcend, Larry Gerdes.  I was not prepared for the warmth nor the sense that what we wanted and needed from our new employer was important to Transcend.  During the call, Larry gave nearly 200 people his cell phone number.  When the conference call was over, I called Larry's cell phone.  He answered on the second ring.  He had no idea who I was, but he answered immediately.  He was as warm and genuine one-on-one as he was in the group call. 


            Starting all over with benefits paperwork was challenging.  We do what we have to do for our families, however.  The Transcend HR team was prompt with calls and e-mails, explaining the process and making it more than bearable.  The benefits include dental, medical, vision, and flexible spending.


            The technical support crew was quick and responsive with software installations and continues to be very helpful.  I believe the technical support offered at Transcend is the very best I have ever experienced in my career.  They are professional and know what they are doing and they get the job done, even at 3 in the morning.


            There is a lot of training available for everything from logging the time you work to using text expanders.  We are called medical language specialists, not medical transcriptionists.  It took a little while to get used to MLS instead of MT but it really is an accurate description of this very specialized work we do.  The training is available ongoing, not just once with a followup call and then you're on your own.  For those who do not want to venture into new territory with a different platform and facility, staying with a familiar client and platform has not ever been discouraged.  Some of my coworkers and I were transferred onto BeyondTXT because our primary account had gone with another MTSO.  Those who have not thrived and are not happy are transferred back to prior accounts and platforms.  No one is forced to work on a platform or an account.  When work is low, we are encouraged to learn new accounts, secondary, tertiary, even quaternary for those who are brave enough to take on that challenge.


            The subject of offshoring was my biggest objection to this merger.  What I have learned is that offshoring is used only to cover the third shift and weekend hours where domestic coverage cannot be adequately obtained to keep accounts in turnaround.  Our profession necessitates 24/7 coverage, 365 days a year.  It is a challenge to find adequate coverage for the overnight shifts and weekends.  I worked second shift including Friday and Saturday nights for many years and I was thrilled to finally get a first shift.  I am working a weekend shift again, now, and while it isn’t my preference, it beats not having a job at all.  Recruiters report nearly every candidate wants first shift, Monday through Friday.  Hospitals unfortunately do not work only those hours.  Transcend has contracts which require them to write checks back to customers for failing to meet TAT.  Substandard quality is not acceptable from domestic MTs and it is not acceptable from offshore MTs so all reports done offshore go through an arduous QA process.  I like knowing that my employer is not having to pay back its clients because the work wasn't completed and returned in a timely manner. 


            It's not a perfect world we live in but it's up to each of us to play the cards we're dealt.  If you have decided to hang in there and give Transcend a chance, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  I did, and I'm really glad I did.


PT'ers work part time because they are....sm

working on other private accounts....sheesh.......I spend half a week working for private mds and the other half working for MQ......what do you want from us PT'ers??????


Are you calling all PT'ers malingerers?  How unfair is that?  I work my arse off 24/7/365 and since I'm a young teen......so that's about 40 years!  The only YEAR I took off was to have a baby 25 years ago.


AGAIN, POSTERS, consider the source of the perps posting!!!


How rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


XQ'ers - that does explain the gross paranoia.
nm
MedQ'ers, can you answer a few questions for me?

I've reviewed the MQ board but I don't work there and I can't post on the MQ board, so I'm posting questions here.


1.  Is there any grace period about clocking in on your proposed schedule?


2.  What happens if there is no work when you're scheduled; can you make it up without hassle?


3.  Can an experienced MT consistently average 200 lines on MT?  What about ASR?


Thanks for your help.  E-mail me privately if you're more comfortable. 


 


Any FutureNet'ers out there? Invoice Question...
In iType when you go look at your invoice information, is the QA% given your actual QA percentage?  If not, what does that mean?  I have some weird values on one account and low values on another...
Could the TT'ers get their own board on here so the rest of us can talk about something other tha
TT for a change? 
WMX'ers, can you access the Community Page? sm
It will not let me access it, although it did last night.  I just wanted to check with  y'all before contacting someone at the company.  Thanks!
Transhealth'ers...need some info on pay rate and how they are to work for....TIA
.
Any TransTech'ers have new info on new line-count
nm
Any Wedmedx'ers out there. How anyone made decent money with them and how is their platform?
Thinking of applying but would like the skinny on if you can make any money with them.
My Fellow MT's I need your help!
The small MTSO I work for is out of the Houston, Texas area, also the account I am on is in that area.  As you know several cities have been devastated from hurricane Ike.  I have been out of work since late Thursday, and a little work is trickling in this morning and yesterday, but not nearly enough.  Anyone know of a company hiring PT to supplement my income. I really need something I can pick up fast.  I work on the ExText platform presently, but also have worked on DocQscribe, and Bayscribe, along with proprietary software and Word.  I have 30+ years experience and love operative reports, but can do everything acute care/clinic, all work types and ESL.  I am really in a financial bind right now with the possibility of losing my home. Need a position that pays bi-weekly, can't afford to wait 1 month before getting paid.  Dont' have health insurance as I have a 90-day wait, which will be December 1 before I am insured.  I need to try and get a temporary insurance as am diabetic and have hypertension, but cannot afford it.  Did manage to enroll in Walgreens health program, and get my meds cheaper than what I paid when I was ensured.  I have tried applying with some positions I had tried over the years, but turned down for various reasons, but think I've been black listed.  I guess you can say I'm sort of desperate now though.  Thanks you guys.  .
Thank you fellow MTs....
I am so glad to have people respond and will check into all of these companies.  Thanks again!  You are all very helpful and I appreciate it. 
See what I mean, fellow MTs? (see below)
And I think Bitemia's rage is just the very TIP OF THE ICEBERG. The rest is hidden just below the surface, and could end up sinking their ship. TT sure shudda' thought this one through a little better.
HEY FELLOW AMPHIONITES!
Was hired by Amphion two weeks ago, and even though I don't start for another week, was wondering how long until I get the computer, etc.  Don't want to bother them, but am getting anxious....should I contact HR or just sit tight?  Am REALLY excited about this opportunity!!! 
Fellow Transcender, I have had so
many problems with this platform.  If you make just ONE mistake, it screws everything up and you can't get back.  I did 3 reports in 3 hours today.  Very frustrating. 
Help your fellow MTs. Which company is this?
:+
TO ALL MY FELLOW HEARTLANDERS
find an employment attorney and do it ASAP.

That's all I am at liberty to say.


A fellow TT'er
Your need to repeatedly justify yourself is really doing more harm than good. We know your story and we know by now you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your job, but these posts are really getting old. IMO you're repeated posting does nothing but turn off potential applicants.
maybe I will get an org. started just for my fellow MTs. nm
x
Except that I owe it to my fellow MTs to warn them off.
x
Fellow MDIer
I'm with you on this one. I have never worked for a company that had as much integrity as MDI.
Fellow Coworker

Hi,


I work on 2 accounts and 1 starts with E and the other with H and they are both on the Escription platform.


My fellow MDIers
I feel your pain. Yesterday I got exactly half of my lines. I can't feed my family this way. What to do, what to do? I totally love MDI but 50% of my lines doesn't pay a California mortage. I wish they would give us some timeline as to when the work will be normal again.
To fellow TT MTs - what do you make

of the fact that we're only allowed to work no more than 40 hours a week?  I always used to work more than that, ever since I started full time with TT.  Of course I never expected to be payed time and a half if it was my choice to work more than 40.  Then all of the sudden strict 40 hours and no more.  What do you all think is going on? 


It's YOUR conscience, fellow MT
If you're cool with what you're doing, keep on keepin' on. *Shrug*

I'm not much of a gameplayer myself so perhaps that's where your 'logic' loses me.

Anyway, your justifications are now bordering on ridiculous and boring me out of my mind so I'm out of this thread.

Self-pity was NEVER an attractive quality to me.

My fellow MDIers
Is anyone else still sad about the demise of the MDI as we knew it?  It seems to me that the last bastion of integrity and respect for MTs kind of fell apart.  How do you all feel after these several weeks have passed?
Thanks fellow Webbies. nm