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UPDATE

Posted By: Mojo workin' on 2006-01-10
In Reply to: Why? After all this, I would never apply with them or want to work with them. I have - confused

I am not the original poster, but I am the one who had been told that I should be patient because they get 150 emails a day, that I did pass the test, that I should not return the call because they are always on the phone. Well, too late Keystrokes. I took a test on Saturday for another company and was offered the job on Monday and I accepted.



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What was the update?
nm,,
Update

It was a very short update all was said was it was now done to one other company and this part of the process would take 30 to 60 days. It also said that the other company was not Spheris, MedQuist, or HCA. I plan on staying right where I am and see it through the end.


Update
I would like to thank everyone that emailed me. I finally got set up today, and am working away.
D&L UPDATE
Word is they are going to crop up as another name - beware when applying - take all information you have on this company and beware if new company pops up with same people. They are still doing business as D&L, and have some accounts and actually some MTs who have not left - but they will be another name as soon as the paperwork goes through - be careful - try to call them - chronically busy - web page under construction - snakes in the grass very very sneaky.

They are still dealing with the mess and it will just roll over to the new name when it comes.

If you ask me, what they are doing is dodging taxes again and scamming others, eventually it all comes out in the open.

Their everyone telling lies on us attitude won't work for long.
Update
Webmedx does charge a deposit and if this is Transtech they don't supply computer.
D&L any update?
I was wondering also if the MTs were compensated yet?  Let's keep this D&L situation active until we hear they have been paid.  It's such a terrible situation for so many.
D&L Update

No, they have NOT paid the majority of their ICs in part/in full.  How do I know?  Because I am a former D&L IC caught in the middle of this fiasco.  I haven't been paid since the end of June.  They still owe me for 3 weeks' earnings.


As to your other question, are they still in business.  That would be a yes.  They are currently HIRING too.  I feel sorry for anyone who accepts a position with them.


As far as what is being done against them, I'm not at liberty to say.   I really don't care much for the Marino's at this point in time, and do not want to give them any clue as to what the next step/possible step will be against them.  It would be unfair to discuss any actions publicly on a message board when there are 30+/- of us involved still suffering financially because of those 2 SELFISH and DISGUSTING people, John and Donna Marino.  They truly are in business for themselves. 


Thank you for this update! nm
s
Update?

with all the recent new employees of TransTech, can any of them give us an update of how it it going, I know they had a real hiring frenzy and a lot of information was shared on this board, just wondering if any new hires care to share their experiences so far.


Yes it does. Here is an update.
It took longer than expected to receive my foot pedal due to the fact that it didn't get sent out until several days after I thought it was going to be sent.  Anyway, I finally received it, let them know I had it and the next day they had me up and running with training.  I've only been working for the past three days and so far everything seems to be going just fine (although it seems like I'm getting the most difficult dictator on this account to start off with).  I've had very positive feedback and much encouragement. 
update
Well, I got an email stating that the check was indeed mailed on Saturday and that she thought that it would be there by now. I got the mail today, and sure enough a check was in the mail (personal check postmarked 11/12/08, meaning it was not sent out on Saturday as stated, but at this point who cares) for less than half the amount owed. She said that she would pay the remainder on her next billing cycle.

Well, I hope that the check really clears. My bank is holding it until 11/24/08 and I hope that she really does send me the remaining balance and that it is correct when she sends it. Truthfully, the entire amount should have been sent, but I am glad she at least sent a portion of it.

I will wait for a while to see if she really will pay the remaining balance.

Thanks for the update.
Thanks for letting us know. This will give you some more time to hone your article.

Good luck with this and if you need any more help, just let us know and we'll get you what you need.

Thanks again, Travelin, for doing this story.

I know it isn't specifically about offshoring, it is really about how the economy has affected you, but this will give an opportunity for the ugly O word to present itself to the general population.
WMX Update
And with all the great features of the new update, GOOD NEWS for all you cherrypickers. They have removed the history feature completely, so we are not able to see who is dumping the miserable jobs.
UPDATE
After thorough research and investigation, it seems to me the most expedient and efficient way to sort things out is to find a lawyer proficient in worker's rights and the like.

I am in Colorado. Does anyone know of a good lawyer who handles this kind of stuff? I'm going to keep researching, but I have the feeling that once I tell him/her of the situation, there will be ensuing heavy, heavy issues for my EMPLOYER.

After reading and reading and reading more, I am ABSOLUTELY 10000000% sure that almost every single Transcriptionist who works as an IC is actually an employee.

Here are the main reasons why:
1. If your employer dictates a schedule or asks that you set one and stick to it, you are an employee.
2. If the nature of your business (medical transcription) is similar/identical to the nature of your employer's business (MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION), you are an employee.
3. If your employer has hired other EMPLOYEES who do the same thing or very similar to what you do (i.e., a QA who also does some transcription), you are an employee.
4. If your employer mandates the way you will do your project (i.e. you HAVE to use these account specifics and you have to follow this protocol in OUR software), you are an employee.
5. If your employer provides you with TOOLS to get the job done (i.e. computer software, foot pedal, or even a computer), you are an employee.

I'll update more as I go along. I hope to keep my mojo up and actually do this. I just got a job offer from a local hospital out of the blue yesterday, and am tempted to take it. If I do ... I don't know.

In any case, thanks for all of your help!
UPDATE
After thorough research and investigation, it seems to me the most expedient and efficient way to sort things out is to find a lawyer proficient in worker's rights and the like.

I am in Colorado. Does anyone know of a good lawyer who handles this kind of stuff? I'm going to keep researching, but I have the feeling that once I tell him/her of the situation, there will be ensuing heavy, heavy issues for my EMPLOYER.

After reading and reading and reading more, I am ABSOLUTELY 10000000% sure that almost every single Transcriptionist who works as an IC is actually an employee.

Here are the main reasons why:
1. If your employer dictates a schedule or asks that you set one and stick to it, you are an employee.
2. If the nature of your business (medical transcription) is similar/identical to the nature of your employer's business (MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION), you are an employee. (An insurance company hiring a contractor to do their graphic design would be a QUALIFYING example).
3. If your employer has hired other EMPLOYEES who do the same thing or very similar to what you do (i.e., a QA who also does some transcription), you are an employee.
4. If your employer mandates the way you will do your project (i.e. you HAVE to use these account specifics and you have to follow this protocol in OUR software), you are an employee.
5. If your employer provides you with TOOLS to get the job done (i.e. computer software, foot pedal, or even a computer), you are an employee.

I'll update more as I go along. I hope to keep my mojo up and actually do this. I just got a job offer from a local hospital out of the blue yesterday, and am tempted to take it. If I do ... I don't know.

In any case, thanks for all of your help!
Update
It is nearly the end of my workday (I start early as I have family duties in the evening) and my primary still has had no work and my secondary has had a grand total of six small jobs today. Is anyone else this short on work?
update
I didn't have the interview. It was up to me, but I have a lot of work where I'm at and MDI does not have benefits, neither does the job I have now so it was a mute point to change.
UPDATE
Hi to everyone who emailed me. I had time to answer a few of you individually and I'll answer the rest as quickly as possible.

My intent tonight is to dig through the archives and find the thread from a few months ago that contained the names of all companies who do not offshore. It may take me a while, but I'm determined to find it and post the linkage back up for anyone who wants to bail and go American.

It's amazing the outpouring of support we're giving/getting to and from one another, and I find it heartwarming to see the sisterhood of MTs standing hand-in-hand instead of tearing each other down as is usual on these boards.

We WILL triumph over this, if we all stick together and say NO.

Thanks to every single one of you who wrote and I'll answer you just as quickly as humanly possible!!!
Considering Transcend - Need Update

I read that they had a pilot program for offshoring some work at this company.  Can anyone tell me if they are continuing with offshoring after their pilot is through or did they decide to keep the work in the country?


TIA!


Cool! :) Thanks for the update! NM
d
Thanks . . I had not seen the update on web site.
yesterday, was done working (east coast), so just checked now.
Keystrokes update
How is it going with the accounts on Keystrokes, and how are you, the new hires doing? I am about to take this on but am wondering if I should.. is it worth jumping to a new job or should I take it on as a second job? Any advice would be appreciated to update since the new recruiting effort and new account/hires. Thanks in advance.
For DQS update super says to log on to SM
Service Center tomorrow for the update.  Not sure what she means. Do we just log on to DQS as usual to receive download? 
if they ever update their platform - sm
to include Office/Word 2007, then I'd love to get on with them. My mother-in-law worked for them briefly and really enjoyed it. The only reason she stopped was because of health issues.
TRS/Transcend update
Now that Transcend owns TRS has the pay scale changed to Transcend's pay/practices?  Do they still do QA every month and reduce your pay as stated in prior postings?  As a TRS employee, just exactly what is different?
Update on emails

Thanks to all of you who emailed me.  I posted this below but thought I should start a new thread in case someone who has emailed me has not yet received a reply.


My intent tonight is to dig through the archives here to find the thread that lists companies that do NOT offshore and post the linkage to that thread.  As I recall, there were MANY companies contained in that thread.  It may take me awhile, but I'm determined to find it so anyone interested can pursue those companies in case they're hiring.


Also, thank you all so much for the emails!  I am writing back as quickly as possible but I need to start working (no, not for MDI-MD), so I have to be away from my email for awhile.  I will indeed answer each and everyone of you as quickly as possible.  I've already responded to several of you, so if you check your emails, my reply might be there.


This outpouring of support we're giving/providing to one another is absolutely heartwarming.  Remember, ladies (and perhaps gentleman), we WILL triumph over this.  We need to stand together and say NO.  I realize some of us are not in a position to simply walk away without lining up something else up first, and I'm trying to do all possible to get that list of companies that do not offshore up as quickly as possible for everyone interested.


Hang in there, my fellow MTs.  We WILL find greener pastures.


Update. All tests taken are for ortho. All who have taken and
passed have been offered a job and either have started or declined. There is no one who has taken the test prior to 3 days ago that has not heard back and had resolution. One person does the hiring for Keystrokes and this person has never told someone that they are too busy to respond or always on their phone or that they get 150 emails a day. Hiring is priority as we have added at least one account per week for the past four months and anticipate this year following the same pattern.

No, I do not work in the office either, but that is irrelevant. I went to the source and called HR and asked her. This was concerning to me as the account I am in charge in is expanding, and I need four more MTs to run it. She assured me that this is absolutely not true and everyone has been contacted.
Okay, I see the update now. Sounds intriguing, no? nm

//


Update on Medware 401(k) issues

I posted earlier in the week about Medware withholding salary and not sending that money to MetLife for my 401(k).  I have contacted the Dept. of Labor and they are investigating.  Anyone who had salary withheld and those funds were not put in 401(k) is entitled to compensation for lost investment income. 


Better Business Bureau Update
Davis Transcription is listed with the BBB, a member since 2002 in good standing.  We all know this is a farce.  This is where we can start, report to the BBB.  They will even contact the company for you if you feel you have been wronged.  Those she owes money to, please contact the BBB, you can file this online.  I encourage each and everyone to do so. 
Update on previous post
Forget the above. Not with them already. Believe what you read in the archives. Trust other people's experience. Still waiting for my check as well. The account was fine, that was not the problem. Just to update and revoke the above. My conscience could not let this stay. Happy Holidays and good luck in your search for a great place to work.
Update on Laratech Healthprime
Well I finally got the software downloaded, they have Dictaphone Nuance Extext. They have a pretty good set up, but they are still refusing to send me a contract and they pay 3.25 cents a line for editing. First they said I was only to do 5 reports a day until they saw the quality of my work, then the gentleman told me that I no longer needed to do 5 reports a day that I could just work and do as many jobs as I wanted, but still he wont send me a contract and now I have been trying to get them on Yahoo IM since yesterday with no answer and they are both signed on as available. Does anyone have anything positive to say aboutr this company? I mean they are really nice people and very helpful, but something does not seem right.
Update: DH went BALLISTIC. Guess my LOA
will be a day or two. Oh, well, dream, dream dream, etc. Anybody got a job lead, this MT is a lookin. At least I spent the day with my sick kitten. Bright side to everything.
Update - saw my attorney and filed for

Two people at the unemployment office told me I have every right to claim unemployment.  My attorney looked over my contract and apparently the owner didn't cover all her avenues and he found a loophole and told me to file.  BTW - one of the ladies at the unemployment office told me they are seeing more and more MTs filing. 


UPDATE ON MY FOCUS EXPERIENCE

I'm only sharing my experiences in hopes that it will help others.  It is not in my character to sit back and be silent.  I thank mtstars for allowing us this forum to help each other.


I'm finally DONE with Focus Infomatics / Nuance.


I used to post a lot of positive information here about my job at Focus Infomatics/Nuance.  (Nuance bought Focus Infomatics in 2007).  It used to be a very nice company to work for, IMHO.  Anyway, the working conditions were on the decline over the past year, but started to go really sour a couple of months ago. 


A lot of people have complained about India being involved in the medical transcription industry, and I do understand the concerns about offshoring, but I would LOVE to have my Indian manager back.  The American lady that took his place is simply cruel.  I have no other word to describe her.  If I had waited for her to give me work, my family would be starving. 


I did stay for awhile, hoping that an adjustment period for new management would end in a positive way, but that just hasn't happened.  It is getting worse and worse.  I guess I can't blame the new HR director, as he had absolutely no experience in the medical transcription industry, or even the medical field, prior to working for Focus/Nuance.  According to his online resume, he was a Marine recruiter and then worked for Reebok, among others.  So, he likely is just following someone else's orders.


I've found another MT job, at a company that seems to care that an employee succeeds and has enough work on an account that matches his/her experience and preferences.  Though I am prepared for many surprises along the way and won't be too shocked or devastated if the bubble is burst soon into the game, it couldn't be any worse than it is now at Focus Infomatics. 


The main thing that I cannot forgive Focus for is hiring more people when I don't have enough work.  I have received excellent monthly reviews, so they cannot tell me that their silence is due to my inability to produce.  Maybe they want me to quit because I am a high producer; who knows.


At any rate, I must thank Focus Infomatics/Nuance for the learning experience.  When I write my book, I will certainly include these experiences in it.


Best to all of you who are current or future employees of Focus Infomatics/ Nuance.


 


UPDATE: Some numbers I have crunched on VR
I checked the amount of work I did this past week and will give you an example of what 4 cents a line (like I am paid) compares to 3 cents, like your company is talking about. I have VR as fast as it will go, if not I cannot make the amount I am comfortable with a day. This past week 1 day I had 3169 lines with VR (167 straight lines) and on the 3169 I made $126.76- if I had worked for the 3 cents a line like your company speaks I would have made $95.07. Being fast means nothing if you cannot speed the audio up and with escription it will only speed up so much. I know people's concerns, I had the same but just thought would run this past people so they could see the difference in 4 as opposed to the 3.
Update - I called and pushed the issue of ... sm
starting quickly and I train tomorrow.  I just couldn't stand sitting around waiting.  I loaded the software last night and the tech gave me my live username and password, so as soon as I get trained, I'm off and running.  The only thing that bothers me is the proprietary Instant Messaging they use for communication.  That might drive me a bit batty for a while until I get it quirked so it doesn't bother me all the time. 
I just wanted to update. I posted 1 to 2 weeks ago about

how nervous I was about Webmedx, that their system seemed cumbersome, etc.   Well after a week and I have had time to play with the system it really isn't cumbersome, though I still have lots to learn.  The system is Word-based and I have limited Word experience.  Their Expander is ShortHand and I have NO Shorthand experience.  Adding words is easy, it is creating shortcuts for steps and macros that I haven't learned yet.  Anyway, someone e-mailed me privately that indeed the system was cumbersome and they made tops $50/day.  After one week I'm doing about twice that, only working 7 hours.  Everyone has been very nice, QA has been very supportive, even the tech guys (and I don't usually like tech guys) have been very nice.   


I'm not a recruiter, I'm not even sure if they are hiring since they just hired a bunch for a new account and are still trying to work the kinks out of the account.   I'm just giving some feedback, you can take it or leave it.  


Update on MedWare 401(k) issues in the past (SM)
I had previously posted about MW withholding salary at my request and never depositing that money in my 401(k) account.  I reported to Dept. of Labor and the investigation is now being finalized.  Got a call today from Labor saying MW added interest to 401(k) accounts because they had been late in making deposits, and from now on will made deposits in a timely manner after salary has been withheld.  She said they will be monitored and if they do not, criminal charges will be filed.  So for all of you with 401(k) accounts, you may want to keep a close eye on your statements, deposits, etc.
Update on heme/onc and occ health accounts. sm
We had all the positions filled for heme/onc but a few MTs did not work out due to computer issues; we are in the process of placing them on other accounts. There are a few openings in heme/onc and several in occ health. We are also starting another occ health account in 2 weeks.

Just update your resume, be more complete but keep it brief. They just want to know the nature of yo
If you want a job, and they want to know how to fit you for which department, best to say what you can do like basic 4 acute 10 years, etc. Nothing wrong with that question. They are just trying to match your skills with the job. Some MTs have only done clinic notes or psych notes and some have never done ops no matter 10 or 20 years, etc. Put yourself in their shoes and you will find a reasonable answer. IMHO
Passing through--update when you decide on a company please. sm
I'm not too thrilled with Wx myself and would like to see what a fellow ex-Qer finds a good company. Thanks.
Plus some STMs (mgrs) do a daily update sm
via email regarding which accounts (company-wide) need OT or make-up time.

I've not had trouble making up my time, usually.
Update on New England Medical Transcription
I heard from them today.  I was offered the job and am in the process of sending back the contract.  I'm excited to be starting something new, but nervous at the same time.  I'll be starting a whole new speciality since they don't have any nephrology, which is what I do now. 
***Beware of Toth Transcription*** Update

One of the MTs who was scammed by Toth Transcription went to her attorney this week.  PLEASE READ





Hello, I talked to my attorney, he said where there is smoke there is fire.  WE ALL need to file complaints with the attorney general in each of our states as well in PA, also the department of labor and wages.  WE ALL need to do this.  There are a few loop holes in the contract,  The attoney general will help us, it will just take time, but if will go faster if EVERYONE files complaints. SO PLEASE pass this information along when you post, that it is imperative that we all file complaints, it can be done all online and when they contact us to fill out the information, do so quickly and we can win this. even though it has been alot of years for you, you to need to file a complaint, that will help us.  Thanks alot!!!





I know that the husband is verbally abusive to a lot of the MTs.  He does this because he knows how threatening he sounds. He does this because he knows he gets away with it, and he doesn't believe that any of us will actually do something about it.  


Don't be willing to let him get away with this any longer.  He only knows how to make you work, work, work, and keep your money rather than pay you.  He thinks he has it nailed down to a science, but as it is mentioned in the above paragraph, there are loopholes in his contract that he makes you sign. 


Please, if you work for them now or if you know somebody who does, or you used to work for them and they owe you money, don't waste time - e-mail me at *****.  We need to get as many MTs as possible that were unfairly treated by this husband and wife business.  They need to pay.  You need your money that you worked so hard for.  Our goal is to get them shut down.  So let's do it.




Did it tell you to save everything to disk before running the update?
If so, that was it...and it takes a while, almost an hour I heard
UPDATE ON MY FOCUS INFOMATICS EXPERIENCE

I'm only sharing my experiences in hopes that it will help others.  It is not in my character to sit back and be silent.  I thank mtstars for allowing us this forum to help each other.


I'm finally DONE with Focus Infomatics / Nuance.


I used to post a lot of positive information here about my job at Focus Infomatics/Nuance.  (Nuance bought Focus Infomatics in 2007).  It used to be a very nice company to work for, IMHO.  Anyway, the working conditions were on the decline over the past year, but started to go really sour a couple of months ago. 


A lot of people have complained about India being involved in the medical transcription industry, and I do understand the concerns about offshoring, but I would LOVE to have my Indian manager back.  The American lady that took his place is simply cruel.  I have no other word to describe her.  If I had waited for her to give me work, my family would be starving.


I did stay for awhile, hoping that an adjustment period for new management would end in a positive way, but that just hasn't happened.  It is getting worse and worse.  I guess I can't blame the new HR director, as he had absolutely no experience in the medical transcription industry, or even the medical field, prior to working for Focus/Nuance.  According to his online resume, he was a Marine recruiter and then worked for Reebok, among others.  So, he likely is just following someone else's orders.


I've found another MT job, at a company that seems to care that an employee succeeds and has enough work on an account that matches his/her experience and preferences.  Though I am prepared for many surprises along the way and won't be too shocked or devastated if the bubble is burst soon into the game, it couldn't be any worse than it is now at Focus Infomatics.


The main thing that I cannot forgive Focus for is hiring more people when I don't have enough work.  I have received excellent monthly reviews, so they cannot tell me that their silence is due to my inability to produce.  Maybe they want me to quit because I am a high producer; who knows.


At any rate, I must thank Focus Infomatics/Nuance for the learning experience.  When I write my book, I will certainly include these experiences in it.


Best to all of you who are current or future employees of Focus Infomatics/ Nuance.


UPDATE: Please note above where I said "PASS OVER..." SEE MESSAGE
I'm not through half of the responses so far and I keep hearing, If you don't want that schedule, then just don't work there.

I just wanted start a post that deals with a topic of interest to me. I'm not hear to argue. There is no right or wrong answer to this. I was just curious to see if anyone else felt the way I did. In my particular living situation with a small child, I could not commit to every Saturday or Sunday. Thank God for those of you who do. It alleviates the burden from those of us who do not want to.

Who knows? When the nest is empty and the majority of my obligations no longer fall on weekends the option will be there.

I did forget to add in my OP that for the first two years that my husband and I were together, I worked in-house Tues-Sat SECOND shift. I worked this shift the entire two years that I was a newlywed. I finally had to quit after I found a clinic position with the hours I prayed two years for. Who knows, maybe it scarred me.

If I'm the minority then that's great. I don't want this thread to get ugly. To each his own. I just wish some of these larger nationals that offer such great benefits could be a bit more flexible.

We may not all agree on what shift is the best, but I'm sure everyone would be thrilled with great benefits and PTO out the ying-yang!
WMX question on update this a.m. Little blue box and numbers (sm)

in upper right hand, I think the numbers might be line count, what is the other one in the blue box? 


 


Nevermind, I should have read the whole memo about update. Duh... nm
.
Axolotl update: got a call from the recruiter yesterday. sm

They give you a computer, but require a $300 deposit on it, to be taken out of your check in $50 increments until paid.   I left a different national a few months ago; and when I had started there a year ago, got a new computer and no deposit required at all.


Got called over a month and a half after I applied to their ad.


Line rate is required 170 per hour.


I'm supposed to get a testing e-mail soon, and have to respond and do the test within 48 hours.    That 300.00 bothers me.   A few extra hundred added to it, and I could buy my own.  I've heard the horror stories of deposits and equipment issues.


I think I'll pass.