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Update. All tests taken are for ortho. All who have taken and

Posted By: Not Team Lead on 2006-01-10
In Reply to: Attention lead person at KS - about the initials

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.


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Tests are only on ortho accounts. nm
nm
It depends on the dept. Ortho tests, rad and HIM used to sm
but now they do not. I did hear that there was no difference in those that tested than those that had the experience, so they decided not to test anymore in those 2 departments at least.

I do know that recruiting and hiring is always changing, trying to find new and better ways to process applicants. Not all changes work though, and they start over again.

If you have applied and not heard back, try calling Beth at the KS office. She has been processing the applications and question forms as quickly as possible but really does match everyone up well, which can take time!
Easy tests versus harder tests...
Having passed both and offered jobs at both, which company would you likely go for?  They both have the same basic benefits and line rates.  Would I be assuming that the harder testing will mean that the dictation is more difficult?  Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated!
Keystrokes has great ortho accounts and a wonderful manager over the ortho work. sm
I have worked with them for 4 years and will never leave unless something drastically changes. I do not post here normally as it seems that there are so many negative people, but this is one I felt I could answer without being attacked.
What about IQ tests?
start doing....!
Take other tests
There are lots of MTSOs that have online tests through MTtest.
sorry....not sure about any tests
Someone just mentioned something about a test. I just had to say that I was never offered a test. I DO NOT like tests either. I do great on employment, but get extremely nervous with tests...lol. Sorry if it made you nervous.
tests
Phoenix Medcom has new and improved voice files for testing.
tests
I just tooked the tests and not at all what is being described so the tests must have been updated recently.
Tests
I refuse to test for a company until I have received some background. Your're right some of those tests are quite extensive and I refuse to spend 2 or more hours on a test to find out they only want to pay 7 cpl and have lousy benefits. Funny thing is, when I want to inquire further before taking a test, I never get a response back from the company.
Need help with MT tests

I have almost two years MT experience and have transcribed and edited just about everything short of pathology and radiology.  I am currently doing ER.  I tested for a national today and did well on the grammar and terminology, but not well enough for the transcription.  No direction was given for the transcription test such as to type bedtime as opposed to h.s. and daily or q.day instead of q.d. or mL for cc.  I never know whether to do those things or not do them, it seems like whatever I choose to do is always wrong whenever I take an MT test anymore.  I could not even slow down any of the dictators for clarity.  I need to find a better paying MT job. 


What would you do for prohibited abbreviations? 


Also, would you expand or not expand for diagnoses and impressions? 


Would you type short physical examination sections in paragraph form with the headings or would you list them individually under the section heading?  I have had clients that wanted it both ways.


Maybe I have lost my edge by doing strictly ER.  Still, I would really appreciate the thoughts of other MTs about the above questions and any other pointers anyone would like to share. 


Thanks in advance.


TESTS
Hi Jan:
I am a newby fresh, new blood. A post graduate from community college. Use mL in place of cc.

Am also looking for transcription work myself; do you have any leads?
tests
Sorry to hear you failed their test. I also failed theirs and Medquists twice. I hate that they don't give you any feedback on why. No idea whether it was writter or transcription or what. Just thanks, you can reapply in so many months. I really think they should give some feedback, don't you?
I don't think anyone tests with MDI-MD
I could be mistaken, but I work for MDI-MD and there was no formal test required. Instead, they review your resume, see if they have a 'fit' for you, and then there is an extensive phone interview where they assess you skills and go over your experience with you.

I've seen several MTs post to this same experience, so I don't believe they have any formal testing at their site or elsewhere.


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 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.

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!!!
Easy tests
Nope, you can't go by that. In fact, you can't go by anything but your own experience. Make your wisest decision. Use your gut instincts. That's all any of us can do.

It might help others to answer if you named the companies, but I understand why you can't.

Good luck. :)
I though the tests were very fair sm
and although not simple, they weren't extremely hard and certainly much better than some I have taken. The actual verbal, I thought, was the easiest. By the way, definitions ARE a MAJOR part of transcription ability. Sounds like you are sore at the company for not getting the position.
TESTS UPDATED
All tests for Phoenix Medcom have been updated as of 7/26/2006
Long tests
I was thinking the exact same thing!  LOL! I once took an enormously long test that was in my specialty and I knew it was good.  Never got the courtesy of a reply.  Soured me on tests.
Long Tests
Yep! I think that some companies out there do use MTs to get work done for free. Absolutely agree with you.
Tests and Companies
I have taken a test for DR,Inc; Chronicle, and O-Script. Have offer from the last two. Would really just like to work part-time because of health reasons, so I went ahead with the test for DR. Now, if I passed the test for the last two, which weren't just a piece of cake but showed that you had knowledge , it would seem I would pass the DR,Inc. test, but you never know. I just would like to work when I feel really good which is about 4 hours after lunch every day, I have had 2 back surgeries and a neck surgery and it just takes awhile to get going and after sitting for awhile, I can hardly get up. Any suggestions on what I might could do to alleviate some of the pain? I take about 3 hot showers a day just to get the tension and stress out of my neck and back.
transcription tests

What is the grading criteria for these company tests?  Must the transcription be totally error free, 95% error free or what.  I've had some good results, but some where I thought I had every word correct gave no answer at all.


 


thanks.


 


Quig.


Most tests are done in Word
and emailed, so you'd have a copy of what you submit. You can always copy/paste your test from the online sites as well. I'm not really sure why you have such a big problem with her seeking feedback from a fellow MT either on her previous tests, or actually as I suggested in my original post, HER PREVIOUS WORK she's done to see where her weaknesses are so she can improve her skills.... ??
For the majority of tests, you HAVE to go by
BOS2. No way you can pass it if you are not following the rules.
About the book/tests - have you not ever sm
done any in-depth research into the field you are working in?  Had you done that, you would have probably ended up at the AHDI site at some point (creator of the BOS) or MTChat or here - references to BOS and tests come up daily.  How could you have been working and not know there was a BOS?
transcription tests
What a bunch of BS.  If you have years of experience the testing process is so ridiculous.  I think taking the test before you even know what they are going to pay is so unfair.  If they are paying ZILCH - which seems to be it today - why waste your valuable time transcribing anything.  I agree 21 notes - give me a break.  They probably just send them to QA and on to the client and get free work!
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?