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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Your 2 cents is more than Shapin QA make. nm

Posted By: QA on 2006-05-24
In Reply to: My thoughts .....sm - Shapin~MT

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I make 4 cents a line, work part and make
over $500 a week on part.
Do Shapin MTs really only make 6 cpl and QAs make 1.5 cpl?
/
Where can I make 10 cents plus sm
I know what you are saying.  Where can a fabulous MT make 10 plus cents a line?  No editing required.
I currently make 3.0 cents per line
and I average about 2400 - 3000 lines per day.
I make 9 cents per line. I am not

on an account with VR.   Regarding the platform, there are several.  Do you have one in particular?


How can you possibly make any $$ for 2 cents per line???

 


Am I missing something??


rates 6.5 to 7 cents .NEVER make more at Jack-in-Box
I emailed first (as is my thing prior to spending time testing) They did email back after I asked for the lowest to highest rate offered for the position.

email response below
Hi there,

We pay $0.065 to 0.007 starting depending upon experience. Some
companies pay various amounts per line, but it also is important to see
what their line consists of. We pay based on a 65 character line count.

Thanks!

Synernet Transcription
(207) 771-3470
877-771-3470
I get 10-12 cents a line from clients so I can only pay 6-71/2 to make any profit.
There are some clinics/hospital that will pay more but they also want you to do a lot more secretary stuff which the management staff does and you do not see.  I know some of the huge nationals are raking in the profit and not spreading it around to well deserved transcriptionists but us smaller nationals or local companies are not getting those huge accounts that pay 16-20? cents a line.  There is overhead too to pay like your utility bills, dictation equipment and upkeep, long distance phone bills, advertising, paper, printers, ink, faxes, health insurance, etc and then the income for the management team, proofers, and computer techs.  I am not trying to take up for the huge companies that rake it in but if you haven't had your own business in the field then you really can't speak about what goes on after you turn in your work because you have no idea.  Making comments to ad that can't offer more like me does not help anyone.  I find plenty of experience transcriptionists happy with the pay, workload, and TAT.  I wish I could offer more but when you are only making 3-4 cents of profit and still have your overhead that is not greedy.  Your checks are nearly the same as the transcriptionists. If you don't like the pay find your own account - you do the leg work and don't respond to if it does not interests you as it does to a lot of people.
I don't do chart notes and I make more than 7 cents a line
they don't think you can handle a more intricate account and you should try working on your MT skills.

Giggle at that, hon.
Good post MissIndigo....I make 6.5 cents for VR sm
and I do agree it would be difficult to do it at 4 cents a line. We are fortunate, and yes it is possible to increase speed even after a year of doing VR, 4 cents still would seem completely unfair to me. I have in no way doubled my production lines. I may have increased by 50% or 75% of normal line rate, so I think 6.5 to 7 cents is more than fair. No matter what the rate, no one in this industry should think is easy and not have to pay extremely close attention. Good luck to you Ms. Indy. You have a great attitude, I watch your posts. You are a true professional.
Can an MT make a decent living earning 7 cents per line


Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth.  It would be great to be paid 10-11-12-13 cents per line (as an employee not IC), but that is not a reality in this job market.  Yes, MTs will take jobs that pay 7 cents per line, but that MTSO is not necessarily underpaying or demeaning the MTs that work for them. 


 


Bottom line is that you have to do your homework because, yes, there are people who can make a living on 7 cents a line and will take those jobs.   It really depends on your skills and how dedicated you are to making your maximum possible lines per hour.  The MTSO that is offering only 7 cents a line but has easy dictators can actually pay you more per check if you type more lines per hour than an MTSO that is offering 10 cents a line but has horrible quality, ESL dictators, nasty QA, etc and you can barely type 100 lines an hour because of it. 


 


MY TIP:  When you interview, ask what the approximate minimum and maximum lines per hour that the other MTs that are doing EXACTLY the same accounts that you are going to be doing are achieving per hour/day/pay period.  If the recruiter/MTSO will not tell you that information, you probably don’t want to work there anyway so just terminate the interview before wasting any more of your time.  The slowest MTs are probably new and the ones achieving 200-250-300 lines per hour have been there a long time and know the account(s) forwards and backwards.  If you plan to make that MTSO a long-term employer, you will have a pretty good idea of what you can potentially achieve if you stay there long enough.  Don’t let them tell you the “average” of all the MTs that work for the company or what their perfect employee Suzie Q types.   We all know every account is different, so Suzie Q who just started last week and is already doing 150 lines per hour may have easier accounts than the one you are going to be working on, so that is not very representative of what your account(s) is really going to be like.  Ask specifically about the accounts you will be assigned to and don’t let them distract you.  Again, if they don’t want to tell you, terminate the interview. 


 


According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2004 !!!, the MEDIAN hourly earnings for a Medical Transcriptionist (probably  mostly hospital and office based) in May of 2004, was $13.64 an hour. 


 


Just for reference, it seems like most MTSOs have a 6000 lines per week minimum production standard which is about 150 line per hour (40 hour week) on average for full-time MTs.   


 


·        If you are being paid 7 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (150 x 0.07) = $10.50 per hour.


 


·        If you are being paid 8 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (150 x 0.08) = $12.00 per hour. 


 


·        If you are being paid 9 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (150 x 0.09) = $13.50 per hour. 


 


·        If you are being paid 10 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (150 x 0.10) = $15.00 per hour. 


 


If you are one of the highly trained experienced MT and type 200 lines per hour on average, you are even better off. 


 


·        If you are being paid 7 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (200 x 0.07) = $14.00 per hour.


 


·        If you are being paid 8 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (200 x 0.08) = $16.00 per hour. 


 


·        If you are being paid 9 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (200 x 0.09) = $18.00 per hour. 


 


·        If you are being paid 10 cents per line, you are making a minimum of (200 x 0.10) = $20.00 per hour. 


 


 


The median hourly earnings in 2004 was $13.64 per hour.  That was almost 4 years ago.  With a minimal 2% per year cost of living/inflation increase, by 2008 the median hourly earning should be about $14.76 per hour.       


 


2004 --------- $13.64


2005 x 2% = $13.91


2006 x 2% = $14.19


2007 x 2% = $14.47


2008 x 2% = $14.76


 


So, in my humble opinion, if you are an experienced MT with 5 or more years of experience, when you call that MTSO offering 7 cents per line the accounts you will be assigned to should be easy enough so that you can make an average of 210 lines per hour within a relatively short period of time.  If they say their experienced MTs are only doing 175 to 200 lines per hour on average, that MTSO is drastically underpaying their experienced MTs and it is time for you to move on.  If they say their MTs are averaging 250 to 300 lines per hour, then that MTSO may be worth looking into further, even if their starting wage is lower than what you originally thought you should be getting paid. 


 


I think if WE ALL start doing this, the MTSOs will start to figure out that we are not going to work for companies that underpay our skills and experience.  If enough experienced MTs hang up on these companies, eventually they will figure out that the recruiters/supervisors need to be more honest with us regarding their pay structure and the difficulty of their accounts. 


 


Some food for thought !! 


 


More information from the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: 


Medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $13.64 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.50 and $16.32. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.67, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.11. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical transcriptionists in May 2004 were:














General medical and surgical hospitals


$13.83


Offices of physicians


13.40


Business support services


13.40


 


 


If you want more information, check out the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics web page for Medical Transcriptionist. 


 


http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm


 


 


 


depends; can make more $ on easy platform/7 than hard platofrm/8-9 cents
nm
What is average? 7 cents, 8 cents, 9 cents? 65-character?
x
Oh, they make money off us. Line rate is 17 cents a gross line.nm
z
I also work for 8 cents a line. I left a job typing OPs for 10-11 cents sm
to take a clinic job. I made an average of $17-18 an hour with OPs, now make $16-17 an hour, but the work is easier on me. I do not call that poor pay. I type 200+ lines an hour. True, it isn't the $26-27 an hour I was making 10 years ago at a hospital, but that's gone for good. I have excellent skills, make better than 99% on QA at any company I have worked for, and some of those have been very demanding.

I'm afraid the people that are expecting to make $20-30 an hour in MT are going to be disappointed. A few can still make that amount, but for the average good transcriptionist, the pay is much more likely to run $15-20. Benefits are pretty much gone. However, I feel that what I'm making is considerably above what I could make in another field, unless I decide to teach, which I will not do. Still, I make more than I would at Walmart or Burger King, or even a secretarial job. It's my choice. Good luck to you.
The mentoring program does not pay 8-1/2 cents per line. Believe it is like 6 cents.
n/m
4 CENTS , SCHMORE CENTS. THAT'S WRONG!
Whether an MT is new or an editor, 4 cents a line is deeply insulting, and 9 cents per line isn't really too much better. You know, I understand that most of these MT companies want to save money, but most of them don't seem to want to pay what an MT's time and skills are really worth. Why not pay an MT who has been in the field for 7-10 years or more 15 or 20 cents per line? At least I might consider working for one of these companies at home if I were to be paid that much straight off the bat for having 12 years' experience, but I guess that would be too much like right...
Do they still pay you 5 cents a line and 2 cents if you send anything to QA?
xx
I have a problem with 7 cents and 8 cents a line because
...when I started 15 years ago, my very first MT job started me out at 8 cents a gross line, then went to 9 cents a gross line after only a year. I was SOOO happy and proud of myself for choosing a profession that paid so well - I imagined myself making a lot of $$ once I had 10 or 15 years experience behind me...

Well that never happened; in fact, it all went backwards, pay wise. The company I worked for back then sold out to a national, and of course the pay was cut, and 9 cents a gross line was never to be had again, at least not that I could find. I am considered living in poverty now. I started out great but have ended up very badly.

I think my own personal problem is that it's hard for me to let go the fact that I made good money just starting out and how everything I had ever learned about jobs, careers and pay was that the more experience and education you have in a particular field, the more your pay goes up as each year passes. Well my pay has been consistently taking a nosedive for at least a decade now. I actually have to work MORE to make at least as much as I did years ago, and it's killing me health-wise as far as my wrists, my legs, my neck, my back....

It also kills me that I'm going to have to accept 7 or 8 cents a 65-character line when I made so much more than that 15 years ago.

I suppose to someone who's just starting out, 7 or 8 cents would seem pretty good, though. Maybe that's why I haven't been able to land any jobs with my resume. They may not want me with my years of experience, probably want a newbie who will be more grateful about such low pay. I dunno.

I could just kick myself for wasting money on MT school those years ago when I could've spent it on a career that would actually LAST and where I'd be making great money after being in the same field for 15 years. There's just no reward to this business. None at all, IMO.

I would NOT recommend this field to anyone just getting started. To me, it's a dead field.

I'd have more freedom working at McDonalds (for a number of reasons), and, believe me, I've been considering taking a local job around my home for minimum wage. At least I'd have a consistent paycheck and would know exactly what I'm getting every 2 weeks, then build from there as far as another job or two.

Well anyway that's all. I really need a job. I'm going down, going under, and it's a shame because I do very good work and have all this experience but no one seems to want me, even the low-paying companies. Oh well.
Few cents here, few cents there stolen from you by
x
I'll add my 5 cents to your 2 for 7 cents sm
I AGREE WITH YOU!

I know an MT who sits on her laurels and whines about no work and only getting 9 cpl after 5 whole years of experience. She can type 3 specialties, won't touch an ESL, goofs off when there is work and whines when there is not. I have tried to help, but it is quite plain to me she doesn't want that help.

I have about 3 times the experience of the above MT. The only specialty I have not done is pathology. I have literally done everything else. I know the BOS 2 like the back of my hand and I have outstanding accuracy scores (even if I can't type straight here). I work as an employee and make a base rate of 8.5 cpl, which I never get because I always have some of the different incentives offered. I regularly turn that 8.5 cpl into $25 an hour and at my PT job where I get 10 cpl and faster software, I can turn that into $32.50 an hour.

I have heard, more times than I can count from other MTs that they wish they could have my income. I can tell they why they don't. It is called hang out to complain on a message board like MTStars. It is doing everything, BUT your work on your shift. It is your lack of a willingness to learn new things, even if they slow you down some. This very year, recently in fact, I was put on straight cardiology procedure notes and I didn't worry for a second that I would suffer financially. I AM FLEXIBLE and that, in a nutshell, is why most MTs will not succeed.

A long time ago I realized that if I want more money, I was going to have to work SMART, not hard. In my 15 years, I now make 5 times what I did my first year and at the same exact line rate I had then! I spend less time working to achieve that these days. So no, I can't agree with your sky is falling routine.

Most of you...your attitudes suck. If I had to have you on site as my employees, you would not last 15 minutes. The first time I heard you at the water cooler whining about your pay, I'd fire your fanny so fast it would make your head SWIM. I have eyes in the back of my head too, so when you started making that stink face you are making right now, I'd have sacked you for that, on the spot, no warning and no day's pay. The ONLY reason you all get away with this is that you THINK no one who knows you is watching and that your respective contract holders can't figure out who you are.

By and large, I can't tolerate other MTs as friends. I find them lazy, self-absorbed whiners and complainers with some the worst negative attitudes I have EVER seen! If you hate MT so very much GO GET A JOB DOING SOMETHING ELSE. I can tell you, your bad attitude, your tendency to complain, whine, witch (with a capital B), moan and ALWAYS see the most negative side of everything...THAT crap will follow you to that new career and it won't be any better than this one. You have issues and I really think they are issues for a good therapist. They are called personality disorders and many of you have them in multiples and in spades!

I think you should be completely and utterly ashamed of yourselves. Too many people are out of work, homeless, and starving this Christmas to be so opinionated and selfish.
Shapin.
They don't know the answers to their own test. No telling what goes on there.
Shapin
I've definitely given up on them. I sent them two emails telling them I couldn't find their test on their site and both times I got an automated message back that said please go to the web site and take our test.
Shapin
This is a very laid back company. You can work FT/PT your choice. No min on line counts. There is only one ESL doc and he is a temporary. TAT is 24 hours, up to 48 on back log. If you need more info email me at MaryC_RI285@msn.com
Shapin..
Hi there,

I do lead QA for Shapin. Feel free to email me with any questions. MaryC_RI285@msn.com
Shapin?
nm
Must have been Shapin, right?

Shapin
I am also a new Editor with Shapin. It seems as though the editors that are no longer here had the company pretty messed up. I am thankful for Laurie giving me the opportunity and mentoring to become a good editor. If there any more good editors out there that are looking for an awesome company to work for, extremely freindly and helpful, apply. We need good editors not crybaby wanna be's.
another ex-Shapin IC
Again, another ex-Shapin employee without a name. If you feel that you were a good employee why are you afraid to post your name? Not surprising I guess. I also am curious as to what you mean by They feed their lies to J, the owner, who believes everything they say. I can tell everyone the facts. Fact number one: People who do their jobs and don't steal from companies KEEP THEIR JOBS. Fact two: Disgruntled ex-employees always yell Foul the loudest because they do not learn from their mistakes, they just go onto the next company and mess that company up too.

I just wish for once, someone would give everyone specifics instead of just generalized comments like unprofessional and lies. And while you are at it, please answer this question....How can you live with yourself knowing that you were stealing from a company by not even doing the job you were paid to do?
Shapin

Hello,


Is there anyone who works for Shapin that could give me some insight as to good or bad?  A got a response to a resum I sent and would like some information on how they are to work for before answering.


TIA


 


 


 


Shapin
I applied for the editing position so not sure on the amount for the transcription side.
Shapin
I worked for Shapin for about four months.  Don't do it!!!  The work load is really bad - hardly any work at all, very low line count, and the pay is miserable.  Check into Professional Transcriptions, Inc out of Pensacola, Florida.  That's who I work for now and the work load is consistent and the pay is great!
Shapin
Does anyone know if Shapin Medical Transcription still exists?
Stay away from Shapin....

extremely low pay, very disorganized, offshores to India. 


re stay away from shapin
low, low pay, poor management.
Please clarify-Shapin (or someone associated with them) said
My goodness, and you jumped at it or away from it? Plenty of companies without outsourced dictation out there with benefits where an experienced, good MT can make that in half that amount of time. With a company representative admitting they offer low pay, why would I elect to work for Shapin. I'm smart enough to know how things work and can multitask more than one company to optimize my income and benefit potential.

Tisk, tisk.
Never worked for Shapin, never will

I can't be accused of being a bad employee or even submitting a resume that would disconcert the company.  There are multiple public postings in addition to MTStars where this company has been discussed and the person professing to be the owner has come across as quite superordinate.  My only comment here (without any malicious intent) is that a full investigation be given to this company before making a decision whether it fits your needs.  I've been sharoosed by the company representative's lack of savoir-faire.


 


Stay away from Shapin....
do a search on this board and you'll see why. Very unprofessional company.
NOT SHAPIN. I can guarantee you that. nm
.
Do a search here on Shapin......sm
Very unprofessional company, and they only pay 0.015 cents a line for editing.
Shapin Transcription
I just wanted to say that this is one of the best companies I have worked for.  I am an Editor and the people are great, pay is on time, and there is never any negative feedback.  Everyone makes mistakes, but they are really polite and nice about it because they understand.  You are not just another MT/Editor to them.  Communication is always open for questions, concerns etc.  The supervisors are great.  I don't understand all the negativity towards this company. 
To:potatoMT re Shapin
I have been offered an Editor position at 1.5 cpl.  That's pretty low isn't it??  Especially if you have to listen to the dictator, read and correct the chart.  Does that go up after a period of time?  It seems like a nice place to work.  But it seems like you time isn't worth much at 1.5 cpl.  Any comments would be helpful!! Thanks.
To:potatoMT re Shapin
This would be my first editing job, too, so I would really like the experience.  I like the sounds of the flexibility and that you can go at your own pace.  Do they train you right online?  They said it takes 3-4 weeks to train?  Do you get to choose the accounts you work on?  Any ESLs?  Thanks for the info!!
To Amy & potatoMT re: SHAPIN
Just a warning:

Please read the posts regarding Shapin. I don't know about you guys, but working for this company sounds like an experience I'd rather skip altogether. There are reputable MTSOs out there who are willing to steer you in the right direction. Not only that, the experience you'll be getting from this group, well, let's just say that I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock into what they have to offer, if you know what I mean.

Nevertheless, whatever you guys choose to do, good luck to you both!

Shapin.....no need for explanation!!
x
any input on Shapin? thanks
xx
Shapin Medical
Hi - I was wondering if anyone has experience or knowledge about Shapin Medical.  Thanks for any help.
Has anyone worked for Shapin with info? Thanks. nm
nm
Has anyone ever heard of Shapin Med. Transcription
/
Are weekends required at Shapin as an IC? Thanks -nm

xxxxx


I love working for Shapin!!!!
Well, i have been with Shapin for 2 1/2 months and absolutely love it.  I have never seen so much communication.  If you think that is a bad thing, you need to work for a company with no communication.  There is always work, in fact I am never caught up anymore, since I recently started QAing as well as transcribing.  Maybe I got your job, Thanks for doing such a sucky job, so I got the promotion.  Just out of curiosity, where do you work now and what are you getting paid?