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Did you read the post titled "One MTSO's opinion"

Posted By: cjsi on 2007-12-27
In Reply to: Disillusioned new MT - To the MTSOs out there

posted by Boo on 12/25/07?She sounds like she'd be great to work for and is looking for people like you.


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You are certainly titled to your opinion. I do not happen to agree. I assume sm
that those of us who do not share your viewpoint are entitled to our feelings and opinions.  Or is it no longer politically correct to espouse anything but viewpoints from your mind set?
Look down this board and read the thread titled
"How to make money MT'ing" by Dano. It is excellent advice. It should help you a lot. Also on about page 4 or so there are a couple of threads that discuss how some of the higher producers get their production, hints and tips on expanders, macros, etc.

You can do very well at this line of work if you want to and really appy yourself!!
One MTSO's opinion

Don’t flame me for saying this.  I just wanted to share one MTSO’s point of view from experience.  Maybe venting just a little as well.  I have been MTSO for nearly 20 years.  The 30+ MTs who work with me are absolute gems, but I must admit it was exhausting to find them.  When I advertise, I CLEARLY state what type of work it is, frequency and volume of work, the expected TAT, specific voice file format, give them a sampling of a voice file or template, and the pay rate (10 to 13 cpl) which I think is pretty decent compared to what I see advertised elsewhere. 


 


Time after time I will hire someone who looks professional and seasoned on paper, only to have an email from them 2 or 3 days later saying it wasn’t convenient for their personal schedules, they don’t have (or can’t figure out) their software to play the voice files, an ‘oh by the way’ I can’t complete this work and I quit, tell me I’m an IC and I work when I want to, hide from emails or phone calls from me when things get behind, or they just disappear altogether and leave me hanging with an angry client.  It seems that hiring people nationally rather than locally and face-to-face is becoming an easier way to just vanish from a commitment.  I’ve figured out that 1 in about 25 resumes actually will follow through with their stated abilities/work ethic.   I think this would hold true whether I advertised at 4 cpl or 14 cpl, so I’m not sure it’s really about the money. 


 


Well then, tell me this.   Why do you answer my advertisement??  Why do you over-estimate your own abilities on your resume??  Why didn’t you do a personal check to make sure you could meet ALL the criteria of the work being offered??  Why do you accept the work??  Why in the world do you waste my time??


 


I would not personally ever hire offshore, but I do understand the frustration level of MTSOs who do so.   Granted, some are in it for the money – I get it – but I suspect not all of them.  I love this profession and take the commitment to my clients seriously, as I expect all MTs working with me to do as well.  I work hard to accept clients that I would enjoy doing myself, and decline those that I think would be frustrating or not worth the money to do.  I will just have to keep wading through the junk to find more of those gems out there… I know you are there and I’m looking for you… but again, it is frustrating and exhausting!!   Thanks for listening.


My opinion as a very small MTSO
I determine what my minimum charge is by figuring out what I would pay an IC to do the work and then add in enough left over to pay my expenses (TASP, insurance, QA, etc.) and then some for myself as account manager.  If you get an account that you will be working on yourself, you will make both the salaries for the IC as well as the account manager (you are doing both jobs) and pay your overhead.  If you get an account that is bigger than you can handle by yourself, you can easily sub all or some of it out and still pay yourself and your overhead.  Sit down and at least do the financial part of a business plan in order to figure out what you need to charge.
This is the responsibility of the MTSO, in my opinion. SM
Go directly to the transcription service or company owner. I have always felt strongly that the person in charge of the particular problem account must address this directly with the physician(s) who are dictating the garbage. For years, I had several local physician practices. Most were excellent dictators, but one in particular was horrible. I put up with it for a few weeks, and then addressed the problems with an outlined specification sheet indicating what information needs to be given in dictation to protect the safety of the patient record, as well as to produce an acceptable medical report. I also indicated that transcriptions requiring repetitive deletions, going back and changing dictation, and constant misspelled words would be charged a higher line rate. This is also the doctor who would give the filled in blanks back to be retyped. These were blanks that were completely inaudible in the original dictation because of excess noise, coughing while saying the words, or laughing with colleagues while trying to dictation. In bold, I also specified PLEASE DICTATE IMPORTANT PATIENT MEDICAL RECORDS IN A QUIET AREA THAT IS FREE OF EXCESS BACKGROUND NOISE TO ENSURE ACCURATE INFORMATION IS BEING RELAYED. If the owner of the transcription company had to type this work, trust me something would be addressed with the dictator. Speak up about this because after all you are the one responsible for producing the report.
Yes, I read your post, and I just re-read it, and I've copied and pasted for you in case

you've forgotten your own words! Your post above is 100% different "flavor" to it, now all positive and cheery! Your first post was 100% doom and gloom every which way, including "raining on your parade", and "if you want to go forward"...God, sounds like she's talking about jumping into oncoming traffic! Here is your quote:


My first boss (the one who hired me as a new grad) gave me some words of wisdom that I haven't forgotten. She said that transcribing at home with small children NEVER works under any circumstance. Either the work will suffer or the parenting will suffer.


****


How can the word "NEVER" in caps be interpreted in any positive way? You took about 8 paragraphs to cover every aspect and completely dash this poor woman's dream.  I'm not blind, I'm not talking about day care at all, I'm talking about the total negativity of your original post! You know exactly what I'm talking about, cause you added some sugar to your second version! And that's much nicer than the first!


Well, if you want our opinion, you should post the company - sm
so that maybe we could help you. A lot of people do not report anything to the BBB no matter what kind of practices are going on with a particular company. They just do not have the knowledge to go that route. Nor do they have the knowledge on how to go about handling bounced checks, etc. But that's another subject.

A company does not necessarily have to have a website. I personally do not have a website, but I am bombarded with work and phone calls and emails left and right about my transcription service. Personally, I would never put up a website because potential clients do not know who I am, so how would they know to go to MY website. They get my name by word of mouth.

So post the name, and maybe someone here can give you feedback.
Public board, she can post her opinion. Illegal
x
Any US MTSO can post job ads regardless of whether they offshore or not.
Services overseas, however, are not allowed to post job ads.
That "one little spider" probably had
a nest somewhere (which they protect feverishly) that hatched. They are good hiders and very resilient making them difficult to "terminate". I would call an exterminator and either ask for suggestions on how to get rid of them, or let them do it. They are poisoness, you know. I have seen first hand what their venomous bite can do to a person, and even though it may not be life threatening, it is not a pretty site. Good luck.
Should be *en*titled. nm
.
Re: Post way below about the small MTSO in Suffield, OH.
I posted that I worked for a company, though don't know if it is the same one.  I'm just curious if it is.   I've included by e-mail if you want to e-mail me.  
SORRY. meant for MTSO post below. Must be Sunday
My only night off.  Big old brain cramp here!
Like it or not, a "transcriber" is "one who transcribes" sm
Transcriber - noun: someone who makes a written version of spoken material
titled QA doesn't mean you know it all
I had a QA woman with 26 years exp. correct my military time with colons...........majority do not use colons
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." nm

:D


Attn: MTSO - re: your earlier post for a reliable MT that was removed
I replied to your earlier post, as did a couple of other MTs, however, now I see that your message has been removed.
I just wanted to try to touch base with you again.
If you are still looking for help and would like to contact me you can do so via replying via email to this post.
Thanks....

I wonder why your post was removed before?? Moderator, info?
Check out the posting on job board titled "mt job".

This is who we're losing our jobs to?!?!


Did you read my post?

First of all there was tear gas canisters thrown by the guardsmen into the crowds and they were thrown back at the guardsmen.  That is documented in articles, (look on line) and by first hand eye witnesses that were there. 


Anyway, my post was not about what exactly went on at Kent State.  I was using that as an example of how your child could go to college and find themselves in a position of danger.  Serial killers, rapists, what have you.  It was in response to a post about how Natalee went to Aruba and found trouble but that probably wouldnt be likely at a college.  OKAY?????  I never said people didnt have the right to protest or that war was good OR that the gov was responsible or not. 


I am all for protesting and exercising our rights as private citizens of this free country.  But somewhere along the way from my original post, someone got off on a completely different subject.  this was about natalee.


Did you even READ my post?
It's been a great, lucrative career for me. I've loved it from the start and still do. I've mentored and encouraged many along the way. I'm a QA specialist, college instructor and a consultant. I'll exceed 50K this year and have a very flexible schedule. No weekends, no evenings, and take off when I want. Additionally, I've been at home with my kids all this time. I've worked my way to the top and I'm good at what I do. No gloom and doom here. The point I made (that you somehow missed) was that times have changed. It's much more difficult than it used to be and sometimes it's nearly impossible to get a break. I'll repeat myself--I work for a private college. We trained many great MTs. We were FORCED to drop our program because of job market for new graduates is so poor. It's not too difficult to place a graduate in an in-house position (I teach in a large metropolitan area), but few women enter this profession with working in-house as their goal. Tuition at a private college (students could earn a certificate or an associate's degree) is very, very expenstive. No, you don't HAVE to spend thousands and thousands, but many students do. Then when they graduate, many are faced with harsh reality. I'm not SPECULATING on this; I've seen it happen time and time again.

The daycare issue is a personal choice and has been argued into the ground. We all know it's difficult for an MT to be productive and accurate with a 2-year-old whining in our ear. Some of us make it work; others can't. Making an informed decision requires hearing stories from ALL sides.

Oh my!! I think we should all NOT read the new post at the top! Looks like another
flamer to me! Now its gonna spin into birth control issues and world over population!  I'm not mad at anyone! I am happy! Please be happy, too!!  I will try warm milk, but just in about 6 hours when I'm hitting the hay!
Are you the OP? Yes, I read your post.
I didn't even say anything about "correcting their wrong crap." (Nice structure, by the way.)

The question was "Why go to MT School." I answered it.
1. It gives you more flexibility/choices in employment.
2. You learn relevant aspects of medical terminology. I didn't learn "perineal" vs. "peroneal" in K-12, nor did I learn that 125 mg of Synthroid is an incorrect dose.
3. You get experience in hearing what was said and transcribing it accurately. Many MTs lacking an adequate MT education have difficulty separating "what they hear" from "what they said."

I read your post below, thank you and....

As for above I should say people do need "protein" in their diet, NOT meat, especially not like this.  I've also been trying to slowly get it out of my diet the past few years and after seeing the images, knowing and hearing those sounds I don't think I could physically eat it.  Its unbelievable to me.  We need people like you out there spreading the word, these animals have no voice so they need us.  Do you know if putting pressure on them by PETA has brought about any changes??


Do you have ADD? Did you read my post? sm

I have work now that pays me well and it's more than 10 cents a line (which is considered an "excellent line rate.")  I do not need to "start my own company."


However, if some companies can charge 18 to 20 cpl (which I have read on this board), why can't they pay quality MTs more than they pay newbies? 


This is a MUST READ post, the 20 yr exp...etc. nm
x
Of course I read your post.

I can comprehend that you are a WEE bit prone to exaggeration and apparently it is making your life miserable.  If you look through this website you will quickly see that many posts do not concern MQ. 


My take on this is that right now there are many more MQ posts because of the looming change in our jobs/status/benefits and it's got many of us worried.


If you want an edited MT forum to your liking I suggest you open your own site.  Otherwise live and let live, please.


when I read your post...
I get angry that as transcriptionists we have somehow found ourselves in a no-win situation. There should be no reason you are having to work yourself to death to learn a new job. Only in our profession does one NOT get paid to learn. Any other job you go to, you are paid while training for the job...no matter how much you know the work, places are different and everyone has to learn the routine. And in transcription, this can be VERY, VERY hard to learn a new company and all their account specifics, rules and guidelines and systems!  I feel for you. I understand your feelings about your son. I raised my son alone on my sole salary and worked from sun up to sundown ... but I did stop long enough in between to take care of him. I went to ballgames, I went to school functions, I helped with homework and projects, etc. and when he went to bed at night, I started working again.... well into the night. It was not easy, but I got to be with my son and participate in his school and curricular activities while he was growing up. I would not take ANYTHING for that time and wish I had more of it now. I did what I had to do. Thank goodness in your situation, you have a husband who can share some of this responsibility with you. It's a matter of prioritizing... and it's not easy. It means giving up certain things. I sacrificed a lot over the years .. I don't drive fancy cars, I don't live in a fancy house and I have a very functional wardrobe. I don't compare myself to others. I find that I am much happier than others I work around now who have all those things. My son is much more well adjusted than many of their children also.I am very blessed. We have our children for such a short time, it's not until we get older that we realize exactly how precious every single minute of it was!  I wish for you the best and hope you can make the right decision for you and your family.  May God Bless you.
I did read the post
I think she means the virtual money that the MTSO would be pocketing if they had no QA. The money they would not need to be paying to QA if all of their MTs were "up to par" and did their jobs, or the "reality" of a company needing fewer QA personnel when they have more MTs that need less/no QA.

Do you really think that MTs who send work to QA to save themselves time rather than looking it up and finding it on their own deserve to be paid the same as the MTs who take pride in their work and ensure quality work is sent in by them rather than having someone else complete the job?
Wow! I have read every post, actually, all day. While
I did truly feel sorry for you, by night's end I am honestly thinking that you are needing to step back and calm down. This morning you were more "owning" your part in it - that you were late several times, had warnings, etc - by now you are going on and on about contacting the doctor, about some other lady who did so, yadda, yadda. I feel your pain - been there done that - most of us old MTs have, but you need to calm down, still own your part, and be rational. If you want to freak and contact the doctor, then just do it, but I believe every single one of us who posted have advised against it, and given you valid reasons to support our opinions. You ASKED for opinions - that's why you are posting, so though you don't like what I have to say, it is my right as well. Again, your tone has done a huge turn around from your original post, and I can now honestly say I empathize with the MTSO who does not want to keep communicating with you, whether via email or IM. It happens - we get fired. Why not look at it that she gave you another week to earn some $$  - I don't know. Again, you admitted your part in this earlier, and you have been advised many times how unprofessional it is for you to contact HER clients. You did NOT work for the doctor(s) - you worked for the MTSO, like it or not. And never believe what some other fired MT tells you she/he did - I don't know 1 single doctor who would give a hoot about a fired MT, nor who would want to get involved with a 10 foot pole. That's why the doctors use MTSOs - they don't want the bother. So while you may think you are going to get sympathy, and/or revenge, it will most likely backfire on you. Good night! Its late, and I am out of here!
You should read your own post over again...
You were the one who attacked me and yes, I got on here for support and advice so I came looking for it. I am not saying that I am going to contact the doctor, only that I feel that angry to do it. I have had my own accounts before, typing directly for doctors, I know what that is like. I have also helped other MT's to try to learn the business and for you to get on here and post that I am obsessed and that you are passing judgment without even konwing a person, wow, you have some problems. This forum is for support and yes, opinions too. Why don't you quit worrying about how many times I am posting? I can post as many times as I would like, on any board that will allow posting. By the way, doctors don't just use MTSO's, there are also doctors who use MT's and have contracts with them. Not all of them hire big companies, I think there are still a few MT's around who have their own accounts. I know I did. I wanted the opportunity to not have to drive around and print and have my work more readily available, so I decided to work for an MTSO. Excuse me for not getting my work in on time a few times, due to a storm or two knocking out my power, a sick child to take to the doctor, a death in the family. Whatever the case may be, let me bow down to the MTSO and beg for forgiveness, is that what you want? I have stated my situation here and you have turned it into your own power trip. What a shame. Who asked for the MTSO to KEEP communicating anyway? They never communicated to begin with!! Would you feel upset if your paycheck were taken away? I guess not. Maybe you have a lot of friends you can call or family you can talk to and get support from. Excuse me for looking for some fellow MT's for venting. Sorry to have upset you!! Are you an MT? I highly doubt it.
Please read ALL of my post
I stated that I intend to work as an MT in the evenings and do real estate during the day.
read my above post....you are right...sm

You nailed it....and to Itsy Bitsy's post.....if this woman does something horrible to herself, it's not the OP's fault.  Seems to me her neighbor has a long history of this crud......this manipulation, this attention seeking behavior. 


So, if something horrible does happen....to the OP - not your responsibility, not your fault - do not take her problems on your shoulders.  We are neighbors, there to help.....but not with the bogus.  I'm not saying the neighbor doesn't have head/emotional problems, I'm merely saying her problems DO NOT BELONG TO THE OP......you, JD. 


Go on about your life and live it to the fullest.  We are not responsible for neighbor's who cannot pull it together and it's interesting that she can pull it together to go on a *fancy cruise* - so it seems to me her problems are used SELECTIVELY by her.


*steps off soapbox*


Read the post!

She said she was behind on her mortage.   


Unless she's got a very low mortgage, I seriously doubt holding a garage sale and making $500.00 is going to make a dent.  She probably needs to talk to her mortgage lender.  They have all types of programs now a days for people behind in the mortage to help them get caught up so they won't lose their home.  The last thing a mortgage lender wants is a foreclosure on their hands!


At first, when I read your post...
I thought maybe you were overreacting but now I'm not so sure. I guess I would play it cool for now but I don't get why your husband wouldn't give you this woman's number? And why would this woman need your husband's cell phone number? To get a hold of his friend? How would your husband be better able to get of him than she would? And, why is he hanging out with this so-called friend who's involving you both in this situation? That is no friend. I say dump the chump. You know too much already, and it could only get worse. Believe me, I've been there.
Read the post below.
Take your own advice. How much of a mea culpa do you expect? You don't have to make someone feel bad to make yourself look good.
I read the whole post sm
You tried to make me feel back in your original post. Practice what you preach. You could have said what you said in a different way.
Read the post again - I think it said
huh, make a loan from someone to tide her over. I think that falls under advice.
Where to post....please read.

We seem to have a lot of new posters, which is great.  Welcome everyone!  We also seem to be needing to move a lot of posts so others don't have to wade through them all.  So, below is a general outline of where to post what. 


 


Main:  Questions/comments regarding MT work. 


Gab:  Things to chat about, games to play, etc. 


Company:  Questions/comments regarding specific companies. 


Medquist:  Posts pertaining to MQ or between MQ employees.


Word:  Help with terminology, words, s/l. 


 


That about covers the main ones.  Keep in mind, it's always best to post on the correct board because when we move the post, you may lose some good responses. 


If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 


I think you'd better re-read my post

who doesn't get it.  I specifically stated I feel for those who are in a situation where they simply can't make enough money to even just live.  I also stated, I don't have new vehicles and sometimes don't get to buy what I'd like because I don't have the money. 


What I didn't put in was the fact that we just lost our house and the bulk of our posessions to a catatastrophe, so I do know what it's like for things to happen.  You're scathing post was out of line.  How dare YOU judge ME?


Do you even READ before you post??? (sm)
The OP CLEARLY states that she has applied "SO many places" in her post.

Do you even take the time to freaking READ people's posts before you fire off those rancid pearls of wisdom???

Geez, people like you are what's wrong with society today...a complete lack of compassion or empathy for anyone other than yourself.

Maybe one day you'll be in the OPs shoes. With any luck, those who reply will offer you just about the same amount of sympathy, decency and basic courtesy you offer others - NONE.


You know, I read your post...

I am also an IC that works from a pool.  I have two accounts on my own.  Part of being an IC is the flexibility.


I would say dig in early in the a.m. if that's when you are most productive.  If the kids have a question, then lend an ear but if it is a matter of you having to leave your workstation for whatever reason, then either tell them to find an alternative this minute or you'll be able to take them at such and such a time. 


Here's what happens when you go from what you are currently doing to trying to work a schedule, you can't stay focused.  You are so used to the interruptions that once it's quiet, it's hard to stay focused.


I am feeling ya' and a lot of people will post here that you should only be working and not doing other things, but "other things" are part of life and what makes working at home "work."  A little play on words there, but I think you get the idea.


I get hugs from my 8 year old and questions from my 14 year old and quite frankly sometimes I don't know if the 14 year old is inside or out, but he's so used to me being here, that I know he's fine and making the right decisions. 


I think you should read the post again..

"And now doesn't want to pay."


OP never stated that they didn't want to pay.  You really jump to conclusions.  She has not worked with this physician before.  It most likely was a simple mistake.  Why jump straight to the idea that they are expecting her to work for free or will "burn" her?  Do you really believe that this office will now go around and "tell everyone that Lisa works for free?"  Do you really believe that?  There is a difference between working for free and giving someone the benefit of the doubt when most likely they made an honest mistake.  And, no, it has nothing to do with being a doormat.  Here is that definition:  One that submits without protest to abuse or indignities.  Every person who has responded to her post has, at a minimum, suggested that she make it very clear that she will not accept this scenario again -- that would be protest.  I'm sorry that you have been burned before, but that's a big stretch at this point in this particular situation. 


Don't read this post unless you really want to cry...
... I have a local account, a small one unfortunately (one doctor, short dictations, only sees patients 2 or 2-1/2 days a week) for which I get paid 25 cents a line as an IC.

At my full-time job for a national, I make 8.75 cpl plus benefits.

I make about one-third of my monthly pay on the local account, and I am very glad to have it, because I live in a very high cost of living area, and if I didn't have the local account, I would not be able to survive on what the full-time job pays me.
Do you currently post on MT Daily or read it?

I was thinking about paying the $48 but then I thought there are only limited amount of people who will pay so probably not as good as MTStars.  It was fun though before they started charging and if they only charged half as much they would draw more people.  $48 is way high when other boards are free.


Please read the post at the top of page by
See Msg.  You will love it.  It has quotes by all your liberal friends.  Pass it around.
Sorry, I vented above before I read your post. nm
nm
I think YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN AND RE-READ THE POST .
Cherry picking is being done by the ROUTERS not you. CALM DOWN!
read the thread. then post.
i'll be editing and tell you what to do next. i hope you listen to me because i will make your life 100% better with my advice. i know everything if only you will listen.
My post was not to you! I know how to read than you very much. It was to MQLOVER
Now, you learn to read and figure out where my post was posted! She/he responded. You apparently cannot figure out who is responding to who!
ok I went back and re-read your post.

You have 2 toddlers who need daycare.


You have a teen (the childsupport)


You have $350 roomie but that + disappears with his costs of living there.  and I would be scared to count on it.


You have $9500 CC bill which that payment is probably about $200 a month.


At $42,000 that is not solid money - it is PT monies. 


1.  Can the BF come up with his probable court-ordered child support of at least $1000 a month? 


2.  Do you make car payments?


3.  How much is your student loan payment - and for how much longer?


4.  Do you have a degree in something?  Should you stay in transcription? 


5.  Can you make the house payments if the BF finks out on the child support in 2 years if your 16 yo moves out and gets married and doesn't attend college?


6.  You will be at an expensive time in your life with the 1 and 2 YO/ who will then be 3 and 4 years old by then and still needing day care.


7.  A house is expensive upkeep.  And much energy.


I agree with the others.  Don't jump the gun here.  Take care of one thing at a time.  Get yourself into a situation where you won't be stressed if there comes a blip in the road - like you break your arm - or the car tears up - or you need an emergency root canal - one of the kids breaks a leg and you need to stay home.  There are a million things. 


I would rent, move BF out, get childsupport started from him to see how that goes, re-look at the budget.


when the FT job comes around, and if you feel it is the one for you and they are good for the money, then look at the house.  You must live for you, not the 16 YO. 


By then you will have your FT monies coming in, the child support coming in, you will know what your extra income is, you will have all your insurances in place and leave time built up, and a house may be good by then.  Also, the market is overvalued right now.  They are saying people buying right now may be buying things that won't be worth what they paid for them in a year. 


Do you have any family you could stay with at all for 6 months.  You need some breathing space, girl. 


Again, good luck.


Never mind. Just read your post further down.
Glad to know they gotta go.