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Excellent idea. Maybe I should do this!

Posted By: is 48 too old? on 2006-02-09
In Reply to: Well, I for one - texan

Housing market seems to have cycles. And, there are always going to be those young first time home buyers. Plus, all of the migration with the gulf disaster and those needing new homes should help real estate in your area.

It will definitely make you feel more secure and with that sense of relief, you will enjoy life so much more.

If nothing else, this MT situation is anxiety provoking and from what I can see from reading all of these posts, it is having a definite negative impact on the quality of all of our lives with the possible small exception of those who do not rely on their income to pay the core bills.


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Excellent! - Idea
I think we should all call CitiBank and demand to be taken off their solicitation mailing list. I have never done business with them, but they send me about 100 pieces of junk mail a year! What a waste! I will NEVER do business with them.
That's an excellent idea. I need to try that.
x
What an excellent idea - thanks!
I'm going to look into that. Thanks to everyone for all your input - it is so helpful :)
I think this would be an excellent idea.
I'm in the process of having to take a group of doctors to court for nonpayment of a very large invoice, and I see another poster below is having a hard time collecting as well. Further, I've read other posts here about nonpayment in the past.

I think listing these dead- beat doctors'/clinics/MTSOs/etc. names and addresses here might help to put a stop to their shoddy treatment of transcriptionists doing the work and not being paid for it, as well as alert those who will start working with/for them as to their dishonorable practices so that they know exactly what they're getting into.

I can assure you if I had known this about the group who hasn't paid me, I would never have taken on their account and worked for free for five weeks; however, I can assure you after I take their hindends to court, I will prevail, but it would sure be nice to list their names fully here. (And I highly doubt I'm the first one they've done this to!)

Thank you, and I hope we get a favorable response!
That's an excellent idea and (sm)
Can you believe I forgot I had one?  I never use the thing and it is hooked up to an old computer.  I'll have to dust it off.  Duh me for not thinking of that!  Thanks!
another excellent idea (sm)
I think she is timid about venturing out just yet with the kids but I can see her trying the library.  I know she used to take them to story time at the local library here so that would be great.  Where she has moved to is a larger city so I'm sure their libraries will have even better programs.  Thank you for that suggestion.  I've already emailed and mentioned it to her.  I think it will be good for her and the kids. 
excellent idea!
You are just to funny! I imagined this Doctor in the boat and everything, that right there would help me blow off steam and I haven't even started working yet! I just remember the doc's I listened to while I was in training and I wished sometimes I could throw my computer out the window or transcription machine!!So humor is a great outlet, although the margarita probably couldn't hurt! But just one of course!! ha ha
I think the warming blanket excellent idea
Bought one for my bed and it is plumb yummy! I turn it on when I enter my bedroom for the night, letting it warm some and by the time I get in the bed my bed is toasty warm. I stay so cold always, run lower temps than most because of a thyroid problem. I have a space heater in my workroom that I keep on lots during the winter but that electric (half size) blanket is tops!
the extra bottle for the shampoo is an excellent idea
I could prob do that for just about every soap I use. 
Excellent idea, I like the 0.25 per resend. I will implement that the next time she does this. THA
NM
Excellent. Old dog here too. SM.
I agree.  I know these young moms mean well, trying to stay at home and learn this and there is no freaking way.  I think it would be hard for even one with adequate experience to do it with a newborn at home.
Excellent
I hope to reach this point some day. How many hours per day do you work?
Excellent!
xx
Excellent!!!
xx

EXCELLENT!!! sm

and I don't think the top was *disrespectful* as the other poster said - it is a well-known fact that our current prez cannot form, for the most part, a proper sentence....


and to the ones who don't believe the sentence problems - suggest y'all start watching the news and/or David Letterman's first 10 minutes nightly.....or go to youtube or any other the other free video sites and/or Google some *bushisms* as they have *fondly* became to be known as.....after 6-1/2 yrs in office.  LOL


I went to M-TEC. It is an excellent course (sm)

I have never heard of the other school, so I can't compare the two, but I have nothing but good things to say about M-TEC.  Once you graduate they have pages upon pages of companies that will hire you if you graduate with a good GPA, and that is key, as it is very hard to get a job as a newbie in this field, as many companies require 2 or more years of experience. M-TEC has a great reputation for turning out skilled graduates that many companies will waive their experience requirements.


It's definitely not an easy course, but it prepares you very well for the extremely challenging career of medical transcription.  I have heard that Andrews School is good too but maybe a bit more expensive.


I would recommend checking out the schools' websites if you haven't already to get more info.  M-Tec has a great message board that should answer many of your questions.  Let me know if you have any more questions and good luck in your choice!


p.s. I saw your other post asking if you think it's worth it to get into this field, and only you can answer that, but for me it was.  I paid a relatively small amount of money to go to school, I don't have to pay for gas to and from work, "fancy" work clothes, daycare for my children, and I work the hours I choose in my own home as an independent contractor and therefore have lots of freedom in my day to day life, which has always been a dream of mine.


On the other hand, I am pretty new to the field and find the job really challenging sometimes, and it is extremely difficult for me to get my work done with my 2 kids around, but each month it gets a little easier, and as it gets easier I am slowly making more money too.  


Excellent!! Thank you very much! nm
nm
both are excellent, but........
I did M-Tec and think Andrews is just as good as far as the grads going to work. It's been 7-8 years but at that time, you had three choices on the length of your program.
Excellent!
I have Raynaud's, so this would be perfect for me. Arthritis sufferers would also benefit. The ad suggests it might also be beneficial to those with carpal tunnel. I have a theory that one reason so many guys can type so fast is that they have better blood flow to their hands. In my current job I work outside. I don't spend much time on the computer, but if I was one whose computer was outside, I'd definitely get this product. Those of you with hot hands can't possibly understand, but there is no need to ridicule it at all. I have known about the heated keyboard for a while, but I think Transcription Gear just added it to their offerings. Good for them, I say.

http://www.transcriptiongear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=KB-WARM-USB&Product_Count=&Category_Code=
Excellent!
I have sent similar letters and encourage every U.S. MT to contact their elected representatives, demanding they support this bill and do all they can to protect the American worker.

Great letter -- Thanks for posting it.
EXCELLENT!
that's great info!
That is EXCELLENT!
And it exactly illustrates my problem with the pay rate for speech editing. It's knowledge-based. I apply my brain to each and every line on the screen. I should not be paid based on production.

Where did this silly pay system start? Which large company first introduced speech and the half-rate pay scale? Apparently, they set the standard.

I recently picked up a pamphlet from my old college, and I see they are offering a certificate program in therapeutic horticulture, therapy through gardening. It sounds so interesting. I'd love to do something like that, but it sounds like the sort of thing that won't have a lot of job openings in this economy.
Excellent! sm
Thanks soo much, this was great. How can I get other tests, other than April 2008 to Sept 2008?
Excellent tip!
All my years of transcribing and I never knew that!  Thanks!!!!
EXCELLENT!!
EXCELLENT Post!!  Have you considered writing to TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, etc.??
Excellent advice!
.
Thanks for the excellent post!
d
EXCELLENT POST QA
Thanks so much for posting. Believe it or not, your post made me feel good. I am new, and am lucky enough to have mostly good dictators and only a few really bad ones. (But the account with the SKIPPING-TAPE-THING GOING ON IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!) Anyway, I know QA can understand about the skipping tape thing. I proofread every single report (so you know I am not making much money), but I rarely hear from QA, so I must be doing something right. It is just nice to finally hear from someone from QA on this board and to know they appreciate a job well done. I have e-mailed QA back, thanking them for the help, but lately have not, thinking that I might be annoying them - taking time away from their work, but now I know that e-mail might be appreciated instead. Now...we will probably get some slams from people having a bad day, but I thank you for writing. You should post more often, and we all would LOVE to hear some of the funnier "bloopers"
Excellent company
You have to be kidding.  They are the greatest company and I have worked here 3 years.  They used to have bad management but the management now is great and very supportive.  Looks like someone that is a poor loser to me
I have a friend that is an excellent MT and she -
dances one or two nights a week in the fall. It's not for me, but hey, it works for her!
This would be an excellent reason to
fill out an Employee Complaint Form on QNet.

The letter announcing the upcoming program did, in fact, state that you will be contacted personally to "...discuss the new Rewards Plan and to answer your questions."

If the person you talked to was not able to discuss and/or answer questions on the changes, but instead now we are to wait until the proposed package arrives with a phone number for us to call if we have questions ... that is certainly not what had been promised.

When I receive my phone call, if they are not able to discuss nor answer questions, I am most definitely filling out a complaint form. I will also be writing Adele Barbato myself and possibly placing a phone call to that office.

We will see what happens, I suppose.

That's right! Excellent way to state that!
Even at 8 cents a line you can make $20 an hour with just 250 lines in an hour.

Excellent post! Well said!
My kids belonged to a bowling league..my oldest boys being in public school. The youth director confided in me that their 'homeschool league' kids were SO much more respectful and better behaved and an absolute pleasure to work with than the 'regular leagues.'

You are correct. Homeschool does not mean isolation whatsoever, unless, of course, you are way out in the sticks without a car, etc!

I homeschooled my daugter for 5 of her school years. If there was a sociability contest, she would WIN hands down! Everyone says so!! Her very best feature!
excellent opinion
I feel the same way. My 5 yo comes into the shower w/me, or invites me into his bath.. I do not believe there should be shame associated w/nudity. All bodies are perfect, as designed by God. We should be comfortable in our own skin.

My brother, on the other hand, who has a 5 y/o daughter, has always worn swim trunks when he bathes with his daughter..
EXCELLENT advice
posted by sm - an editor.

Left alone to care for "two little ones" can be an exhausting responsibility even though you love them dearly.

I encouarge you to consider a romantic weekend with just you and your husband, if you have family or a loving, trustworthy caretaker nearby to care for your "little ones" while you are away.

It is easy for one's mind to think the worst and become suspicious. Put all your trust in God.




This is excellent! Very informative!
Tons of good information on these sites!  Thanks again for your help!
This is an EXCELLENT thread--thanks! nm
.
Excellent point, please do that for them.
x
If you have excellent QA to help - you will be fine.
Meaning - transcribe the reports, leave blanks of anything you are unsure of, and with great QA feedback, you will learn in no time.

You can do it - don't be afraid.

On the other hand, if you do not have a great QA department to help you with your blanks and accuracy of your reports, I would say stay with the what you know for now.

You can learn it. Maybe you can just do a 5 or 10 reports a day along with your clinic work to start with or without great QA help.

Good luck to you!
Excellent points! (sm)
I like the idea of the letter serving double duty both as information about and an example of your transcription.

[I also like how you broke your post up into small paragraphs -- so much easier to read online where solid, dense paragraphs appear so inpenetrable.]

Cold-calling and mail solicitations rarely yield immediate results, but within 3 to 6 months inquiries should start trickling in from the managers who were impressed by the presentation and filed the letter for future need.
Excellent! Good for you!
.
Yes, excellent suggestion (sm)
Best YS I ever had was first weekend of August one year.
Excellent advice. Don't use a
credit counseling service. This is a racket and not in the best interest of the consumer. Educate yourself. Most importan to pay are secured debts such as house, car, rent if you are renting, student loans, taxes. Unsecured debts like credit cards should be on the bottom of the list. Also read a book called "Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt". It tells you in simple language how to get out of debt on your own without ruining your credit.
EXCELLENT.. EVERYONE SHOULD READ!

I am very humbled by your post.  It was a great, amazing, optimistic and hopeful one and at my age, that is exactly what I needed to hear!


And how right you are!!! 


Excellent post!
I totally agree with you. This is the most intelligent post I have see in a long time. I have always felt that it was the large services and MTSOs who stir the pot to keep MTs at each other's throats. It's a lot easier to manipulate us one on one. If we were united and had someone to "get our backs" they wouldn't be able to get away with the cheap slave labor they are trying to pass off these days. I would really, really like to see some real union amongst MTs. The only way we can fight what is happening to our industry is to fight it together as a group! AAMT has been a HUGE disappointment to us. We need something better. I think one of the main reasons we see so much bickering and back stabbing on here is that there is no job satisfaction anymore. There is nothing to feel proud of. We get beat down on all sides. It would be great to be able to look forward to going to work every day again. I know we need a union, but have no idea how to go about starting one. Where is Norma Rae when you need her?
Excellent info
Thank you for responding. Your specific information is very helpful.
Excellent info also!
Thank you. This information is very helpful. Thank you for sharing. It is excellent to get feedback and prior experiences. I do believe I will have a keeper! You make excellent points.
EXCELLENT post! Here's something else....(sm)
A very similar job to MT, with only a slightly different twist to it, is COURT-REPORTING. Back in 1975, I (stupidly!) decided at the same time my friend was going to school for court-reporting, to instead to go school for medical transcription. At the time, both paid about the same, court-reporting being slightly higher. But that made sense, as she had to stay in school longer.

So here we are, 30 years later, and MT has become a crummy sweatshop job with what adds up to less than minimum wage in many instances. I live hand-to-mouth, and will never be able to own a home, or most likely even to retire. My friend, on the other hand, is paid a top salary, owns a home on the California coast, works when & if she wants to, and has tons of work. You never hear about court reporting going offshore, because it's a legal docoment that is being typed, and I guess a recording of the court proceedings won't cut it - it has to be transcribed live for it to be considered evidence. Same with taking depositions.

MTs are every bit as literate, highly trained and professional as court reporters, and we, too type medicolegal documents. At any time, any report we type could end up as evidence if that particular patient or doctor were to end up in court.

So it sure seems to me that if transcribed medical reports are going to be used within the American judicial system for any reason, then they should certainly be considered important enough to be typed by American CITIZENS who live within our own borders. NOT by people with green cards, NOT by illega aliens, and most certainly NOT by non-residents.

If our profession is compared side-by-side with court-reporting, it may be a bit like comparing apples & oranges in some respects, but in other respects they are still very similar, and are both FRUITS of the American labor force. Yet one is a high-paying, respectable career and the other is considered by many to not even be a "real job!

That has come about because of corporate greed, and by people in other countries looking to make quick, easy money.

Of course, the reason this has happened to MT and not court-reporting is mainly due to one thing: Our ability to work on PCs at home. If court reporters could sit at home and listen to court proceedings on a recording or over a live connection, they would have found themselves facing the same loss of respect and income that we have had to deal with.
excellent post. nm
x
That is an excellent post.
s
Excellent post!
Good insight into the complexity of trade, competition, and lower salary workers.