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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

For those "Indenpendent Contractor" positions...

Posted By: S. Kanary on 2008-08-02
In Reply to:

For U.S. MTs and U.S. MT companies, here are the basic U.S. Dept of Labor definitions of who is and is not an "Independent Contractor":javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs13.pdf



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IC positions offer no benefits, employee positions off full benefits, so if you do not need
benefits, then IC would be best.
Any QA positions that pay well out there, please say!
I work for a rather large company and the pay is pretty bad.  You have to beg for a raise and are ignored half the time.  It's pathetic.  Anybody know of any good companies for a QA Editor (companies that pay more than 14 something an hour?)
I wonder why they have so many positions
They OVER HIRE on the accounts. Been sitting here for days with almost no work -yet for some reason they have so many openings. I have even asked to be but on a different account/position/shift - anything to keep consistent work flow and still nothing. FED UP.
other positions
I have found that those "other" managerial positions are being taken over by non-MTs, so theres no way you can "move" yourself up into one of these. Supervisor is another one of those less qualified positions and more of an administrative job, doing scheduling and other administrative duties that I have looked into and pay a whole lot less than what you would expect for these "titles." As far as doing QA I would talk to a manager or someone in your company and let them know you are interested. I started out doing a half and half combo MT/editing. My supervisor approached me to do this, so I would say your best bet would be to sharpen your skills as an MT. Learn how to do the foreign accented dictators, know your grammar and basic guides that your company has set forth. It never hurts to talk around and let your ambitions be known. Some companies pay by line but there are still a good many who pay per hour. I have come across many well paying hourly or salaried positions on the job seekers board. Good luck to you!
MT positions

Does anyone else with 20+ years experience get upset when they see jobs that advertise for 6 and 7 cpl?? the advertisers think that is so great. We are back in the 80s with these prices and No I am not going to count my blessings this time. They charge these facilities a lot more now than they used to and want to pay us less with no benes.  Okay I vented, thanks.


And more and more IC positions

that certainly look like they should really be employees, with demanding platform, times of day, and pay.... It's a sad state of affairs.....


If you appy, do not expect anything in return and work your schedule as an IC?????  Nope!  See ya!  LOL


Positions
Is it 11 o'clock position or 11:00 position?  Which is the corrent way to type that?
Mandatory OT?? Is this for FT and PT positions?? nm
s
All positions at this point have been











to each and every applicant who has submitted a resume and/or tested with us.  Should we have missed anyone, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for applying and/or testing for USAType, Inc.


Natalie Brooks
Recruitment Coordinator
USAType, Inc.


Duh! There are IC positions posted all over
It is possible to be an IC while working for a service. You might want to get your smarty pants facts straight before offering your smart (dumb) remarks.
Those positions that she named must be the ones she really
nm
There are no in-house positions where I am. Everything
a
People with non-MT positions

If you work at medical transcription company but as QA, manager, team lead, coordinator, etc., do you have a set amount of hours you work each day and are done, or do you find yourself working more hours than your shift?


In-house positions sm
An in-house position is a rarity these days as everything in volume is being sent out to India. Depending on your experience, I would jump at the chance to work in-house to gain experience. However, if you've been doing it for years and they want to give you minimum wage, that's different, then you have to be choosy. It all depends on your personal situation, i.e., do you need a babysitter, health care, etc., etc. Too many variables to give an educated answer. Perhaps you would hate working from home and love to get out, so it all depends on many things, not always about the money or the benefits (which are big bucks).
Applying for IC positions
I was an employee of a large national for 8-1/2 years.  They provided the whole PC and set-up.  I've never been an IC.  Is there any point in applying for IC jobs if I've never been one?  I have a PC with a temp version of Word 2007 and antivirus software, but that's it.  No footpedals.  TIA. 
management/supervisory positions
Thanks so much.  I am definitely a people-oriented person, think my communication skills are good, and I loved when we were able to give more feedback/teaching to transcriptionists when I was a QA person (they later cut out giving feedback to MTs because they wanted us to up our production as QA personnel).  I absolutely would NOT miss the keyboard as I often feel chained to it and just bored stiff and burned out.  I'm a very organized person so I guess those things would be pluses.   Thanks for mentioning the types of college courses to look into as I was thinking of completing my bachelor's degree anyway - I'm halfway there so it wouldn't be too difficult.  I thought business administration would be a good major or even health information management (although I thought business would be better as it offers a broader range of opportunity, I would think).  The only problem is I almost never see jobs advertised for supervisory/management positions at transcription companies so they might be few and far between.  Oh well, at least I know what is entailed.  Another poster stated the pay was not any better than transcribing if you are a good producer.  Any more feedback on that aspect of things would be much appreciated.
I based pay rates on positions I have
been offered in the past 6 months.  Sure there are lots who pay less and some who pay more. 
I don't know what supervisory positions consist of. You tell me what a supervisor does so I know
Thanks in advance.

PS: I do mean an at-home supervisor like the ones I deal with.
MY QUESTION TOO...I don't even see that they are offering SE positions in this new plan.

I just got the memo dated Sept 2


I have read it 3 times


I do not see the words STATUTORY EMPLOYEE anywhere


I am assuming they are doing away with that position???????


Anybody know?


and if so why am I scurring around trying to buy a computer to


accommodate their new platform as an SE when they are only hiring


EMPLOYEES.........who they provide computers to


they supposedly have open positions - and have them for quite a few years - sm
In fact, now they are offering relocation. However, as one who has 18 years experience, with an EXTENSIVE AND EXTREMELY impressive background, I was told that "I did not have enough experience." I was told that I live too far away and that unless I live there I could not be considered. So I happened to be in Arizona, about 4 miles from them, told them I was relocating, and they still told me I did not have enough experience.

By the way, my experience ranges from working for at least 4 of the top 10 hospitals in the US, all kinds of surgical procedures that one very rarely transcribes, transcribing of rare diseases, transcribing for physicians who do clinical trials for European drugs - so I do have quite an extensive background. Apparently just not enough for them.

Over the years, I have known quite a few people to apply for the positions, and all of them have received the same responses - "not enough experience."
some QA editor/auditor positions at higher pay may (sm)
require the CMT credential.  And I agree with the previous responder; there are companies who offer higher line rates to CMTs.
those are ads for recruiting - not traveling transcription positions
Kforce put the ads out to attract travelers. I worked for Kforce for 2 years. It was up and down with the work. My health insurance would get cancelled 10 days after an assignment ended, unless Kforce had another assigment to go to immediately. There were times I did not have for up to 3 months. There is always good and bad with a job. Unfortunately, I needed something steady and with insurance, so this wasn't for me.
nuther question about interviewing - this one about MT positions (sm)
I have been working at home for the past 13 years.  Went from working in the hospital (next to the morgue in the basement - isn't that where all the Med. Rec. departments are?) to an at-home position with the same hospital to an at-home position with a national company.  The dress code of the MTs still in the hospital is very lax (to the point where flip-flops are allowed and no stockings!).  When I interviewed 25 years ago I wore a suit, stockings, etc.  Once I had the job I relaxed to pants, stockings, and casual shirt/sweater but never flip-flops.  What are you all wearing on job interviews these days?  I'd be inclined (possibly) to wear a pant suit rather than skirt or dress only because that's not who I am - I'm a casual pants and shirt type of person but would put on the pants suit for the interview.  However, since I've been out of the loop for so long, are dresses and skirts still the norm for job interviews? 
I have held all the positions I mentioned without having an RHIT.
She was asking for ideas. I gave her some.

Maybe it was tough for you but it doesn't have to be for her. :)

What actions can I/should I take when contractor will not pay?
I did some IC'ing for a company, and they have not sent my $ yet for the last 2 invoices.  They say they are going to send it around the end of the week, but just in case, I want to know what steps I should take because I WILL get my $ one way or the other.  They are located in Houston, Texas.  Does anyone know about the court system there and what are your opinions on what the next step should be for me before I sue them--which I do plan on doing if I do not receive my $ by early next week.  I do not want to waste a lot of time waiting.  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. 
Independent contractor here (sm)
How about you?
Boyfriend is a contractor
x
Contractor vs Employee

I've asked this before, but now have new problems and am hoping to get some advice.  I've been working at home for a small clinic (one physician).  Her husband, who is the doctor's husband, let me go due to physical problems that kept me from doing some additional duties they needed me to do; also, my not being a "team player"--not enthusiastic about the extra duties.  So I'm at home with no contract now for about 1-1/2 months.  The OM didn't think it was necessary--he said "we trust you!!"  The OM calls me on the weekends or nights with requests or questions, and messages get increasingly snippy if I don't return his calls ASAP.  This week I had a job interview out of town, because I cannot live on my current income (approx $850.00/month gross).  I informed the office I was going out of town.  During the time I was gone, less than 24 hours, he called three times and sent an email.  It wasn't anything that could not have waited until I returned and responded to one of the phone calls or email.  I feel like an offsite employee (with no benefits) rather than an independent contractor! 


How should I handle this?  Probably, as my daughter tells me, I should just put up with it until I can find another job.  Any experience with a similar situation?  Thanks--


 


First, were you an employee or contractor?
This will make a difference. If you were not an employee, you did not earn wages so it would not be reported.

Second, if you feel that is in error, contact your local Employment Security Division and explain that situation. If you have paycheck stubs for that time period, take them with you.

Let us know how it turns out!

Independent Contractor
This is the form that all ICs have to use for their taxes and I can't find the answer anywhere.  .Thanks.
IC = independent contractor
I think you meant employee not IC as a subcontractor and IC are the same. 
Independent Contractor
In the contract I was considered an Independent Contractor, so labor laws, etc. do not apply to me.  According to the PA Labor and Industry Board my only option is to take them to small claims court in PA, and I live in CA, so that would be difficult and costly at best...  I just mean there are restrictions that apply to me because of my Independent contractor status...
Independent contractor

I am hesitant to take that giant leap into being totally an IC.  I have an IC position now and my boss has offered it to me FT and he lets you work as much as you want. Basially I try to keep somewhat of a decent schedule.  I also work for a large outsource company.  I can make more money as an IC and have checked on a zillion insurance companies, all about the same.  I have never been without health insurance doing transcription and that is what scares me especially since I am older.


One friend has quit this company  that we work for already.  It is such a struggle to get line count especially since they do not pay for "S". 


Do any of you IC people that  might work for a smaller outsouce company regret being an IC?  I know that one has to be organized and set aside money for taxes but I feel that mentally I would be happier if I would just take the dive.  I have worked this PT position for 4 years and the boss is great to work for and he tells you all of the time he appreciates your work which one very seldom hears and he also has good bonus money for working holidays if you want and even gets you a Xmas gift which is very nice and he really is thoughtful and I know we make him lots of money, but he is lucky to have dedicated girls too.


I am thinking that I need the mental change and I will be doing the work type I love to do and that is OPs.  I have just lost my drive, motivation of going to work everyday for this national company and I just cannot seem to get beyond that barrier no matter how much I have tried. We run out of work, too many people on accounts, then have to sit and wait. My time is valuable just like theirs.  My doc wanted to put me on Lexapro and I took three and then I got to thinking I am not going to let my old hospital drive me crazy and depressed and I quit taking the Lexapro.  I need to focus on another goal right now.  I feel like Eagle Eyes are watching me all of the time.  The only thing holding me back is I have medical insurance with this other place but since being there I have only reached the 800 lines a day goal a few times and it took me about 10 hours to do that which is awful. It seems like you type forever and get nowhere.  I have lost my speed and I very seldom get to do OPs anymore.  I used to do 30 a day at least.


I want to enjoy life a little more and there are other jobs out there that do pay much better than I am making taxes or no taxes to fool with.  I have done this type of work for 29 years and maybe I am at that burnout point and just need a fresh change.  I really think I need a fresh start so to speak.  Thanks for letting me vent. Any feedback will be helpful.  I do not have any small children, all grown so I am very very flexible. 


Is it worth being an IC, bottom line????


 


 


 


Independent contractor

I have worked for this PT company for 4 years and he has always paid on time, never a problem with paycheck and I personally knew him when he was a salesman for Lanier, so I am comfortable with him. 


It is a big step to take and he a 5-year contract with hospital so there is plenty of work.  I am a pretty organized person, but if it was not for that darn insurance.  Someone told me that the company that I am working for FT will have open enrollment in November and they are changing to a new insurance but you have to be producing 1000 lines a day to qualify.  With their platform it takes around a 10-hour work day just to get to the 800 lines. That is what we all thought, 800--no problem.  Boy did we have a rude awakening, everyone is struggling.  It basically boils down to how much of a hassle for doing own taxes very peace of mind and get back to what I really like to do without someone "dinging for every little comma, semicolon, hyphen and incorrect verbage.  I am a good MT but here lately I am beginning to doubt just about everything I type and I am always having my head in the BOS.  I have been doing this for 29 years, but I do feel like I am just coming out of English class and just a newbie which is not a good feeling at my age and exp.  I want to like to do my job but right now not feeling that.  Thanks for input all.


independent contractor

It's like being self-employed.  You don't get taxes deducted from your paycheck.  You have to do it yourself.  You are also supposed to be able to set your own hours, although some companies still make you work a shift.


Got that right! If I'm not happy within 3 days, I quit! Too many easier positions out there. nm
s
In MT ads on the net, more and more I see ads for combo positions - MT/front desk, MT/secretary, etc
b
So, if you hire an independent contractor to sm
paint your house, do you do a criminal background check on that person.  It's the same thing.  Independent contractors are just that. 
If you are an independent contractor, you are not an employee so the
rule of thumb is that pay should be made to the employee within 30 days from the date of resignation.  If, however, you signed a contract that says specifically that half of you pay can be held until say equipment is returned, etc., then you may have to abide by that.  The company may just want to make sure they get their equipment back.
IC meaning independent contractor?
As far as I know...no...for independent contractor, they do not have to pay any benefits or even take out SS, so I would think it would be MORE not less for IC. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Employee vs Independent Contractor

Click here:


Independent contractor status
Don't forget, though, as an independent contractor, you will be paying 100% of your social security tax, which accounts for somewhere around 15% of your gross income.  You have to factor that into the equation.  Working employee or statutory status makes it mandatory for the employer to pay half of your social security tax; being independent makes you 100% responsible.  Also, you are responsible for sending in quarterly tax statements/payments, whereas as an employee, your company owner does that for you.  I would want to factor all these things in and allow enough to take care of the social security at least. 
This is confusing. An independent contractor IS
nm
As an Independent Contractor, you set your own rate.
then you are not truly an independent contractor.  How she bills a client has nothing to do with how you bill her.
Statutory MT/Independent contractor

Does anybody know of companies that still hire Statutory or independent contractors?  Since I take the standard deduction on my personal taxes I can no longer deduct my MT expenses and that's a major ouch.  Thanks for any help.


 


 


You are not an independent contractor, if you only have one client.
x
starting as independent contractor/need help!

I'm going to be able to return to work very part time since my disability is getting a bit better.  I have an offer to work as an independent contractor, probably not making more than 12 grand per year.



This will be my first time being a contractor and I'm boggled after reading the IRS info on the site.  Do I need to file for a taxpayer ID# or can I just use my Social Security number?  I think I can wade through paying the taxes, etc, but may have an accountant do this initially.



Thank's in advance, Becca.


independent contractor lunches
can i deduct lunches as a business expense?
Yes, but are you employee or independent contractor?
There's a difference. When I had a job as an IC, I had to pay all my own equipment, software, references, phone, internet, utilities, self-employment taxes at 15.9%, etc. No insurance, no retirement unless I paid for private plans. No holiday pay. In fact, no days off at all!

I'm glad you're happy. I'd be happy to have a job paying $11.50 an hour, but I can't even get an interview! There are 800 people competing for one job if you check out the job board ads.

My spouse and I together are down to maybe $1,000 a month now in income when we used to gross $5,600 a month. Time for welfare, I guess. Can't get unemployment being a contractor. Cripes, Walgreens won't even hire me.
Independent Contractor vs. Small Business?

I am negotiating a contract with a clinic to be one of two transcriptionists.  I have typed for this clinic for several years as a sub-contractor, but the current contract holder is not renewing the contract.  The clinic's lawyer is not comfortable with "Independent contractor" as the contract would be for one year and for the usual questionable definition of an IC. 


I tried to research this and just became more and more confused.. so I hope I can get a little advice here..  I do not want to be employed by the clinic - I prefer to be self-employed.  Do I make myself a small business and get a license?  I do plan to meet with my accountant to ask some questions, but I was hoping to get a little info here so that I would not sound completely stupid!  (Doesn't seem as bad to sound stupid here rather than in person!)  I am used to getting a 1099 and paying self-employment tax. 


Are you an Independent contractor or a small business?  I do not plan to have any employees..I just want to type for this clinic and get paid! THanks!


IC contractor out of state where company is, how to file
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Not sure how to file taxes... Work in PA, IC to IL, do I have to file taxes in IL?? Any help on this I appreciatejavascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
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