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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

How reliable can they be if you still have to check their work after all this time? Just getting th

Posted By: kate on 2007-11-13
In Reply to: RE: Independent contractors - MsMT

does not make them reliable.


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This must be your first time here. Check
x
It's 12:00 noon, time for a line check.

I f you are working at the time you want to check the lines, hit F9
xx
Not at all. Just time for a reality check, dear.


Need to vent... (If you have time to kill, check it out!)

I am so frustrated right now I could just scream!  If nobody even makes it to the end of this I will understand, but I'm just livid. 


First of all, I was due my paycheck on the 15th.  I work for a small MTSO, and our checks are frequently late at the end of the month.  (The checks due the last day of the month usually get paid sometime during the first week.  I'm used to that now.) But the paycheck on the 15th is consistently on time.  Our mortgage is due on the 1st with a grace until the 15th.  With the terrible economy and struggling like we tend to do, we usually pay on the 15th.  We save half our checks from the 1st week of the month then pay the mortgage when we both get paid on the 15th so that we don't have to take the huge mortgage hit out of one paycheck but rather spread it out over two.  (Hope that makes sense.)  Well, I was told on Monday that we would PROBABLY be paid by FRIDAY, but that it's not for sure.  Since I won't have my check, and we will be paying after the 15th, we will get a $75 late fee on our mortgage.  Is it too much to expect to be paid ON TIME? 


It gets better.  The very next day after this news, my MTSO emailed me saying that a client was missing 5 patient reports.  She kind of went "high and right" on me saying that she didn't have them, the client didn't have them, I didn't send them, where are they, etc.  I was calm, knowing that I didn't make that mistake.  I went back and found the files.  I sent the files.  I then went back and searched my email until I found the email that contained the missing files.  I forwarded the email in its entirety, complete with headers showing the time and date it was sent, and put in the email what basically amounted to, "The original email contained 20 files, 7 of which were for other clients and 13 of which were from XYZ Ortho.  Since the other clients never complained of missing files, and since XYZ Ortho isn't complaining about the other 8 files, I am confident that you sent the files on to XYZ Ortho and they just lost them."  (Which this client has done over the last four years, losing files that have been sent and then blaming us.) I finished with, "I have forwarded the original email so that you can use this to show the client that the problem is not with their Transcriptionist - don't let them blame us!"


I graciously did not point out what I really wanted to point out, which was that I sent my boss the files like I do every morning.  If the client lost their files, there is still no reason why my boss shouldn't have been able to pull them up from her computer!   


The next day, however, I get a pissy email saying "I never got your original email.  I searched my computer and I searched my computer and the files are not there.  You will have to get a more reliable ISP, because I'm not getting your email.... " She went on to blame me for the problem in SPITE of the fact that I already pointed out that the problem could not possibly have been with me.


Now I'm really cheesed, because either she's just plain dense or she thinks I'm just plain dense.  I wrote back reiterating that I just forwarded her the original email.  She's only missing FIVE files.  The original email contained TWENTY files for DIFFERENT clients (including one that is VERY picky about getting their files back in less than 24 hours -- if they hadn't gotten their files I would have heard about it weeks ago! ).  I told her that why she can't find the five missing files on her computer or in her email is obviously a problem on HER end, but considering that my other clients aren't missing anything and the problem client is only missing a few of the files, the problem clearly is not with me.  I sent the files.  The files were recieved.  What happened next, either with her or with the client, is not something I can control. 


The next day I get an email that said, "Found the problem.  Thanks."


WHAT?  She accuses me of losing files, not sending files, put it on me and then when it's pointed out that she's the one who did something wrong there's no "Sorry I blamed you, it was my fault."  I'm telling you, I am HOT. 


This on top of the fact that I'm not getting paid is the reason why I am currently interviewing for a work-primarily-from-home analyst position with a local company.  I really expect professionalism, and this isn't it! 


If you've made it this far, you deserve a hug.    Thanks for listening!   


 


 


 


 


 


I work part-time hours with full-time pay...
I made over 26,000 this year...
I work 1 full-time, 2 part-time....nm
NM
How astute to check the turnover time, hadn't thought
of that. But, you're right, no way that's a coincidence, and your surety on this is confirmation. I'm sorry for you--that's a huge decrease in your lines. Good luck in your search for something better.
Thanks ... guess I'll have to check it out some time ... like I need to find more ways to goof of
x
Same thing with nationals. You work all the time to keep the account caught up when others dont work
and then when they decide to put a whole lot of extra people on your accounts and run you out they could care less about how much you worked.
I work for Warminster at MQ and I am sick to death of being jerked around with no work all the time.
I would like a job where I can depend on the work and it does not seem to be in this office of MQ.
Has anyone breast fed while trying to work at home, can you do this and still work full time?
It seems like the more literature I read on the subject, the longer it seems to take, especially in the beginning when you are breast feeding every two hours, or does it really just depend on the baby?
are they sending you work to check
all of their work? I don't THINK the gal I work for checks all of my work. I send her a list daily of every job I've typed and which ones I had questions on or blanks and she checks those. I can't imagine not ever having a question whether it be from a bad connection, mumbling, whatever. I would think that is normal. If you never have questions or blanks, I would question what kind of work is being passed along to the client. Of course if I was having to check every report because of mistakes, I would definitely question why I still am paying the transcriptionist.
I work a full time and a part time, but not sure about 2 full-time...
My hubbie is disabled and I am the only one in my family working also, so I fully understand. You will not have a day off at all working 2 full-time as that is going to be the only way you will get in all your hours. I work one job in the mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the other from 5 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and do have off one day a week, but if I had to get in the extra 15 hours to make the other job full-time I am not sure how I would do that other than lose my only day off. Also, make sure you have your account specifics in front of you at all times because you will get yourself confused as to who is what and having notes will help in that area. Good luck to you, as it is possible, but forget about your house being clean, having any social life, etc. Feel free to email me personally if you just need someone to talk to, as I have been where you are and still am.
They can say that, but I have gotten more reliable
information here than from my CSC, so what does that tell you?
I am a reliable IC, but I can say

where the MTSO promises work anywhere from p.r.n. to asking how much can you take on?  I understand this business waxes and wanes, but sometimes it is just easier to give one IC one particular dictator to be responsible for and then if more help is needed ask if that IC has the time to help.


Another option is to make sure the IC is aware of how many minutes she/he will be receiving.  I have had that happen as well where I thought I was getting say 15 minutes, and then was given 60 minutes.  By the way, your higher pay rate is great because most small MTSOs only are willing to pay 7 cpl. 


I like to learn accounts sometimes just to offer vacation, illnesses, etc.  Please feel free to e-mail me if you are in a bind, and I can provide you with my resume.  I have many, many years of experience in a lot of different specialties and am also flexible in regard to volume.  I also tend to offer Sundays as an option since my work week runs Sunday to Thursday. 


An IC needs to be reliable.
I had an IC who would have situations crop up throughout her day that kept her from doing the work that she accepted. I had to find someone else because she just didn't understand that accepting the work was her committment to doing it. A simple, "I'm not available..." is the correct way to handle the situation than just not doing the work and thinking an excuse would be make everything better.
Stedman's spell check does not work with 2007.
Tech support at Stedman's said that come Feb 28, 2007 they are releasing an updated version of their spellchecker and it will work with Word 2007. If you already have Stedman's spellchecker 2006, on Feb. 28 you can call with your registration number and they can give you an update in the amount $39.00 instead of buying the whole thing all over again!
I have Compaq which is very reliable, but
I wish I had gone with the Toshiba. The only reason is that it was much lighter and easier on the hands when lifting and carrying. Other than that no problems with the Compaq.

The main thing is virus protection software and Spyware protection to protect the new laptop once you go online.

reliable LD service

I am feeling totally frustrated. 

I was using Vonage with little problems, but switched back to AT&T Call Vantage 'cause is was $20 less and I was supposed to get a second phone line. Well, never got the second line and I've had problem after problem. The main problem is with the Express Enterprise system that I call into "communicating" with my C-phone. Sometimes the call is disconnected. Sometimes it doesn't "hear" the key pad when I press the numbers (i.e. to sign off on a report). Sometimes it will suddenly rewind to the beginning of a report.

I thought the problem was on my end, so I shelled out $$$ to replace the foot pedal, headset, and C-phone ... nope, that didn't solve the problem. Called AT&T and they said the problem was with the DSL line. Had that tested and was told it was working correctly. Purchased another DSL modem (another $100) and that didn't solve the problem.

Called AT&T for tech support and they said "The C-phone is not supported." Well, gee, it was before!!!

Anyway, you can see why I'm grumping.

Is there *ANY* service out there which won't kill my wallet but won't give me the problems I'm having. Again, Vonage was pretty good, but it still was quirkly, and it cost $65/month. A dial-up service (www.onesuite.com) is terrific (no problems), but it's 2.9 cents per minute, which will be $200-300 per month. Don't want to spend that. And AT&T .... yuk!!!

I'm open to any and all suggestions. What's reliable without breaking the budget?


Unless you want to work on site, that is. If so, check Manpower and the newspapers for starters. nm
,
Reliable Source Jobsite
WORDS OF WARNING:  If you receive an email from The reliable Source Jobsite asking you to register for their site - DON'T DO IT.  This is supposed to be a job database for all types of clerical work.  However, I recently registered, realized I had registered at an incorrect job databased and asked for  a refund.  They stated I was not allowed a refund and that I was trying to get something for nothing.  I then filed a complaint with PayPal.  Later that same day, I received an email and also a telepone call stating that if I removed my complaint from PayPal, they would refund my money.  I did remove my complaint.  However, after my emailing them numerous times inquiring as to why I had not received my refund yet, they basically stated, "Ha, ha.  We're not giving you a refund, never had any intention of doing so, and you cannot reopen the complaint with PayPal."  I did contact PayPal and I could NOT reopen this complaint.  After resigning myself to the fact that I'm a member of this database, I decided to use it.  However, even though I have paid for this membership, I still cannot use it.  The User ID and the Password they issued me are incorrect and will not work.  I have made several attempts to email them regarding this matter, however I receive no reply.  It is for the reasons above I thought everyone should be made aware of this - UNRELIABLE SOURCE JOBSITE
Reliable Source Jobsite
gnat is right. Tell us the URL and perhaps we can all band together (for once) and help a fellow MT. Hey, it's worth a shot.
Reliable Source Jobsite
For those of you that wanted there website it is:
www.freewebs.com/wahtelecommuteemploymentservices - I hope you guys get this okay. If you can't get it off of here, feel free to email me. My email is: tousuns@rochester.rr.com
I want to thank all of you. You would not believe how they acted on the telephone with me. Since tricking me into cancelling my complaint they lifted my user priviliges. I emailed them four different times and they do not even extend the courtesy of a return email. However, they still have my money and will NOT return it. Thanks for all of your help.
anyone know if this is a reliable source for this information? thanks...

taken from their site (I especially like about the outsourcing and 'robot transcriptionist' : 








Allied Health Profession of the Month - March 2005
Medical Transcriptionist contributed by Paul D. Mason, Oxford, NJ



What is Medical Transcription?


Medical transcriptionists (MTs) are the miracle workers of the medical records! They turn doctors’ daily dictation tapes - rough, hurried, harried, mumbled, muttered, highly technical, and always absolutely crucial - into clear, concise, polished gems of documentation. They work this amazing transformation every day under tight deadlines using just a simple tape or digital audio player, a computer, and a stack of medical books and online reference sources.


Jobs Outlook – “Boom”ing?


Remember all those “baby boomers”? According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for MT’s will be good - growing faster than the national average for occupations through 2012, with the demand fueled by the increased healthcare demands of a growing and aging population.


It’s not hard to see that lots more senior citizens needing lots more doctor visits means tons of new medical records to be generated! There’s going to be plenty of work out there to go around.

Then there’s the big “O”: Outsourcing…


There has been a steady stream of news lately about various US industries improving their bottom lines by replacing American workers with low-wage overseas labor – skilled jobs like computer programming, telephone help desks - almost any job that can be performed remotely.


In medical transcription, however, issues such as little or no foreign enforcement of US privacy laws, instability of foreign labor, lack of English fluency, expense and uncertainty of adequately training foreign labor, etc. can greatly complicate foreign outsourcing and offset the initially perceived cost savings.


Legal questions have even begun: The California legislature has discussed prohibiting all California industries from using foreign outsourcing involving confidential data, mainly because it is simply not possible to guarantee privacy outside of the country.


The BLS states that foreign outsourcing should not significantly impact the medical transcription profession in the US.


Robot Transcriptionists?


Another MT industry buzz involves new technologies such as speech recognition technologies (SRT’s), computerized “smart” data entry forms (EMR’s, CPR’s), etc. that promise to automate or eliminate traditional transcription work. Several software vendors have been very successfully selling tools of this nature to various industries and have been making noise to promote their use for medical transcription.


It is becoming apparent, however, that the complexity of medical diagnosis and terminology combined with the life-and-death importance of accuracy will prevent large-scale acceptance of these technologies in the medical field for the foreseeable future.


According to the Medical Records Institute (an organization that promotes the adoption of computerized medical records systems), most current research shows that penetration into the medical field by EMR’s is only 5-8%, with SRT’s at less than 1%.


I use it and have for years. It's reliable and cheap
at least in my area. I can call anywhere in the country and talk for as long as I want for around $50 a month. I have two phones and just forward calls from one phone to the other when I'm typing an account that uses the phone.
Reliable Internet Service
I also used Earthlink for a year with problems like yours, switched to Verizon DSL with worse problems, looked into Comcast, also in my area, which was highly recommended. I had to get rid of Verizon as I kept losing service, they actually blamed it on electrical appliances in my house (not true), so I switched to my town's local cable company, have no problems with that. I would try Comcast before Verizon DSL. It is really aggravating when you keep losing internet connections and after many calls they still cannot figure out why. Good luck.
Why not? There are plenty of reliable resources
There are also other search engines. I am not trying to be rude, I really don't understand why you cannot work without Google.
Magic Jack - is it reliable? SM

I have seen discussions about this on these boards and I was wondering just how reliable is it.  I currently have Vonage which is costing me 30 bucks a month.  I've heard a lot about Magic Jack and unlimited long distance and it would save me a bundle in the long run; however, I don't want to ditch Vonage because it works great.


Mind you, I don't use my Vonage line for transcribing.  It is strictly my business/personal telephone voice calls only.  I found there is a lag when using my C-phone with Vonage that drives me nuts.  I have DSL through the local phone company and so have an analog phone line through them.  That is the phone line I use for my fax machine, transcribing, etc. 


I'm looking for a way to trim some of the fat off my home office budget.  I need/want two phone lines period.  I won't have it any other way.  I didn't sign a new cell phone contract in lieu of a prepaid cell phone.  At this point, I have a new job with a hospital and I won't need to be using a C-phone.  Everything is digital and through the PC. 


So here's the short answer - is Magic Jack reliable and functional?


Sounds like just where you work. Most places don't check so tightly on the lines produced AND you
x
Home Depot far more reliable than Lowes...sm

and as I know it, Home Depot does not use *subcontractors*..........


Home Depot all the way!!! 


i have wildblue and connection is very reliable to me with no trees, but sm
especially if you will be going through VPN, it won't be very productive for you cuz the VPN slows down the download rates. i am connected at 100 mbps but that is nothing. download rates are extremely slow, sometimes as slow as dial up.
I have a cheapie Netgear--totally reliable for 2+
nm
also bought from them, very reliable and loved the headset NM
NM
Anyone recommend a good, reliable online...sm
pharmacy that they, themselves had used.. with no ripoffs?  I know there are many reputable ones out there but also many scamful, dangerous ones.  I know they are generally not cheap, but I need to know I'm getting what I ordered.
Reliable Internet Service? Currently using Earthlink and very unhappy.
I've been using Earthlink as my ISP but this past year the service has gone downhill.  I've been without service at least four times this year for anywhere between a few hours to a day.  Plus all tech support is out of the country so you spend more time than necessary asking the tech to repeat the instructions.  I'm looking at Verizon right now.  Comcast is not recommended.  Thanks
What is the advantage to having a book over using reliable Internet sources?
and yes I KNOW not to believe everything you google, but there are reliable sources.  Why buy a book every year?  Not arguing at all, just want to know your rationale.  Thanks!
no facts. rumor from an MT poster. really reliable huh? who would have access to this info
bet Frank doesn't even know.
I've had Bellsouth for a couple years now. Reliable and no problems. nm
xxx
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?
Satellite users for MTing - it your connection fairly reliable- I cannot get DSL and about to give u
nm
I work 2 and have for some time
Pretty much ever since my separation and then divorce back in 2002 I have worked 2 and 3 jobs. Right now I work a full time MT national job and a part time job for an imaging center doing MT and coding. It is hard sometimes to get it all done. I try to do my MT job and just do the other either in the mornings before or at night after. I am lucky in that my position is flexible. He emails the dictations from Express Scribe and sometimes he waits and sends a bunch at a time instead of daily. Those times it is hard to do it all. Doctors have minds of their own and sometimes forget they are not the only busy ones. The coding I do daily so no worries on that. My tip is to try to get enough rest and try to keep time in for family. I have a hard time with that some days. When my son says he wants to spend time with me I just have to make time and take the reality check seriously.
I became an IC 75% of the time and work for

I get to pick and choose what junque I'll take privately *LOL* 


Working for the nat'l is merely to supplement a tad what I'm not yet making privately....but if I got 2 more MDs, I'd probably dump the nat'l....*LOL*


best of luck 


How do you have any time to work?
You talk way too much. I doubt you can be that productive with these long, long, numerous posts.
I work for them and always on time nm
x
When do you know it is time to look for work?
I work for an MT service as an IC.  The last 6 out of 10 days I have had no work.  The other 4 days it has been light.  I know it's summer and its' slow but this really hurts the pocketbook.  And the company does not communicate anything at all to me.  If I call them, its' check back in 2 hours.....it's a broken record.  Should I sit tight or start looking?
when you know it time to look fo work

I have 5 accounts and haven' t had a full paycheck since  last October. Always run out on the weekends. Depends what account you have if you get work. I can't understand these MTs who are makey 50 grand a year.  Where do they work


I'm horrible with math myself but was told several years back by a pretty reliable source
that w/o spaces is about a 17% reduction in pay - and I would say the figures you gave pretty much leads me to believe this may be true.
I would go where you are sure you will have steady work all the time.
:
I can't remember the last time I ran out of work...sm
don't understand why people say that so much.  Must be a regional thing.  Well, I am sorry for the ones who run out of work and I am praying that things pick up across the board!
part-time work
www.thomastx.com - Hope to hear from you soon. Dee