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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

I got a discount by joining a study group...I think they still offer that. nm

Posted By: AmphionFan on 2008-08-21
In Reply to: and ponder this as well... - banshee

;)


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You could join a study group through sm
AHDI, but there is no radiology-specific CMT credential.  In fact, I took the test within the past year and there are hardly any rad-specific questions on it.
I would not offer a discount. You have to create and then edit each report--sm
to make it patient-specific and that will take time. It will also be hard to keep separate which reports were edited and which one was not.

Once you start lowering your cost, this will not be the only thing they will want a discount for. I do not think it will be a plus for you and in the end you could be doing yourself a disservice in the future when you need to raise your rate.
I think we should form a group alright, but no support group!!
How about a group of MTs forming their own transcription company?! We don't need some yahoo with an MBA who only cares about the bottom line and doesn't realize there would be NO bottom line if not for the MTs. We do this work on a daily basis, we know what to do and how to do it and most of us have dealt with doctors one on one. I am so disgusted with these companies and from reading this board, so are alot of others.
How would I go about joining the
lawsuit? Is it possible if I still work there?
How about joining a gym?....sm
You can go at various times, and there area a variety of people there....working, nonworking, retired, semi-retired, or whatever.  Also, how about volunteering at a local hospital?  
Do you know anyone you could talk into joining under you?
From what I've read, the program pays when you get down to the 8th level. So, you need to sell someone who can also sell someone 8 times before you'll see any real money.

You may make a few bucks at first but compare that to the joining expense, what things you have to buy, I understand 2 or 3 things, and something about a $20 monthly site fee (just what I've read, remember).

Personally, I wouldn't waste my money on it.
Having compassion is not the same as joining
x
Offer 1 week notice, but willing to offer 2 if they would be in a bind. Also, (sm)
make sure your resignation letter is written with class.  Never good to burn your bridges.
Don't get sucked into joining AHDI (formerly AAMT)

Discount
Yeah, it is a discount plan, which means no pre-existing conditions, no claim forms. I didn't sign up for the medical part of it, which is available here in Tennessee. I just signed up to get the dental benefits. I needed a lot of work done on my teeth (3 crowns, 1 filling, a bridge, and a root canal) and it has saved me a ton of money using AmeriPlan.

I mainly just wanted to make people aware, especially Transcriptionist like myself, that if you don't have insurance, this could be an option. Or if you do have insurance, you could still use it and save even more money.
Discount
If you go to the link I posted it says in big letters that it is not insurance, that it is a discount program. I'm not trying to fool anyone. I signed up for it myself through my father-in-law. It may not be available in all states. You can go to www.ameriplanusa.com or www.ameriplanhealth.com to find a provider near you. I live in Tennesse and have a regular dentist that accepts it and my husband and son go to an eye doctor that accepts it.

Discount
You don't have to give me your email address.

Here's the website, go check it out for yourself. I am a member myself, but somebody has got to sell it, right? It really is a good benefit.

www.everyonebenefits.com/BradfordInc

Thanks.
Discount -from below
I charge a decent price, I make VERY good money, have had my accounts for 5 to 18+ years, have never had a bounced check, am always paid within 48 hours of receipt of invoice,they NEVER question my line counts so if it costs me 1% per month - to me it is worth it.  They also give me free medical care, medication samples which more than makes up for the small discount that I give.  So though many of you disagree - it works for me.  I can pay my bills on time because I can COUNT on the checks to pay them.  No hassle at all.  I get it back in different ways.  One antibotic prescription per year makes up for it.
I wouldn't discount sm
on-line dating but there are so many weirdos out there these days that I would be EXTREMELY careful and follow all the precautions that have ever been written on the subject.  In addition to meeting in a public place, hopefully with someone with you, I would be extremely careful that I wasn't being followed when I left the date.  From what I've read many, if not most, of the mass murderers came across as being very nice guys but then you really don't know anyone when you first meet them no matter where you meet them.  I recall at least one of the infamous mass murderers was well-educated, well-liked and apparently well-respected in his community.   I don't think I would ever go for the internet dating myself but apparently there are quite a few people who  have been successful in finding their mate that way; I just don't happen to know any personally.  I don't think probably it would be any worse than any other way of meeting people, you'd have probably a 50/50 chance of meeting someone you would want to spend your life with and a 50/50 chance is about the best we're gonna get in this life no matter what we're gambling on; we only have a 50/50 chance of making it through this day.
They probably got a discount since they are outdated.
 
CMT (Indian MTs have discount)
Sadly, I am slowly moving from lower middle class to poverty level since pay cuts as a full-time MT.

After numerous requests for some kind of help toward paying for the certification, I am told by AHDI (AAMT) discounts are not even being considered in the near future.

With the future so bleak for the future of MT, I am not sure why I should put out all that money. I am bringing home less than $300/week after taxes and health care...? How do I justify the $287 or so cost, when I have my utilities threatened to be shut off every other month for simply just not having the money...

For me, I do not have a partner who supports me. Am I the only one in this boat?
go with a discount plan, sm
you can use YOUR dentist, not just anyone on a list - ask at your dentist's office what discount plans they accept and look them up on the web. just like insurance, they all cover differently. Similar, tho.

the main reason I went this way is because there is no hot-shot company of office workers on the other side of the country playing doctor and denying claims. They are doing that more often in these days. I was shocked when it happened to me with a cracked tooth - then EVERYONE told me they went through the same thing with their companies.

you don't need any suprises like that - to the tune of thousands of dollars.
Don't discount ops. That's how I make my big production. SM
There are SO many phrases you can shortcut. They're all the same! I insist on working where I only type ops.
So do you think gas stations should discount gas for us pumping our own gas?
I'd rather scan and bag items I am purchasing, folding them the way I want to and separating them then pump gas out in the cold with the smell of gasoline on my hands.
Not to discount your fear right now, but didn't her doc

advise her that the risks involved with surgery would include perforation of organs, and other complications, including death. Medicine is unfortunately an inexact science, and doctors are, after all, only human. May not be a clear cut case of malpractice, may "merely" be an unfortunate complication.


I've seen many people rush into a lawsuit, only to have their lives and money consumed by them, to find out they don't understand legal concept of malpractice and even if malpractice, if the insurance company has a better lawyer, you can lose anyway.


For now, I would focus my energy on praying rather than suing...


 


 


Students get a hefty discount
If you're in continuing education, could you still call yourself a student?  I don't know, but when I bought it, I just had to tell them I was a student and I got a discount.
Discount - sorry long message
I do offer my docs a 1% discount if they pay within 3 days and especially if their account does go over $1000 I get my check the next day.  One of my newest accounts did not apply their discount to their second bill and I was told "You work hard,  the work is returned on time, good quality, Dr. C______ is not the easiest person to work for and I did not take off your discount because you deserve every penny of your invoice."   He is a dermatologist, has lots of Op notes, good gross line count and he is really not that hard to do, lots of shortcuts but he does have an irritating habit of clearing his throat about every 5th line but you get used to it.  But again I have been luck, all accounts pay within 3 days at the longest, never a bounced check and never a question on my line counts.  But along my 15 to 18 years of doing this, I have had my share of poor ones but for the past 7-8 years I cannot complain.  I have older docs who will probably retire in the next 10 years but then so will I.  They are stand alone, 1-2 in a practice and so don't know if they will ever go EMR or even digital but will continue as I have.   The accounts are out there you just have to look and perhaps go through several before you find one that appreciates you. 
I do give a discount - some ideas
I do give a discount and my accounts pay usually the next day and in one account the doctor actually writes the check to me.  I would call back and talk again with her explaining that you are a small business and need to have a check by a certain time in order to pay your mortgage, etc.  Ask if you submit them the invoice by the 25th to 27th if you can count on a check by the 1st or if you submit on the 1st you can have a check by the 5th.  So if you need your  check by the 1st, I would give them the invoice by the 25th to 27th depending on what day of the week it is and put a note on it stating "per our conversation payment is due to me no later than the 30th."  or whatever date you agree upon.  I have found that offices do not like bi-monthly billings and like to pay only once a month.  I have 4 accounts for invoicing and payment by the 1st and 2 for the 15th and payment by the 18th so I have cash flow throughout the month.   But try talking to them as people and see if it works. 
It'll be the most expensive magazine subscription you'll ever get! No point in joining. nm
s
Your personal creditors may not discount amounts due, but
commercial entities often do. In doing the books for numerous local businesses, I was required to pay ASAP to take advantage of discounts. For example, "terms 2/10 net 30" means you get a 2% discount if you pay within 10 days, otherwise, it's the full (net) amount due within 30 days to avoid a late charge.
I agree with you. Why would we give a discount for being paid what
we're legitimately owed? Some businesses do it to encourage prompt payment, though.
U.S. offers them medical school at a discount
if they remain in the country and practice in out of the way places for a period of time before returning to their country or to a higher wage earning position within the medical establishment.
J &R Electronics discount 83.00 with free shipping. sm
Not a bad deal.  just wondering about quality with just voice and not music. 
I have a 100% discount for you. Don't take the test! It's worthless as is the association be

Check with college, sometimes you can get a student discount for a laptop....nm
xx
Do you give a discount for standard procedure notes? SM

I have an account who asked me to provide them with a form that could use for standard outpatient procedure notes.  I personally feel that there are too many variations for them to use one paper form and offered for me to do it for them at a discount since almost the entire thing would be a standard that I don't have to type in its entirety.  This account is a great account and I figured it isn't a big deal say to chage 25 cents instead of a $1 (example) for the form since I only have to type a couple letters to pull up the form and insert any changes.


I really don't know the easiest way to keep track of this discount or what amount to discount.  Any ideas?  I'd rather see me getting a small amount for doing the form then to get nothing for them using a paper form.  Plus, the account is newer to me and I thought it might look like a plus for me to offer them a discount and to make their life easier by not having to dictate the entire note.


Thoughts...ideas???  TIA


 


 


I must comment: You do know Indian MTs get a huge discount on the cost, right? Do
you think that is going to come up and bite us some day. The association seems intent on making this a standard, that everyone should have the certification, and they are certifying foreign MTs way more than American...

What are they up to with that?
New study on MS and
Vitamin D, you can Google it.  Are you in the great lakes area?  Very common in that area.  I don't have it but many of my relatives do including my 20-year-old neice - she's doing very well with treatment.  Good luck
that doesn't sound like insurance, sounds like a discount plan:
x
swallow study - sm
swallow study to check for safety in swallowing, to check for aspiration, swallowing problems, and what type of diet to give pte, puree, nectar thick, etc.
What is recommended to study for CMT?
xx
Sleep Study
Get this: I had an appointment with the doctor this coming Wednesday to discuss a sleep study. Last Wednesday 2/1/06, his office calls me wanting to know if I was coming in because I was late for my appointment, and I reminded her that it was not that Wednesday but this coming Wednesday and she remembers and admits she got it wrong. This morning same girl calls to remind me of my Tuesday appointment!!!! Went through the same thing again and then she says, "Oh, yes. It is Wednesday. Can you come in Thursday? He's going to get called to the emergency department!!!" Uhhhhh did I miss something or is she clairvoyant on emergencies? This is why I do not go to the doctor unless it is absolutely necessary. I guess he has a golf game lined up.
That study used very old data.
EHR has come a long way since 2004.
CMT study workshops or

I am looking for some reputable websites for info regarding the CMT exam that also include study material. Any info would be greatly appreciated :)


Honestly, probably the best way to study for it
is to work, work, work.

Good luck!
Get a Sleep Study
It could be sleep apnea or narcolepsy. Yes, you can be healthy as a horse and still have sleep apnea or narcolepsy!
S/L Perfifth study per neurology?

I can't seem to find anything.  Any suggestions?


 


Thanks!


vellum - in swallow study???
is this correct
Sorry, you guys need to study up. "Affect" would never, ever go here. SM

Just FYI, to say "affect" would mean that the bleeding would change the procedure -- which makes not a lick of sense.


"Effect" would be the right thing, meaning that if this woman were to continue bleeding, she'd have to have a hysterectomy.


I didn't really like the wording of it anyway, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in because there seem to be people here still confused on the issue.


Employment after home study
Does anyone know who will hire a Transcriptionist who has studied at home? Also, will they hire you if you have not been employed as a transcriptionist outside your home? (I have a little hospital experience but years ago).
Sleep study transcription...

I have been approached by a sleep study doc to do the transcription for them.  I have not done these before and I'm not sure what to charge.  Does anyone have any advice for what to charge them or any sample reports?


 


Thanks so much


I found the study guide (sm)

was good with examples on the test and covered all areas.  However, the dictation CD probably has caused many a heart attack.  None of the dictations were as bad as that thing!


I don't really know how you can study too much for the beast besides brushing up on the ol' BOS.  The first part was a stinker, though.


Thanks, by the way!


Study your options though before committing...
I fill in when needed, vacation, sickness, etc, for friend at a local small town phys's office. Typist has been in hosp. and out off and on over the last 2 months. cpl confused Drs. wife so I said $10/hour, thought it was only temporary. I'm usually only there 2-4 hours, usually if it is 2 days of stuff. They work weird hours, 9 sometimes 11p.m. I work 10-6 so I tried to get in when I could in morning or go in evenings. Too aggravating, they are constantly interrupting me. I hooked their system up for C-phone access. Half time they forget to plug it up! But, anyway I have continued to do it by the hour. I will be changing to 10 cpl if this continues. Working at home by the hour I am cheating myself. I type it faster because I am more comfortable so end up shorting myself $10-15 each time. Some would say, drag it out but I can't do that I feel like I'm stealing, yet they are stealing my time.

Here is a sleep study website
http://www.sleepnet.com/definition.html
I ran into this system when I had a sleep study
Last winter outside of Orlando Florida. I waited to be set up for the initial sleep consultation, and the technician who takes vitals went into the template and asked me questions and filled it in. I told her what I did for a living. She smiled and said so does she, now... except it took under 3 minutes to do my whole history and physical etc. with better accuracy because she had drop down menus for just about every possible suggestion I had etc. She gets paid hourly as a tech and did not get a raise when this system came in. But she does it for the job security. I asked the doc and he said it is not only cost effective, but safer not to send work outside of the office or even out of the exam room because of HIPPA reasons. I can understand this. Knowing all of this, for some reason, I did not feel in the least intimidated or put out. I say the serenity prayer. If and when these systems are the norm rather than an oddity, another door will open for we transcriptionists which is better than what we have now. We have to believe as things evolve better for the medical record-keeping, indeed so will the jobs evolve better for us, even into a new career. To not believe that would be fatalistic. Somewhere in fate, IMHO we have to be willing to accept the times moving with or without us, and what our part will be in a positive way, rather than think it will be a negative thing.
My dad had a carotid ultrasound study done today --
and the technicians couldn't find his right vertebral artery.  From my limited knowledge this could mean it's occluded and it sounds like something to be concerned about.  He's worried but he doesn't want his doctor to think he's crazy for calling and asking about it right away.  The technicians told him the doctor would contact him in 2-3 days.  I don't think he should wait.  Any other opinions out there?