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It's on a per-account basis. nm

Posted By: MQMT on 2005-08-18
In Reply to: not according to MedQuist - fg

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Been there myself on a day to day basis.
and it just plain blows big time.
First name basis
IMHO, if the client wants you to call them Pipsqueak, you comply.  It's their perogative - the customer is always right. 
My husband does this on an every day basis
changing what I say to something else and I laugh each and every day we are together. He is so funny i start laughing before I ever get a sentence out of my mouth. He keeps me in stitches, my bestest friend in the whole wide world! I tell him I think he needs a hearing aid and he says WHAT?? I said is something wrong with your ears and he says.. I don’t have any tears. I have no dull days when he is here with me. The way he works is home most days and I can hardly wait for him to get out of bed so I can laugh more.
Regardless whether HIPPA is the basis or not....
there is a problem there that needs to be addressed here.  Either you agree or don't!  No need to critize an MT who is at least trying to make an effort to do something about it. 
possible, but not on a consistent basis, I don't think
I have done it, but it is not possible to do that for 4 hours straight, and definitely not for 8. There are so many factors that affect your work.... how many times you stop to look up things, ESLs, wasted time with doctors who don't have their thoughts organized, etc. I have done 350-400 lines an hour rarely... usually it is 275-300 if I have a very familiar doctor, no terms to look up, and my fingers and mind are communicating that day. :o) So long answer short, it is 'doable', but doubtful that you could keep it up for 8 hours.
If you don't speak on a daily basis . . .
x
I work with SR on a daily basis, and I can tell you...sm
...it will NOT be replacing human intelligence, now or 10 years from now or 50 years from now. The files we work on come from a VERY expensive speech recognition system and the quality is very poor. SR cannot handle punctuation well at all, doesn't know when to stop and start sentences, has problems with capitalization, and ironically enough, when the doctor actually spells something out, that totally confuses SR!

But even if technology advances to the place where speech recognition can accurately reproduce every word and sound that comes out of a doctor's mouth, so what? That STILL will not replace human MTs, because doctors do not always say what they mean, or even when they DO say what they mean, what they mean is not right! We're the only ones who can clean up that mess.

Jay
What reference do you use the most on a daily basis? SM

I lost all my reference books in a fire and I can't afford to replace them all at once.  I am buying a couple of books each pay check and I've been trying to decide what I need the most.  So far I have gotten a Dorland's Medical Dictionary, Surgical Word Book, and Radiology Word Book because I do radiology a couple of times a week. 


So to all you acute care MTs out there, what books do you find yourself using on a daily basis?


I have probably 30 dictators that I get on a regular basis, usually

the same work type, but depending on the workload I may get all different work types, and lots of dictators I've never had before, but that isn't the norm.   My company has very high standards and I think they realize in order to retain the good MTs they have to make them productive and they try to do that as much as they can by keeping them on one account. 


I've had accounts in the past where it was rare that I got the same dictator more than a couple of times and they were all very difficult ESL dictators, which makes it harder to learn them. 


I take ibuprofen usually on a daily basis
although really should not. I have this in the bilateral wrists so it cannot be just the mouse use alone. A certain movement with the wrists elicits such excruciating pain, you probably know though. Am glad not doing anything real serious, like brain surgery or the like, when this pain hits.
Google is not good basis, IMO. sm
Look up the definition of "hire." It can apply. You can certainly hire an IC, just as you can hire a service, plumber, electrician, babysitter, etc. Even if Google does show it's being used often to refer to employees, that doesn't mean that every single person saying it is implying or in any way establishing an employee-employer relationship. That's not to say the person you are referring to didn't mean it that way, just that I don't think it's fair to paint every MTSO that might say it with that broad brush. I don't think the IRS would consider it a valid cause as establishment of employee vs. IC relationship, either. It's a stretch to say that someone can't even say they "hired" an IC. I just think that's reading way too much into it. JMO, FWIW.

From dictionary.com:

Hire is a general word, most commonly applied to paying money for labor or services...
Ask your PS to see if you can try it on a trial basis, say for a month or so...sm
You won't really know if it'll be better for you unless you give it a trial run. 5-1/2 hours each day should go by quick even with breaks.

Good luck.
Most pay is on a production basis these days, so SM
in looking for a typical wage, you really need to find out what group of "typical" MTs to compare oneself to. All experienced, of course. Slow, below-average speed, average speed, above average, fast, very fast, and wow-I-wish-I-could-do-that. Some very experienced MTs are slow for various reasons. A few probably have no real talent for the job but have always worked on salary. Others can be faster but again have always worked on salary, which didn't encourage developing one's maximum speed. Others prefer to work in a relaxed manner and choose not to focus on high production. The higher producers are either very talented or they've worked hard at harnessing the available technology to work for them, and all work steadily and fairly hard.

$20+ also strikes me as fairly typical for a sincere MT who applies herself reasonably consistently, and I agree that 30-35+ is still an achievable goal for most who commit to making money, though typical only for the fast classes.
Most pay is on a production basis these days, so SM
in looking for a typical wage, you really need to find out what group of "typical" MTs to compare oneself to. All experienced, of course. Slow, below-average speed, average speed, above average, fast, very fast, and wow-I-wish-I-could-do-that. Some very experienced MTs are slow for various reasons. A few probably have no real talent for the job but have always worked on salary. Others can be faster but again have always worked on salary, which didn't encourage developing one's maximum speed. Others prefer to work in a relaxed manner and choose not to focus on high production. The higher producers are either very talented or they've worked hard at harnessing the available technology to work for them, and all work steadily and fairly hard.

$20+ also strikes me as fairly typical for a sincere MT who applies herself reasonably consistently, and I agree that 30-35+ is still an achievable goal for most who commit to making money, though typical only for the fast classes.
I fax all my reports on a daily basis
I have a fax machine right in my computer. As soon as I'm doing typing a report, I print it directly to the fax. It has the capability to schedule faxes. Where I work we have to hold the reports for 5 days in case there are any corrections so I just schedule my faxes five days in advance and it automatically faxes everything out. I can keep tract of whether or not a fax has gone out just by clicking on the fax icon on my computer. It's really very handy.
Not to mention doing it on a regular basis
I could maybe, maybe, if the stars were aligned properly and all the factors MTinNC mentioned were in place, type 3000 lines in a 12-15 hour day. But it would be one day. I couldn't do that everyday, and it probably would take so much out of me that I'd end up slowing down in subsequent days, making it all balance out. Of course, I'm no longer in my 20s, but I think it would still take a quick toll.
I type oncology on a daily basis.
It's tough, especially when it's a young person. At least with older people, I think they lived long and happy lives. The doctors are taking good care of them, and their family members are usually there with them. Then there are times when the doctors describe the person's presenting symptoms and I sit there wondering if my aches and pains could be cancer. Maybe that's why so many MTSOs are looking for people to type oncology. Nobody wants to do it. I should probably find something else to do.
We are paid on a tier basis, based on
your production during the entire pay period. For example:

12,000 - xx
12,001 - 14,000 - an additional 0.05.
14,000 - 16,000 - an additional 0.05.
16,001 and above - an additional 0.05

So, lines between 12,000 and 14,000 we are paid xx + 0.05;
14001 - 16000 - xx + 0.05 + 0.05;
16,001 - above xx + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05.
I need something on a trial basis for now...if it works out, I will invest later...Can't afford..

to invest in software unless it is a sure thing.  Thanks


People die and lose everything on a daily basis, not just hurricane
victims. I wish people would stop insinuating that everyone in the country who is getting on with their own lives is selfish or uncaring.
Once I got over needing/wanting to talk whoever on a daily basis, I liked not to - sm
For years (my 20s) I felt I had to talk to my SO every day for 5 years....finally broke up for good...took 3 times to work. Next SO was much more laid back, talked to him 3-4 times a week maybe, saw each other maybe 3 x a week. Helped me a lot in getting over the previous jerk/SO. That lasted about 20 months....then met DH. We did not talk every day at first even though we lived 100 miles apart....later on we did. I moved in with him though 6 months after meeting him so it became a mute point then. But even today he calls me usually 1-4 x a day which at times gets to be a bit annoying actually. Though when he does not call I do worry and wonder if he is okay....he did not call yesterday and the roads were icy so it gets you worried when your DH/SO does not stick to form. The only way to get over being annoyed is to call him and ask him if he called and hung up and to next time please leave a message. Or be stubborn and wait and get angrier if that makes you happy.
very few responses on the State Boards on a daily basis
So I thought I would try the main board. If I don't get a response in a couple of hours, I guess it could be taken off.
Thanks

What is the difference between an acute care account and a multispecialty account??..nm
nm
Per diem is on an as needed basis - not a stable job. May work 1 day a month. nm
x
i would see if they would hire you on a part-time basis those 2 days you are off for a trial to see
;
I've never had a problem switching from account to account.
The problem I had was being switched too soon. If I don't get one account spec solidly in my memory with QA feedback on mistakes before starting another, I get confused. The other problem I had with former jobs was inconsistent QA. One person tells you one thing, another person tells you another.

Lately, I don't have a problem with it. Right now, my binder has 8 account specs (some I've never had to use) and I'm picking up a new weekend job for a while. The terminology and report formats stay basically the same. It's just all those little preferences. LOL
Any hospitals/clinics hiring home-based employees on an hourly basis? TIA

/


what is your account and specialty on the account?
no one is watching. tell us all about osi.
Look, if I were on an account that
kept me sending more blanks to QA than was allowed to qualify for an incentive program, I would ask for another account or get with a different company.

I've bid off accounts before; I've also changed employers because of this problem.

I've been there. It's not what I wanted so I fished until I got the catch I wanted.

As well, if your dictators are dictating on cell phones, that can be a real source of contention with HIPAA guidelines and they should be reported. I report that when I run across it; I also tell my supervisor I won't do that physician again if he is dictating on a cell phone. I've never been given a problem with that.
Second account........sm
Does your company base full-time status on line count or on hours?  If line count, it doesn't matter if you do the work in less than 8 hours.  You're still holding up your side of the bargain and you have every right to refuse to work on a crappy second account.  Just tell them you've decided that your one account is enough and keep your second job.  Same goes for the post below stating co-worker is avoiding taking on second account.  Unfair?  I give her credit.  She's a survivor.  We're not the ones who started the game.  But many of us are quickly learning how to play. 
If your account uses the BOS ...>>>

you use numerals for all numbers (and the old way is to spell out numbers UNDER 10).  The BOS says to use numerals for ordinals; 10th, 2nd, etc.  BUT, many accounts have their own preferences, so why don't you check to see what yours wants?


 


My own account

My own accounts been doing them for over 4 years, it is just one office person that says anything.  I think that she was having a bad day last week and we about went on a minor screaming match with each other not only over this but some other things.   So will let things calm down, check and double check to see if I can figure things out but without showing me, I am in the dark like I explained to her.  When nothing comes back you think all is great.  


 


 


I don't do any of that. I have each account in a SM

separate folder on Word and I just click on the appropriate folder. I do 4 hospitals in one state and two more, plus a local.


I never have gotten anything mixed up that I know of.


Take the account and run!
You really need to ask? 
I don't know anything about the account
I am considering an IC position and want to know what is an average rate. I have 9 years experience as an MT and have only wored in a hospital.
Keep that account @ .12 cpl
Keep that account (tell them you will meet or beat the competition). Don't say another word, just keep sending out advertising brochures, etc., until another higher rate really needs you, then tell these cheapskates that your accountant has informed you that not only are you losing money but it isn't fair to those others who do not question your charges nor would they ask you to "cut your rate." I've been in this situation and it has made me very depressed but that's the way these others work, they will undercut you for 1/4 cent, done to me by "friends". Just go along to get along and then you have every right to be the "dumper" instead of the "dumpee." Treat them like a bad boyfriend, until a better one comes along. Had this done to me many times and my only regret is that I let it affect me financially, I used to take the "moral high road" and now I take the "me" high road. If they are thinking only of their wallet, then you should as well if you need the money. Hope this makes sense. Most likely it isn't the docs, just someone in the office trying to say, "See, I saved you some money, so how about a raise?" Don't let them spoil your business accounts receivable, just hang in there and smile a lot.
You must be the OM at this PIA account. (nt)

I am getting .08 on one account and ..sm
.085 for the other acount I work on.
One account, can get only...
250-300 because they are obnoxious.  The other account, can get sometimes over 500 lph.
Usually, each account has a
prescribed method of formatting and if you work for a service you should get all of the specifications for formatting in a document when you start working a new account.  Inhouse, asking the manager will get you the information you need.  It is purely a subjective matter with each and every account; however, AAMT and ASTM are working on best practices in dictation and these of course would include a standardized formatting for all medical records .. making it eaiser for all of us to do our jobs and then ultimately find information in a chart.
I have been on my account
with 15 doctors for the past two years, but I am sure someone else had it before I did. We are about to get a new one in August, as well. I am sure you have just about everyone else beat though.
Pay Pal Account
I have a dumb question regarding my pay pal account.  My new employer pays through Pay Pal.  I do have an account that I've used only for ebay transactions. She's asking for my account number.  I can't find any information in my account as to what my account number is?  Does anyone know what that would be?  Does she want my bank account number associated with my Pay Pal account?  Sorry, I told you this was a dumb question.  TIA.
I have a second account sm

You should never work for only 1 company.  I learned this the hard way.  It's always good to have a backup.


Come take my account
First I get "Mrs. Ed" who talks just like Mister Ed and now I've got a dictator that sounds just like Granny from Looney Tunes.  Gives me a little laugh now and then, guess you gotta look at the little things in life, or you'll become a looney tune! :)  I pray next week is better for you.
If you want an account,
go out and honestly bid for it.....don't "steal" it from your MTSO!!!!! That is just wrong. Bidding on accounts that you don't know the MTSO is a different story. When you take an account from the MTSO you are an IC for, that is "stealing" and you'll get yours when you get to the pearly gates...if you get there!
Nothing really if you want to keep your account. sm
sometimes as an IC and in business, you must compromise. Looks like they are dictating the way they pay. Hey, it would be worse, you could invoice and not be paid for 60 days or longer. So, you will just have to adjust.

own account

I took a small account a few months ago. 3 docs, I do 2 and 1 has his own MT. She is an employee but we cover for each other for vacations. It is lucky they have that other person and they are flexible when I go away (rarely). Some accounts might expect you to find your own coverage. I have had problems with them not paying on time. It's not their fault, they have a large institutional accounting office over them. But MT is my only income so it has been a problem. Make sure you have a cushion in your checking account or whatever that you can live off of if you don't get paid for a while.


Another option might be an IC position if you can find the right one. I also have an outside contractor position with a local hospital that has employees, but I charge them like a service and they make no demands on my time.


Something to consider is how much time you will spend doing administrative things like billing, recordkeeping, marketing, answering emails, picking up tapes if applicable, traveling for interviews or training if you will be working on their system. I find that stuff eats up a lot of my time.


You might want to consider a 30-day trial period in case you dont like them. My account turned out to have a crappy dial-in system, they expected me to fax every report 1-4 times, and they eat up my time with emails and phone calls - each doc has his own secretary and they have another MT and they all tend to call me for things they don't need to bother me with like I'm an employee. Instead of telling them to find one person to deal with me we agreed I would charge by the hour instead.  I have no problem telling a secretary who calls me at 7p I will take down the info and call her back during business hours unless it is an emergency. It is hard to anticipate those things hence the trial period.


New account
Hi everyone.  I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to convince a doctor's office that they need transcription done when they haven't had it done in the past.  This is my first big meeting on my own and I am nervous about what to say.  I have other accounts, but I never had to convince them because they were already using transcription.  Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated.  Thank you in advance.
Looking for your own account?
It has come to my attention that Travelers Insurance worker comp claims in some states are off shoring their transcription.

Contact your local offices and offer your services. I also know the pay is comparable to ours - (I have been contacted by an off shore agent to handle this for them ) - imagine work off shored only to be sent back to us to handle.

I will be starting with Charlotte NC. - Who is with me?
If you have an account
where you get the same doctors who repeat the same things you can make a template and not have to type anything or just edit a little. Around 15 years ago, I had a great job with a chiropractor who would do a 5-page report and all we had to do was change right/left and some range of motion measurements. Easily made $45-$50 an hour with him as part-time employees. Some people are also really good with Expanders like Instant Text. It really depends on your account. I have a huge hospital, too many dictators, too many bad dictators.
I would do what the account wants, sm
they are the ones signing my paycheck.

Do you really think every health care provider or facility is compliant?