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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

It looks like the healthcare one is in the lead, but - sm

Posted By: Flibertygibbit on 2007-07-09
In Reply to: Go to this site and vote! - D

at least it's a topic that is another one that is related to many of us, since only a certain percentage of US MT's have health insurance at all. And often what we DO have offers inferior care by disallowing care & meds that WORK, and only paying for the absolute minimum, even if it causes the pt. to eventually become sicker and then need LOTS of medical care, even hospitalization. We're getting nickled-and-dimed to death from every angle, and yet look at the high old life the big-shots at the hospitals, HMO's, and insurance companies get to live. IS there even a Middle-Class in America anymore? If so, I sure don't know any of them. There are either the Super-Rich, or us - the Working Poor.


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lead 5??? what sm

The patient’s EKG shows a sinus rhythm 73 beats/minute with normal intervals, normal axis, normal QRS, normal STs.  The patient has nonspecific T-wave inversions in V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6, as well as biphasic T-waves in lead I and aVL.  She has flattened T-waves in leads II, III, and 5.    There is no lead 5 (at least not in roman numbers)  What should I type here????


possible lead
x
Here's a lead....sm
Contact June Jackson, our recruiter at Transolutions, Gail or reply to me by email from this post. We'll do everything we can for you!


Lead the way!

What about involving MTStars as a way to get a petition started, or to create a new formun.  After all, that is what WE, the MT wants and this is what the website is about correct?  Maybe that is how to get a union started, or a petition big enough to send to the people who care, whether it is Washington or the IRS.  I am in the same boat as the rest of you all.  I made big bucks three years ago, for 8 years, and now it is just gone. I am making a 1/3 of what I did.  If you lead the way, I will follow. Just tell me where to sign.


I was lead to believe ....(sm)
I was lead to believe that it was an agreement between eScription and the hospital itself, not the MT company, that had renegotiated the way lines are counted (probably so that the hospital will stay with the eScription platform). The MTSO that I work for was taken by surprise about the lines being cut as much as I was (i.e., no longer counting the header and footer). This means that eScription agreed to accept less and, by default, the MTs that work any such affected account, as well as the MTSO all get paid less. We are just feeders, per se, in the chain behind eScription's contract with the hospital. Has anyone else been told something similar?
Shift Lead MT/QA
In this position currently at 15.00 per hour.
What exactly is a shift lead MT?

I would think this would lead to a lot of guessing.

You cannot type in what you cannot hear.


My team lead is not even an MT!

She never understands anything I am talking about. I have to explain things to her like she is a 2 year old, and even then she just doesn't get it. Why would a company put someone who is clueless about transcription in a position over other MTs!!!??? It is just another frustration to add to an every increasing list of frustrations. But, like you, I am keeping my mouth shut. I just don't get it!! 


But you stated you questioned your lead SM

and nowhere in your original post did I read that anyone checked with the doctor.  That is the problem we have.  If you or the lead had actually checked and he said to change it, fine.  But neither of you checked.  You asked the lead, the lead said change it and you changed it. 


I'm aware of where this degree could lead - sm

I worked in the HIM dept of a hospital at the beginning of my 10 years in this field, so I know what position this degree could put me in.  I also know that just the fact of having a degree is more than just being an MT and it will give me advantages than I currently have. 


I do feel like this is almost a lost cause and that the MT industry is reaching the point of no return (or has already).  I currently work for a fairly small transcription company and I am very thankful for the work that I have, even though I don't get paid what I would like, but I do have plenty of work and it is getting me by.  I chose to go back to school because I don't want everything to turn upside down and I have nothing to fall back on.  I wish all the best for the MT industry and if things do turn around I would never leave it, but I don't think that will be the case.


What would you say the range of pay is for a Team Lead, editor sm

and MT?  Just trying to get a feel if our pay rates are in line with the norm, too high or too low (have a feeling too low). 


Working on making positive changes.  Any input appreciated.


As background ... small national, 150 MTs, all work kept in U.S.A.  Work types:  Clinic, HIM, ortho, cardiology, radiology.  All ICs, might be looking to hire employees. 


With everyone complaining about companies, it can't hurt to ask what the norm is - the good norm :)


OMG! HAHA! Do they have a Humor Board? You could lead it! nm
nm
storms lead to stray dogs.....
and we have one of those now for 2 years. He's a Collie mix, sooo sweet. We decided he's ours now, but he was extremely scared of storms at first. Now, he knows to come look for us. He stays inside and doesn't get as nervous as he used to, just wants someone close by. The vet gave us Ace (short for something), which I give him when there's ongoing storms. It sedates him a lot but doesn't put him out, unless I give him lots more. We just love, rub, and reassure him. We have a female cat that does the same...she cries and cries. That's also how we ended up with her, I' m sure, trying to outrun a storm. She never hangs around the dog, but during a storm, she goes and sits practically underneath the Collie for protection...the scared consoling the scared, but it gets her through it.
AT, how about a nice shelf with whatever's needed to lead to it for your little dog? SM
A separate room helps me concentrate somewhat, but mainly I just like making it a nice place to be, with in my case, the cat bed on my desk to the right where she can look out the window while I stare at the screen. BTW, a mirror carefully positioned also reflects some of the view outside for me.
I would call your team lead or manager and talk to them. Maybe there is sm
some advice or help they can give.

I have been with 3 companies and range in pay from $1.05-$1.45 per report. I actually make the most at the one I am with now at $1.10 per report because the account is really good.


In that case you have to do what your lead tells you, but I would have never even asked my superviso
I would have just transcribed it and moved on. The only thing is, the x-ray is possibly not consistent with the rest of the medical record.
The 12-lead system comprises six limb (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF) and six chest leads (V1 to V6)
xx
Have never known shift lead who just worked 8 hours a day for 5 days. By the time they
:+
Personally, I would keep the production MT position. Lead not worth the headaches! nm
x
I'm lead transcrip for small ofc, in the field since 88, and I've found (sm)
that depending on the person, it can take up to a year. You either have to be very smart and very driven to make it shorter, or you would have to have some exposure to the systems/docs etc. It takes a longer time if you are also new to the field of MT. But after about a year, if you don't find yourself relaxing when you are at work, talk to somebody. That's long enough, and you should be finding a niche for yourself by then.
Yes, Live, his fave group - and the lead singer is his *idol*.
x
SPI Healthcare

Has anyone worked for SPI Healthcare Documentation?  If so any type of feedback would be extremely helpful.


TIA


SPI Healthcare
They outsource to the Phillippines - they took over a small company in my hometown and basically destroyed it.  Other than that, I don't know a lot, since I quit before the takeover. 
SPI Healthcare
Nice company to work for. I have no complaints at all.
Healthcare........
When healthcare becomes govt controlled, as in Canada, there is no incentive for people to want to become doctors; therefore, you end up with a doctor shortage, a severe shortage, and thus, longer waiting times... weeks,weeks, and months and months... just for a regular procedure. You better be dying if you want it sooner and then I wouldn't hold my breath.

That is what Obama wants to do to this country, only he tries to disguise it. ANyone with half a brain knows if the govt offers "cheaper" insurance, why in the world would anyone want to pay more? Companies will stop offering insurance to their employees cause they know the "almight government" will give it to them for free.... Obama knows this too!!! And when they do, you have NO incentive for physicians because they will not make money, extremely loaded down with patients....underpaid, overworked, less and less in the profession, and then WE, the citizens of a country where the private sector is supposed to run our country, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, will be another Canada or European country....take your pick!

It's pretty sad when European countries are telling the Obama administration NOT to go down this path... they have socialized medicine, it AIN'T working, and now they are looking are ways to get it back to private insurers.... too bad Obama's ego won't listen!!!

He's gonna save us from ourselves you know!!
Healthcare........
When healthcare becomes govt controlled, as in Canada, there is no incentive for people to want to become doctors; therefore, you end up with a doctor shortage, a severe shortage, and thus, longer waiting times... weeks,weeks, and months and months... just for a regular procedure. You better be dying if you want it sooner and then I wouldn't hold my breath.

That is what Obama wants to do to this country, only he tries to disguise it. ANyone with half a brain knows if the govt offers "cheaper" insurance, why in the world would anyone want to pay more? Companies will stop offering insurance to their employees cause they know the "almight government" will give it to them for free.... Obama knows this too!!! And when they do, you have NO incentive for physicians because they will not make money, extremely loaded down with patients....underpaid, overworked, less and less in the profession, and then WE, the citizens of a country where the private sector is supposed to run our country, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, will be another Canada or European country....take your pick!

It's pretty sad when European countries are telling the Obama administration NOT to go down this path... they have socialized medicine, it AIN'T working, and now they are looking are ways to get it back to private insurers.... too bad Obama's ego won't listen!!!

He's gonna save us from ourselves you know!!
Healthcare........
When healthcare becomes govt controlled, as in Canada, there is no incentive for people to want to become doctors; therefore, you end up with a doctor shortage, a severe shortage, and thus, longer waiting times... weeks,weeks, and months and months... just for a regular procedure. You better be dying if you want it sooner and then I wouldn't hold my breath.

That is what Obama wants to do to this country, only he tries to disguise it. ANyone with half a brain knows if the govt offers "cheaper" insurance, why in the world would anyone want to pay more? Companies will stop offering insurance to their employees cause they know the "almight government" will give it to them for free.... Obama knows this too!!! And when they do, you have NO incentive for physicians because they will not make money, extremely loaded down with patients....underpaid, overworked, less and less in the profession, and then WE, the citizens of a country where the private sector is supposed to run our country, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, will be another Canada or European country....take your pick!

It's pretty sad when European countries are telling the Obama administration NOT to go down this path... they have socialized medicine, it AIN'T working, and now they are looking are ways to get it back to private insurers.... too bad Obama's ego won't listen!!!

He's gonna save us from ourselves you know!!
PS HEALTHCARE WEBSITE
http://www.psfamilycare.com/
How's your healthcare plan going?
Hello management at Medquist. How did it feel having your nuts cut off with the new healthcare plan. Medquist sucks! Face it you'll be out of a job within 6 months. The cuts they have made you will soon be next.

Nice place to work. Now that's funny....

BITE ME MEDQUIST
best in the world? NOT - not in healthcare...

like MM or not, you should open your brain to this flick - even FOX NEWS (who hates MM) loved this movie, as did the current president, GWB............care to move forward in your life a tad?


As with everything else in healthcare, the downslide of MT
u
does anybody wonder if we get universal healthcare
in the coming years that we will see a quick drop in ESL dictators?  I personally know a doctor from Canada that came to the US to work because (she says)  doctors make next to nothing there.  I suspect that is why the dictators from Spanish-speaking countries come here too, though I have no insight at all into thier medical practices/insurance/laws/fees there.  I just wondered if healthcare fees  ever came under strict government guidelines, i.e., not charging $4 for a Tylenol, if we would see a decrease in our difficult dictators....Thoughts?
Healthcare or computer...
Those are the 2 things that are going to be around forever.  My dad got his Associate's degree at the age of 62.  He is now working for the college he graduated from in the IT department and working on his Bachelor's so he can teach there too.  My point, it is never too late.  Oh, and as far as competing with the youngsters, employers like maturity, that's my opinion.  I worked at the hospital in the ER for 6 years before doing transcription and I make more now.  So remember, sometimes the pay is not much different w/o a degree.
healthcare in europe
I forgot to mention that I have done some research on healthcare in Poland and don't come up with much, other than one must have proof of insurance upon entrance into the country. My doctors also don't know anything about healthcare in Poland when I ask them.
Healthcare in Europe

I lived in England until the age of 25.  This is how it works there (don't know if Poland runs their healthcare the same way but likely).


Everyone pays for their healthcare at no cost ever via their taxes.  Everyone has a National Health insurance ID number.  Every form of healthcare is free, including medical, dental and podiatry.  If you want private healthcare, you can purchase it.  This system works if you don't mind paying higher taxes.  It is six of one and half a dozen of the other.


If your medical problem needs urgent attention, then it will be taken care of; if not, then you wait.  The doctor, of course, determines your needs.


Hope this info helps!


 


 


Feedback on SPI Healthcare Documentation

Does anybody know anything good or bad about this company?  I am looking for a good MT employment position, and I have been burned before (by Voice Systems--they don't pay!). 


SPI Healthcare Documentation
Contact: Barb Batchelder
417 Welshwood Drive, Suite 201, Nashville, Tennessee 37211
SPI_MTUS@spitech.com
Telephone: 866-624-7672, Fax: 615-301-8423


Quality Healthcare Insurance...SM
Does anyone have this insurance.  According to their website it costs $85.00 a month for individuals.  Sounds too good to be true.  Any info appreciated.
Thank you MTStars and Ascend Healthcare!!!..

Thanks again to MTStars for these great offerings during MT Week....and to Ascend Healthcare for their participation and for the Godiva Chocolate that I have won!!!  I never win anything so this is a very nice thing for me!!!


Thanks again to MTStars.com for everything they do for us!!



 


There is a big healthcare summit going on at the same time--sm
in Washington, DC--Wouldn't you think AAMT would want to be there instead? Guess not.
Thanks MTStars and Ascend Healthcare....sm

  for the Godiva Chocolate I received today!!  Yummmmy.....thanks again for a GREAT WEEK!!!  



Why was question about Healthcare Associated deleted?
nm
My husband, healthcare CEO said preapproval
and that this is an unethical practice, if this goes on Joint Commission will come in and blast them good and they better have a VERY GOOD explanation. If the doctor doesn't do his own dictation, then that's on him, but for medical records to make up a report without prior doctor approval is illegal, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
And the healthcare industry DOES have integrity?
.
If we get universal healthcare ESL docs will be

Do you know in Canada it can take up to FIVE MONTHS to get an MRI done?


I experienced socialized medicine with the military. It SUCKS!


Yes, our system is bad, but let's fix it.


Healthcare - Today's Oprah
THURSDAY'S SHOW: Sick in America: It Can Happen to You

For the first time on TV, the director of Sicko, Michael Moore, and a respected insurance lobbyist face off in a healthcare showdown. Then, Lisa Ling puts some insurance companies on the line. And a discussion of the one question we all need to answer.


Healthcare in America is going down the tubes...
"This is a horrible thing that I read up there and I would like to see what they will try next, maybe have lawyers enter data instead of court reporters? Would you want a lawyer or doctor who wasted their education and time entering data? All of these methods are put forward by "middlemen" who see where they can entice the medical profession into "saving a buck." That savings might cost them plenty in the long haul when their documentation is in questionable shape. If they use it they better be ready for plenty of trouble and humiliation when their "second class documentation" is available for public review to say nothing of the compromise in patient care. "

I can't wait to see what it will be like once the conversion is complete. My boss loves to report in meetings how doctors who used to dictate thousands of lines are now doing less than 50 and how GREAT that is. Let's just see how those records will look and the quality of care patient's will recieve if a doctor is more busy on a laptop than focusing on the patient. What a joke.
I look at it this way...I am part of a healthcare team.
There are other members of this team for a reason. I knew an MT who told me that if she could not put down a word with 100% certainty, she would not leave a blank. She instead would jump through all manner of hoops including pulling and reading the patient's chart, talking to the nurses, or waiting and even talking to the doctor.

In my opinion, this is not the best use of anyone's time, especially hers. While she is wandering the hospital looking for resolution, other reports are waiting and patient care is being compromised. Obviously at the end of the day, no one else is going to sit down and transcribe for her.

A blank is not a failure. It is simply a request for clarification. Some members of the patient's healthcare team are better qualified to provide that information than I am, so I leave it to them.

I don't guess at addresses. If the HIM department at the hospital feels that is information critical to my job, they will provide it for me. That is their job. Once I have that information, I will gladly and accurately type it every single time it is requested.

I don't guess at what *@$%#*@! means in a report. Again, once the interpretation of that is provided to me by the kindly physcian who garbled it, I will gladly and accurately type every single time it is requested.

I honestly don't consider turning in a report punched full of blanks to QA or even the hospital a failure on my part. If the doctor is eating, the report is dictated 30 feet away from the phone, or Mr. In-A-Hurry thinks I can understand his speed mumbling, I still have done my job to the best of my ability, and now it is someone else's turn to work on that record.

What I would really like is the marketing executives or the used-car-salesman-type recruiters that constantly tell you that "of course line rates aren't going up" to have the pleasure of working on these reports. They low-ball the line rates to get the work and then pass that crap on to skilled MTs making it look like Christmas. You know darn well that if they did not ever have the prospect of a raise, they wouldn't be working for this company yet they can spoon-feed you all the reasons why you can't have one.
Association for Healthcare Documentation
"As a patient, I worry less about WHERE my records are being transcribed, and more about WHO is doing the transcription. I would opt for a qualified CMT in India handling my records over an unqualified individual transcribing from their dining room table with little experience and no security - where anyone could walk into their "home office" and access my information."

That's a laugh. She'd rather have a "qualified CMT in India" (where there is no HIPAA or anything like it) than an "unqualified individual transcribing from their dining room table..." Why am I supposed to assume that this picture of a dining room slacker is the opposite of an Indian MT?

How about another option, Ms. Fox: (Lemme guess: Karen Fox???) How about entrusting your records to a highly qualified American MT with professional standards & work ethic & who would do her/his best to protect the confidentiality of your records even if there were no laws against doing so, whose native language is American English, but who hasn't bothered to take some bogus test thought up by the chicks in Modesto to fund themselves, self-appointed guardians of all things MT? Now there's a novel idea.

Apparently she hasn't read the publication
http://mtindia.info/news/latest/heartland-information-services-spryance-inc.-merge.html

which would beg to differ with her contention that Indian MTs don't get any special pricing.

Well heck. My workload was cut to less than half after the hospital I work for began offshoring to people AHDI credentialed, people who have a cost of living that is a small fraction of mine & who can do the work I do for a small fraction of what I can do it for. I feel so much better knowing that at least they don't get a lapel pin.
high healthcare costs

two little words,  consider waste and fraud,   people who have zero hope of meaningful life being on total support which many of them do not want, many disposables could be changed back to reusables by proper sanitation.   up coding to get more $$, etc etc.  there is probably more but those two came to mind. 


 yes $40 an hour seems excessive to me too. 


Government controlled healthcare!!