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My comparison of homeschooling to MTing at home.

Posted By: silly me on 2005-10-27
In Reply to: No flame from me..... - SM

"A full-time job isn't finished in 3 hours (like the abbreviated day many homeschoolers boast about). It's about being there on time, sticking to it even though you may not feel like it, and getting along with people you may not care for, and avoiding those who are not good for you."


DANG! And that's why I got into medical transcription. LOL I didn't want to work fulltime or stick it out in an office. And that whole getting there on time thing, oh, I've never been good with that one.


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Editing at home is tough. No comparison to the office, and much, much harder
than transcribing at home, especially with kids.  Wish I could help, but I can totally sympathize with you!
Thanks for the comparison..
They sound one in the same.
A little comparison.

Option A: National: Two hours of emails, faxes, unpaid headers, using expander.  Total income $9.60 in two hours.


Option B: Small MTSO: One hour of straight typing with only one researched name and address.  No emails, no faxes, paid headers, no expander.  Total income $20.00 in one hour.  I just wish they had more work!!!!


Comparison
I think there are some variables here. Our company went to VR and there are some who are making more and some less. I am one of those who is making less, but I made a good salary to begin with and am a fast transcriptionist. If you do a lot of editing when you do straight transcription and put in lots of punctuation, and edit A LOT, changes are VR is not going to work for you. I love it, but then again, it all depends on what platform of VR your company uses.
what a perfect comparison
If I had pictured you as anybody that would have been the perfect choice, quirky, funny and cute in the boy next door way.
that is a ridiculous comparison!
dogs, birds, cats, etc are all different animals that required different diets and have different needs. You can't even compare 1 dog breed to another b/c every breed has its different needs, so that being the case, how can you possibly compare dogs to birds?? That is just ridiculous.

I posted a comparison...

within the last week here on the Main Board (MTSO ratings) that shows how the clients of some of the top MT companies who offshore rate the quality of both onshore and offshore transcription.  There really was not a big difference, according to those clients, between the quality of both. 


Cents pay comparison for VR editing
Non-VR (IC) at 10 cents/line x 200 lines/hr. = $20 / hr.
VR editing (IC) at 5 cents/line x 400 lines/hr. = $20/hr. (a 0% increase)*

Non-VR MTSO charge at 15 cents/line x 200 lines/hr. = $ 30/hr.
VR MTSO charge at 15 cents/line x 400 lines/hr. = $ 60/hr. (a whopping 100% increase)

If you deduct the $20 to the MT from $30, MTSO still makes $10 per hour per MT.
If you deduct the $20 to the MT from $60, MTSO now makes $40 per hour per MT.





(of course these figures do not include MTSO overhead and other costs)

*Note: VR editing requires MTs with extensive experience for detecting and correcting errors.
Looking for conversion/comparison chart sm

I'm getting paid gross lines right now and my company is going to be using new software which will use 65-char lines.  I'm looking for some sort of chart that shows the difference in $. 


Any help will be gratly appreciated. 


Thanks


office lighting comparison
Everyone's talking about the compact fluorescent lighting saving hundreds of per year in energy costs.  That's swell, but I have tried using these bulbs in my office, and the lighting is not at all adequate.  In my experience, the CFLs do not come close to light output of incandescent (standard) bulbs.  I'd have to buy extra lamps with CFLs to equal the amount of light I need and can get through standard bulbs.  I have my office lights on for 10+ hours a day.  I turn them off when I take a break, of course, and at the end of the day.  However, my power bill is through the roof already, as Ameren has dumped another rate increase on Illinois.    So:  Need the best lighting option for the lowest price possible.  Any ideas?
Wow, I did a line count comparison...sm
what one of my accounts paid me for and what my other account would have paid me for with their counter and only came up with a 15% difference.  A 50% difference is pretty hard to stomach.  I have no ideas except for some really crooked software.
Great comparison! Just like dogs, we have to train our men!!
It might take years, but it does pay off in the end!  Been training mine for 30+ years now, and he's about halfway there! But I would sure boot his butt out if he cheated - and he knows it!
I work for both ... my comparison (LONG READ):
HOURS/CLASSIFICATION:
MQ: You have a choice of FT with full benefits -- 39-40 hours producing average of 150 lines/hour minimum; FT with limited benefits -- 39-40 hours with less than 150 lines/hour average but more than 100 lines/hour; PT with limited benefits for 8-16-24 hour schedules all averaging 100 lines/hour.

Spheris: FT is 37 to 40 hours a week, with 10,200 lines required by payperiod's end. PT is 20 to 36 hours a week, production is 5100 lines/payperiod minimum.

OVERTIME:
Both companies structure overtime the same way; averaged in the same manner; requires approval, must be in addition to 40 hours WORKED (PTO, DT do not count).

SCHEDULES:
Both require a schedule with the offer of "flexibility".

TIME:
MQ: Time sheets are used; MTs fill them in manually and submit.

SPHERIS: Galaxy is used -- you clock in and the system punches your time for you. Day's end, you see how much you've worked and allocate your time accordingly (productive time, PTO, meeting with mgrs, etc.).

BENEFITS:
MQ: You see the benefits in the Harmonization booklet. The employee's cost of insurance benefits is assigned by the state you live in (as well as which/if coverages are available to you).

SPHERIS: Med/Den/Vision are offered. Employees all pay the same amount for amount of coverages (EX: All employees wanting EMPLOYEE ONLY coverage pay the same; all wanting EMPLOYEE+ONE CHILD pay the same). It is available to all employees. Cost is not region-specific.

EQUIPMENT:
MQ: Use your own or they will provide. The current rental charges will no longer be effective in January; as well, the internet reimbursements will not either. I don't know if there will be a deposit for those just coming into the company after Jan 1.

SPHERIS: Must use their computers. No rental fee but there is a refundable deposit. You can pay it at once or have it taken out in 6 paychecks. Refunds to you when equipment is returned in good working order.

PTO:
MQ: You see the new PTO offered in the plan and can read online the PTO calculation formula.

SPHERIS: Same type of calculation formula; averaged quarterly and you receive a notice of what your new downtime/PTO rate is and what period it covers. Limit is $20 an hour tops for PTO. Lowest is $7.50. Amount of PTO depends on status and length of service and ranges for FT from 11 days to 21 days a year and PT 2.5 to 7.5 days a year.

HOLIDAYS:
MQ: You can read in the Harmonization booklet.

SPHERIS: Thanksgiving and Christmas are designated holidays. If you are scheduled to work on it, you can take PTO instead. If you work it you will earn double lines those days.

QUALITY:
Both require 98%.

PAY CYCLES:
MQ: Pay WEEK is Su-Sat; pay PERIOD is bimonthly 1-15th and 16th-end of month with paydates on 10th and 25th. Direct deposit available.

SPHERIS: Pay weeks are same as pay periods and are Su-Sat with every other Fridya as paydates. Direct deposit available.

BASE RATE:
MQ: With the new plan, you have your current base rate and it is the same on all work (unless you do part radiology or ASR).

SPHERIS: Your base rate depends on the level of the account you type on. If you type on a really easy account, you will get less pay; more difficult accounts, more pay. Each account level has a new-hire hourly associated with it. Levels go from level 3 to 10 with line rates 0.065 to 0.102. With Spheris, if your production earnings do not add up to at least minimum wage for the hours you worked, they will pay you minimum wage. However, you will not stay with them long if you cannot produce enough to keep you off the minimum wage payments.

INCENTIVE:
MQ: We know that incentive is achieved on a daily basis -- after you produce 1200 lines. Tiered so that you earn incentive ONLY on the lines produced AFTER 1200. It barely puts change in your pocket for mid-range producers. Only rewards high producers.

SPHERIS: Incentive is base on each week's production (Sun-Sat). So you can have a really bad week and only get your base and then next week have a great week and get incentive. Once earned, incentive applies to ALL lines typed and ranges depending on FT or PT status. FT: 5200 lines start at 0.002 and increases up to 7000+ lines getting 0.015 cpl incentive. PT: 2700 lines = 0.001 and increases up to 7000+ lines = 0.015 cpl. Whatever incentive you earn that week is applied to ALL LINES PRODUCED THAT WEEK. Spheris also has special teams that pay higher base rates.

SHIFT DIFF:
MQ: 11pm-7am = 0.01 and 3pm-11pm = 0.005

SPHERIS: 4pm-8am CST daily = 0.005.

NO WORK AVAILABLE:
MQ: This is not specifically addressed per se; however it is not listed under downtime definitions at all. I doubt MQ ever pays for no work situations.

SPHERIS: Has a policy: "MTs will not receive compensation for "No WOrk Available" situations. If an MT runs out of work, the MT should immediately notify their Supervisor or follow th eout of work situation guidelines for their team."

Hope that helps.
What a dumb comparison - apples & oranges
Geez. A lot of people can't spell, and they sure as heck don't belong managing a QA department for medical transcription - correcting other people's mistakes!
Anyone using DirectTV- what are the pros and cons in comparison to cableTV? nm
nm
I have the most recent version of Corel WP, but it pales in comparison to (sm)

Microsoft Office Small Business 2000 (MSWord, Excel, Outlook, IE5.0. ) This software works as flawlessly as the day I purchased it.  Patches never required.  No hang-ups or crashes.  The only alteration I have made to it, is that I am running the most current version of IE.  However, most of the time I use a tabbed browser for my web experience. 



Before considering homeschooling, I would
ask a lot of questions such as What is going on to cause the trouble?,  Does he have an inadequate teacher?, Bad atmosphere?, Other children picking on him?  I truly do not believe in homeschooling and feel that it should not even be an option.  Children need social interaction.  They do not need to depend on us moms for every little thing.  They need to learn to stand on their own 2 feet even at this age if they are going to make it in the real world later.
You certainly don't know much about homeschooling. sm

Homeschooled kids are more socialized than you would or could ever imagine.  Just because you bring them home doesn't mean you take them out of the world!  Homeschoolers these days have SEVERAL groups in EVERY area who plan events TOGETHER and help each other as well as LET their kids soialize.  These parents, YES, get to pick who their kids socialize with during these times.  BUT, then you'll find almost all homeschooled kids are also involved in social activities, i.e. community soccer, baseball, football, bowling leagues, ski groups, etc.  They don't have to be sheltered just because they're brought home to LEARN.


You WILL find that most homeschooled kids are more RESPECTFUL of adults than other kids, can INTERACT with adults more easily, and DON'T get away with any excuses as to why their work didn't get done or blame their problems on someone else.  They actually don't have a choice but to take RESPONSIBILITY for their actions.


How could I possibly know all this?  Well, I homeschooled both you youngest children, now 25 and 18.  Both are obviously out in the world now.  Both have good jobs where they work hard to make their livings, the second just as an interim to going to college out of state and the first with his degree and working a very satisfying job.  Both deal with adults in a world where they have become adults and are truly amazing men!  Homeschooling life is certainly a busy one, but I'd not trade back any second of what I was able to help them accomplish in life without ALL the crap that kids get in the public school those days or these days, they actually LEARNED.


YOU obviously know NOTHING about homeschooling and this is a
THEY DON'T NEED to be in school, it's a choice by the parent. This is a very narrow-minded opinion.
BIG YES to HOMESCHOOLING
I have homeschooled my children since Kindergarten and I encourage anyone to try it. I am not what you call a very educated person, high school grad + one year of college, and I have had no difficulty. The A Beka program that someone else mentioned is superb! Use the DVD program.

My daughter is a sophomore in Spanish and Algebra II and we are experiencing no problems. My son is in the eighth grade. He is a typical boy in that he rather play than do school but even with that attitude, he has all A's and B's.

Yes, you do have to be committed! A HOMESCHOOL parent cannot be running around shopping all day. The DVD program does allow the child to work a lot on their own, frees the parent from a lot of responsibilities, but I know that I am giving my children the best education I can possibly give them. That has been proven time and again when the kids in our local area are asking them how to do their school work or spell this for them. One college kid even asked an English question and at that time, my ninth grader, answered their question. He said how do you know that. She replied I have already had that in my schooling!!

Your state probably has a homeschooling organinzation and get in touch with them for guidelines. The public school system will have you jumping through all kinds of hoops that may not be necessary. That is a proven fact over and over again. Get in touch with Home School Legal Defense Association (they have a website) and confer with them before you jump through all the legal hoops. They will tell you what you have to do in your state and what you legally do not have to do. This can save you a lot of heartache in the future, especially if you are pulling out of public school system. You can join this organization for $85 a year and they will provide all the legal assistance that you need, even those who have to go to court over issues. It will also give you peace of mind if someone confronts you of why your child is not in "school." Just show them your "legal defense card" and say they can talk to your attorney. It really is that simply. Never answer their questions, always put them in touch with your attorney. Once you answer them, it makes your case more difficult. This is a great investment.

Someone said it in another post, but NO ONE knows what their child needs better than the parent. You can homeschool and do a great job! If I can do it anyone can!!! It does not hinder with my transcription work either!!
Homeschooling
By the post below, I have noticed that there are a few people here that homeschool. I am curious how you approached this and what steps you took to get started?

I have a son (five-years-old) who is in the public school system at the moment with a developmental delay. I don't feel that his needs are being met at the moment academically or socially for that matter, so I am interested to learn about homeschooling, as I think this may be an option for me to approach given the particular situation.

Any information that anyone who homeschools could provide would be wonderful!

Thank you very much and have a wonderful day!
Homeschooling MTs in GA!
Hi, I am a single mom through adoption from China homeschooling my two girls! I live on the south side of Atlanta. Email me if you want to chat! Jan J.
MT and Homeschooling

Hi I also have two small children and MT full time.  I have a son age 4 and a daughter, almost 3.  I read your post and we seem to have similar views on things.  I am also hoping to homeschool my children.  Was wondering if we could keep in touch via e-mail.  Please let me know if that would be okay.  I've never posted on this board before but I read frequently.  I hope I'm doing this right...


Homeschooling is the best
I have homeschooled for 12 years now. I started out because I knew I did not want to put them in public school, couldn't afford private, but absolutely am so glad I made the choice to homeschool. I'm from the state of Indiana. In our state, you do not want to go with charter school. That still allows the state to control you education and that is what you want to get away from. In our state, if you have little ones who are not in the school system, you do not even want to register with the state. For the best information on your state's homeschooling regulations go to Home School Legal Defense Association website. You can depend on their information. If you choose to join their organization (I wouldn't be without them) it is well worth the money and gives you the support you need. Many, many curriculums out there that are good -- my favorite, A Beka. I know that I'm giving my kids an excellent education!! Could share much more info. Email me if you would like to.
I tried homeschooling
hated it. I think it is all about being involved with the school. My daughter is in public school and doing GREAT! Good luck to you. Don't let anyone bully you into thinking that all public schools are no good -- it is NOT true.
The down side to homeschooling
I have personally seen kids that have been home schooled and become "out of touch" with society. These kids ultimately end up having "culture shock" when they are out in the real world and around lots of people.

I know of several kids that were home schooled and when the parents decided it was too much and they sent them back to school the kids were "THRILLED!" During the home schooling process, the kids became disengaged from friends and became loners.

Again, this is my own personal experience that I have witnessed through friends.

DON'T FLAME ME this is just what I have witnessed first hand!!!!!
Homeschooling x 5 years
I have 3 boys. The first we homeschooled for two years. It did not work at all. He is very social and loved being in school around other kids. He is now in high school and is thriving. We homeschooled him for 4th and 5th because he was having so much trouble keeping up with work.

Sons #2 and 3 are in 4th and 5th and we have homeschooled them all the way from kindergarten. They are wonderful little boys who are not half as social as their brother. My youngest is very shy and introverted. My middle one talks all the time, very much an auditory learner.

But all along they have been involved in a group that teaches twice a week in a class setting. For us, this gives us the best of both worlds. They take history, PE, Spanish, geography, and science in this group. I teach the rest of the curriculum using Bob Jones satellite for grammar, reading, and math. So essentially I don't teach. I am the "overseer" of scheduling, supplies, and grades. It requires a tremendous amount of time and committment though from me. We start at 9 a.m. and finish each day about 3.

My husband worried incessantly at first too that the boys were going to be social freaks or something. Then when the social stuff kicks in, Cub Scouts, co-op, gym at the YMCA, plus a library reading group, he starts saying now, You need to stay home more!

It's not really homeschooling for us. It's independent learning/modified private school. A lot of co-ops are spring up like this. It helps with those of us who want the social aspect without dealing with public school traumas, like homework!!!!

The only problem for me is really the time - it is so tiring. But I do it for the kids and have to remind myself of that a lot. My youngest, being so shy, has the same group of friends for the last four years and has been so happy and settled. Being in a new class each year would be very traumatic for him.

Anyway, good luck. It can be done but research, research, research. The options are endless out there anymore. My recommendation is to start with a really good support group if you can find one and talk to people there. Remember, not all support groups are the same. Many have started based on different educating or parenting beliefs. We dropped out of several due to some problems with bratty kids or uncaring parents who just let the kids run wild. The group we are in now is small but dedicated to teaching and playing time. They are all well-educated too and such a source of information.

God Bless.
Maybe not related to homeschooling, but...
whatever happend to kids just going outside to PLAY???  I don't think these structured lessons and sports are quite the same thing.  Kids are so micro managed anymore that they wouldn't know how to go outside with the kid next door and just climb a tree.  If they did, they'd have to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and carry a cell phone to call for help once they got up there.  I guess being a kid in the 1960s was just so different.  We went to school, made our friends, lost our friends, read at our grade level (and that was OKAY), and for the most part we're smart successful people.  Oh well, off my soap box.
Homeschooling mom in GA...What part of GA
I'm in Waycross. I didn't think there was very much homeschooling here. I'm planning on home schooling my daughter before junior high. I was just curious what part of GA you were in.
I will be homeschooling 3 kids

Last year I homeschooled 2 and this year my daughter will be homeschooled as well.  They are excited but I'm still trying to get ready.  We do have a lot of fun and our days are more structured which helps me get my work done.


Need help on possibly homeschooling a 9th grader

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


A story about homeschooling.....very long
First of all, please know that this post is NOT to say that homeschooling is not as good as public or private school, because that is not my belief at all. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew on my husband's side of the family who are absolute geniuses because of being homeschooled. I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other about this subject, and I had not even heard of it when my children were young. But this is what happened on the other side of my faily.

My nephews, now ages 14 and 10, were homeschooled by my SIL (my brother's wife). Their 1st son started out in first grade in public school, but they had trouble with the teacher at the very beginning so they pulled him out because they thought the teacher thought the child was not advanced enough to be in first grade. I don't know the whole story because they were always so "private" that they never really shared a lot with us, or maybe just me, I don't really know. Anyway, they decided to homeschool. Honestly, we as the family around them did not feel this was the right thing to do (1) because my SIL was sooo protective, (2) we didn't feel she really had enough education herself to do this (even though I do understand the the cirriculum really "tells" you how to teach, and (3) the fact that there is not a homeschool group close by where we live and my nephew was already showing signs of some kind of social "something" where he didn't interact with other children well - I don't know, just somehow kind of off socially.

Anyway, trying to make a long story somewhat shorter here, they did homeschool hime and his younger brother when he became old enough. Everybody like it well enough, but I could tell that these nephews did not thrive on it nearly as well as my nieces and nephew on the other side of the family, who had really great parents and a really geat support group. Then....my SIL came down with cancer -- melanoma with brain mets -- and for the 14 months or so before she died, the boys used videos and the help of my mother and their other grandmother to continue to homeschool. After their mother died last September, they homeschooled with a friend for the remainder of the calendar year, at which point the friend bailed on them and my brother enrolled them in a Christian school in our area.

Now they are both having MAJOR trouble in school, math particularly. The oldest one has tons of homework and obviously really does not know "how" to study. Sometimes he gets long assignments early and has a few days to work on them, but he "forgets" to start on them, or "forgets" to look at his agenda where he has it written, etc. The kids at school make fun of him and he is almost a complete social misfit - really just because of his personality and, I think, because he has only had 1 or 2 friends all these years, and those were children of a friend of his mother's who has now pretty much dropped out of the family's life so ... poof! - there went those friends. The younger one is having trouble also but not so much socially. But the older one is completely miserable - here he is, beginning his teenage years and no friends at all, his mother gone, living way out in the country where there is not much to do since he "doesn't play anymore" as he puts it, and homework lots of night from 3:30 or 4 p.m. to 10 or 10:30 - plus, on top of it all, he has developed a smart-mouth which is driving his overloaded dad absolutely crazy!

My brother now says that maybe the homeschooling experiment wasn't such a good idea after all. :(

Homeschooling High Schooler
I, too, am thinking about homeschooling my 9th grader.  He goes to a school that is akin to a public zoo.  The boy who sits next to him in Algebra is very proud of the fact that he has amassed a record-breaking 275 referrals already this school year.  As you can imagine, my son is failing this and all of his other classes as the teachers do absolutely nothing to discipline the disruptive students.  My son has struggled with ADHD all of his school career and this is a horrible situation for him.  He is begging me to homeschool him and I am tempted, but do you who have homeschooled a high schooler think it is a good idea?  I have investigated private schools (none affordable in my area) and also after school tutoring but that was not successful.  I am at a loss as to how to help my son, but don't want to "lose him."  My oldest son dropped out of high school in the 10th grade because he was so disillusioned. 
I'll be homeschooling for the first time
NM
Sounds like you need to educate yourself on homeschooling. nm
nm
Yes. And I'm thinking of homeschooling next year...
so I'm sure it will just get worse, although I hardly talk to any of the other moms at school anyway. It's more of a drop off at school, pick up from school thing. Other than that, I'd say I basically have no friends. We moved up here about 8 years ago. I made good friends at my job, but then my surprise baby came along, had health issues, and I ended up quitting, studying MT, and have been working at home for the last 5 years. I've fallen out of contact with my friends from work. I do have one that we e-mail back and forth from time to time, but it's just not the same when you're not with them for 8 hours of every day.
Approach homeschooling with knowledge. sm
I have family in California that homeschool their children, and it is wonderful. The mother has an education, sets up great courses, and the support network there is absolutely fantastic. Sports, music, field trips, clubs, they are all available. They couldn't get a better education anywhere, and the socialization is absolutely great.

However, I had to homeschool my son last year for health reasons, and there can be real problems. He is an only child and was left out of all the school social activities. Unfortunately, there is no homeschooling network in my area, the nearest one is 150 miles away, so there were no field trips, sports activities, etc. We live in a small town, and not much is available outside school. It took him 2-3 months to get back into the social swing in high school. Fortunately he is very well adjusted, and turned out fine. Be sure the pieces are in place before you homeschool. Otherwise, you will be the only support your child has, and it can be almost a full-time job, especially if you have to start your own organization. I highly recommend homeschooling if you are in an area to do so. It can be a great experience and children can learn so much faster than in the public school. Good luck.
I'm in my 9th year of homeschooling. Have worked
FT the entire time.   I work a split schedule, half morning hours and then the rest evening hours.  That allows me time to homeschool, fix meals, do housework, etc.  
GEEZZZZ!!!! What a heated debate about homeschooling!...
Man, this is surely a hot topic! Everyone certainly has their own opinion. In the end, you just have to do for your child what you feel is right. Each child is so different, and you are the only one who REALLY knows YOUR child. Some children flourish in the public school system. Some do not for whatever reason. My first two childen went to public school.

My third (ADHD) WANTED to go to public school, but just couldn't handle it, no matter how much medication and how much counseling, and ended up being homeschooled through the internet for 6,7,8, and begged to try the 2,000 kid high school, so she did. Total disaster. Constant phone calls from the school (same as in grade school) and a 1.6 GPA. She then went back to homeschool through the local alternative school, got a 4.0 GPA. Begged to try the high school again for Junior year. Even worst disaster. 0.6 GPA. She flunked everything she couldn't bring HOME to do. Flunked floral design, basketball, swimming, ceramics, band. Passed all the academics, English, history, science. She is now back to homeschooling through the alternative school, but is allowed to go to the high school dances and walk down the isle for graduation, so she is not too unhappy with that. Good luck to you, whatever you choose.
We view homeschooling from opposite spectrums.
But that is okay. What you describe would never work for me -- that is why there are so many different curriculums out there because we are so diverse with different needs. A Beka is a very advanced program and I am satisfied that the education my children are getting will serve them for life in no matter what situation they find themselves in -- from a doctor to the President! They are excelling above most or all of their friends and to me that speaks well for A Beka.
MTing
I would think many MT companies cannot believe their good fortune. They have figured out how to pay us the least absolute minimum that they can get away with. They don't have to provide computers (where I work), provide space to work, benefits or give raises. I always wondered why do we have to pay them rent, but they don't have to pay us for our computers. We have to provide our own phone, cable access, etc. We have to provide our own reference material. Can you think of any other job that would allow any of this? Why do I stay? Because I found a company where I can work when I want to. The day that changes, I will give up completely on this "profession?"
Are you relatively new to MTing?
I certainly don't work for slave wages.....unless slaves were VERY well paid.

Maybe it isn't for you. I hope you find your happiness.
Thanks MTing
The desk is a good idea. I think I might try it. If it doesn't work, well then I will know for sure. I will first try it on OT when I'm not committed on a schedule. The area we are planning to go is a weekend home and I know the route well. Straight highway shot, not a lot of scenary, etc.
MTing
Not "could" do... WOULD do. Big difference. There are lots of things I can do. I just don't want to do them.

I'm not entirely sure what I want to do should I leave transcribing. I have no intention whatsoever leaving transcription until I have a definite game plan set up and a means to an end on achieving it.

I've been a receptionist before and don't want to do that again and I've done the retail thing while going through college. Retail does not pay well at all - I have to make money, not starve to death. I'm also living in a rural farming community on the prairies and the nearest retail store is a 40 minute drive. Not really into commuting like that for $7 an hour.

I work as an I.C. MT and like being self-employed, I like setting my hours and scheduling. My husband works in the oil fields and is gone for 30-40 days at a stretch and back home for 7 days. Would be nice to do something together and be self-employed.

Actually thought of tree farming, since we have 60 acres of land. Trees are fairly low maintenance and there always seems to be a demand for them, for growing as well as for Christmas. It's fairly seasonal, which would also allow for winter holidays and recharging of one's batteries, so to speak.

Just looking for ideas. I want a complete change of pace. And I definitely don't want to be sitting indoors in front of a computer all day long!
Did you go into MTing so you could
stay at home with the kids?
LPN and MTing...
IMO they do not have the right to do so.
They hired you as an LPN. The fact that they 'discovered' that you can also do MTing, does not give them the right to force you to do it in your office time. Do they compensate you for the extra work?
Who leaked to the office manager that you do MTing at home?
If they continue to put pressure on you, just tell them that you decided to stop it because it is too much for you; don't give up your LPN job if you like it or would you be ready to switch totally to MTing, for your doctor and other clients?
Nobody can tell you what to do in your after-office hours!
Tell us how it develops.
Good luck!



What do you mean? I think MTing is always done
in vertical (portrait) mode.

The other one is horizontal (landscape) mode.

Why don't you get Busy MTing?

Longevity of MTing

How long do you all think (with voice recognition and EMR and jobs going overseas) that MTing will be around.  I have another 20 years of my working career ahead of me, and I have been thinking maybe I should get out and work in something that will be around for the next 20 years. 


Get out of MTing. That's my advice.

something where your medical knowledge may be worth money.  Medical


terminology worth is in the toilet in transcription for a couple of reasons.  (1) MTs are not licensed.  (2) We have no lobby.


As long as we keep "giving" the suits our knowledge at (cough, sputter) 0.17 cents a line and such, they will keep sticking it to us.  And people around the world for some stupid reason keep doing this for those low wages.


So I say let the VR people who eventually do need editors with medical knowledge, have the people who can afford to live on 0.17 cents a line in their hovels.  I did something else before I did transcription and I can do something else now.


After the VR people have gone through their cheap source and found they are more expensive than they are worth because we won't be around to clean up their lack of English, let's take a peek now and then to watch the show - how will they pull English editors out of their rearends.  Not that I care.  But it should be a fun show to watch.


I realize VR works in single practitioner offices and even in small clinics.  Where I will tune in is to watch the Mayo Clinics who have thousands of physicians and the ever-forgettable nurse practitioners (gag, pedal (bicycle pedal) edema) trying to use VR.   Let's see the slave labor, non-english-speaking, over-educated but don't know how to get in out of the rain MTs clean up that and get it back without English speaking editors. 


Right now the medical record is a very very expensive and dangerous instrument in the life of a patient.  I think it should be scrapped myself.  Some other way of combining patient medical hx should be created.  Probably not even utilizing dictation at all.  Instead creating the file through collating the tests, drug formularies from the pharmacy during the stay, specialty  reports like MRIs, etc and exit check off sheet.  I would say the doctor should do that collating - using a wand to click on what he wants in the FINAL CHART REVIEW for the patient's stay for that visit. 


That sort of thing may provide one less gossip step in lab values, radiology reports, drug names and values - that is happening now by the physician's sloppy and usually unintelligible dictation - values of which are mostly of no pertinent value to the reader and which any doctor will tell you anyway - THEY DO NOT DEPEND ON LAB VALUES ON A DICTATION...so we have wasted our time, plus probably typed wrong numbers, and added to the cost of the person's hospital stay through such a redundant and stupid exercise of having to go back and forth trying to make things out.


Canadian MTing?
Are there any Canadian MT's on this site? I am from canada and wondering where I go to find jobs in the US for Canadian's to work! What is a fair wage? Any help would be very much appreciated!