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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

My economic dilemma is the same only perhaps on a higher scale...

Posted By: banshee on 2007-11-28
In Reply to: I must comment: The cost is set per their economic level. - Indian MTs only make a few dollars per day.

I have had my cable connection shut off so many times for nonpayment, my utilities are not being paid in full because we simply never have enough money, groceries are now a luxury rather than a necessity as are utilities by the way...my pay has diminished greatly due to the global market and competing with countries like India in Medical Transcription.

I am aware of India and their problems but I am concerned for my own situation and survival.

got interrupted, cannot finish, but had to make my point


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FDA warns that it delivers higher doses than expected, and has a higher rate of stroke. (sm)
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/115/111590.htm
In these hard economic times...
Try the local pawn shop. We browse pawn shops every once in a while. It's amazing what you'll find there for a great price. I got my hubby a brand-spanking new, never out of the box, top of the line laptop for $200.

As for what kind...I've been a HP customer for my last 3 systems but these days you can get a really decent system at walmart that has XP or Vista with MS Office Suite for less than $500. Even though Vista is pretty to look at, personally I wouldn't go with Vista because so many companies still aren't compatible with it and you never know when you'll be changing MT platforms(this happens A LOT for ICs). I'm sticking with XP for as long as possible or until Windows7 comes out. Too bad more companies aren't utlizing Linux-based OS.
I must comment: The cost is set per their economic level.
I do think it is fair.

I think any single one of you who say it isn't has absolutely no clue what it is like over there.

Well, I've been there. I know. It is not what you think.


Depends...do you want to be providing economic outpatient care for the rest of your life? nm
.
Dilemma...
Don't do it. On so many levels, it is not a good idea. Your kid is worth a few more bucks of gas money. In a few years, she'll be gone and you will wish you could chaffeur her around.
this is my dilemma
I have a question for any of you in a 2nd marriage with stepchildren. I have 2 stepchildren, 2 of my own. It has been a nightmare with DH's kids who are 17 and 18. They came to live with us full time. They were disrespectul, horrible grades, the older has gotten herself pregnant twice, they've been caught drinking, etc etc you get the picture. The stress on my marriage has brought us to the brink of divorce many times but last year they went back to live with their mother. Now husband wants to bring the youngest back here. I cant go into all the details but I refuse to go back to an extremely dysfunctional and toxic living situation. (My kids have not been a problem whatsoever). Some of you may think I'm being selfish but honestly if you knew how hard I tried to help those kids, I did everything in my power and they just got worse.

My question is has anyone else had this kind of problem?
Somewhat of a Dilemma
I'm not sure what to do in my situation.  To try to make a long story short, I worked for a small company doing transcription for a Nephrologist's office.  The nephrologist's office came to me directly offering me a job.  They told me to give my two weeks notice without any specifics and then they would tell her that they no longer needed her services after today.   I feel guilty and want to tell my old company that the reason I left is because the nephrologist's office offered me a better position with more pay.   The nephrology group doesn't think I need to tell her where I went when I quit, but I feel like I should.  I'm not sure how to go about telling her now after the fact.  Any thoughts would be appreciated
Dilemma
They're paying me a lot more as far as money and benefits go. I'm certainly not ungrateful and was only asking for guidance and not to be called names. I want to tell them and I was just asking for a way to let them know. I have the feeling they suspect. If I told you half of what I had to put up with at my old job you'd wonder his this MTSO is in business themselves.
This is a dilemma--SM
There are several things that come to me about this situation.

1) Your ethics and theirs are somewhat of a mismatch which is causing you pause and rightfully so.

2) Don't be swayed by the "ungrateful" speech/lecture. She raises valid points, but the fact that you're questioning yourself and this situation is a good and reasonable thing. No need to beat you up about it. You already have a conscience, otherwise you wouldn't be posting for more input.

3) There are two ethical ways out that I can see.

A) Turn down their offer flat--thank you, but no thank you b/c....

B) Accept their offer, but refuse to lie about it or allow them to put you in that situation. Tell them that the only way you'll contemplate their offer is if they go to your current boss about your being hired away and offer a "finders fee"--this would be similar to situations arranged by temp agencies that place people in "temp to hire" positions. The hiring company, if the temp is hired, pays the agency a fee for the placement. Everybody comes out clean and most, if not all of the parties, come out ahead, especially since this is an above board handling of the situation.

4) I think that you will have to think carefully about their work "offer" in view of their ethics. If they are willing to deceive your boss, what might they be willing to do to you if they change their minds or, indeed, decide to hire someone cheaper. Perhaps you'd want to consider the difference between "at will" employee vs. having a signed contract with them. (Here's a Wikipedia link to explain, though I would not take their word for it explicitly, but contact a lawyer to further explain and/or help you walk through the process should you actually go this route.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will)

Good luck.

I know that dilemma! You never know if you are going to be able (sm)
to get good line counts with the new company so it is a hard choice. Is there any way you can try out the new company part-time for a while to be sure the work is good? Best wishes to you. I have two small children and am also thinking of seperating from my husband.
dilemma with teenager
I have a 14-year-old daughter who is on an athletic team that practices after school every day. We live in a rural area and it is a 15 mile round trip to pick her up. A neighbor boy who just got his license a week ago has offered to bring her home as he goes right by our house. We have had a rule that she is not allowed to ride with boys in a car alone yet but with the price of gas, I'm wondering if I should rescind that rule. I don't really know the boy well so I'm uneasy about it. Any thoughts on this?
Parental dilemma...sm
I am looking for some parenting advice.  My daughter is 8 years old and one of her friend's father died this weekend.  The school counselor went in to speak to her class today to let the children know that this child had lost a parent.  She then sent home letters with information regarding funeral services and some info on how to talk to your children, etc.  Anyway...my daughter wants to go to the funeral in the morning and I have no idea on whether I should take her or not.  Neither my husband nor I knew either parents of this child.  My daughter was a "new" kid last year and this little girl has been a good friend since we have been here and my daughter is very fond of her.  I told my daughter I would think about it tonight and let her know in the morning and I have no clue what to do.  I feel uncomfortable going to a funeral where I have only met the mother of this child once (at a birthday party) and my daughter has had no real experience with death.  The only thing she has had to deal with is the death of a pet.  I talked to her about the funeral and what it was, including people being upset, and of course a casket, and what that was, and she still wants to go.  Does anyone have any experiences like this...or is just plain willing to give me an opinion?
IC loyalty dilemma

The owner of the company I contract through has a strict policy that you do NOT ever converse directly with the client.  I am on an account where there are 4 of us doing it.  One girl continuously keeps writing the client with everything from asking about formatting to asking what some medical terms are.  I have asked her in a prevous e-mail to please not do that, due to the work policy.  She has continued to do so.  I don't know what to do.  If I turn her in, she would know it came from me, and would I be a rat?  She claims that she and the client made an agreement to e-mail each other without telling the owner of the MT company.


Thanx for any input!


Shorthand Dilemma
When I type the abbreviation for an expansion the first letter gets separated from the rest of the expansion.

Examples: tp (the patient) expands to: t he patient.
sep (September) expands to: S eptember

This only happens when I use the doctor's normals created by the hospital, for my account. I print out the normals, then insert them into my Shorthand, and refine them further, adding additional text that the doctor says all the time, and then save the whole thing -- in other words I have customized the normal even further.

If I just pull up the hospital normal (with a Ctrl + R) and type in it, there is no problem with expansions. But if I put the normal into my Shorthand, customize it, save it, and then print it out, sometimes I get these "separated expansions" and sometimes I do not when I type in the report. I can't figure out what is making it happen, but it's driving me nuts, and I can't find a pattern.

I've used ShortHand for years with Word and never had this weird problem. Any ideas on what is causing this and how to solve it?
I can understand your dilemma sm
Honesty is best. I can't imagine being on my feet all day and/or doing something really physical because after years of sitting all day, I am deconditioned to the max. Perhaps you are the same way.

Tell them you are not physically up to the job, which is true.

As for MT, I have to tell you, I have had jobs I have regretted quitting and jobs that have dissolved for other reasons, just at a time I was loving them. I am one to say that MT jobs are a dime a dozen. The problem is, you don't want to work for 11 of that dozen! The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, and I have suffered from the idea that it is.

I feel your pain, but you have to do what is right for you. I am sure they can find someone else.
Dilemma! Tomorrow is picture day and my 5 yo just went wild w/a jug of blue food coloring --

 


both hands and the entire lower half of his face are now bright, royal blue.. Will this wash off by morning???


MQ pay scale
Specifics have not been announced yet, however, my TC sent a memo stating SE part time employees are required to do 4,000 lines/week...Well, sure I would, if there was enough work!  My invoice just went in at midnight and because the work was low and no work over the last two week period of time, I only did approximately 7,400 lines.  So, if they want to make a rule 4,000 lines/week for part time and 6,000/week for full time, I hope they provide the work.
wow, the pay scale has gone down since
I was there three years ago.  How do they stay in business?  When I was there, the flat training rate reflected how much you would be getting in cpl, depending on how they think you did on the test.  Me having about 6 years experience under my belt at the time, scored the lowest according to them, and the starting pay was 7.5 cpl an hour and 12$ per hour during training.  Of course that is still mortifying, but what you're talking about is not even minimum wage, and this is a skilled profession!!
pay scale
I'd like to know which is the best way to charge for radiology, by the line or by the report. If by report, how much? TIA!!
pay scale for MTs
Why is it that we continue to allow the MTSOs to offer a pay scale of only 7 and 8 cents a line for the work we do? They want experienced, hard-working MTs and then want to pay us entry level? I don't think so. Until the MTs take a stand on this issue, the MTSO's are going to continue this. No wonder they keep saying there is a "shortage of good MTs"---it's because the experienced MTs won't work for what they are paying. We have to make a living just like everyone else. Who else do you know that works for 7 and 8 cents a line?! Come on, MTs; don't take those low-paying offers! YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN THAT, AREN'T YOU?
Pay scale
I've looked into new jobs on the site and noted one company out of MO stating they would pay .06 cents/line. I have been a Transcriptionist for over 35+ years, retired, worked contingent, then thought I would seek another part-time job. The last job I had was .08 cents/line which wasn't terrible but not good either. Who would work for a measly .06 cents/line if you were experienced? What a disappointment. Guess I'll finally sell my foot pedal and earphones. Have already sold my two transcription machines. Sad, because I loved doing this but I could take in ironings or clean houses for more pay than that--besides which, it would be mindless
Here is how I scale it myself

General Transcription with no ESL $45-50 and audio hour add $5-10 for multispeaker or ESLs.


Medical is $60 minimum for clinic and no ESLs.  I add from there depending on what else they want and ESL content.


Also, if this is general transcription and they require that you put timestamps in anywhere, I charge $1.00 each for that because it is a pain. 


This is all if you are the one typing though too.  If you are planning to outsource any, you will have to go up at least $15/hour to cover your overhead or end up with unskilled labor and/or India for subcontractors.


QA scale
Forgive my ignorance, but what is a weighted QA scale? I really don't know.
Does anyone know what the pay scale is for MQ? At what line

anyone else with ideas on pay scale for
Can email me if you'd like. Sure would appreciate it!
Amphion pay scale

Can anybody tell me what pay scale is at Amphion? Just curious about them because they have clinic but not sure about how it would balance since it looks like they require computer rent and internet expense. What kind of clinic work do they have? Is it just letters and short notes or more meaty clinic stuff, like neurology consults or things like that? Oh, and do they require a schedule set in stone or do you have any flexibility in getting lines in? TIA


Hospital MTs: What is your pay scale?

Just wondering what your base pay is, and how your incentive program works.  If you would like to give your city or geographic area that would be nice, but not necessary.  I'm just hoping to get an idea.


Also, what benefits does your hospital offer?  I'm specifically wondering about 401K and whether any hospitals match the employee's 401K contribution.


RE: Hospital MTs: What is your pay scale?
I work for a hospital in Tennessee and my base rate is $23/hour. Full health plan with medical/dental, hospital pain retirement plan, also contributory 401K, sick/vacation days, etc.
There is a standard scale!
I know this is an old post, but I just ran across it.  There absolutely is a standard scale.  The AAMT website has it under an article titled Metrics for Measuring Quality in Medical Transcription (2005).  I wish I could give you the exact page, but I only have the .pdf of that article - but it was only downloaded last week, so it'll still be there. 
I am in need for a weighted QA scale sm
I need to give some feedback and I'd love a weighted QA scale to use. Would someone be kind enough to email me one? I can't find the one I had and I didn't lift it off this site when it has been mentioned.

Many thanks.
QA scale--see inside--sm
I would think each company woudl have its own criteria, but this is one from an account I helped draft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF Quality Assurance SCORING CATEGORIES

Medical Word Omitted (CTRL1) Point Value – 1.0
Omitted medical words found in a trusted medical publication source (dictionary, specialty word book, drug index etc). In CS.com, there is not a distinction between critical/noncritical.

Medical Word Misspelled (CTRL2) Point Value – 0.75
Misspelled medical words found in a trusted medical publication source (dictionary, specialty word book, drug index etc). This includes failure to adhere to AAMT Book of Style Dangerous Abbreviations list, as well as other medically related errors addressed in this reference guide, that could potentially harm a patient. In CS.com, there is not a distinction between critical/noncritical. Measurements typed incorrectly. Typing wrong form of word.

Punctuation (CTRL3) Point Value – 0.25
Punctuation that is omitted or included in error that changes the meaning of a sentence, having the potential to cause harm to a patient.

Capitalization (CTRL4) Point Value – 0.25
Capitalization that is omitted or included in error that changes the meaning of a sentence, having the potential to cause harm to a patient.

Grammar (CTRL5) Point Value – 0.10
Any grammatical errors.

English Word Misspelled (CTRL6) Point Value – 0.50
Misspelled general words.

Omitted Word Minor(CTRL7) Point Value – 0.25
Omitted word that is not critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Typed extra word that does not not cause misunderstanding to the meaning of the sentence.

Omitted Word Major(CTRL8) Point Value – 0.75
Omitted word that is critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Omitted modality in the title.
Contrast vs. noncontrast
Changed format (no techniques on required studies, no history, etc.).

current pay scale
I am an IC with 30 years experience. I am currently making 12 cents a 65 character line with no benefits, no time off, no taxes taken out, which is nothing compared to what I used to make in the hospital with all benefits.

None of us make enough, nor are we appreciated for our speed, knowledge and hard work.

Good luck! I hope you get your raise. You deserve it.
pay scale and benefits

I do not agree with you there.  It does not matter if we are all remote or not.  If ALL the qualified MTs would take a stance together and stop working entirely for a very short period of time ALL companies would have to give in.  Without the backbone of their company, which is the remote MT, they would have no other choice but to close their doors or pay what is fair.  Remember, when this industry went to the national carriers, they made the largest portion of their employees home-based, and for a reason, to cut down on their overhead.  With that being said, who is doing all their work and lining their pockets with money.  I have been involved, not as an MT, but in many other employment areas that had similar problems and demanded it to be rectified.  It was not done by a union; however, very similar.  ALL QUALIFIED PEOPLE MUST STOP WORKING, but prior to this must state why and for what they are demanding.   Example... until we get benefits and a fair pay scale we do not work... PERIOD!   I understand there is a group called AAMT with a BOS and an AHDI???? not sure of this one.  But they make you do standarized formats.  What I would do is contact these big groups, AAMT and tell them.  We that are CMTs or qualified MTs are going to cease all work functions until we have a standardized package.  We are expected to have all this knowledge and keep up all these credentials... and we demand to be compensated with a benefit package and fair pay scale.   The way I see it, the MT has taken a decrease in these areas, yet expected to know and do much more.  Does not make sense to me, but I am not an MT.  I was directed to this board by an MT who was looking for ideas to get something done in these areas.  


MediTech is in Marietta, not sure of their pay scale though
x
Where on the scale of conditions would a guarded

condition be?


 


 


First thing I would point out is that 8 cpl is the low end of the pay scale
x
Any MQers heard of 'new pay scale'?
There has been some rumors about this on this board.  Some say they have recently received communication (har, har, har...sorry) about this.  Anyone know any specifics?  Any other changes?
What is paid by page per sliding scale?
New one on the job board.  Never heard of such.  Just wondering.
Or they could have "restructured" (i.e., cut) their pay scale and lost most of their editors.
shhh
How is QA score measured? Is there a standard scale? sm

Is it per report?  Is by the number of characters in the report?  I am guessing that a missed comma is counted differently than a wrongly used medical term...


Thanks for any help!


Current pay scale for radiology transcriptionist

Hello Cyberspace,


I am wondering if anyone can direct me to a website that will help me calculate if I am getting paid correctly for the work I am doing.  I would like to know the going rate per line and per report for radiology transcriptionists. 


I have several years experience and need some documentation in order for me to request a pay increase. 


Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Leslye


"Example... until we get benefits and a fair pay scale

http://forum.mtstars.com/main/v/1/128040.html
Will you share what you think poverty wages means, i.e. pay scale? nm
x
1000 lines / 1.5 = 667 X incentive pay scale rate?

Ok, I inquired about a job and this is what they told me.  Does this make sense to you all?  What are they trying to say they pay for QA work? 


We have an incentive pay plan ranging from 0.07 cents to 10 cents per line. 
Our editing accounts are converted into typed lines.  If you edit 1000 lines,
it is divided by 1.5 to  get 667 typed lines and then paid on the incentive pay scale.


Thanks


could be a little higher, but
I make up for it by having great account with good dictators, so no struggling with ESLs for the most part. I'll take a small line count cut in exchange for less stress. For me, it's worth it.
I would say #3 and higher.
nm
8-10 cpl usually comes out about the same. The higher
the pay, the worse the accounts and the worse the platforms you have to work on. If it takes you 3-5 minutes to get into a job before you type your first word and are paid 10 cpl, you are better off at 8 cpl on a quick and easy platform. Same with good VS evil dictators.
I just left Transcend where I made 9.5 cpl and make more at a company who pays 8 cpl because the system Transcend used is just not user friendly.
Higher rates
When my hospital looking into a MTSO for quicer TAT, they were quoted .33 cpl.  This company only paid their MTs. .07 cpl.  Needless to say, my hospital stuck to what they were paying me.
Well, I have a 99% or higher QA score.
I make between $45K and $48K doing this.

NEver been in trouble for QA. Never lost a job for QA. Have been hired for every single job I have ever applied for.

Anyone I've ever worked for has been sad to see me go. People I work for now are very happy with me. I make good money and have a good QA score.

All with no PROPER EDUCATION but just on-the-job training.

HOORAYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Amphion higher-ups
From what I have heard, there is one by the name of karen clay who harrasses MTs about line counts constantly -- even those left in ruins by Katrina!
Wow. Is this from your immediate supervisors or from the higher ups/HR, etc.? Are you being
s