New clients with no computer knowledge
Posted By: Annieb on 2006-02-15
In Reply to: But Beware! - MTSO too
I just landed a new awesome client because they were desperate. They didnt even have internet! I talked them into go with a DSL line, I bought them a digital recorder (with USB connector)..I had my computer guy write a script. all they have to do is plug the recorder into the USB connector, press a button on the desk top (that has script written by my computer geek) and it automatically sends it to me...the files are sent back, they press another scripted icon on their desk and VOILA they have the work back. They have no idea what they are doing either....but they are learning slowly and I have a great new account (all mammograms and ultrasounds 2 days a week)
I LOVE IT!
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I had head if you were connected to a VPN your computer could be searched without your knowledge ??
nm
to anyone considering going out on their own, or has knowledge of such
What is the most difficult part of the process, whether it be finding a physician, figuring out a program for the pc, getting a legal binding contract. How much is the start up fee.
I have been considering this for awhile but to be honest i'm just too lazy. BUT, the thought of making around 11-12 cpl, having only one or two docs that I know like the back of my hand where I can make tons of macros, tons of money and work less, is so appealing, that might jump start me. Am I seeing the big picture here or just dreamin?
Not to my knowledge.....
Dianna -
I use Lanier VoiceWrite EX daily and unfortunately, the Lanier "undertones" are such that you cannot use anything else besides the VW Ex, as the main station or server "reads" the remote unit and you have to connect digitally before it will even let you into the system. Some companies have interphase software that will do this (not familiar with it myself) but I have not found anything personally compatible with Lanier except Lanier. I used to use a C-phone and loved that I could check work remotely or even re-record but with Lanier, I have not found anything else to work except the actual Lanier equipment. Maybe someone else has found a solution, but I have not heard of one.
Best of luck to you !
I am an A.R.T. Cant take away the knowledge.
nm
To my knowledge
xx
To my knowledge..
A hospital sitter must be a licensed nurse, usually private duty.
You're right .. and here's 1st-hand knowledge -- sm
I start med school (been an MT for 24 years) August 2006.
One of my classes last semester was Intro to Medical Practices. I especially inquired about pro bono work by all the physicians and dentists who spoke to the class as guests each week. All gave significant amounts of their practice to pro bono work.
One physician in particular impressed me. He is a cardiovascular surgeon. His main area of expertise is doing cardiac bypasses. To make a long story short, because of insurance changes (MCare) over the past few years, he only makes about $650 per bypass for his own pocket and that is gross. Of the $1850 MCare and insurance companies pay him for this procedure, it costs him $1200 in overhead for that procedure. Until last year, he would often do the procedure for free for patients who could not afford it and had no insurance. However, for 2 years he had to BORROW MONEY to pay his OVERHEAD because he did so much pro bono work. He finally decided he just could not go bankrupt doing that. So now, he STILL does HIS PART for free but the patient has to pay his overhead. He tells them to call their family, friends, churches and if they have the $1200 for his overhead, he will donate HIS skills/time/energy for free.
The physician (maxillofacial surgeon) who directed this class said his annual pro bono work runs around $250,000 a year.
As well, while dentists recoup 95% to 100% of the fees charged for their services (they are ALWAYS getting their money up front), physicians (with the exception of cosmetic plastic surgery) only recoup an average of 31% of their fees. For every $1000 they spend on a patient, they will only get back approximately $310 and must write off the rest.
Now that is INSIDE information - direct from the physicians and dentists we had in class. I was shocked. Not deterred, but shocked.
Regarding that lovely cardiologist who gives so much away, take into consideration that the $650 for HIS skills/time/energy for ONE cardiac bypass -- he invests a total of 12 to 15 hours for that one procedure (that is WITHOUT complications happening) including his consult/operative time/followup visits, hospital rounds, etc. That comes out to about $54 an hour -- and plumbers and electricians around here make more than that. My Ford dealership in town gets $76 an hour.
And now, since we are starting to do bypasses endovascularly through the femoral artery, he has to really put the money down for more education to train to do this or he will be out of business shortly.
Interesting huh?! When people make comments to me about my future as a physician as a way to "get rich", I tell them not necessarily so!! LOL I'm not doing it for money! You couldn't pay me enough to go through all this at this time in my life!! LOL
And would it not help if you could spell knowledge???? nm
:)
Because it's such common knowledge.
But by all means, give them your money and prove it again if you like! I was just trying to help you.
knowledge of med term a plus
knowledge of medical terminology is such a plus in the medical field. try applying to a hospital as a unit clerk or a receptionist in a doc office. it is good for the mind to get out there and see people again. maybe you will realize how much you have missed.
Gain knowledge sm
I think I addressed this before, you cannot get enough knowledge to put in your bank. If they are willing to pay you, soak it in like a sponge. It's hard, I wanted to quit so many times but I went from "duh" to "diva" by blood, sweat and tears. It's worth it, hang in!! Knowledge is power.
more knowledge needed sometimes sm
You have to be aware of all body parts (anatomy) as well physiology, etc. in all specialties because you may have 50 discharge summaries from many specialties, not only a few, in one day You also have to have the ability to pick up on abnormal lab values (or you should), etc., as you don't want a totally erroneous value to go through without questioning. After you get through the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, physical exam, etc., then you get to the lab and x-ray findings. When you get to the summary, you will be working in terms of what is wrong with that particular patient, know the drugs and dosages, etc. With acute care, you may get H&P's, discharge summares, operations (difficult at first) and consults (many different specialties) all in one day's work. Others may not agree with what I just said, but in a nutshell, you have to be fairly well rounded in your knowledge of anything that may come your way in the basic 4's each day as well as psych reports if the facility has a psych ward,, etc., Also., if the facility has a rehab department or other speciality floors, you will have to learn them as well. If you are a dedicated learner, you can do it, you just have to be willing to work hard. I would say it took me several years to be really good at it and it is well worth it. In todays world though, I am not sure, it seems like there are a lot of unhappy people on these boards. Just be positive and if you love it, you may enjoy it. Acute care covers many specialties and is just that, "acute." requiring hospitalization. Hope I didn't discourage you, it's challenging. If you work for an MTSO, they may be willing to give you one speciality at a time (although I doubt it). Radiology is usually in it's own department with it's own staff and dictation. Hope I didn't confuse you even more, just trying to help here.
If it requires that much knowledge
above the normal they might consider paying a wage for it - starting .07 cpl doesn't exactly scream you're valued for your knowledge.
It seems there's always someone on this board, with no knowledge of their own , who - sm
insist upon arguing with anyone offering tech support or advice. It happened earlier in the AV thread where one of the participants obviously didn't have a clue what they were talking about yet insisted that everyone else didn't know what they were talking about.
It seems to be rather common in the MT community to be able to speak much and listen little. Very sad, actually.
If there's any question on my knowledge in these matters,
I am a college educated and certified computer technician who has been in the technology field for 20 years now. FWIW, Atomic Clock Sync has rave reviews from PC Magazine, but merely synchronizing your computer clock doesn't fix the underlying problem. If the battery on your computer's motherboard goes completely dead, your CMOS settings will go byebye, which is a royal PITA to fix.
http://www.decosystech.com/Techsupport/Batteries.htm
I know several MTs who are being paid high $$ for their knowledge... Sure is (sm)
something to think about!! With IC you lose your flexibility and punch the 9-5 clock. Maybe if your kids are in school. Mine are still little yet. But I definitely am keeping that option open, taking a few courses along the legal line.
be armed with knowledge and documentation
Along with sending all employees W2s, a copy of every employee's W2 is transmitted along with a W3 with the totals of FICA/MED and Fed taxes.
The problem probably arises from what was sent in to IRS and Social Security that raised a flag. I really don't think that the SE part set off the flag. MQ might have tried to do a switch-a-roo and sent in a 1099 with the transmission. After you go in for the examination, this will probably clear it up. When I was with MQ, they sent me a W2 and a 1099, and was always leery of this but never had a problem. I left them in 2000 because of lack of work but always wondered about the dual reporting.
I speak from first hand knowledge...
and I never said she didn't love the boy, but rather not in the traditional sense. You know the kind where you actually take care of your kids. I won't blast all that on the internet. I'm just saying though that I only speak from what was actually done, not by assuming something heard through the media.
Physicians are willing to share their knowledge with (sm)
anyone who will listen. They love young bright eyed students. I expected the MT world to be just like medicine.
Why is cost the only issue? It is unprofessional to only think about money. What about pride in the profession and wanting to share knowledge? Isn't that how professions advance and grow?
I am surprised. 
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.
Good knowledge you passed along. nm
t
knowledge increases productivity
My productivity is up and down. I have found that with doctors and report-types that I am use to typing my productivity is higher, with new docs and new/rarely typed report a lot lower. I think only knowledge can increase your productivity, when you can anticipate what the doc will say next because you have a true knowledge of what you are typing. (please excuse typos.. I am on a quick break)
For the amount of knowledge this job takes...
The constant demands to do more and more, increased accuracy requirements, I think #4. #2 would be a good entry level wage, but in reality I think most of us are stuck there.
What is your experience and knowledge worth? sm
Only you can decide what a good line rate is for you. Everyone has different opinions, expenses, time management, and issues. No two people are the same.
Now, if you take the IC part out of it and ask if 7 or 8 cpl is a good line rate - basically the answer would be no, not really. Then again, it seems to be what companies are offering these days.
Remember, most companies base any health benefits, etc on your production. So, if you have a bad month of production, your benefits might go bye-bye!
Just think, as an independent contractor, 8 cpl, nice easy account, canned reports, lots of templated work - Yeah you can make decent money.
Now, no canned reports, difficult account, you might have to work 10 to 12 hours a day to make decent money.
See the difference - Go with your gut and decide what you are worth.
Good luck!
more knowledge of Offshoring is good.
nm
But QAing requires much more knowledge
and experience than VR editing. They can hire newbies to do VR editing, but not QA.
To my knowledge, you can't print the physicians'....sm
list and I doubt they are in there by specialty, too. You can print the contents of your ESP file if you save it to your desktop and then print it. Hope this helps.
QA's lack of knowledge really irks me.
Most of the time, they say the exact opposite the next day, anyway.
I've used it. There are a ton of knowledge base forums out there
where you can research your results.
It's a knowledge-intensive field which doesn't pay anywhere near enough..
depends on your speed, knowledge & accounts.
x
So dont you think the knowledge & experience it takes
B.S. in HIM, no MT school, OTJ training for that skill, but the HIM classes for the knowledge. nm
x
Exactly! We have a broader knowledge base. My sister has been an RN for 30+ years and I have the u
I could never do what they do. I am an anxiety-ridden person and the thought of someone's health and well being, not to mention physical comfort or discomfort being completely my responsibility and then to be able to function in a calm, methodical manner in a high-stress, life or death situation... Well, let's just say I know I could not handle it. I would have a nervous breakdown.
It's a pity that some nurses can't return to the favor and respect us for what we do. My sister respects me. She actually comes to me with medical questions because she realizes she doesn't know it all and I basically get a medical education on a daily basis what with new terms, drugs, procedures, equipment, etc. And let's face it, MTs are the masters of research and medical references, searching the internet, etc.
But all people see when they see an MT is that we sit at a desk all day and type and to them it looks easy. It's just a shame.
Addendum: As well as your fund of medical terminology knowledge.
Is it their computer? Why are they installing a firewall and autocorrect on your computer? That sm
is usually the responsibility of the transcriptionist, especially if an IC or SE. Which company?
Well, John Maxwell will tell you that attitude not knowledge is what keeps most people afloat. From
check out of her hand without thanking her for paying your bills for the lasft 5 years, then you could probably guess that she won't be calling you back even if it doesn't work out.
You have to be positive about everything. You may have been a "great, dependable worker," but if your attitude "stunk" then honestly, that just doesn't matter. I'm sorry. Been there done that. Know this to be quite true.
I miss MT50 too. She rocks with her vast pool of knowledge.
MT50, please, please, please...come back. You are missed.
Question about transfering computer into to another computer.. sm
I have a dumb question - Just bought a new computer and someone told me to get a flash drive to transfer all my info. But I'm assuming that ExText that I work off of and Escription will have to be downloaded again by the tech people onto my new computer. I can tranfer these can I?
Thanks
How does one find out the computer specs on my computer?
I should know this, but I just don't remember how to do this. I am hoping I have enough RAM, or whatever, to load work platform on my own computer and begin working on it, rather than paying *rent* on the company-furnished computer. Thanks so much.
A computer is a computer, whether it be laptop or desktop.
I have both and use both and I bought both of mine...most companies do not provide computers...
To get own clients or not....
I have thought about getting my own clients, but working for a company, if I want time off, I can easily arrange that and know there will be co-workers to cover the accts. If I get sick, the company will find someone to cover the accts. I don't have to worry about the billing, tech support, trouble-shooting, complaints. Maybe someday I will chose to give up what life I have and get my own clients, but for now I like being an IC for a company. This way, I am a great employee and an even better boss.
My clients...
Consist of clinics. They all get 48-hour turnaround time guaranteed, and anything STAT (a TRUE emergent STAT) they need, it's done at no extra charge. Radiology gets four to eight-hour turnaround for obvious reasons. The rest of the clinics don't need a 24-hour turnaround time because let's face it, their staff basically sit on it, and I'm not going to break my neck so they can just sit on it....
Clients
Hello! I'm new to the board but not to MT. I've been working from home for my own clients for 10 years. I wondered if others who do the same have ever experienced a situation I just encountered and wondered what your thoughts were. I had a client whom I transcribed for for two years, then he moved and started back up in his practice and called me and I've worked for him for an additional year in that new practice. When I noticed recently that I hadn't received his dictation as usual, I questioned it, i.e. was he on vacation, did they lose a tape or what? The receptionist said he must not have dictated yet. I found this off as he usually dictates each day he's in the office. A week had gone by w/o work so I called and asked and the same girl said she'd have his wife (who works in the office) call me because she didn't know why there wasn't work, etc. At this point I got suspicious and had asked the recep. if there was something going on I should know about. She said they're working on this new software and maybe they just got behind. New software? I talked to his wife and "I" mentioned this software. She didn't. I asked if this affected my workload and she said 'yeah, probably quite a bit.' I asked if she would please let me know AHEAD of time if they were going to make this transition so I could prepare and plan (she had just made it sound like they were just looking into it and kind of testing it out, NOT that they'd by any means started using it full-time). She said oh certainly they would let me know ahead of time. Then I pressed a little more and finally she told me he'd already been using it for his patients and when I asked if I should replace his work, she said yeah, probably because he really seems to like it and will probably use it. I don't know what the software is but I hate it just because it took a big client from me. But I"m also wondering if this is common practice for a physician just to outright not tell an MT that they weren't going to use their services any more. I mean, not only did they not give me notice beforehand, but they hedged on admitting it when I came right out and asked. I find this incredibly rude and inconsiderate, especially when I've been a faithful MT for them for three years. I"m just dumbfounded at this behavior. Has anyone experienced this? So now that leaves me in the lurch with bills to pay with an already tight budget (hubby in college, two kids, high heat bills, blah, blah, etc.) and me looking for work to fill in the gap. Sorry I ranted and rambled. I'm just really upset by this and wondered if anybody experienced being treated this way and/or knows what this software might be and if it poses a threat to any of us. Thanks so much!
Own clients
This has been discussed many times with many different opinions/ideas. You might do a search as there was quite a heated debate on this about two months ago. I have a brochure that I send out with my card. For those I am very interested in I do stop by in person or if anyone calls inquiring I stop by in person. You have to be prepared with equipment to do tapes or digital and some may inquire about a call in system. You may have to pick up and deliver, provide your own paper. Be prepared to do any type accounts. Your rate will depend on the area you are in and can be anywhere from 11 to 16 cpl from what people say on this board. You have to be prepared to have some back up if you get very sick or have an accident and for vacations. You will not get any benefits, will not getpaid when the doctor takes a month off to go to Spain. It will be a tough go at first until you esablish a rapport with the office staff. But I like it and have been doing it for 18 years. Just did a report and have made 4K more this year than I did last year so things are looking up for me. Good luck. Patti
One of my clients for whom I have done only
tapes for has given me a CD to load onto my computer. I haven't put it on yet but I'm wondering if you all can help. It's an Olympus CD and looks like it's for .wav files which is what he intends. He says I should be able to load this onto my computer and then after that, he can email me voice files. Now, is this correct and what will I need to have in order to play and transcribe his voice files? I have a Bytescribe pedal. Please tell me I won't have to buy a different pedal for this! Thanks in advance for any help!
want to get own clients
Hi Everyone,
I have over 2 years’ experience in medical transcription and really want to get my own client(s). I feel that I am finally ready to take that leap. The question I have is – how do you go about talking to potential clients? What is the best way? Mailings, calling, just going in? Should I make business cards? Unfortunately all of my doctors offices (family, ob/gyn) husband's GI doc and daughter's pediatrician are all EMR. Ugh. So that's no help.
I’m not really afraid of what to charge or contracts, the rest is what has me stressed the most. Should I buy a program like DocShuttle or will they basically tell me what they want? I have been with nationals and small MTSOs alike and just am not sure how to go about everything myself.
You can feel free to e-mail me with any advice also.
I really appreciate the suggestions/help!!!
Getting own clients
I am currently transcribing for GI docs who are using the EMR system, I love it. There is barely any paper for me to handle, I fax everything right from their system to the referring physicians, once in a while I will get a physician who doesn't have a fax and so I need to mail. The final copy goes right into their system. I am currently working from home through my business. They had the equipment installed at my house, fortunately for me, I was with them for four years before I went on maternity leave and have been doing it from home for the past two years.
I also transcribe for ENT docs in my area, before I went on maternity leave I asked them to use my digital phone in system (really didn't expect them to since they were 'set in their ways' but they agreed).
As far as getting new clients, I would get some business cards printed out, and some fliers stating what equipment you will use, i.e. tapes, digital; will you be dropping the finished work off, and also turn-around-time. Then if it were me, I would take these to local doctors, speak with the office manager and offer your services, may be you can start off by offering to cover vacations (I know how hard it is to get coverage for yourself on vacation. You might have to start small and work your way up, but at least it is a start.
Well that is all I can think of, I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck!!
Best way to get clients? sm
I want to market my service in my area. I have gone to offices before in the past, but they sometimes get annoyed. I have also done mailings and get no response. Is there another way to get the OM's attention that maybe I overlooked? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Some clients won't go there
Some doctors have such rotten dictating habits they know running their reports through ASR will result in utter garbage; they have TAT to meet and they know if they take the time to have those reports extensively edited post ASR its just an extra step. Some clients know for them it will be a time and money waster; it is the MTSOs that are pushing for all ASR, not the clients. Many hospitals have tried ASR inhouse and end up scrapping it and going back to MTs. Its a lot like outsourcing in that many people are on the bandwagon, but there'll always be some that refuse to ride it.
Clients have the right to not have an
MT transcribing that reports if that MT continually makes mistakes. Not talking about the ones QA catches, but the reports that are sent straight through without QA and they catch the mistakes on their end and have to send it back. The client I am assigned at my MTSO has said that certain mistakes will not be tolerated and those that make those will not work on their account. They have the right to pull the account from the MTSO if their wishes are not followed by the MTSO.
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