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Realistic Income Expectations??

Posted By: missybb on 2007-01-29
In Reply to:

Hi guys!


 


I am a mom who currently runs a very financially successful home daycare business.  I am looking for a change and considering MT.


After much research I am still unsure about the REALISTIC income that can be made doing MT.


I will be working 6 hours a day - no kids, no interruptions etc.  How much can I really make a year as an independent contractor from home?  I am very familiar with medical terminology etc and plan on taking an MT course.


I would really appreciate a response.  I don't want to give up my daycare and spend money on a course only to find out later I have wasted my time and money.


 


Thanks!




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Not sure, I have deductions for federal income tax, SS tax, Medicare tax, and state income tax. ???
nm
Then you have very low expectations for yourself
Reach for those stars - wow!
Expectations

   Based strictly on what you've posted, it sounds like the Co in question either had a change in agenda and you were conveniently in a position to be moved out or they were not entirely clear with you on your performance to date.


     If an MT is doing the job and getting positive feedback and then loses the job over a single initial effort on 1 provider, something is wrong, no matter how many years experience you have or don't have.  It might be that their needs changed and a decision was made to throw you off the deep end to see if you could handle it.  When you could not, they made a decision not to invest any more time in you and to go with someone more experienced.


     If this is the career you really want, you need to really learn from this experience, keep banging on doors and be willing to sacrifice to get another good start.   When that next position comes up, ask lots of questions about how you are expected to progress (since you are less experienced) and if they have specific goals for you to meet as far as difficulty level and production go.  Be open and willing to try any whatever they want to throw at you (it really is part of the job), only with the mutual understanding of whether you are expected to be proficient instantly or will have a learning curve for the more difficult dictation. 


        Chances are, this loss was not as much about you as the company and its lack of clarity.  If that is the case, quitting your career choice over it would be a real shame.  Let it make you stronger.


      


Not to worry! You met my expectations!
nm
Teachers and their expectations...
Isn't it crazy that the teacher would expect you to buy one of these things for a project? I don't know how much they run, but still...geez! My DD has a lit teacher that always comes up with crazy things to do, which always means something crazy for me to go buy! Feel like telling her if she'll supply it, we'd be happy to comply! Good luck...
MT schools and expectations. sm
What do you say to people who believe the hype the MT schools push?  I'm having an exchange on another board with someone who absolutely believes that after a 4-month course she will immediately be making $60,000 a year while working at home with 5 kids one of whom is a special needs child.  I tried to tell her to be realistic, but she won't listen.  She basically insinuates I don't know what I'm talking about even though I've been in the field for 30+ years.  I have nothing to gain by telling her the truth, however, the schools have a lot to gain by propagating these unrealistic expectations.  What do you tell someone like this?    I really have my doubts this person will even make it through the course even after paying $2500.
and your lack of expectations for yourself is showing.
x
If the contract does not state expectations
I offer to continue to provide services for two weeks. I have had a company that wanted 30 days, but I think that is just in case they need the coverage. With the couple of companies that I have left, though it was on good terms that I left, none have needed even a two-week notice.
As an IC, you should have had a contract that outlines your expectations and theirs. SM

Usually when working as an IC for a service, the service has the IC sign a contract.  I'm kind of surprised they didn't have you sign your life away when you started working for them.  However, not having a contract may actually work in your favor on this issue, because now you can negotiate your terms for working holidays or working extra on your days off.  And you can in a nice way say you've been meaning to get them a copy of your standard contract and now would be a good time to go over everybody's expectations.


You are correct in your expectations. I know the answers to these questions.
This is information a recruiter should know by heart.
It is very realistic - sm

I have a 3-year-old and work around him.  I try to get up around 6 a.m. and get in 2-3 hours of work before he wakes up.  I do another 1-2 hours during his nap time.  I finish up at night after DH is home.  We are also at this time trying for baby #2 - I CAN"T WAIT!! 


Unfortunately, what is not realistic is
getting answers from posters on this board who are not condescending, hateful, and just plain ugly.

Obviously, you've already received posts of varied opinions.

If you really want to try that situation on for size, why not pick up babysitting for someone's baby or small child and see how work fits in for you. You may decide that it isn't for you or that it's very workable for you.

If you cut back to 20 hours a week, you could easily work 4 hours a night when the baby goes to bed and never miss any time/care with him/her.

I think it would be prudent for you to realize that in order to make money at this work, especially in a remote situation, you really have to be dedicated and enjoy what you are doing. Otherwise, you'll be as bitter as many you see on here and probably not very productive.

Good luck with whatever you choose!
No but just realistic about 95% of MDs. Since
x
Sure it's realistic...
I'm back with Spheris, and the 1500 daily (always nightly in my case) is certainly possible with the large hospital account I transcribe for. I've been at it for 30+ years myself.
I am realistic......

All three of these are companies.  I don't have my own accounts.  I work as an IC for these companies.  I work for FutureNet, DTS and GIS.  Maybe you should look around more.


It takes me three months, then I catch up and exceed the expectations.
Also, takes about three months to decide if you even enjoy the work, company structure and your team members. If not happy, change teams or if it just does not fit, change teams until you feel at home. Being worried about your performed, feeling somwhat discouraged and even temporarily anxiety ridden is not unusual traits of a conscientious employee and valuable employee, by the way.
You're realistic like me...
I'm a diehard second shifter for 30 years now and would have it no other way. I find your topic totally unreal and wonder what planet you've been living on, sorry. Look around you, the days are gone in this country when hard working folks can "demand" and get much of anything, especially getting back the old ways of doing things, and I seriously doubt there will ever be a big turnaround regarding the global viewpoint; we're already out there and it's expanding cause the third world is where it's at regarding how to make a buck and use the people. We're going to have to change our personal lives financially to survive and go with the flow.
Rude or realistic?
You know, I visited this site first time while training online almost six years ago. I thought it was great and then not. I quit coming here for years and then used it as I saw fit for my needs but usually glanced before I left at the postings. I am really happy with the change since xx. I feel this is a much more peaceful place than before. Sure, there are differences in opinions and such, but that's what makes it unique and special. I am glad to see that nothing really has changed much since the other owners moved on. I feel the new owners give more liberties in the way of speaking your mind, and I for one appreciate that for sure.

No, you won't always get the answers you want or hear the "yes' answers you might like, but this is still a place to hear everybody's thoughts which I think is a really great thing. I remember telling my mentor that I felt this was just a B board and how could I trust one person's thoughts or point of view from another? She told me, you can't really, but if three or more people are saying the same thing, you might want to question it. She was right! Thanks B. You taught me well.

For those who come onboard thinking and/or feeling intimidated; don't feel that way if you can help it. This is one of the most informative boards you can happen upon.

If some of us sound B or grouchy, we've probably just had a long and hard day with crap dictators which you will soon know about. Everyday is not a bed of roses in this field.

Still, I am back after years of really not frequenting the board, and I think the old timers and people who are fairly new to the field know what the heck they are talking about and are right on target. I wouldn't base a job on another person's experience or opinion, BUT I would think twice if I saw the same complaint numerous times.

I don't really think that folks post to be malicious, though some may. I feel most of us post our true experiences with different companies and we do it hoping others don't fall into the same horrible traps we may have got caught up in. Truth is though, I've just had bad timing a time or two and happened into bad situations when companies were a mess. They later "got it together" and were fine, so who knows. Go with your gut as admin suggests on this board and don't base an important decision about work on somebody else's opinion or experience. My mentor did tell me though, and I still do heed the warning, if more than xx people say it's true, it just might be. Thanks
B for warning me. lol You're great
This sounds like my kind of relationship! No great expectations and you can relax
I always have a fear of disappointing people. It has caused me to isolate myself...
Does your employer offer incentive for exceeding quality expectations?

On the flip side, does your employer have any kind of disciplinary (for lack of a better word) procedure in place for MTs who consistently fail QA reviews?


Finally, what do you think the consequences for constantly failing QA review should be?


Thank You!


 


I agree, Simon is just being realistic!
nm
She asked for advice and that is realistic
x
Ok - There's a diff between DREAM job and REALISTIC GREAT job!
Do want that? Seriously.

What's *realistic* is that after I've paid my rent, (sm)
my utility bill, my car insurance, my ISP & phone bills, my medical co-payments, dental bill, etc., I usually have a choice between eating or buying gasoline. So currently my car sits in the carport, fuel-less and rarely driven, but insured - just so that I can continue my close relationship with Chef Boy-Ar-Dee and day-old (or older) bread.
1500 lines per day? Is this a realistic line
count to be able to make daily in the current MT climate? I have been in MT field for 30 years, with last 10 as QA.  I hate it, and can't wait to transcribe again. I am still really fast, never lost my skills thankfully, and can easily hit 1500 lines per 8 hour shift IF the work is there, though.  That is the target I would have to hit to even come close to what I am making currently as QA - things are tight on this salary, and can't get much tighter!  Do you think most companies have this sort of workload to offer MTs?  I used to work for 2 companies 15 years or so ago. Maybe do you think it would be more realistic for me to try to work for 2, or is 1500 lines steadily daily not a big deal?  I'm just so used to getting paid hourly, and never having that gut-wrenching fear of running out of work.  I don't need benefits at all, so IC is a big possibility.  I hope you understand, and I really appreciate your thoughts.   I'm so scared, but have to get out of my current situation at "you-know-where" before I lose my "you-know-what"...   Figured I'd peddle myself off as an MT rather than QA - worry about that down the road at a good company.
lets be realistic and talk about companies
nm
I do that all the time. You haven't snapped, you're just realistic. -nm
xx
Does anyone have any good, realistic advice for working on 60 different accounts!?...(exaggeration)

but I am really getting frustrated.  I left a company who bumped me off my ERs (which I did for over a year and were my 'bread-and-butter', and the more I complained or asked about it, the worst dictation I got, etc.  This was a change of management in which that company went down-hill fast, anyway, as far as the treatment of MTs. 


so I left, and now at the 'new' company I am still doing 5, 6 accounts.  Forget ERs, I am told. 


the question is, I am working on so many accounts, and even accounts with different management, different QA.  I am embarrassed to mention I just did a report using the SPECS FROM THE WRONG ACCOUNT.  Luckily, I had sent the report to QA, but I get a note from the QA like 'read the specs' (stupid) is how it sounded.  Yeah, I did, but for the wrong account. 


these companies do not see how making people work on so many accounts is going to be huge negative for them in the long-run.  they risk mistakes like this, not me. 


how does one keep it all straight, and why do we have to?  the only people who are having success, are people who will take any kind of abuse, it seems, and are just making the best of it.  does that mean only the aggressive will survive in this business? this gets more ridiculous all the time. 


not to mention, pay and money - LIVELIHOOD - severely diminishes the second week of pay-week.  anyone else notice that?  first week I am flying on the primary, second week in I am like getting scraps, working on 4, 5,6 accounts - there goes all I worked for in the first week. 


so these ladies typing 300+ lines/hour and making $50 thou a year, like so many boast on here, how,where, when ????  I am not getting it, and I am a 99-100% quality MT, working 35 hours/week.  every company I have worked with, my paycheck is totally dependent on the manager, period. 


That is only the half of it...check out this site for a more realistic view of the future of med rec
http://www.mohca.org/standardsbodies.php3

We have not much to fear from overseas, in my opinion, compared to the technology being created every day to reach the goal of the 'standardized text' paperless record (EHR - electronic health record).

No more 'free text' or dictation in the future.

Same for billing/coding, which will be done automatically with mobile point-of-care hand-held PCs.

Certainly, there will still be editors, but I can not get any solid information as to how this technology will affect MTs. Will be still be needed, if so, in what capacity.

I keep hearing we should be open to being trained in the new technologies that are coming, but hey, what ARE they, and who will train us?

The only thing AAMT seems to be suggesting/promoting, is (what will make them a lot of money) for certifying MTs...what good is that going to do us?

I would gladly train and learn new technology so I can 'stay in the game,' but how, what, where, who pays, when? What will it be, what do I have to do?

I have E'd several people, including Ms. Tessier herself, and have not gotten any kind of response, period.

Heck with being certified, tell me how I can keep my job for the next decade before I can retire and MT as we know it is extinct!

My apologies up-front for any typos - I am not 'on the clock' so-to-speak...thanks.
Be realistic! A newbie, fresh out school, no experience whatsoever cannot expect to get accounts

on her own and definitely cannot expect to earn $50k! 


EMR is coming whether you like it not and whether your doctors are older or not.  Eventually the older doctors will retire and the new generation coming out of medical school are products of this technological age.  There is no stopping it.


You have a good, realistic attitude about it. Good luck to you. nm
x
MT income

I am at #6, but have been an MT for 30+ years. 


But for those who need FT income...sm
I can see how that could be a problem for some. It is my intention to get a PT job, and if I don't get enough work, find another to fill it out; then, who ever pays best for the best work and least hassle WINS. However, my DH is the primary wage earner around here. My income helps, but we don't require it to live.
income

I live in New York, have been doing MT for 15 years and during all of that time I have needed to work 50 to 70 hours a week.  I started on working mostly from tapes. When the dictations started coming through the computer and I started using word expanders, income went way up.  But so has my rent - used to be $750, now $1100.  And my son eats a lot more at 14 than he used to! A few years ago I started working for 2 services for extra money... but now I couldn't get by without 2 jobs. The first job used to pay well, but with a combination of a new platform and VR,  plus being transferred to a different account at a lesser line rate, I make thousands less from them than I used to.  I am changing companies.  Would love a 40 hour work week but don't think it's possible.


40,000 not low income

maybe with 10 children..  I know of one circumstance (in my state, and some others) where a person can make a decent amount of money (sky's not the limit, but 50,000 range is OK) and still get Medicaid. It's a program for working people with disabilities, whose medical expenses are extremely high and would not be covered by regular insurance - including services of home health aide and transportation to medical appointments, equipment, etc etc). I am on this program (which I was not told about by Medicaid workers, had to do my own research). So I am in the curious position of receiving government assistance (Medicaid only, not food stamps or disability payments) and working/paying taxes at the same time.


Likely the OP is not in this category.


Income Tax after Death

I have a friend whose mother passed away in March of this year.  She was an IC and thus earned income right up until the time of her death.  Is her daughter now responsible for filing an income tax return and/or paying taxes on this income?  I know an accountant for her would be handy in this situation, but I thought I might get some opinions here as well.  Thanks!!


Disagree - it is NET income
You pay your social security on your NET income not your gross, after all your deductions and look around you will find them.   Also you are only paying 7.5% MORE than if you were an employee.  Again, as an employee you have the convenience of someone controlling and withholding your income tax while as an IC you do it.  I have more usable income as an IC than as an employee because of my deductions.  If your husband is working have him take one less deduction or have them hold out a specific amount that will offset what you make,  they will do that and that way you don't have to worry about paying quarterly taxes.   The IRS doesn't care who pays as long as if you are filing jointly the tax has been paid.  
He can't cut his income intentionally.. sm
It's written into the divorce decree (if you have a halfway decent attorney) that income cannot be reduced.. and even if it is.. the child support and other payments remain the same as ordered. Been there...and done that..
Monthy Income
I would like to know what short cuts "nm" is using in order to make $60K a year.  Maybe that will help us all make more money.  Thanks.
Yearly income

I have three 1099's here in front of me  -- one for 24K, one for 13K,  and one for 5K.    My W2 one is for 14 almost 15K.  I did work without 1099 in the amount of 3K.   The reason that my average goes down on the IRS forms is that after all my business deductions -- which includes my health insurance and 401K and Self employed retirement fund, mileage, supplies, etc. it goes down to less than 20K.   Believe me or not, but it is possible and I still have time to go on the boards.  I do not work 60 to 70 hours per week. 



I have my own accounts and my income
was around $38,000. That is around $3,100 a month. I work M-F and usually work 8-hour days, though there are times I need to put in an extra hour or two on the weekend or in the evening when the work is really coming in. If you work for someone else, that person is charging at least 3-4 cents per line over what they are paying you in order to turn a profit, so if you are making 7 cpl, you can bet they're charging at least 11 cpl, if not more. At 11 cpl, if you can achieve 1400 lines a day, that would be around $3000 a month. That would be 175 lines an hour and that is not an extraordinary amount for an experienced MT with Expanders and other production tools in place. I would venture a guess that most saying they make that much have their own accounts and those making less than that a month work for someone else.
Low income housing?
My sister is getting divorced and wants to move into this place that bills itself as "low income".  They told her they would take 30% of her income.  BTW, she is also an MT.  She says she makes about $1350 a month, but has a van payment and various bills.  I am asking on here because the place won't answer any of her questions right now.  She needs to be moved by the 15th of March.  I am wondering if anyone knows how they can take over $400 of her income and still call themselves "low income" that doesn't seem fair.  I knew a lady that lived their with one child and paid less than $10 a month.  I mean what about her other bills?  She has 4 little children (twins 4, and  6- and an 8-year-old).  I hate to see her move in there and overpay.  My mom and I don't know what to tell her.  She's been through quite an ordeal already.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!  Aunt Maria
annual income
Watch out, you will be accused of being childish from the same person who refers to "some" fellow MTs as unfortunately not having a brain. Hmmm, pot calling the kettle black? That was so rude and so not called for.....is that necessary!
20K is my taxable income

Boy you guys do not know how to read financial statements or know the first thing about running your own business.   That is my taxable income.  I start out about 55K and end up paying taxes on only 20K if that.  I support myself in a very unique lifestyle living on a floating home.  I contribute 15K to a my own retirement fund.  I have NO debt.  And I probably spend no more on gas than if I were working at a hospital but I get to deduct the mileage which is a good deduction.   The only outlay that I have that I would not have if I were working for someone else is supplies -- sticky paper and toner.  I have looked at employee versus IC or business owner and I am so much more ahead financially doing it this way.  A lot more usable income.  And I only work 30 hours per week even with deliveries and pick-ups.   So before you speak, learn how to realize what is net, gross and  taxable income.   


loss of income
I think this is happening to many of us in this profession.  I am making two thirds of what I made 13 years ago and there is no way to get clients in my area as one hospital went out of business, two merged and gave the docs laptops and the largest only uses one service and has a 10 year contract but I have heard they are giving all new doctors laptops too.  The hospitals in my area own most of the clinics, family meds and speciality offices too.  Time for me to think about something else.
income taxes
Hi - Now working as an IC. Can anyone tell me what form or format you use when filing your taxes to list deductions from work-related items. Would appreciate any help on this.  Thanks
Income potentials...
There are so many variables to that, but since no one has posted yet...

I think the average for a newbie (which you will be starting out until 2 years) is around 5-7 cents per line. The average after your "2 years of experience" goes up to about 8-10 cpl. There are so many variables, and every company is different. Of course, if you were to be running your own business, that is another story altogether, which maybe someone else will respond to (as I have no idea on that). Most companies require between 1000 to 1200 lines per day (full time) to 5000 to 6000 (part time). That is my understanding as a general rule. I'm not an expert, but that might give you some idea anyway. There is a website/magazine called Advance for HIM. They have a salary survey on their website for MTs you might find helpful.

Hope this helps!

Rae
Just report your income
Keep copies of your invoices, and just report your income from her.  Some do not provide 1099's.  It is your responsibility to keep track of your income and report that. 
Still if she has $11-22K a month of income - sm
you don't think that is enough to pay all her bills with some left over for herself? What is her equipment made out of? Gold or some other precious metal. Most call in systems run $5-10K, even if she has 5 of them I would think she could have them paid off in a year, 2 tops; granted I do not know how long she has been in business but with 44 clients/accounts I would guess it has been a little while. If she is working out of her home then she has her "home office" deduction, if she rents an office I would suggest finding something cheaper obviously. It is just hard to comprehend that she has $11-22K a month in expenses; how many QA people does she have? What is she paying them, hourly or by the line? Are they cheating her if paid hourly? She definitely needs to do some restructuring/reorganization in order to keep afloat. She doesn't give any details so it is a little hard to give her a sensible answer, we can only guess and she will have to see what fits and what advice she finds useful. If her 44 clients barely produce 2000 lines a month, then that is $8800 a month for herself to pay bills, QA, attorney, etc. That is a much slimmer number but that is still a high cost to doing business, $105K a year, just does not seem right. But again we do not know details and can only guess.
Variable Income

You are so right.  Maybe we need to stick together and ask for hourly wage that is fair to us and to the hospital/clinic/private office, benefits that mean something, and all work our shifts.  If some of us don't keep up then we will get fired!  However, the rest of us will all benefit immensely and be fairly treated.  It seems in the world of transcriptiion that we, the transcriptionists, always get ripped off.  Consider that my husband has a "regular job" and has had yearly cost of living increases, bonuses, etc. forever.  By my estimation, my pay translated into hourly has gone down considerably.  Twenty years ago the hourly offered for our services has never changed one iota and now that we are home not only did it go down (unless we skip lunch and work over) but we have lost all our benefits unless we work for cheap line counts for big nationals.  I am tired of them taking all of my money, are you?  It is just like the health insurance racket.  They have all kinds of "middle men" who get their piece of the action from the people who really do the work.  My husband's share we pay for our benefits has gone up, his company's share has gone up and the offerings have gone down.  Why?  There is no real need for middle men.  All they do is drive the cost of things and the real workers get it in the neck or other body parts I won't mention because I am a lady. Face it, doctor's don't even know we exist any more.  There is no personal factor.  I don't need constant affirmation, but it was nice when the doctors I transcribed for vaguely or not so vaguely knew who I was and respected me and my integrity and realized I made some contribution to their practice by my careful attention to detail.  They also remembered that I too worked there when everyone else got a raise.  I guess I am done now, but this gripes me so much and we all continue to sit here and type and nothing changes.  Somehow others have insinuated themselves into our transcription business and are pocketing all the profits and calling all the shots.  Some days I feel like a rat in a wheel. 


#2 is a good income but
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