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Should I chalk your post up to just plain old ignorance, the fact that you can't read or SM

Posted By: Experienced MT on 2005-09-11
In Reply to: Then DON'T work for "newbie" wages - .

are you just plain stupid!


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that was just plain ugly, sorry I read that post (NM)
xx
in fact - read inside -news article
"There's a critical shortage of qualified labor," said Lea Sims, a spokeswoman for the American Association of Medical Transcription, in Modesto, Calif.

Medical transcriptionists in the United States are aging. The median age for workers in the profession is between 48 and 50 years of age and younger workers are not lining up to enter the profession, which requires extensive training and time to become proficient, Sims said.

Sims, who ran her own transcription services firm for eight years, said she always had more work than qualified people to do it.

That's why the industry has looked at offshore labor, although that strategy comes with its own host of challenges, such as ensuring the security of patient data and encountering communication barriers, health experts say."


AND THIS PART"

CBay's growth in its six years has earned it a spot on private company rankings by Forbes magazine and Deloitte & Touche LLP. The company recently doubled its office space in Annapolis, to 20,000 square feet.

Managers credit the company's growth to its ability to slash transcription costs for cash-strapped hospitals like the University of Michigan Health System and physician practices by relying on cheaper resources overseas. "

Another hospital that sees the need to outsource to India is Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.



You know, your post reminded me of the fact that...
people in general think doctors are here to serve us as humanitarians, as if they don't have a right to make money being a doctor.  It's as if they are evil if they want to make money at their profession.  Last time I checked, people who attend medical school are often spending their own money (6 figures plus), taking out loans, or working hard to qualify for a scholarship, and why shouldn't they make money after they finish all that schooling?  Now if the govt wanted to pay their training, some doctors could choose that route and be happy with the reimbursement the govt. deems fair.  I think that will ultimately be the only way we will come up with a medical care system for those who cannot afford insurance.  In the UK you can choose govt care or private insurance.  In Canada you are not allowed to practice medicine privately without HUGE penalties.  A complicated matter, for sure.
Yes, I read your post, and I just re-read it, and I've copied and pasted for you in case

you've forgotten your own words! Your post above is 100% different "flavor" to it, now all positive and cheery! Your first post was 100% doom and gloom every which way, including "raining on your parade", and "if you want to go forward"...God, sounds like she's talking about jumping into oncoming traffic! Here is your quote:


My first boss (the one who hired me as a new grad) gave me some words of wisdom that I haven't forgotten. She said that transcribing at home with small children NEVER works under any circumstance. Either the work will suffer or the parenting will suffer.


****


How can the word "NEVER" in caps be interpreted in any positive way? You took about 8 paragraphs to cover every aspect and completely dash this poor woman's dream.  I'm not blind, I'm not talking about day care at all, I'm talking about the total negativity of your original post! You know exactly what I'm talking about, cause you added some sugar to your second version! And that's much nicer than the first!


I totally understand your post, and the fact that
the fact that you (and the rest of us) are paid so little for high expected volumes of production, that absolutely ANYTHING that happens to slow us down, even a tiny little bit, is often a financial disaster for those of us living paycheck-to-paycheck and just barely getting by. If we were FAIRLY COMPENSATED for the work we do, instead of being continually CHEATED, UNDERVALUED AND UNDERPAID, then minor glitches like new software, new accounts, ESLs, would be just a bump in the road, not potential food stamps and/or homelessness.

I, too have plenty of work. And I, too am appalled at the fact that no matter how many hours I work, how much faster I try to type (without compromising quality), it seems like it's always SOMETHING. Right when you're clicking along and the income is starting to go up a little bit, they will:
A. Hit you with harder accounts, ESLs, or scratchy, fuzzy-sounding files that even a bat couldn't hear clearly.
B. Have a huge push to get absolutely everything in TAT, right before a holiday or long weekend when you KNOW it's going to fall off, and half of us will be scrounging for work.
C. 'Upgrade' the working platform, (which translates to: )
D. Put all these obstacles and hoops you have to jump through in your way, which are big time-wasters: Meetings, 'training', and various PC and program tweaks.
E. Decide to take their server down for maintenance, and it's always during YOUR shift.
F. While you're midway through a l-o-n-g, 1 hr, 45-min. dictation, which has a mushmouthed/ESL dictator, is very technical and requires a lot of research on drugs, procedures and equipment that is too new to be in the references yet, and during the entire dictation, a loud going-away party for one of the nurses is going on just a few feet away from the dictator, who is eating and while dictating, and occasionally turning away from the microphone to watch the tipsy party attendees, all the while continuing to dictate. The report was of course STAT, and was 30 min. away from TAT when you downloaded it. Then your supe calls you in the middle of all this and asks you what you're doing, and where the report is.
The fact that the original, nearly incoherent post was written by an American MT or at least an

American based MT.  The original poster is the reason why we can't make a decent wage and the reason why a company would choose to outsource to India at a cheaper line rate versus paying an American MT.


 


Chalk one up for the American MT - sm
Just got an account that was using a company that outsourced and this account was having to do so many corrections that when they called me to inquire about my service the first question they asked was whether I outsourced. Of course, I said no and they said, "good because we will not work with a service that outsources any longer after our experience!!"

Score for American MTs!!! They will all have to learn the hard way! Go USA!!
Chalk One Up for American MT

Good afternoon,


HOORAH....another one for the "good" guys!  I really believe we can turn this "outsourcing" thing around but it may take some time.  Don't forget---WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO!       


chalk it up to experience
I have had this happen soooo many times. Once, this dude even sent me a DAC, kept bugging me at my real job and also wanted to recruit my other three coworkers. This went on for about a month, we all got "hired", got our equip and then poof....
No, actually they don't. You guys run on emotion, not fact. And when fact is presented,
c
Chalk up another one for Dionne Warwick!

Chalk it up to experience and move on to the next one

When I was looking for the job I have now, I think I had applied to 15 different places.  This employer I had actually applied to about a month before I heard from them.  I figured they weren't interested.


The courtesy of a thanks, but no thanks, doesn't exist any more.  I'd say move on to the next one, unless this particular company is a place that you REALLY want to work.  Chances are, though, that if they're not hiring, someone else will be.


Good luck in your search.


Did you read my post?

First of all there was tear gas canisters thrown by the guardsmen into the crowds and they were thrown back at the guardsmen.  That is documented in articles, (look on line) and by first hand eye witnesses that were there. 


Anyway, my post was not about what exactly went on at Kent State.  I was using that as an example of how your child could go to college and find themselves in a position of danger.  Serial killers, rapists, what have you.  It was in response to a post about how Natalee went to Aruba and found trouble but that probably wouldnt be likely at a college.  OKAY?????  I never said people didnt have the right to protest or that war was good OR that the gov was responsible or not. 


I am all for protesting and exercising our rights as private citizens of this free country.  But somewhere along the way from my original post, someone got off on a completely different subject.  this was about natalee.


Did you even READ my post?
It's been a great, lucrative career for me. I've loved it from the start and still do. I've mentored and encouraged many along the way. I'm a QA specialist, college instructor and a consultant. I'll exceed 50K this year and have a very flexible schedule. No weekends, no evenings, and take off when I want. Additionally, I've been at home with my kids all this time. I've worked my way to the top and I'm good at what I do. No gloom and doom here. The point I made (that you somehow missed) was that times have changed. It's much more difficult than it used to be and sometimes it's nearly impossible to get a break. I'll repeat myself--I work for a private college. We trained many great MTs. We were FORCED to drop our program because of job market for new graduates is so poor. It's not too difficult to place a graduate in an in-house position (I teach in a large metropolitan area), but few women enter this profession with working in-house as their goal. Tuition at a private college (students could earn a certificate or an associate's degree) is very, very expenstive. No, you don't HAVE to spend thousands and thousands, but many students do. Then when they graduate, many are faced with harsh reality. I'm not SPECULATING on this; I've seen it happen time and time again.

The daycare issue is a personal choice and has been argued into the ground. We all know it's difficult for an MT to be productive and accurate with a 2-year-old whining in our ear. Some of us make it work; others can't. Making an informed decision requires hearing stories from ALL sides.

Oh my!! I think we should all NOT read the new post at the top! Looks like another
flamer to me! Now its gonna spin into birth control issues and world over population!  I'm not mad at anyone! I am happy! Please be happy, too!!  I will try warm milk, but just in about 6 hours when I'm hitting the hay!
Are you the OP? Yes, I read your post.
I didn't even say anything about "correcting their wrong crap." (Nice structure, by the way.)

The question was "Why go to MT School." I answered it.
1. It gives you more flexibility/choices in employment.
2. You learn relevant aspects of medical terminology. I didn't learn "perineal" vs. "peroneal" in K-12, nor did I learn that 125 mg of Synthroid is an incorrect dose.
3. You get experience in hearing what was said and transcribing it accurately. Many MTs lacking an adequate MT education have difficulty separating "what they hear" from "what they said."

I read your post below, thank you and....

As for above I should say people do need "protein" in their diet, NOT meat, especially not like this.  I've also been trying to slowly get it out of my diet the past few years and after seeing the images, knowing and hearing those sounds I don't think I could physically eat it.  Its unbelievable to me.  We need people like you out there spreading the word, these animals have no voice so they need us.  Do you know if putting pressure on them by PETA has brought about any changes??


Do you have ADD? Did you read my post? sm

I have work now that pays me well and it's more than 10 cents a line (which is considered an "excellent line rate.")  I do not need to "start my own company."


However, if some companies can charge 18 to 20 cpl (which I have read on this board), why can't they pay quality MTs more than they pay newbies? 


This is a MUST READ post, the 20 yr exp...etc. nm
x
Of course I read your post.

I can comprehend that you are a WEE bit prone to exaggeration and apparently it is making your life miserable.  If you look through this website you will quickly see that many posts do not concern MQ. 


My take on this is that right now there are many more MQ posts because of the looming change in our jobs/status/benefits and it's got many of us worried.


If you want an edited MT forum to your liking I suggest you open your own site.  Otherwise live and let live, please.


when I read your post...
I get angry that as transcriptionists we have somehow found ourselves in a no-win situation. There should be no reason you are having to work yourself to death to learn a new job. Only in our profession does one NOT get paid to learn. Any other job you go to, you are paid while training for the job...no matter how much you know the work, places are different and everyone has to learn the routine. And in transcription, this can be VERY, VERY hard to learn a new company and all their account specifics, rules and guidelines and systems!  I feel for you. I understand your feelings about your son. I raised my son alone on my sole salary and worked from sun up to sundown ... but I did stop long enough in between to take care of him. I went to ballgames, I went to school functions, I helped with homework and projects, etc. and when he went to bed at night, I started working again.... well into the night. It was not easy, but I got to be with my son and participate in his school and curricular activities while he was growing up. I would not take ANYTHING for that time and wish I had more of it now. I did what I had to do. Thank goodness in your situation, you have a husband who can share some of this responsibility with you. It's a matter of prioritizing... and it's not easy. It means giving up certain things. I sacrificed a lot over the years .. I don't drive fancy cars, I don't live in a fancy house and I have a very functional wardrobe. I don't compare myself to others. I find that I am much happier than others I work around now who have all those things. My son is much more well adjusted than many of their children also.I am very blessed. We have our children for such a short time, it's not until we get older that we realize exactly how precious every single minute of it was!  I wish for you the best and hope you can make the right decision for you and your family.  May God Bless you.
I did read the post
I think she means the virtual money that the MTSO would be pocketing if they had no QA. The money they would not need to be paying to QA if all of their MTs were "up to par" and did their jobs, or the "reality" of a company needing fewer QA personnel when they have more MTs that need less/no QA.

Do you really think that MTs who send work to QA to save themselves time rather than looking it up and finding it on their own deserve to be paid the same as the MTs who take pride in their work and ensure quality work is sent in by them rather than having someone else complete the job?
Wow! I have read every post, actually, all day. While
I did truly feel sorry for you, by night's end I am honestly thinking that you are needing to step back and calm down. This morning you were more "owning" your part in it - that you were late several times, had warnings, etc - by now you are going on and on about contacting the doctor, about some other lady who did so, yadda, yadda. I feel your pain - been there done that - most of us old MTs have, but you need to calm down, still own your part, and be rational. If you want to freak and contact the doctor, then just do it, but I believe every single one of us who posted have advised against it, and given you valid reasons to support our opinions. You ASKED for opinions - that's why you are posting, so though you don't like what I have to say, it is my right as well. Again, your tone has done a huge turn around from your original post, and I can now honestly say I empathize with the MTSO who does not want to keep communicating with you, whether via email or IM. It happens - we get fired. Why not look at it that she gave you another week to earn some $$  - I don't know. Again, you admitted your part in this earlier, and you have been advised many times how unprofessional it is for you to contact HER clients. You did NOT work for the doctor(s) - you worked for the MTSO, like it or not. And never believe what some other fired MT tells you she/he did - I don't know 1 single doctor who would give a hoot about a fired MT, nor who would want to get involved with a 10 foot pole. That's why the doctors use MTSOs - they don't want the bother. So while you may think you are going to get sympathy, and/or revenge, it will most likely backfire on you. Good night! Its late, and I am out of here!
You should read your own post over again...
You were the one who attacked me and yes, I got on here for support and advice so I came looking for it. I am not saying that I am going to contact the doctor, only that I feel that angry to do it. I have had my own accounts before, typing directly for doctors, I know what that is like. I have also helped other MT's to try to learn the business and for you to get on here and post that I am obsessed and that you are passing judgment without even konwing a person, wow, you have some problems. This forum is for support and yes, opinions too. Why don't you quit worrying about how many times I am posting? I can post as many times as I would like, on any board that will allow posting. By the way, doctors don't just use MTSO's, there are also doctors who use MT's and have contracts with them. Not all of them hire big companies, I think there are still a few MT's around who have their own accounts. I know I did. I wanted the opportunity to not have to drive around and print and have my work more readily available, so I decided to work for an MTSO. Excuse me for not getting my work in on time a few times, due to a storm or two knocking out my power, a sick child to take to the doctor, a death in the family. Whatever the case may be, let me bow down to the MTSO and beg for forgiveness, is that what you want? I have stated my situation here and you have turned it into your own power trip. What a shame. Who asked for the MTSO to KEEP communicating anyway? They never communicated to begin with!! Would you feel upset if your paycheck were taken away? I guess not. Maybe you have a lot of friends you can call or family you can talk to and get support from. Excuse me for looking for some fellow MT's for venting. Sorry to have upset you!! Are you an MT? I highly doubt it.
Please read ALL of my post
I stated that I intend to work as an MT in the evenings and do real estate during the day.
read my above post....you are right...sm

You nailed it....and to Itsy Bitsy's post.....if this woman does something horrible to herself, it's not the OP's fault.  Seems to me her neighbor has a long history of this crud......this manipulation, this attention seeking behavior. 


So, if something horrible does happen....to the OP - not your responsibility, not your fault - do not take her problems on your shoulders.  We are neighbors, there to help.....but not with the bogus.  I'm not saying the neighbor doesn't have head/emotional problems, I'm merely saying her problems DO NOT BELONG TO THE OP......you, JD. 


Go on about your life and live it to the fullest.  We are not responsible for neighbor's who cannot pull it together and it's interesting that she can pull it together to go on a *fancy cruise* - so it seems to me her problems are used SELECTIVELY by her.


*steps off soapbox*


Read the post!

She said she was behind on her mortage.   


Unless she's got a very low mortgage, I seriously doubt holding a garage sale and making $500.00 is going to make a dent.  She probably needs to talk to her mortgage lender.  They have all types of programs now a days for people behind in the mortage to help them get caught up so they won't lose their home.  The last thing a mortgage lender wants is a foreclosure on their hands!


At first, when I read your post...
I thought maybe you were overreacting but now I'm not so sure. I guess I would play it cool for now but I don't get why your husband wouldn't give you this woman's number? And why would this woman need your husband's cell phone number? To get a hold of his friend? How would your husband be better able to get of him than she would? And, why is he hanging out with this so-called friend who's involving you both in this situation? That is no friend. I say dump the chump. You know too much already, and it could only get worse. Believe me, I've been there.
Read the post below.
Take your own advice. How much of a mea culpa do you expect? You don't have to make someone feel bad to make yourself look good.
I read the whole post sm
You tried to make me feel back in your original post. Practice what you preach. You could have said what you said in a different way.
Read the post again - I think it said
huh, make a loan from someone to tide her over. I think that falls under advice.
Where to post....please read.

We seem to have a lot of new posters, which is great.  Welcome everyone!  We also seem to be needing to move a lot of posts so others don't have to wade through them all.  So, below is a general outline of where to post what. 


 


Main:  Questions/comments regarding MT work. 


Gab:  Things to chat about, games to play, etc. 


Company:  Questions/comments regarding specific companies. 


Medquist:  Posts pertaining to MQ or between MQ employees.


Word:  Help with terminology, words, s/l. 


 


That about covers the main ones.  Keep in mind, it's always best to post on the correct board because when we move the post, you may lose some good responses. 


If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 


I think you'd better re-read my post

who doesn't get it.  I specifically stated I feel for those who are in a situation where they simply can't make enough money to even just live.  I also stated, I don't have new vehicles and sometimes don't get to buy what I'd like because I don't have the money. 


What I didn't put in was the fact that we just lost our house and the bulk of our posessions to a catatastrophe, so I do know what it's like for things to happen.  You're scathing post was out of line.  How dare YOU judge ME?


Do you even READ before you post??? (sm)
The OP CLEARLY states that she has applied "SO many places" in her post.

Do you even take the time to freaking READ people's posts before you fire off those rancid pearls of wisdom???

Geez, people like you are what's wrong with society today...a complete lack of compassion or empathy for anyone other than yourself.

Maybe one day you'll be in the OPs shoes. With any luck, those who reply will offer you just about the same amount of sympathy, decency and basic courtesy you offer others - NONE.


You know, I read your post...

I am also an IC that works from a pool.  I have two accounts on my own.  Part of being an IC is the flexibility.


I would say dig in early in the a.m. if that's when you are most productive.  If the kids have a question, then lend an ear but if it is a matter of you having to leave your workstation for whatever reason, then either tell them to find an alternative this minute or you'll be able to take them at such and such a time. 


Here's what happens when you go from what you are currently doing to trying to work a schedule, you can't stay focused.  You are so used to the interruptions that once it's quiet, it's hard to stay focused.


I am feeling ya' and a lot of people will post here that you should only be working and not doing other things, but "other things" are part of life and what makes working at home "work."  A little play on words there, but I think you get the idea.


I get hugs from my 8 year old and questions from my 14 year old and quite frankly sometimes I don't know if the 14 year old is inside or out, but he's so used to me being here, that I know he's fine and making the right decisions. 


I think you should read the post again..

"And now doesn't want to pay."


OP never stated that they didn't want to pay.  You really jump to conclusions.  She has not worked with this physician before.  It most likely was a simple mistake.  Why jump straight to the idea that they are expecting her to work for free or will "burn" her?  Do you really believe that this office will now go around and "tell everyone that Lisa works for free?"  Do you really believe that?  There is a difference between working for free and giving someone the benefit of the doubt when most likely they made an honest mistake.  And, no, it has nothing to do with being a doormat.  Here is that definition:  One that submits without protest to abuse or indignities.  Every person who has responded to her post has, at a minimum, suggested that she make it very clear that she will not accept this scenario again -- that would be protest.  I'm sorry that you have been burned before, but that's a big stretch at this point in this particular situation. 


Don't read this post unless you really want to cry...
... I have a local account, a small one unfortunately (one doctor, short dictations, only sees patients 2 or 2-1/2 days a week) for which I get paid 25 cents a line as an IC.

At my full-time job for a national, I make 8.75 cpl plus benefits.

I make about one-third of my monthly pay on the local account, and I am very glad to have it, because I live in a very high cost of living area, and if I didn't have the local account, I would not be able to survive on what the full-time job pays me.
Congrats to him--tell him to chalk this up as a "lesson learned" for the future--NM
nm
Do you currently post on MT Daily or read it?

I was thinking about paying the $48 but then I thought there are only limited amount of people who will pay so probably not as good as MTStars.  It was fun though before they started charging and if they only charged half as much they would draw more people.  $48 is way high when other boards are free.


Please read the post at the top of page by
See Msg.  You will love it.  It has quotes by all your liberal friends.  Pass it around.
Sorry, I vented above before I read your post. nm
nm
I think YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN AND RE-READ THE POST .
Cherry picking is being done by the ROUTERS not you. CALM DOWN!
read the thread. then post.
i'll be editing and tell you what to do next. i hope you listen to me because i will make your life 100% better with my advice. i know everything if only you will listen.
My post was not to you! I know how to read than you very much. It was to MQLOVER
Now, you learn to read and figure out where my post was posted! She/he responded. You apparently cannot figure out who is responding to who!
ok I went back and re-read your post.

You have 2 toddlers who need daycare.


You have a teen (the childsupport)


You have $350 roomie but that + disappears with his costs of living there.  and I would be scared to count on it.


You have $9500 CC bill which that payment is probably about $200 a month.


At $42,000 that is not solid money - it is PT monies. 


1.  Can the BF come up with his probable court-ordered child support of at least $1000 a month? 


2.  Do you make car payments?


3.  How much is your student loan payment - and for how much longer?


4.  Do you have a degree in something?  Should you stay in transcription? 


5.  Can you make the house payments if the BF finks out on the child support in 2 years if your 16 yo moves out and gets married and doesn't attend college?


6.  You will be at an expensive time in your life with the 1 and 2 YO/ who will then be 3 and 4 years old by then and still needing day care.


7.  A house is expensive upkeep.  And much energy.


I agree with the others.  Don't jump the gun here.  Take care of one thing at a time.  Get yourself into a situation where you won't be stressed if there comes a blip in the road - like you break your arm - or the car tears up - or you need an emergency root canal - one of the kids breaks a leg and you need to stay home.  There are a million things. 


I would rent, move BF out, get childsupport started from him to see how that goes, re-look at the budget.


when the FT job comes around, and if you feel it is the one for you and they are good for the money, then look at the house.  You must live for you, not the 16 YO. 


By then you will have your FT monies coming in, the child support coming in, you will know what your extra income is, you will have all your insurances in place and leave time built up, and a house may be good by then.  Also, the market is overvalued right now.  They are saying people buying right now may be buying things that won't be worth what they paid for them in a year. 


Do you have any family you could stay with at all for 6 months.  You need some breathing space, girl. 


Again, good luck.


Never mind. Just read your post further down.
Glad to know they gotta go.
I just re-read my post ROFL !
I am laughing so hard I'm crying. I'm a stickler for misspellings and I typed the word "tole" instead of "told"!!! Am I suthern or wut?? Egad!
I read a post on here recently that one MT
rooms in her house (I think a guest room and office) and moves from room to room with different accounts. If you have the $, I think that would be neat!
Why don't you read the post before you blast it?
???
That pic is too distracting, had to read the post twice.(nm)
x
Did you read Paulette's post below?
Sorry, I don't think you're going to get sympathy here today. Brace up and good luck honey.