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Sounds like all the doublespeak inflicted on us at our employee meetings. Finger-pointing, no const

Posted By: Burned on 2006-06-18
In Reply to: Wrong - if you had gone to college you wouldn't be having this conversation. - Bad choices = no options.

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I find most everything in your post to be finger pointing.
You are putting every excuse in the world out there as to why you are not able to do the job you were hired to do.

Sorry to hear about your past but that is NOT why you were FORCED to take a job. You made a CHOICE to take the job.

Yes, it is legal for an employer to ask you to do more than one account. It is NOT abuse but, by the other statements in your post, that you feel everything is someone else's fault.

If the job isn't for you, then go find one that is. The point is that your most profitable work might not be in medical transcription.
Meetings transcription
How would you charge for the meetings dictation, would it still be the 65 cpl, per page, gross line. 
I use the enclosed for my meetings with new clients. May be able to use some of them--sm
Spec Sheet

„Ï How many doctors? ________. Names and credentials exactly as wanted for signature line.
„Ï Clinic hours_______________________
„Ï Does office close for doctor¡¦s vacation?
„Ï What is the estimated amount of dictation in minutes per day?
„Ï Turnaround time__________
„Ï Is there ever any STAT work needed? If so, what are the expectations for that work?
„Ï
„Ï Pickup time___ if tape is not ready at this time, TAT is no longer in effect.

DICTATION

„Ï Micro cassette___________ C-phone______________
„Ï Return cassette unerased?
„Ï Will patient log sheet be provided for name spelling/acct #?
„Ï Will office sign for returned work? _________ POC ___________
„Ï What font?
„Ï How do they want you to flag blanks or questions? How to flag for any questions/inconsistencies
„Ï
„Ï Samples provided?



PRINTING
„Ï How is transcribed data to be returned? Printed_______Floppy disk ____
„Ï If printed, client____ service _____will provide paper, letterhead, envelopes.
„Ï If I have to call the office to determine proper spelling of patient's names or doctors¡¦ names the turnaround time is no longer guaranteed.
„Ï Typing letters and envelopes or just actual medical reports. If addresses are not provided for recipients of letters, there will be an added clerical service fee for my time of $0.25 per letter/envelope.
„Ï
„Ï Faxing or mailing reports to third parties will not be done.


BILLING INFO

„Ï What kind of invoice is preferred?
„Ï Billing date: ___________ Payment date: _____________
„Ï Reprints for transcribed data delivered in the past and signed for by office staff will be charged at $0.75 per page.
„Ï _________________________________________________
„Ï Reprints¡Xreprints of reports with an error made by me will be provided at no charge. Reprints of reports with corrected errors by the doctor will be provided at $0.75 per page.

I was not pointing you out. (SM)
Just reminding of the other boards. Posts need to be on the correct boards.

Moderator
I said nothing of the kind. I was pointing out

a high enough rate to pay subcontractors 15 to 18 cpl and I said that I only get 14 and 15 cpl myself  as an MTSO and I have 25 years of experience and great references and all my accounts from word of mouth.  Sorry, but the money's not there.  I also pointed out that I knew of a hospital that was charging clinics 18 cpl for their MTs to transcribe the clinic work and the clinics did not want to pay that much and found services to do it for less. 


It's nice to DREAM that you are going to get 15 to 18 cpl, but it's not going to happen.  Wake up and realize that competition is driving the price down.  Even with your own accounts, 15 cpl is about the top you are going to get and that's if you're lucky.  Go out and look for your own accounts and you'll come back a little wiser.  That's why I said you're not going to get 15 to 18 cpl.  I didn't say you aren't worth it; I said you're not going to get it.  If you think you are, you are dreaming.


Pointing hand
Okay, what does the symbol of the little hand pointing to the right on this forum mean? 
It is pointing south, but ...
it has to be aimed directly at a particular satellite. There is evidently an arc of them to the south, but we are aimed at one that one of the techs admitted they were having problems with.

past pointing
no past pointing
It was nothing that I could put my finger on definitely. sm
Keep in mind this was 4-5 years ago though. I paid good money for my McAfee and had it for about a year and then they said they were not going to suppot that version any more and I would have to either upgrade (more expensive) or lose my tech support. So I entered the world of searching for a good AV program.

Other than that, it was a conglomeration of a lot of stuff. I didn't think it was very user friendly (or maybe I just didn't read enough of the tutorial) LOL, but it did not play well with some of my other software I had. It seemed to constantly butt heads with my SpyBot S&D. That being said, it did the job it was supposed to do, which I guess sometimes is all we can expect.
I was not pointing fingers at a particular region, sm
just pointing out that we in the Northeast have our share of bad weather.  In fact, we get just about everything here.  Blizzards, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, even earthquakes for that matter, albeit, minor earthquakes in the last century.  Highest recorded winds were on top of Mt. Washington in New Hamphshire.  Been there several times.  Cold.  It's expensive to live here, too.  Due to proximity to the Big Apple, we get a lot of celebrities and rich types living here, driving up the per capita, while the rest of us pay the price at the pump, for real estate, you name it.   Nobody tries to give us a hand.  Just take from us.  Funny, I work for a national, but don't get paid anymore than those in lower expense areas.  When I worked for corporations before MT, pay was gauged to the region of the country we lived in.  Those on west coast and Northeast made a little more because of the expenses in our areas. 
some of us have been pointing to this for the past two years
and there will be others who will reply "plenty of work for GOOD MT's" which I wish they would have posted that for the 150 US Heartland MT's that got canned. You might say "Come ON people!  Offer more than that!  We are WORTH it!!!"  Apparently we aren't worth it or they would offer more. As they say in Economics 101, "the market will only pay what the market will bear."  Offshoring, EMR and VR are eating away at MT, the only thing left will be the junk ESL....
Neuro exam: no pes pointing?? nm THX!
nm
I found "past-pointing", but woe is me! nm
For more years than I care to remember, LOL, I always typed "pass pointing" and QA never, ever caught it. YECHHHH! :(
yep - it's the finger using the mouse the most

I have had this problem for so long, been through multiple mice, now on logitech for a couple of years (better but not great).  I just live with it - been MTg for 3 decades........hands always hurt too cuz I won't have carpal tunnel surgery or any hand surgery (been there, done that, and never again).  Hope you feel better.  Advil helps but Advil is not all that good for you for any length of time....


 


http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content/full/181/5/1224


Finger fumbling

Hello all:


I was wondering if maybe some of you might have some pointers for me.  I have been doing transcription for almost 3 years, and I have days where I have "fumble fingers."  This really gets on my nerves as on the days I have fumble fingers it seems it takes me forever with my documents.  I was just wondering if anyone else has days like these? Any ideas on what to do?  I can typically type 80-85 words per minute, but when I have finger fumble days, of course it makes me type slower because I am having to continually backspace!!


Thank you :)


Finger stiffness - sm
All the time... I'm only 40 too. It must be contageous!
geesh yourself. I wasn't being rude, just pointing out that

the people I worked for, over the years 4 different chiropractic offices in different states, and they all had cases filed against them for various complaints regarding treatment.  So, in MY opinion, I do consider them bone crunchers and I would never go to one for treatment. 


Sciatica affects the nerves and acupuncture is HIGHLY effective in the treatment of sciatica because they treat the nerve not the spine.  Acupuncture for sciatica is the better way to go than by treatment of a chiropractor. 


Has anyone had to work with a booboo finger?
I dropped a tire on my right middle finger last night and ended up in the emergency center.  Turns out I crushed the tip of the bone.  I have disability, but does anyone know if it's possible to get some kind of supplemental insurance to make up the difference?  This is my worst work nightmare, that something might happen to my hands.  Can I insure them for, oh a million dollars or so?
It's my right index finger-- tightens up - nm
x
Right hand/finger tingling
Could be disk in your neck, carpal tunnel or both. I would see your PCP and/or orthopedic doctor and go from there. Collars do help, heat, etc. I have had this pain for years, even after surgery, not a lot of fun. Good luck, hope you get good news that it is none of the above.
Have had stiffness of all of my finger joints....
No pain, just mild stiffness/tingling in the morning that I only feel if I try to make a fist that pretty much lasts all day.  Doesn't keep my from transcribing or anything, just wondering if this could be caused by typing all day.  I kinda expected to get carpal tunnel syndrome in my wrists, but this is strange.  Unless this is the first sign of arthritis!  I'm only 40!  

 

Anyone experience anything like this?  TIA!

 

 

I meant eligible to take the certification. Thanks for pointing out my error.
I didn't express that clearly.
Excuse me but federal taxes are paid as employee by employee
The ONLY difference in IC is you pay the ENTIRE amount of the SS which is the 15.25%, as an employee you only pay 7.75%.  And you can easily make up that difference in deductions.  As an employee you just have someone else manage your withholdings and as an IC you do it yourself.  I have much more usable income being an IC and not an employee and I am strict about putting aside what I need to.  But everyone always says you have to pay your own taxes, well your employer does not PAY them for you -- except 7.75% of SS, they merely withhold it for you.  As an IC you are the employer. 
Pointing out minor errors is not amusing. It is simply rude.
aa
Same finger/left hand - many years ago
Somehow got my finger between the panels of my garage door when I was pulling it shut leaving for work. At that time, worked in Radiology Dept.- x-rays showed FX & had it splinted. Believe it or not, went onto work & over the weeks learned how to compensate & "type" without that finger. Actually, had a hard time re-training myself to use that finger after the splint was taken off. Just knew at that time I "had" to work (divorced - 3 kids, no support, etc.) Amazing what you can do when you have to!
I didn't have any hand/finger symptoms either, just

wrist.  Using a brace at night helps some.  I use the kind that has the metal strip so that you can't bend your wrist.  I found them at my drugstore.   I had surgery almost 15 years ago and did fine until this past year, and again am developing symptoms.  My symptoms developed from writing, not typing, and now I can type usually without problems, but I can only write a tiny bit, can't grip a garden tool for long or do any type of fine motor movement for long and then if I do my wrists hurt so much that typing then bothers me. 


I know there is some vitamin regimen to help, though I don't know what it is.  I was put on Naprosyn first and was allergic to it.  Orthopod suggested hot and cold soaks, 15 minutes each.  I had cortisone injections and some other type of injections, and physical therapy.   I was only out of work about 3 days, but I wasn't an MT at the time.   I do not have the strength in my hand that I used to, but other than that haven't really had any problems.  I do have trouble with pain occasionally, can't think of the word, but it feels like the scar is drawing up and I get shooting pains, but I can massage the scar and it eases.    I'm considering a job change rather than going through surgery again, not because the surgery was bad, just because not only do I have carpal tunnel, but I have swelling and tingling in my feet, butt spread, etc.  


Word of warning - make sure you have an empty bladder before the EMG study.  They have to test both sides so they have a comparison and between laying flat, still, and the electrical shocks I couldn't get off that table quick enough to go potty.


Also, if you don't already, get a keyboard tray that is adjustable.  You can find them at a woodworking store or in various catalogs.  I can position mine at various heights and various angles.  I also sometimes lower the tray and put a pillow on it and then my keyboard and it absorbs some of the pressure and using the pillow you don't have an edge from the tray or the wrist pad pressing into you.  I also found I sit back in my chair better with the pillow.  If this is not comfortable at least try a folded towel between the tray and keyboard.


I wouldn't discourage surgery, but I would try some of the things above first. 


 


 


I have been experiencing right hand/finger tingling. Could this be
x
'three-view right ring finger', or
(Note the punctuation for each version.)
LOL! This was divine intervention, slip of my finger....LOL...nm
nm
roast in mini bites (finger food)
going to cut up one of the bison roasts into bite sized pieces, shake in a bit of flour, and pan-fry nice and slow. It makes such yummy bites! probably have a home-grown salad too...i made some tater soup with left-over brocolli and gr beans for lunch -- we are blessed with too much good food. i need to use some squash too :)
Need help on recipe board please for non-perishable finger foods (sm)
Have been asked to help with an office open house and need recipes for non-perishable "finger" food. Since it is in an office, no appliances available, so anything of this nature will be greatly appreciated!!!!!
You an IC, statutory employee or employee?
That designation, and/or forcing the IRS to designate you, can make a diff. Are you a corporation? Partnership? You need WAY more help than we can give you.
If you are employee, unless suit against your employee
otherwise the posts on here as far as I can see telling it like it is. I think a lot of the posts are so young they just don’t have a clue as to what it means to be an employee. You do as your employee wants (I am talking reason now, not stupidity as far as sexual advances, etc) or else you find another company that fits your personality better. You do not confront, you do not tell your employee no, that is their job, not yours. This is such a simple thing for people who have been in the work force for any period of time.
IC or Employee?

I read an article on the web regarding how companies are abusing the independent contractor status to keep from paying benefits, WC, social security, etc.  In my situation, I have been with the same company for three years and I do not get shift differential, weekend differential, or overtime.  I work 7 days a week, totally directed by the company, hours set by the company, etc.  If I had been an employee, which I believe I have been all along, I would be owed thousands of dollars in overtime.  Where do YOU fall?  Below is the IRS quick look at where you stand.


http://www.ftmn.com/Employee.html


An employee
I cant say who but it is an employee.
You are an employee. I am not. Again, you are an employee because SM

you need "employee stuff" but I am not an employee because I don't need employee stuff. I just need work.


Why do *I* have to adhere to a schedule? I don't. And my MTSO loves me to death because I just make her look good.


You need to go to an all-employee company or a company where you are the boss so you can stop this from happening. The MTSO just wants the work out of there. You want it to all be suspended until you sit down to work, and that is just not going to happen, nor should it.


No, FT employee
Looking for another job this very minute. I think this is way over the line.
As an employee ---

If I actually work 40 hours a week, my gross is about $730, which I think is good when I also have all taxes cut (Federal match), PTO, STD, LTD, healthy, dental, vision, internet reimbursement, quarterly and yearly incentives in addition to base pay.  Never run out of work.  Benefits add about 30% more to base pay, so it seems to be a wash with the ICs who have commented.


I left a job recently where I worked 5 hours a day and grossed $750/week with all taxes cut, 2 paid weeks vacation a year, free health insurance.  I left because they were getting interns to work for free and forcing out their higher paid and longer term employees.  Had to use vacation pay when there was not work or not get paid at all.


I like the pay/hours at the former job but I like the current stability that I have now better.


Employee
This is the exact reason our company will never use an IC. We utilize employee status transcriptionists
This is what I do. I am an employee
but my company is in FL where they don't have state tax.   I don't need any $$ taken out for federal, but I have extra $$ taken from DH check for state taxes.  2005 was the first full year we did it and this year we are getting back $450 state, when we've paid in the past, plus a penalty for not having enough taxes taken out.   You could also change dependents if appropriate.  
IC vs employee
Can someone explain to me the difference between 8 cpl as an employee and 8 cpl as an IC?  I know you have to pay your own taxes as an IC but what I mean is what does 8 cpl translate into once you pay self-employment tax.  How much less are you making as an IC at 8cpl than if you were an employee at 8 cpl is what I am trying to ask.  Thanks.
IC vs employee
If you are an employee, the employer pays half of the Social Security tax. If you are an IC, you have to pay the full amount yourself. HOWEVER, you can then take a deduction on your taxes for that second half. I haven't figured my taxes yet, so I don't know if it is a deduction or a tax credit (which is better), but at least it does help so you don't end up paying the entire amount. As an employee you also don't have all the deductions that ICs get, so that makes a difference in the bottom line, too.
Are you IC or employee?
If you are an IC, you can take off whenever you want (with appropriate notice of course). If you are employee, do you have vacation/PTO time? Do they not let you use it when you want?
Are you an IC or employee? - nm
nm
Employee (sm)
I work for MedQuist.
anyone go from IC to employee and like it better?
I was offered a job and I'm now weighing the options.  I have always been an IC and have been offered employee status with another company.  The pay is 1/2 cent cheaper than what I make now as an IC.  The hours are still flexible and they do offer good benefits, PTO, vacation, etc... Has anyone gone from IC to employee or tried both and would like to comment? Thanks!
IC or employee

In my 22 year MT career I've found that doing a bit of both works best for me.  Since I'm a single parent I really need the insurance benefits, and with regards to taxes, my accountant told me it's best to keep your W2 job because the taxes you pay there helps to pay your self-employment taxes.  I do 20 hours W2 and the other half IC.


ms


 


 


 


IC to employee...sm please

I would like to hear from any of you that have gone from an IC to an employee, on howyou handled the changes.  I am thinking about giving up my IC position (which is my own account with a hospital) to look for a full time position with a national company. As an employee, do you really have to sit in front of the computer 8 to 12 hours for your shift?  What happens if there is nothing to transcribe?  Do you have to stay put and wait? 


I have only transcribed as a hospital employee (paid by the hour) and then came home for the same hospital as an IC (paid by the minute of dictation) when my youngest had health problems.  I have always had enough work with occasional slow weeks at the same time every year.  I have done some IC work with a few smaller MTSO.  The hospital is going through a lot of changes and I do not feel that my position is stable.  I was offered a position with a national a little over a year ago but raised my rates at the hospital instead.  (Although after I raised my rates, they looked into using a service and found I was way cheaper to use).  But I have recently figured my line counts with this hospital (Never bothered before because I got paid per minute) and figured I only got paid between 8-9 cpl with the same rate on weekends and nights.  I was offered that plus benefits with other companies. 


Should I try to find a good company and adjust to the changes in my schedule?  (sorry so long)


Not An Employee
I'm confused too. I also worked for just one company as an IC before becoming an employee. If I wasn't an IC, I certainly wasn't an employee at the time. I had no benefits, taxes weren't taken out, etc.
Employee vs IC
Hi Guyz,
Could anyone tell me what is difference b/w working as home based employee as compared to IC. As I myself is IC right now, worked for FTP and online based working environment and find no pressure from employer like phone, chat etc. but work. So is employee status is same in that aspect or is it same as working in company where you got fear that your boss is looking at you all the time. thx!
are you an employee or
self-employed contractor? Do you get benefits, vacation pay, do you work from home?