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Their business practices are a little on the shady side and the pay is low and

Posted By: sm on 2005-08-16
In Reply to: Warn but give no reasoning..... - MAKES NO SENSE

they only pay you for half your lines on this pay period and the other half on the other pay period, which is fairly stupid. They said thats how the particular account pays..i verified and found it to be untrue. The owner also has some "illegal issues."


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Unfortunately it is legal..so yes it is business and they will continue with bad business practices
x
Take you emotion out of your business practices. sm
If she can not get the job done, she can not work for you period. It should not matter if she is family or not. She is a contractor to you and this is your MT business. No emotions and don't take things so personal!


I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm

First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided.  I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it.  I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc.


I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income.  As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are:  How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription.  Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about.  If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice. 


I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start. 


Thanks in Advance!


 


Sounds shady to me not to know what you're paying for.
Report to the Better Business Bureau.
No, parents don't usually sit there through football practices.
Games, yes. Practice, no. Cut the apron strings already. The kid would probably get teased with Mommy on the bench every single day watching him practice. It's just not done when kids hit middle school and high school. Let the coach do his job without parental scrutiny.
Unfair labor practices
I'm an independent contractor and the company I work for is offering bonuses to some ICs, but not all.  I know I could choose not work for them, but this is a pretty shady practice.  I'm also routinely shorted on my pay, though they make it up the next month. I would like to do something about it if possible.  Has anyone ever filed a complaint with EEO or Labor Relations for something like this?  Thanks.
hospital hiring practices
a recruiter for a very large MTSO is a convicted murderer...and she met and married her husband while she was incarcerated and he TOO is a convicted murderer. Has not seemingly inhibited her career growth. I think you have nothing to worry about...go forth and get that job you want.
Question re: hospital hiring practices

Recently I have found myself wanting to apply for a couple of in-house positions at two local hospitals in my area.  The main concerns I have that are preventing me from sprucing up my resume and just going to apply are:  First of all, I have not ever worked in a hospital before, and even the positions which seem to be low-level clerical positions want hospital experience.  I'm hoping that my medical transcription background coupled with my secretarial/office/customer service background would suffice for the 1-2 years of experience I see that is preferred for these types of positions.


Secondly, I am wondering about the background check process.  Unfortunately, I have a very distant past, about 20 years ago.  Our state has a First Offender Act, which I received, and this is supposed to provide, if all of the terms of the court are satisfied, no record/no conviction.  I have spent some time reading about this on-line, attempting to find answers about how far back hospitals go when checking, as I would prefer to not have to mention anything at all about this if possible.  I know that what one hospital does may be different from others, but was wondering if any of you have experience with the hiring process of hospitals and could offer information about what your experience suggests in regards to this.  I would really appreciate any information you could offer, as I have really been nervous and anxious lately, and I think that the 8 years I have spent working at home have taken somewhat of a toll on my social skills, so kind of feeling down in the dumps about whether I could successfully get through the interview and hiring process without the above problems, but hoping that some information from you all who have knowledge of this would ease my mind somewhat and enable me to get through this. 


I really appreciate you all taking the time to read this and offer any advice you can.  TIA, and a very Merry Christmas to all of you!!! 


Link to a good article on WalMart biz practices
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
Charge by the patient. Makes for easier accounting practices.
.
I made my business your business by posting and...
I totally respect everyone's opinions. It is easier for others on the outside looking in. That's why I pushed the "post reply" button yesterday. I trust my fellow MTs and I know the more I read from you all, the more confident I am becoming. I just need that final push, not from him though. I also wanted to let you all know that the physical abuse while I was pregnant was documented by my doctor and the hospital. I only wish I had known then that it is a felony to abuse a pregnant woman. I also photographed my face from a couple of weeks ago and told several people in my circle. I had such high hopes for us. Now...not so much. I'm not saying that I won't try to get him to church, but I realize that God can only do so much for someone who isn't listening. j
Business is business. Internet forums are
.
For a business ad?! A business that deals
''Transcriptsis'' x2

''with good track record''

''serve our clients of all sizes'' (I know what they mean, but I just think the wording is funny)

''strive to achieve highest possible quality'' (once again, they never met an 'article' that they didn't hate)

''all departments including H&P...'' (or a comma, for that matter)

From the other side
I know how you feel but one day before you know it there'll be no slamming doors, no one talking (or fighting) outside your office door, no one interrupting you, the dishes will be done and the house neat with nothing else needing to be done.  Send 'em over to me for a couple of hours.  I used to couldn't wait for some peace and quiet but it really isn't all that great after all.  Sign me....missing the young 'uns.
On my Mom's side
a cousin actually got a call from the Jerry Springer show wanting her, her husband, and live in YOUNG boyfriend to be on a show. NO KIDDING!!!!



Think of yourself on the other side.....sm
Then, make your decision.

Send the cards, by all means, but don't court work with it. Do the soliciting after the holidays, as you had originally planned. I betcha some of those folks will remember the wonderful holiday card from you!

I think you already know this or you would not have put up this post asking advice. Right?

Enjoy the holidays, wish others to do the same, and then attack! LOL
On the plus side...
I think Paula's hair is better than ever...thank goodness. That's all I have to say about her. ;o)
On the other side of never ..
where else?
Another side.....sm
Although I do agree with everyone that has already posted about this field, I do have quite the opposite story.  I worked for the government for years when I started having my family.  Worked out okay with my first child because I worked nights and hubby worked days and she was always with one of us (which is always an option you could consider).  But when I got pregnancy with my second child, I knew something had to change and I knew I had to make close to the same money I was currently bringing in to keep the household going.  I took a course from At-Home professions (not recommended).  I took this course at home through my pregnancy while still working.  I was then hired by a local clinic to do their notes at home, which I did for awhile as I continued to work nights.  I had the baby and while on maternity leave, I started really sending out the resumes and doing followup calls.  I then landed my first "real" job as a medical Transcriptionist from my home office.  After a couple months, I felt secure in putting in my notice with current employer and the rest is history!  I have been doing it ever since, 14 years now, in my home office.  I do have to say though that if it wasn't for Sandy, the transcription manager, I would not be where I am today.  Through her patience and guidance, I learned more from her than I did my course, so I was one of the lucky ones at that time.  If you are really serious about giving this a shot, I would recommend Career Step or M-Tec for you schooling choices.  You can take these courses at home.  Companies will hire you to work at home right out of your schooling from these two schools.  Be prepared to work hard...there is a lot to learn, but it CAN be done.  I still learn something new every day 14 years later, but I am so thankful I was and still am able to be here for all three of my children.  Not always easy, but very doable!!!  I average about $18 an hour.  Just another side to consider.  Best wishes to you and congratulations on your new baby!  Enjoy:)
Way to go...see in side.
Ctrl Alt Up arrow right side up

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see in side
Only thing I can think of is if they are thinking you have dial up, because you could not be connected to internet and phone line at same time. Unless they are paying for the line and they want a separate bill.

You have your regular phone line, if you have one for your every day calls and for work calling. Your c-phone connects to phone line so you would have to have a phone line available to you for transcribing continuously. If you plan any contact with the outside world you would want to have a second line.

I have 2 lines but use one for my computer and the other for calls. When I use my C-phone, I use the computer line too so my house line is still open. I have phone line and c-phone plugged into a dual jack then to the computer so I never have to plug/unplug it.

People say I call you all the time but your phone is always busy. Normally these are folks I don't want calling me. If they new me they knew to call the correct number! So, maybe they just want you to have a dedicated line. If it is local see if they will pay it. Hopefully that was not too confusing.
I am on your side!

I am not a slouch MT, but I have seen a great deal of them.  Then they come on this board and anonymously pick away and ridicule.  My idea of a perfect world:  Hospitals would have to have their transcription departments on site.  Then there would be no outsourcing, no offshoring, and those who aren't so sure of what they are doing could ASK someone who DOES know what they are doing, like QA lady, and the report would be correct the first time and everyone would be happy except those in India who call themselves transcriptionists and I personally could care less if they are happy or not. 


From the other side...
From the other point of view, I struggle with this issue a lot. I have a certain mental illness (I'm actively being treated and am as well medicated as I ever have been) and I know that sometimes when I start to slip and my anxiety and paranoia get really bad, I am just convinced I am going to die. Every little ache, pain, twinge, sneeze...I'm sure it is a sign of something fatal. Somewhere in my head I know I am being irrational, but my brain takes off without me. The fear is almost paralyzing at times.

I'm not trying to be dramatic. I'm just saying how it is for me personally. And I wanted to point out that not everyone with this problem is just doing it for attention. Some people really are ill.


Side to side.
aaaaaaaaaaaaa
I know an RN that did this on the side
She makes the rules up as she goes along, gives her MTs incorrect information that goes against AAMT BOS.  Unfortunately she hires alot of newbies and these girls are being trained incorrectly.  She would NEVER survive doing a hospital account and only has clinical transcription.  Her company is so out of date they still use tapes.  It's like working in Mayberry, RFD! 
other side of it
I thought of that after I posted the first time. You're right - it depends on if the VR system is coming from the hospital or the MTSO. Sometimes the hospital is not aware and the MTSO is just taking a bigger profit by shorting the MT. I would say sometimes it is the MTSO just trying to get bigger profits by forcing MTs into VR and sometimes they feel compelled into it because the client says reduce your rates or lose the account to someone else.
Whose side are you on?!
Bashing an MT with a legit gripe and comparing it with a $5.75/hour unskilled labor job?!

The reason MY JOB is so difficult is because doctors have a sense of entitlement to make an MTs workday a living h---, and thanks to brown-nosers like you they CONTINUE to make nearly impossible demands.

Another thing, you sound like an impossible demanding customer thinking everyone should kiss your foot in the McD's line
However, there's a flip side
The company I work for actually lost a large hospital account because THEY wanted to go to VR and we wouldn't!
The down side to homeschooling
I have personally seen kids that have been home schooled and become "out of touch" with society. These kids ultimately end up having "culture shock" when they are out in the real world and around lots of people.

I know of several kids that were home schooled and when the parents decided it was too much and they sent them back to school the kids were "THRILLED!" During the home schooling process, the kids became disengaged from friends and became loners.

Again, this is my own personal experience that I have witnessed through friends.

DON'T FLAME ME this is just what I have witnessed first hand!!!!!
Side Dish
Any suggestions for a side dish to go with spinach lasagna?
Who needs to use the other side of the brain?

Life is complicated enough for us guys!


on the lighter side of Man

and after spending 3 days in a log cabin out in the middle of nowhere with my family for Christmas, I was reminded once again of that old saying "girls rule while boys drool"!  It was a beautiful Christmas with all the extended family ,but being the only girl out of 11 boys, I am an expert


as a side thought (sm)
remember to say "I love you." Also a hug goes a long way! Our kids do the ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww mom and dad when they catch us in a hug. It's not a bad hug or anything, just an I love you hug. We think it's funny, but I'd rather them remember their younger days of mom and dad hugging than not. I don't have those memories of my parents because they didn't show affection.

Oops, going off down memory lane there.
I don't know...sometimes the story is different from the other side...sm

I have in-laws in their 90's. They live about 3 miles from DH and myself, and 8 miles from their daughter. They have another son, who lives about 2.5 hours from here, apparently they moved that far away because MIL always expected that son to come over every weekend if they lived closer.


So my husband cuts the grass, cleans the gutter, shovels the snow. Even though they can't walk outside the house in the winter because they are so old, they are right on the phone the minute he walks in the door at 4:00 p.m., "nicely wondering" when he can come up to shovel the walks?


Last year, he came home with some talk about how I was supposed to go up at 10:00 to check the post office box. Seems they had some meds that were coming in the mail and if they weren't in the mail that day, they had to call the doctor and run into the drugstore to get some. These are people who can't think out of the box. I mean, the ONLY option was for me to go up there at 10:00 to look in the darn box. They couldn't call the mail order pharmacy, they couldn't call Cheryl, the postmistress to see if it came, they couldn't ask the neighbor who was going there anyway to see if it was in - no the only thing was for me to go up there at 10:00 to check the box. So I called sister in law and asked what this was about. She asked me to go up and check the box at 10:00 (not even asking if I was available - I mean what if I was having a tooth extracted at 10:00?) and when I told her I couldn't, boy did she unload on me!  About 20 years worth of resentment came spilling out. Get this, sister in law doesn't work or have kids but boy she sure doesn't like changing her schedule to take care of her own mom and dad. She's got too much to do so I'm supposed to do it? Even with a business,  and 2 school age kids? She ended up calling me a "selfish b****" and formally declared "World War III." She then told my mother in law she couldn't "babysit" my kids anymore (what's to babysit with a 10 year old comes over to watch tv?) and did other nasty things.  So, according to her, I'm doing nothing and I SHOULD help, but that's not my take on the situation. If these people have three grown children, two of which do not even work (the big brother is retired) and the three of them can't handle it? Sheesh. Not saying that's your situation but there might be some of the same stuff in there...


on the flip side....
Howver, tonight I have spent the longest time on a very long dictation for the absolute worst dictator. Not dreamy--a nightmare! Although I was dreaming of stranguling him through the internet connection--ah if only. Oh, my nerves are on edge now and he was the last one it looks like for the night. What a horrible way to end the night. Maybe a few more will filter in so I can forget him.
I would go for the money and keep the side job because---
things change really fast in MT these days. In either job, you could be out of work within the next year. I'd start stashing some cash.
No, they are on the other side of the country
xx
if you get sound out of one side sm

of earphones.  Does anyone have any suggestions.  I tried other earphones and the same thing.  I check volume etc. 


 


TIA


wow! what side of the bed did you get up on today..sm
meeeoooowwww!!! ppfffttt!! pull in your claws. geez she isn't trying to take YOUR job away!
side-swiped
It must feel like being side-swiped. Unfortunately between the venture capitalists running things for some companies behind the scenes and the number crunchers you never know what they're up to. Let me know if you're interested in a better company. Thanks.
The other side of the coin. sm
I started out in an ortho office as a medical assistant for which I went to school for one year. That program included transcription, but I was a total amateur coming out of that course. At all of it.....front office, back office, MT, insurance filing, all of it. Had it not been for the gals in that office teaching me as we went along, I would never had made it.

The MT there was on her own with four docs and they then added a PA not long after I came onboard. She often had to have someone come in part time to catch up. She mentored me and because I was going from job to job and not always transcribing, it took quite a while, but she almost made it her mission to make sure I became proficient. The next time she took a week long vacation, I filled her slot. This was about 6 months into my job there.

God bless that woman. I can still type ortho all around and it all started not with that course, but with that gal.

Give the girl a chance. It won't take long to see if she's going to be able to swing it or not.

Good luck.
get up on the wrong side of the bed??
x
the flip side
Be thankful you have the information to verify the correct age. :)
If you can't see the right side of report
Not sure if this is what you mean. If you are typing and cannot see the right side of the report you have typed, try holding down control and at the same time use your scroll button on your mouse. This will make the print appear smaller, does not affect the font at all, and you will be able to see the entire report.
And then there is the flip side - if you have a

It is really hard to find good MTs.  I keep my company very small for that exact reason.  But sometimes even when an MT is really good, they can be lacking in the work ethic department.  I'm talking about MTs who do excellent work.  They have just a couple of very clear, very easy doctors assigned to them, a great line rate (10 cpl), and all they have to do is make sure they get whatever those doctors dictate get done.  And sometimes they do great.  Other times they come up with 101 excuses about why they couldn't get the work back on time.  Or they slack off all week and promise to catch up on the weekend, and then they don't.  Oh, but the same MTs are always asking if they can get another doctor assigned to them, if they can get a raise, if they will be first in line for new accounts coming along.  To which I say:  Get a clue!  Do the work you are assigned and do it on time and THEN ask me about raises and more work.  I don't particularly like having to either assign the work that doesn't get done to another MT on the weekend or having to do it myself on the weekend to get caught up because some MT who has a gravy account won't even keep up with that.


Please, don't anyone email asking for work, as I am not hiring and if I were in a position to I would come here first and ask for help.  I'm just venting because I don't understand having such an easy account and doing excellent work and then on the other hand slacking off and letting it get behind, and then having the nerve to ask for more work/more money.  If I am going to have to type it myself on the weekend, I might as well get rid of said MT and type the gravy account myself during the week!   


one side of headphones
I had this happen using dictaphone and tapes. I bought several sets of stereo earbuds and only one side would work.
one side working
Probably true that it may be time for a new one, but I have a relatively new one and it does the same thing. I disconnect the ear piece completely and reattach it. Sometimes it just comes a little loose and needs to be shoved tighter into place. It just looses its connection.
I'm on the flip side of this...sm
As some others have posted, we MTs get the shaft too. I've applied for and gotten several positions in the last decade, only to have been lied to once I accept them.

I have been an MT for 15+ years, but unfortunately have limited experience because I've only worked in a few specialites. I've been hired by companies to work in my specialty fields, but when the time comes, they want me to do something else. I don't want to be a newbie learning all new things this late in my career. I know that limits me, but there has got to be somebody out there who needs my specific skills and wants a good reliable MT.

I have worked for a huge national for the last 12 years and it was comfy and cozy while we had the smaller offices and my manager knew me and my dedication and appreciated my work, but since we have expanded nationally now, I've lost that manager and have become a number like all the other MTs in the company.

Nobody there now knows that I have never missed a day (or even an hour) of work in all that time without calling in with prior notice and get permission. I've always worked overtime when needed to keep an account in turnaround, and have done many, many things for this company in the early days that I was happy to do even though I didn't get paid for it, like mentoring new MTs... and again, nobody in the company today knows that about me anymore, and no one would listen to me if I could tell them.

I would love to work for an MTSO such as you or the above poster... I'll bet you know the names of your MTs at least.

I feel your pain and frustration also. When I was mentoring new MTs I could see in some of them exactly what you are talking about and I politely tried to steer them away from this field if they weren't going to be serious about it... some stuck it out and became good MTs and others passed on the career when they found out they were expected to work. Unfortunately today we don't have mentors to teach new MTs how to learn and work, to sort of weed out the slackers,... so that's what we're getting. They don't know any better because no one has told them what this job entails, only that they can work from home in their spare time in their jammies and be with their kids, and that's all they know about the job.

I know that there are many slacker MTs out there, but there are also some dedicated and hard working ones too, so please don't lump us all into that first category just as you don't want us to lump your wonderful companies into the categories of the liers and non-payers, etc.

We both have to kiss a lot of toads before we find our prince, be it a good MT or a good company.

I wish you luck in your searh for a good MT.
Boy did we get out on the wrong side of the bed??
Talk about being sensitive
and in all fairness, that's just one side of it, the other...
can be found at the aforementioned site above in the 'see inside' post.
work on the side $$

I don't know at the moment who she used before, if she did at all.  In the event that's the case,  I would appreciate any suggestions beforehand.


Thanks.