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What response do you get when you tell people you're an MT?

Posted By: Are the reactions you get like the ones I get? on 2006-05-24
In Reply to:

  I've been doing MT for a long time - 31 years this summer.  "Back in the day",  when somewhat you met asked you what you did for a living, the reaction was usually:


a)  "What's a medical transcriber?"


b)  "Wow - it must've taken you a long time to learn all that!"


c)  or "Gee, that must be a really interesting job!


At least they PRETENDED to be impressed, anyway. 


But have you told anyone lately what you do for a living?  The reactions I get nowadays usually run the gamut from contempt to pity. 


You're at a party, you've just met 3 new people, and each one tells what they do for a living: 


"I'm a stockbroker."   (People are impressed.)


"I'm an English Lit. professor."  (Ditto)


"I'm currently between jobs."  (People assume they're just waiting for the right offer.)


Then it's YOUR turn:  "I'm  medical transcriptionist."    (First, dead silence.)  Then someone nods their head knowingly and gives a rather condescending, "Oohhhhh...."    You might just as well have told them you were dying of cancer or something.   


 




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My response to people who tell me that I'm lucky to work at home.

"Yes, I work at home but I never go home from work." They usually stop and think and realize that there's nothing lucky about that!


 


You're probably right. Plus we're losing our percentage of good people by .... (sm)
allowing every loser from every 3rd world country on the planet to just stroll on into our country, some legally, most illegally, and take advantage of the social services all us hard working little gerbils pay for by having money taken out of our pay every month. But I don't think we're all lazy. Just the ones on permanent welfare driving around town in brand-new Cadillac Escalades. Saw one just today on the Bayshore Fwy. Brand-new black Escalade with expensive spinner wheels, with 5 or 6 Mexicans in it. Well, who knows - maybe they stole it and it was on its way to a chop-shop. Smart-and-hungry people aren't always hard-working and honest.
We're having people over.
Spicy hot chicken legs, cream cheese and bacon stuffed jalapenos, zucchini, steamed green beans, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and watermelon.  Gotta get to the store soon here, but I have to finish working first.
You're so right! People keep saying they - sm
love their MT jobs, but very few seem to be willing to stand up and fight for them. Just continuing to type blindly along and accept the ever-lower pay-crumbs that are being thrown at it is NOT standing up for our jobs.

Questioning the legality (or at least morality) of many of these most recent changes; educating ourselves as to what is going on in the business world as a whole in addition to MT; and becoming more active (and PARTICULARLY more VOCAL) politically and with our own companies is one way to stand up and start fighting for our jobs. I believe we have the right NOT to have to move to another country in order to continue to eke out a living.

The internet is another powerful tool, as are discussion boards such as those here at MT Stars. We should keep on questioning those higher-ups that are bringing about changes that benefit the wealthy big-business people, and which are dragging all the rest of us hard-working employees through the dirt.

Time and again the doctors & the MTSO's tell us how important the accuracy of our work is, how important our experience is, and want nothing but our very best efforts day in and day out, including holidays & weekends, and yet when it comes to providing the merest of essentials, such as a modest health insurance plan, and pay that is appropriate for the degree of knowledge they scrutinize us so diligently for in their employment tests, they suddenly cry poor. Oh, wow - I feel so sorry for them. Start the violins.
you're right, the zoning people got me....sm

Someone where I live busted some people for working at home just recently, as place went condo, and the zoning people got me in February.  (Years ago, as long as you had no traffic, you never had to get an occupational license working on a computer and I have zero traffic.) They came here twice, I showed them only the national's room (and for years on my taxes, CPA said only like $2600 out of a $15,000 annual rental fee WAS deductible along with a portion of the electric bill and ALL of my phones).  Tomorrow, along with going to the CPA for tax prep, I also am picking up my occupational license ($200!!!!!) and you have to renew that yearly ($135!!!!!). 


Sorry to yell but IS ANY OF THAT DEDUCTIBLE?  The licensuring fees?  I also have to take the OL and bring it to the County and get a County license (not nearly as expensive but also renewable yearly).  I sure hope these fees are deductible for 2006 taxes in 2007.


Ok, they got me - and payback is a real *itch...*lol*


this is too funny when you're probably talking to people
who have a lot more weight to lose than you must have and will probably NEVER see the size 8 that you started at. only a dream for me, that's for sure!
Nothing at all, glad you're NOT complaining which what most people come here to do.
x
Also, don't you think alot of the 'big bux' people say they're
I could get on these boards and tell folks I'm clearing $150K a year after taxes, own 3 homes, and a 70-foot yacht, and who's gonna come check to see if I'm feeding them a line? So that's what I think alot of that '$50-grand a year' is... just a lot of wishful thinking.
As long as you're correcting people, think about "English."
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The MTSO should be compensating you if you're teaching people!
And if they won't, then I'd politely refer their questions to the MTSO. And the email request is perfectly reasonable, IMO.

It's been my experience as a lead MT and trainer over the years that some people just would rather have somebody give them fish rather than learn to do it themselves. When I got that "vibe" from somebody I promptly handed them their fishing pole and bait and refused to give them any more fish, if you know what I mean!
I guess they're hoping enoug people will quit
that it won't be a problem anymore!! Sigh.
You're rude. That being said... Some people just work alone for a couple doctors and don't
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Never had this happen either. Email the SH people. They're very prompt with help. Good
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Oh, I forgot. You're only allowed to hate and resent white people.
.
if you live among trashy people, low income people, people w/o goals or direction,
content to just get by, you by default become a part of a group. "people" have decided to group trailer people as trash. that is because there are enough people in that group to earn the title and even if you aren't trash, you are categorized by others. did i think i was trash in lower class neighborhood surrounded by people who drank and fought all weekend? no but i knew i wasn't staying and did not try to pretend that all the fools in the neighborhood were just nice folks who ended up where they were because high horse snobs deemed their neighborhood low class. people for the most part live exactly where they belong because they don't want to educate themselves, they don't mind "trash" around them and they don't want to be bothered trying just a bit hard to extract themselves from that world. they justify everything to themselves i guess saying everyone who doesn't like their lifestyle is a snob and the comedians (Jeff Foxworthy/Chris Rock, etc) who make fun of them are just ill-informed.

As for me, I fought hard to get out and don't even want to look back. It amazes me people stay for generations.
oopsie! 2nd response in. Just followed 1st response.

so many people was wishy-washy nowadays...love to see people make
a stand for what they believe in...

it is kind of wierd those statements have to be made in the first place but guess we are an ever-transitioning country and are still young. so many different beliefs yet not much tolerance.

I found your post respectful, and right on as to how you feel. it does not seem that difficult to sift through to read and respond to messages someone might not care for...
Just remember that it is not the people on this board who short changed their people and ONLY after
caught did they (after they were suied) make an effort to look good by sending out these checks. Now, think about this--had they done this many years ago when they short changed everyone, that would have been honest. Does it not bother you that only after they know they are under the gun that they are doing this to try and make themselves look good?

I used to work for MQ and I used to like what I did. I never can say I really liked the people that I worked with, but I really think they had some of the best accounts that I have ever come across in the MT industry. I loved working the major teaching hospitals that I did, but that certainly does not mean that I enjoyed being cheated out of pay.

So chill already. People have been cheated, were lied to, and only AFTER they got caught have they tried to return some of the money they robbed us of (as well as cheated their clients).

We all have reasons not to be happy with this company and you go off on us because we are complaining of things like small refund checks of a penny or a few cents or a few hundred dollars and NO WAY to even check to find out if this is correct?

I am sorry you are unhappy all of us thinking that there is still a dead rat in the cellar, but there is still a dead rat in the cellar and nothing will bring the dead rat back.

I would hold no love for a company that I know willingly cheated the very people who helped THEM make money out of their hard-earned money.

Go take a deep breath and think about that.
My people skills are just fine. I just want to hire people who want to work.
I've not been ugly, I've asked questions, legitimate ones.  Please tell me what is wrong with that.  This site is not just for MTs, it is for QA Editors, Supervisors, Service Owners, there's even sections for Billers, Coders, and Nurses.   
rude people? I would take good pay over polite people any day
Besides that they have never been rude to me and I have been here for almost 2 years. What do you consider a bad account?

I know my account is a little tough, but I am used to it. I am tough!
Rude people? I hardly think so. They are some of the nicest people I have ever worked with. sm
Not just management, but QA as well. No one is rude. They are a very understanding staff. There is one account that is hard but all it takes is getting used to it. Once you are used to it, it is no harder than any other ESL account that you would do anyplace else. I have heard all these things about TH from the archives and I have yet to come across rudeness or any kind of thing that I have read about in the archives. I would definitely pursue them if I were you. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
2 people to do that amount of work, is she nuts? More like 20+ people - nm
x
For Pete's sake, you're not terminating a pregnancy, you're just typing a report after the
It's already been done before you even hear about it, and NOTHING changes regardless of whether you or someone else types it. Sheesh.
It's not funny when you're on a board where language is one skill you're selling.
.
Hope you're gonna have a glass of wine while you're relaxing

in your spa goodies. Congrats!


Well, you're all complaining that accounts are current and work is low, so, gee, maybe they're
focusing on WORK, as in CLIENT and transcribing, as maybe half of you should be focusing on!!
If you're experienced, try for 9cpl or higher, and you're lucky to get that! nm
s
Skip it. No one cares. Either you're good on the test or you're not.
x
You're not going to find a word expander for free. You're going to have to pay
g
response
there could be a thousand reasons why they did not respond, yet the message was still on the board today.  Don't think it means anything scandalous! I've sent my resume to lots of job ads, and they have still been posted, even after receiving a response about my resume. I don't understand what you're saying.
response to allow ex not to pay
I have been fighting this cs nonpayment battle for about 16 years. I have gone into dept to a lawyer, done tons and tons of paperwork, hired a company to collect. The states (there is more than one involved)do not help. It is a costly, time-consuming,frustrating, fruitless battle in many cases.
Response
Thanks.  I tried printing out the lists but had to click on each name individually and do it one at at time so that was just as tedious as well and when printed out put them in alphabetical order.  They were not dictated in alphabetical order but when a name came up you had to stop and finger through each name to find the perspective name!  SIGH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response
For one thing, I do not use proper english on the internet.  It's completely short, to the point, and I do jump around.  Even an English teacher will tell you it's different than a typed term paper.  After being on the internet boards and forums, it has become a bad habit of mine, and someone reading my post completely assumed I'm ignorant and not hireable.  I think my bosses would disagree, considering I'm quite the hardworker they need, my deadlines are constantly met, I go above and beyond the call of duty, and when medicare audits roll around, I am 1 of 3 people out of 480 employees who find their audit reports on the CEO's desk with a 99.8%-100% accuracy rate.  I know the person I am and that of my skills.  I didn't come to get attacked over my improper use of words, because I was on net forum discussion boards.  Those giving sound advice, thank you.  I'll be taking it to the bank.  To those jumping in on my behalf over any snide remarks, TIA.  I am sorry I struck the wrong nerve with you over my etiquette. 
what was his response?

Thank you everyone for your response. sm
She has a consult with a pediatric gastro doc at a Childrens Hosp near us. I am praying that they can find something to help her. She is quite exhausted and so are we! I feel terrible not being able to "fix" it for her. Will keep you all posted. Thanks so much again.
Response
I have been a Transcriptionist for years and have always had my own accounts. I tried working for nationals over the past 6 months for the first time in my life and had a lousy experience both times. The dictation sound quality on one was really, really bad and on the other you had to spend a lot of time typing in demographcs. Word Expanders did not really do much good. I'd say keep trying til you find a good company or get your own accounts. I'm fast and accurate but not doing good with the nationals. Suggestions too?
I see you have no response when you
are wrong, "you must have a really boring life". I think an apology is in order.
in response

>>>it states that the one space rule applies following a period, in numeric lists, and following a colon. I received these guidelines in March from MQ. This is what I would go by. I was told that if I spaced twice I would receive a penalty on my QA reviews.


That's all you had to say.



>>>Obviously, you are the uninformed one, so see ya later wench. 

 


This was uncalled for.    

response -
sorry - no - posted incorrectly - new at this.
in response

Yes, the big four are ops, ds, H&P, and consults. I can't help you with where to look for strictly ER reports, but I'll recommend you try to expand you skills into the ops. It'll help if you stay competitive.


In terms of going from 10 cpl to 9 cpl and taking a 40% reduction in pay ... how do you figure that? If you transcribe 10,000 at 10 cpl that $1,000 and at 9 cpl that's $900. That's a 10% reduction ... unless ... you went from 10 cpl for gross lines over to 9 cpl for a 65-char line. Now, that would be the pitz.  


Pus-y or Pu-ssy response
Coworker at the hospital I used to work at typed pussy one time and the surgeon caught her in the hall and was like how do you spell......? She responded and he was looking down at at her all funny and grinning. She was like OMG!!! He did not want it pussy in the report for sure but was being very humerous about it.
as I said before your response

I think 7 cpl is too much for a newbie. Don't matter what it comes out to in an hourly rate.

I don't believe in freebies. That's why I don't believe in doing "secretarial work" (i.e. looking up addresses).

If a new person wants to be hired by a company, they should not receive the same line rate as someone with more experience. They should "PAY" for their continued training. So, if I'm right out of school and want to get a job with a transcription company, I would have no hesitation telling the company to pay me 2 cpl less than more experienced people, as far compensation for my training. Every three months, I make an additional 1/2 cent per line. After two years, when I should not require any further training, I'm at the highest level.

This isn't greed. It's business.


my response

>>>stand by that.  Sure, an MT under the influence may get it right, but I certainly would never want to take a chance on that. 


You're judging without the fact. The best MT my business ever had was an alcoholic. She was responsible. She never had excuses for not working. Her reports were always flawless (yes, I did QA for all reports from everybody). So WHAT if she threw a few back. It had no impact on the quality of her work. Her body was used to the liquor.


>>>It's all about resposibility and realizing the critical nature of medical transcription.  As an MTSO, I would not want an MT drinking while working.  Period. 

And how are you going to know who does and who doesn't drink while working? Are you going to install a little camcorder on their computer and watch them? 


>>>If I hired someone and found out they drank while working, they would be out the door. 


Even if their reports were perfect? Wow, you must be the reincarnation of somebody from the Tempest League (is that what they called it?) during the turn of the century.


my response

>>>After living with an alcoholic ex-husband for 20 years, I don't think this is labeling.  I think it is a reality.  He was a functional drunk.  In other words, he managed to fool the people around him at work that didn't know him well enough or didn't work with him closely.  Those that were close enough to him to see him on a daily basis could see that he only fooled himself into thinking that it didn't impair him.  He would use the same reasoning you just did and say that it affects every person differently and some have a higher tolerance. 

First sentence:  “after living with an alcoholic ex-husband for 20 years.” The origin of this conversation was somebody who liked to sip a glass of wine while working (I don't remember if it was on occasion or every day). By your statement, they’re a full-blown alcoholic who is impaired on the job.

>>>My point to him is the same as yours:  if it starts affecting your everyday life then it IS impairing your judgment.  If you can't even wait a few hours until the workday is over to have your drink and feel you have to make excuses for why you're drinking on the job, then you're judgment is already impaired before you even take the drink.  I don't think it matters if you're a doctor, bus driver, MT, or zookeeper, you are being PAID for your skills and time while on the job.  Save your drinks for recreation.  If you can't, then either you have a problem with it or you don't respect those who will receive your finished product or those who employ you.  

Again, this had nothing whatsoever to do with the original statement:  Sipping a glass of wine while working. I mentioned that I knew some who WAS an alcoholic and their work was flawless. I could have cared less if they had a drinking problem or not. In fact, I don't think I found out until a couple of years AFTER I hired her that she had a drinking problem. So what?! It did not affect the quality of her work. Why should I fire her simply because she was an alcoholic?

>>>Think about it....if you were on a job interview and the interviewer asked if you had a problem with drinking on the job, would you honestly tell that person, "no, I think it's okay to drink in moderation" and then expect to be hired? 


 


If I was asked that question, I would flat out say I rarely drink, which is the total truth. I rarely do. If they said to me, “Do you think it is wrong to hire someone who drinks on the job, I would tell them ... as much as I do with somebody who eats on the job.” As long as they can do their job properly, it  doesn’t bother me.


response
I guess I should mention something.  She is a very fragile person.  Extremely depressed, especially now.  She has hinted at suicide many times, and i'm afraid this would put her over the edge.  She would not handle it as a normal person with a stable state of mind.  Thats why I chose to keep away.  She has been hurt over n over by men in her life, I was there to witness it being her only child and I need to retreat to figure out what i'm going to do, I dont want to say the wrong thing, or come out with it in the wrong way.  I have tried to open up to another family member, and she wants me to get angry, and confront, but I just avoid and retreat, thats my nature.  To an extent I have let him know this bothers me by being cold and not coming around as much and being short with him.  Why can't he just get the hint and leave me alone! He is known for saying perverted remarks and to a certain degree it is accepted by the family.  A cousin of mine, in his 20s, actually pushed him away when he grabbed him and told him off.  But my cousin is not my mother's daughter, you know what I mean?  I don't want to mess anything up with our relationship so I need to be careful. I'm afraid of what she would do to herself.
THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE

I will try eliminating the products and see what happens.  I am glad to hear that it is possible that you can be allergic to the products.  I did not think it was possible since they are hypoallergenic but  I guess it can happen.  I love their products though. 


Response
I'm in Massachusetts, it's in a large hospital working in the lab and it is pathology, days.  Does that make much of a difference?
Thank you for your response. Appreciate it!!
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Thank you for your response.
/
I appreciate your response...
I did some work for them recently and was told that we get paid on Friday. I was told that they cut checks and mail them on Thursday. If that's the case, I should've gotten my check today.

I know that the mail can be slow at times, so that's not really bothering me. What is strange, however, is the fact that I was promised work yesterday, but they never sent me any. Also, yesterday and today, I've sent e-mails to a couple of people but have had no response.

I've been burnt before, so I know the signs. I have a funny feeling, if you know what I mean! I hope it's just my overactive imagination.
Thanks for the response. (sm)
That's what I'm going to continue to do then. I feel ill that some of these errors go out in my company's name, but all I can do is do MY best. My number is not on the bottom of those reports. That's what counts. ;)