Whether hospitals or independent offices,
Posted By: it does make a difference. sm on 2008-12-29
In Reply to: Who needs the doom & gloom? A person just - starting out isn't going to try to - sm
I'm speaking from experience.
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Doctors' offices, not hospitals
Sounds like the OP is referring to doctors' offices and not hospitals. If we took the initiative and talked to local doctors in our area, perhaps they might be interested in having their work done in a more "personalized" fashion. We don't know unless we try.
I think the hospitals might be a "lost cause" in this regard because they are run by financial people and not the physicians themselves, but I think I will start making some appointments (which I need to do, anyway!) and query my physicians about who does their work. I think the office managers might brush me off, but I do not believe the physicians would.
I do agree with the OP that we all need to try to take back the medical transcription field ourselves and get it out of the hands of big business.
I get .135/.13/.16/.195 direct from hospitals or doctor offices.
.
Yeah, but hospitals are already largely using VR in hospitals. (nm)
(nm)
Offices are different.
Your supervisor should be able to email you a rundown. My office has many different incentives, in fact, I have a hard time keeping track of them!
Why are all offices not ran the same?
x
One of the Ohio offices
I'd rather not say which. Been there years.... it's gotten worse, not better!
How do you change offices?
?
it seems to be all offices, have you signed
up for IPAY? I have not gotten a check yet either, but there is a statement there for 09/02 which obviously is not a regular paycheck
incompetent offices
Geez Mandy, you must work for the same place I did before I left LOL.
Offices need not comply .. but
we find that most do for the continuity in care issues that any practitioner faces.
Can anyone tell me how they like working for the NE Region of MQ as all offices in the NE are
going there one by one as the local offices close down. What are the people like to work for there and the QA people as far as feedback on things. Thanks
So they are consolidating offices, big deal.. it's a
c
I don't know about now, but they used to have local field offices. sm
A friend of mine had a problem, and she went in and talked face to face with a really nice person, who helped her through it. If you're close to an office, and if they still have them, that might be your best bet. Good luck.
Small doctors' offices do!
My second job is for a small (3-physician) specialty office. I am paid by the hour at a nice hourly rate. I was also paid hourly when I worked in-house last year at a specialty practice. I got this job initially by asking the doctor personally who did their transcription when my daughter had a check-up appointment there.
Really, your best bet is to do some networking and research on local offices in your own community. A lot of small doctors' offices do not want to mess with big nationals and prefer a local dependable transcriptionist. As a poster below had suggested, offer to do a SMALL portion of their work for free on a trial basis.
I know what you mean about being burned out, though! I hope you find what you are looking for.
I think the MDs that care in their offices or clinics sm
keep their trans in-house. My personal MD does and overseas every last little detail and she is tough! The ones who dont want to mess with it go to a service and let the service take responsibility. So neither will care....IMHO
My experiences with home offices...
I used to have my office in the living room. It was really difficult for me and my family.
I moved it into the dining room ... again, was just a bad fit and crowded/cramped everything.
Finally I moved it to my bedroom. Now at first, I had my desk sitting out in the open and it became depressing. While I enjoyed the privacy and quiet (I could actually shut my door), it was all I saw when I was in my bedroom. That blank monitor staring at me, either making me feel guilty by not working more or making me dread going to work.
Soooo, then I got creative and I've been thrilled every since.
I pulled all of my clothes out of my closet and bought a beautiful armoire with drawers and a rod in the top to hang clothes. Beautiful asset to my bedroom.
I purchased a smaller but very nice desk and fit it right inside my closet. I have a lovely little lamp on my desk, streamlined all my paperwork to a minimum and put as much as I could live without (in tangible form) on the computer. Have a small vase I keep fresh but cheap flowers in. All I have is in the closet and I can close it up out of sight when I am done. I can store my books up on the shelf above plus I have a small CD player up there to play soft music while I work.
I did not want an ugly office chair anymore. I really liked my upholstered chair in my bedroom. So I had my son put rollers on it and now it is my chair. When I'm not working, I just turn it and angle it into the corner like it has always been...when I need to work, I just sit and slide right under my desk.
I could not be happier with this set up and it has been this way just over a year now.
I get copies of the schedule from the offices. sm
you are an IC, so you can call the shots. You can let them know that if you don't receive the work by a certain time, you will assume there is none, something of that sort. If you need a day off, give them advance notice and don't "ask" them for it, because you are an IC so you set your own schedule per IRS rules. You do not need their permission, per se. Obviously, we accommodate the docs as much as possible to keep the accounts, but only to a certain extent. We shouldn't be on call for them 24/7, either. They wouldn't wait all day for a patient that may or may not show (and sometimes even charge if the patient is a no-show!!) If you wait and wait for work, play their game and put it in writing that you will charge for your time -- and then DO it. A few extra charges on the old invoice will likely bring about a change. ;)
Even with the schedules provided, the docs can and do change them at the last minute, so there's no way you can ever know for sure, but at least you can have SOME idea what's going on if they provide them. The way I see it, if he tells you he will be out, then that's what you go by. Even if the staff can't verify it (strange, since most docs are highly reachable by staff), you've heard it straight from the horse's mouth so if you want to take that opportunity to have a day off, let the staff know you'll be off that day, period.
If the doc changes his mind and comes in that day, well, I'd still take the day off if I made plans. Keep that saying in mind that poor planning on their part does not constitute an emergency on your part. If they don't like it, then maybe they'll make better future efforts to keep you in the loop.
Independent MT
I don't know if this is really where to post this, but I'm not a new MT. I have been doing this for almost 3 years. I have been working for companies and want to get my own doctors. Any ideas on how to advertise? I was thinking of mailing flyers, but am not really that creative and don't really know what to put on there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I am independent, and believe it or not have a
family and taking a vacation for about 9 days this year. You were saying what could you do and if you still have burn out after a week when coming back to work, we all come back to work, would you be happy to return and no work?? I just said if not happy about returning and you have family and life and burnt out when returning, then you already have my answer. Work, take vacation, return to more work, family still there OR take vacation, do not return to work and stay home with family. Simple, the way I see it.
I would say no, you are an independent
contractor, not an employee. Minimum wage only applies to employees.
MQ offices- If there is an MQ office in your city/state, is it possible to
apply for an MQ job outside of your state? I think I have been blacklisted from the MQ here in Birmingham, AL. I worked part-time for them when they first setup an office here, and they were named Transcription Limited, I believe. They only paid 6-7 cpl at that time. Well I worked for them a couple years and then opportunity came where I could work for another transcription company, and I am assuming was a competitor to them in the Birmingham market. Mind you, I left in good standing (so I thought), two-weeks notice and all, and was an exceptional employee, but years later, every time I have tried to apply through them, I get turned down. So I am wondering if I could work for another MQ office outside of Alabama, or will they refer me to the Birmingham office?
How much do most people charge for doing IC work for doc offices, just
What program is good to use for line counting?
I was thinking 13/cents a line? Is that undercharging? I have to remember that I have to pay my overhead so even though 13 sounds high, I have to pay equipment, equipment, equipment.
help
go solicit medical buildings/offices...nm
So tired of dealing with incompetent offices...
they just emailed me for the upteenth time for a stat report that I already sent to them 40 minutes ago. Wouldn't you think they'd check to see if they had it first!?! Constantly emailing me questioning what they've sent me and when. Why can't she keep logs like I do!?! Doesn't take a rocket scientist! Can't remember from day to day to send me patient lists. Don't know what the heck she does with incomplete reports I've sent because doc doesn't give a name of messes up his dictation and cuts half of it off. I'll get a call a couple of weeks later saying doc insists he dictated on so and so, but they never got the report. I'm the one who has to go back and search for the nameless reports and match up the the patient they're missing with diagnoses, age etc., then tell her that's the one I sent you on that date that was incomplete. Why can't she figure that out!!! If I functioned like they do, I wouldn't last a week! Sorry, had to vent.....
I am an IC and my accounts are clinics and doctor's offices
So I have weekends off unless the docs dictate late on Friday, in which case I have the choice of working late on Friday or getting the work done over the weekend.
With clinic work, you don't have the constant flow that you have with a hospital. You can't work harder or longer hours to make more money. There is a specific amount of work, and when it's done, that's it. Your income will fluctuate. But if you're willing to put up with that - you can have your weekends off.
Start by calling your personal doc offices. Probably
s
There are so much better accounts out there. Start calling offices sm
to get new accounts, let this one go, and don't look back.
I have in this situation many years ago. Believe me, I learned along the way. There are dream clients out there and there are these type.
I have found in my 25 years experience in MT, 18 of those working as an IC, that as one door closes, another one opens.
Most doctors offices are like that because they are not open on the weekend...
and work doesn't start trickling in until late monday afternoon/evening so why bother waiting around, just take the day off!!!
those of you that have independent health
insurance, what companies are the policies with? i've done the quote thing with a couple online services that quote several companies, but i've heard of very few of the companies that reply. does anyone have mega? or heard of nase?? or even which companies to avoid would be extremely appreciated. (i'm in indiana with 1 child). TIA!!!!
Independent contractor here (sm)
How about you?
I use an independent tax service myself.
He charges by the form and I have the usual business use of home and other deductions. It has never been more than $200. I can do it myself, but I like the fact that he guarantees if there are any questions or audits HE WILL represent me and be present for any questions. He has some sort of extra certification but I would have to pull out the old papers I have to know exactly what they were.
No More Independent Contractors
Has anyone heard that independent contractors are going to be a thing of the past within the next few months according to the IRS? I have been told need to be an employee or incorporate. Anyone have an incorporated small business from their home? Pluses or minuses? It is confusing. What about all other self-employed people in this country? It is the same thing:( So sad that government is taking over.
independent consultant
good morning! Someone had posted information about a good consultant for an independent MT business. Would you be so kind to e-mail me the information. I have been looking into starting my own business and would love to get off on the right track. I know some people don't work with contracts but I would like to cover myself. Plus I think its just good to have one. I feel its just like opening any other type of business and it would be good to know there is someone to talk with about it. Once again, thank you for your time. 
Independent Contractor
This is the form that all ICs have to use for their taxes and I can't find the answer anywhere. .Thanks.
I am independent but when I started this job
was told to choose the hrs and days I would work. I wanted to work there so I have set hours, not a 24 TAT at all.
New independent, need information
Started this year as independent. Tried to reach tax person, not there. Now when I send in my federal taxes, are social security taxes paid out of that or am I supposed to send those somewhere else? Thanks.
You know about the part about independent but
i have set hours and I do not care and I work them, but I have done this work, as stated above, for 30 years and I love the hospital I have worked for for about 20, my work is like taking candy from a baby, know so well and the $$$$ is there for me because of this. I do not care, even if independent, to work anywhere else, very satisfied. I have noticed with being independent when I want to take a vacation, days off, just tell, but if they want me to work another day for say a day off fine with me too.
Independent contractors
I was wondering if someone could give me an opinion. I have had 2 ICs working for me for about 5 years. I have paid them by the line all the time a very good rate, which I cannot continue to do anymore. I still have to go over every bit of their work after all this time and there are still errors and I am so tired of this but have not had the chance to look for anyone new and don't have time right now to try training anyone new. Would it be unethical to pay them less per line or convert to a page rate that would be cheaper. I feel like I am throwing money out the window but until I find someone new I just have to do something short of getting rid of them. Is it unethical to just cut their line rate or pay by the page a cheaper rate.
Independent contractors
I let it go on so long because they were reliable which I needed. I am not curently set via digital, can only access through a C phone but that will be changing in the near future. It is the same account that they use, same doctors, good dictators, they just don't get it. Until I can replace them, I will adjust the pay rate.
RE: Independent contractors
YES I have gone over their quality of work issues for a long time and I have tried again and again to work with them and give them a chance but it is not working out. It is not just NOW that I am finding their work unacceptable. It has been for a long time. I am well aware that I have caused this issue to develop and imposed this on myself. I was just trying to work with them as they have been very reliable. I would not just purposely cut someone's pay for the fun of it without discussing it with them. I have also spent a lot of time mentoring them and trying to work with them and have pointed out their errors many times. I have spent a lot of time training them. Unfortunately, they both work a full time job elsewhere, thus I think that may be where the problem is. I have placed ads on occasion but I am limited with this call in dictation system that I have that can be only utilized via a C phone and there have been problems with people hearing the dictation. I will be changing over in the near future to another system. Any suggestions for good dictation systems that can be utilized via the Internet? The accounts that I have the doctors prefer a call in system just picking up the phone.
IC = independent contractor
I think you meant employee not IC as a subcontractor and IC are the same.
Independent Contractor
In the contract I was considered an Independent Contractor, so labor laws, etc. do not apply to me. According to the PA Labor and Industry Board my only option is to take them to small claims court in PA, and I live in CA, so that would be difficult and costly at best... I just mean there are restrictions that apply to me because of my Independent contractor status...
Independent contractor
I am hesitant to take that giant leap into being totally an IC. I have an IC position now and my boss has offered it to me FT and he lets you work as much as you want. Basially I try to keep somewhat of a decent schedule. I also work for a large outsource company. I can make more money as an IC and have checked on a zillion insurance companies, all about the same. I have never been without health insurance doing transcription and that is what scares me especially since I am older.
One friend has quit this company that we work for already. It is such a struggle to get line count especially since they do not pay for "S".
Do any of you IC people that might work for a smaller outsouce company regret being an IC? I know that one has to be organized and set aside money for taxes but I feel that mentally I would be happier if I would just take the dive. I have worked this PT position for 4 years and the boss is great to work for and he tells you all of the time he appreciates your work which one very seldom hears and he also has good bonus money for working holidays if you want and even gets you a Xmas gift which is very nice and he really is thoughtful and I know we make him lots of money, but he is lucky to have dedicated girls too.
I am thinking that I need the mental change and I will be doing the work type I love to do and that is OPs. I have just lost my drive, motivation of going to work everyday for this national company and I just cannot seem to get beyond that barrier no matter how much I have tried. We run out of work, too many people on accounts, then have to sit and wait. My time is valuable just like theirs. My doc wanted to put me on Lexapro and I took three and then I got to thinking I am not going to let my old hospital drive me crazy and depressed and I quit taking the Lexapro. I need to focus on another goal right now. I feel like Eagle Eyes are watching me all of the time. The only thing holding me back is I have medical insurance with this other place but since being there I have only reached the 800 lines a day goal a few times and it took me about 10 hours to do that which is awful. It seems like you type forever and get nowhere. I have lost my speed and I very seldom get to do OPs anymore. I used to do 30 a day at least.
I want to enjoy life a little more and there are other jobs out there that do pay much better than I am making taxes or no taxes to fool with. I have done this type of work for 29 years and maybe I am at that burnout point and just need a fresh change. I really think I need a fresh start so to speak. Thanks for letting me vent. Any feedback will be helpful. I do not have any small children, all grown so I am very very flexible.
Is it worth being an IC, bottom line????
Independent contractor
I have worked for this PT company for 4 years and he has always paid on time, never a problem with paycheck and I personally knew him when he was a salesman for Lanier, so I am comfortable with him.
It is a big step to take and he a 5-year contract with hospital so there is plenty of work. I am a pretty organized person, but if it was not for that darn insurance. Someone told me that the company that I am working for FT will have open enrollment in November and they are changing to a new insurance but you have to be producing 1000 lines a day to qualify. With their platform it takes around a 10-hour work day just to get to the 800 lines. That is what we all thought, 800--no problem. Boy did we have a rude awakening, everyone is struggling. It basically boils down to how much of a hassle for doing own taxes very peace of mind and get back to what I really like to do without someone "dinging for every little comma, semicolon, hyphen and incorrect verbage. I am a good MT but here lately I am beginning to doubt just about everything I type and I am always having my head in the BOS. I have been doing this for 29 years, but I do feel like I am just coming out of English class and just a newbie which is not a good feeling at my age and exp. I want to like to do my job but right now not feeling that. Thanks for input all.
Independent ICs set their own rates.
You risk losing accounts when you raise your rate, but you're the only one who can negotiate that.
independent contractor
It's like being self-employed. You don't get taxes deducted from your paycheck. You have to do it yourself. You are also supposed to be able to set your own hours, although some companies still make you work a shift.
They are and that is why we dont have work then. They bring in other offices and run your office out
of work because too many people are on the account then. Make sense. Nope.
I, too, work for MQ out of one of their CA offices - 7 years now. Steady workflow sm
I wouldn't say I don't run out of work, but maybe 3 times a year I do. Just depends. Around school time beginning I do. May pay is probably above average because the company I worked for that MQ bought paid really well.
I have had absolutely no problems with MQ, though the things I keep hearing and seeing do bother me that I belong to a co. like this. But personally, they've been too good to me.
I guess not all offices are the same, for sure!
DH and I used to clean lawyers' offices for supplemental income. sm
Made good money. They were very appreciative folks and even gave us a $100 tip at XMAS time. Mind you, we were working for a contractor. Would have made more if we were the contractor. No shame here.
Is this Holiday a major one? Clinics and offices closed?
I guess I am out of it. How big of a holiday is this? All the kids home from school today? Post offices and banks closed? Seems rather quiet work-wise. Wondering if I should start cleaning the house or keep staring at the no jobs to do in my queue.
Thanks!
Send letters to local offices marketing yourself. sm
Watch the want ads, and offer yourself as IC backup instead of FTs. It works!
As you pick up your accounts and back-up accounts, just do a good job and meet expectations or better.
The only drawback about your own accounts, it leaves little time to clock out and have your own life. If you can find someone else to work the accounts while you rake in the money, that is all the better.
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