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be armed with knowledge and documentation

Posted By: msbeanctr on 2006-03-07
In Reply to: IRS says I owe $$$ for self-employment tax (sm) - need some moral support until I call

Along with sending all employees W2s, a copy of every employee's W2 is transmitted along with a W3 with the totals of FICA/MED and Fed taxes.

The problem probably arises from what was sent in to IRS and Social Security that raised a flag. I really don't think that the SE part set off the flag. MQ might have tried to do a switch-a-roo and sent in a 1099 with the transmission. After you go in for the examination, this will probably clear it up. When I was with MQ, they sent me a W2 and a 1099, and was always leery of this but never had a problem. I left them in 2000 because of lack of work but always wondered about the dual reporting.


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armed services
My sone joined the Navy in his junior year of college. He went in as an officer. They finished paying his college and then sent him for Officers training. He is now teaching nucler physics for them for 4 years and go do something else in the Navy after 4 years to do anything he wants.
You are coming across as being very strong armed
They are employees and they cannot just go in there and strong arm their way in and make demands.  They can sit and talk with them and tell them what they would like but if they accept the job as it is, that is what they took and must work with.  She never said, but if they are doing EMR's some of those programs will not work or read some of the word based commands or whatever you want to call them.  I have worked on three programs, two were semi compatible with Word and the other definitely not.  Could not cut and paste into it.  But I knew what I was getting into and if I did not like it, there was the door and I could leave.  Sounds to me as though the doctors have found out that they do not have time to do the charting and want them to catch them up.  They did not write the program to be transcription friendly probably.  Again, I agree that they should have some of these tools but you are coming across as though  you are pounding your fist and saying, just do this, this and this and it is the company's equipment and not theirs.  Sorry if I took you wrong but that is what I hear.  She does not have to take the job.   
Where exactly is your documentation

I say keep documentation from your
boss stating you are to leave this off your log. Otherwise, you might be fired for putting it even when she/he told you to. Doctor's are the biggest babies!!
Really?! Is there some sort of documentation...
we can access to confirm that?  That's just far out.  Ever been in the lunch line in the hospital cafeteria with doctors discussing cases while waiting for the fricassee to be dished out?  What about these third-world countries where the work is being outsourced...they have 2 generations living in the same abode--think there's any privacy screening or dedicated office there?!  Sounds like bureaucratic bull poopie to me.  Kind of like asking "how old are you and do you have kids" without asking.  I'd take a picture of me at a nice fancy-pants office set up at Staples just out of spite if I was asked such a thing.  How the heck do you prove something like that unless you make a home visit?!  Somethin' just don't jive there is all I'm sayin'.
Please provide documentation. Thanks

Feedback on SPI Healthcare Documentation

Does anybody know anything good or bad about this company?  I am looking for a good MT employment position, and I have been burned before (by Voice Systems--they don't pay!). 


SPI Healthcare Documentation
Contact: Barb Batchelder
417 Welshwood Drive, Suite 201, Nashville, Tennessee 37211
SPI_MTUS@spitech.com
Telephone: 866-624-7672, Fax: 615-301-8423


Sorry. That just is not true. Or if it is, please show me documentation. nm
x
Just fax Admin proof, your documentation, that
x
Secure documentation transfer

Hi, I'm a medical transcriptionist/medical information technologist of a small MTSO called ScriptExcellence. I use "ScriptWave" for my workflow management/secure data transmission between the clients and myself and my subcontracted transcriptionists. The program was designed by my program developer brother, and my service has used it for two years with great success and low cost. If you'd like more information, check out the site at www.scriptwave.net. Best wishes to you!


secure documentation transfer

Congrats on getting the docs to move to digital! I'm a medical transcriptionist/medical information technologist of a small MTSO called ScriptExcellence. I use "ScriptWave" for my workflow management/secure data transmission between the clients and myself and my subcontracted transcriptionists. The program was designed by my program developer brother, and my service has used it for two years with great success and low cost. If you'd like more information, check out the site at www.scriptwave.net. Best wishes to you!


Association for Healthcare Documentation
"As a patient, I worry less about WHERE my records are being transcribed, and more about WHO is doing the transcription. I would opt for a qualified CMT in India handling my records over an unqualified individual transcribing from their dining room table with little experience and no security - where anyone could walk into their "home office" and access my information."

That's a laugh. She'd rather have a "qualified CMT in India" (where there is no HIPAA or anything like it) than an "unqualified individual transcribing from their dining room table..." Why am I supposed to assume that this picture of a dining room slacker is the opposite of an Indian MT?

How about another option, Ms. Fox: (Lemme guess: Karen Fox???) How about entrusting your records to a highly qualified American MT with professional standards & work ethic & who would do her/his best to protect the confidentiality of your records even if there were no laws against doing so, whose native language is American English, but who hasn't bothered to take some bogus test thought up by the chicks in Modesto to fund themselves, self-appointed guardians of all things MT? Now there's a novel idea.

Apparently she hasn't read the publication
http://mtindia.info/news/latest/heartland-information-services-spryance-inc.-merge.html

which would beg to differ with her contention that Indian MTs don't get any special pricing.

Well heck. My workload was cut to less than half after the hospital I work for began offshoring to people AHDI credentialed, people who have a cost of living that is a small fraction of mine & who can do the work I do for a small fraction of what I can do it for. I feel so much better knowing that at least they don't get a lapel pin.
Worker's Comp can be so complicated, and documentation is everything.....
The other complicated issue with this situation is the fact that many physicians are no longer taking on Worker's Comp cases, in new or well established patients, because of the complicated criteria for correct documentation and the long wait on overdue payment from BWC. In my area, several physicians have thrown in the towel with WC cases and no longer handle them. The patients are referred to Occupational Health Services in most cases, or told to go to Fast Track (ER service) for immediate treatment and documentation that is relevant to the injury. It is good if your family physician does accept WC cases. It is also good that he has decided to return the money to his employer and return to the doctor's office and treat the injury as it is, as a work related injury. In a situation like this, Documentation is everything, so the sooner he gets back to the doctor- the Better! Hope all goes well for him.
secure documentation transfer without an MTSO

Hi, I'm a medical transcriptionist/medical information technologist of a small MTSO called ScriptExcellence. I use "ScriptWave" for my workflow management/secure data transmission between the clients and myself and my subcontracted transcriptionists. The program was designed by my program developer brother, and my service has used it for two years with great success and low cost. It would be an easy way for you to securely transfer audio files/transcribed reports without using an MTSO. If you'd like more information, check out the site at www.scriptwave.net. Best wishes to you!


additionally, ask, as well as receive, written documentation.
.
Association for Healthcare Documentation in India
Good for you for helping her make an INFORMED decision before taking the CMT exam. I can't imagine anyone knowing the full scope of AHDI's nefarious practices still wanting to take their exam.
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
nm
with such great documentation, it sounds to me like you should be able to call the labor board
or at least unemployment...it is something you really should consider. there are civil service jobs, if you do not want to work at home, and you can get help finding a job that way.

this is what is needed when going to the labor board so they get a clear-cut look at what is happening in this business.

just because it saves a buck, should not mean employees should be able to be treated like dirt...

you have been pushed out of your job, sounds like, and that at least qualifies for unemployment.

believe me, any other job you find out there will be almost the same, but you could collect some money while you look for something with the same pay, am I correct?

SE or not, too, you have lost YOUR LIVELIHOOD. what do people think, like okay you have no way to make a living now...
to anyone considering going out on their own, or has knowledge of such

What is the most difficult part of the process, whether it be finding a physician, figuring out a program for the pc, getting a legal binding contract.  How much is the start up fee.


I have been considering this for awhile but to be honest i'm just too lazy.  BUT, the thought of making around 11-12 cpl, having only one or two docs that I know like the back of my hand where I can make tons of macros, tons of money and work less, is so appealing, that might jump start me.  Am I seeing the big picture here or just dreamin?


Not to my knowledge.....

Dianna -


I use Lanier VoiceWrite EX daily and unfortunately, the Lanier "undertones" are such that you cannot use anything else besides the VW Ex, as the main station or server "reads" the remote unit and you have to connect digitally before it will even let you into the system.  Some companies have interphase software that will do this (not familiar with it myself) but I have not found anything personally compatible with Lanier except Lanier.  I used to use a C-phone and loved that I could check work remotely or even re-record but with Lanier, I have not found anything else to work except the actual Lanier equipment.  Maybe someone else has found a solution, but I have not heard of one. 


Best of luck to you !


I am an A.R.T. Cant take away the knowledge.
nm
To my knowledge
xx
To my knowledge..
A hospital sitter must be a licensed nurse, usually private duty.
You're right .. and here's 1st-hand knowledge -- sm

I start med school (been an MT for 24 years) August 2006. 


One of my classes last semester was Intro to Medical Practices.  I especially inquired about pro bono work by all the physicians and dentists who spoke to the class as guests each week.  All gave significant amounts of their practice to pro bono work.


One physician in particular impressed me.  He is a cardiovascular surgeon.  His main area of expertise is doing cardiac bypasses.  To make a long story short, because of insurance changes (MCare) over the past few years, he only makes about $650 per bypass for his own pocket and that is gross.  Of the $1850 MCare and insurance companies pay him for this procedure, it costs him $1200 in overhead for that procedure.  Until last year, he would often do the procedure for free for patients who could not afford it and had no insurance.  However, for 2 years he had to BORROW MONEY to pay his OVERHEAD because he did so much pro bono work.  He finally decided he just could not go bankrupt doing that.  So now, he STILL does HIS PART for free but the patient has to pay his overhead.  He tells them to call their family, friends, churches and if they have the $1200 for his overhead, he will donate HIS skills/time/energy for free.


The physician (maxillofacial surgeon) who directed this class said his annual pro bono work runs around $250,000 a year. 


As well, while dentists recoup 95% to 100% of the fees charged for their services (they are ALWAYS getting their money up front), physicians (with the exception of cosmetic plastic surgery) only recoup an average of 31% of their fees.  For every $1000 they spend on a patient, they will only get back approximately $310 and must write off the rest. 


Now that is INSIDE information - direct from the physicians and dentists we had in class.  I was shocked.  Not deterred, but shocked. 


Regarding that lovely cardiologist who gives so much away, take into consideration that the $650 for HIS skills/time/energy for ONE cardiac bypass -- he invests a total of 12 to 15 hours for that one procedure (that is WITHOUT complications happening) including his consult/operative time/followup visits, hospital rounds, etc.  That comes out to about $54 an hour -- and plumbers and electricians around here make more than that.  My Ford dealership in town gets $76 an hour. 


And now, since we are starting to do bypasses endovascularly through the femoral artery, he has to really put the money down for more education to train to do this or he will be out of business shortly. 


Interesting huh?!  When people make comments to me about my future as a physician as a way to "get rich", I tell them not necessarily so!!  LOL  I'm not doing it for money!  You couldn't pay me enough to go through all this at this time in my life!!  LOL  


And would it not help if you could spell knowledge???? nm
:)
Because it's such common knowledge.
But by all means, give them your money and prove it again if you like! I was just trying to help you.
knowledge of med term a plus
knowledge of medical terminology is such a plus in the medical field. try applying to a hospital as a unit clerk or a receptionist in a doc office. it is good for the mind to get out there and see people again. maybe you will realize how much you have missed.
Gain knowledge sm
I think I addressed this before, you cannot get enough knowledge to put in your bank. If they are willing to pay you, soak it in like a sponge. It's hard, I wanted to quit so many times but I went from "duh" to "diva" by blood, sweat and tears. It's worth it, hang in!! Knowledge is power.
more knowledge needed sometimes sm
You have to be aware of all body parts (anatomy) as well physiology, etc. in all specialties because you may have 50 discharge summaries from many specialties, not only a few, in one day You also have to have the ability to pick up on abnormal lab values (or you should), etc., as you don't want a totally erroneous value to go through without questioning. After you get through the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems,  physical exam, etc., then you get to the lab and x-ray findings. When you get to the summary, you will be working in terms of what is wrong with that particular patient, know the drugs and dosages, etc. With acute care, you may get H&P's, discharge summares, operations (difficult at first) and consults (many different specialties) all in one day's work. Others may not agree with what I just said, but in a nutshell, you have to be fairly well rounded in your knowledge of anything that may come your way in the basic 4's each day as well as psych reports if the facility has a psych ward,, etc., Also., if the facility has a rehab department or other speciality floors, you will have to learn them as well.  If you are a dedicated learner, you can do it, you just have to be willing to  work hard. I would say it took me several years to be really good at it and it is well worth it. In todays world though, I am not sure, it seems like there are a lot of unhappy people on these boards. Just be positive and if you love it, you may enjoy it. Acute care covers many specialties and is just that, "acute." requiring hospitalization. Hope I didn't discourage you, it's challenging. If you work for an MTSO, they may be willing to give you one speciality at a time (although I doubt it). Radiology is usually in it's own department with it's own staff and dictation. Hope I didn't confuse you even more, just trying to help here.
If it requires that much knowledge
above the normal they might consider paying a wage for it - starting .07 cpl doesn't exactly scream you're valued for your knowledge.
It seems there's always someone on this board, with no knowledge of their own , who - sm
insist upon arguing with anyone offering tech support or advice. It happened earlier in the AV thread where one of the participants obviously didn't have a clue what they were talking about yet insisted that everyone else didn't know what they were talking about.

It seems to be rather common in the MT community to be able to speak much and listen little. Very sad, actually.
If there's any question on my knowledge in these matters,

I am a college educated and certified computer technician who has been in the technology field for 20 years now.  FWIW, Atomic Clock Sync has rave reviews from PC Magazine, but merely synchronizing your computer clock doesn't fix the underlying problem.  If the battery on your computer's motherboard goes completely dead, your CMOS settings will go byebye, which is a royal PITA to fix.


http://www.decosystech.com/Techsupport/Batteries.htm


I know several MTs who are being paid high $$ for their knowledge... Sure is (sm)
something to think about!! With IC you lose your flexibility and punch the 9-5 clock. Maybe if your kids are in school. Mine are still little yet. But I definitely am keeping that option open, taking a few courses along the legal line.
New clients with no computer knowledge
I just landed a new awesome client because they were desperate. They didnt even have internet! I talked them into go with a DSL line, I bought them a digital recorder (with USB connector)..I had my computer guy write a script. all they have to do is plug the recorder into the USB connector, press a button on the desk top (that has script written by my computer geek) and it automatically sends it to me...the files are sent back, they press another scripted icon on their desk and VOILA they have the work back. They have no idea what they are doing either....but they are learning slowly and I have a great new account (all mammograms and ultrasounds 2 days a week)

I LOVE IT!
I speak from first hand knowledge...
and I never said she didn't love the boy, but rather not in the traditional sense. You know the kind where you actually take care of your kids. I won't blast all that on the internet. I'm just saying though that I only speak from what was actually done, not by assuming something heard through the media.
Physicians are willing to share their knowledge with (sm)

anyone who will listen.  They love young bright eyed students. I expected the MT world to be just like medicine.  


Why is cost the only issue? It is unprofessional to only think about money. What about pride in the profession and wanting to share knowledge? Isn't that how professions advance and grow? 


I am surprised.


 


 


 


Approach homeschooling with knowledge. sm
I have family in California that homeschool their children, and it is wonderful. The mother has an education, sets up great courses, and the support network there is absolutely fantastic. Sports, music, field trips, clubs, they are all available. They couldn't get a better education anywhere, and the socialization is absolutely great.

However, I had to homeschool my son last year for health reasons, and there can be real problems. He is an only child and was left out of all the school social activities. Unfortunately, there is no homeschooling network in my area, the nearest one is 150 miles away, so there were no field trips, sports activities, etc. We live in a small town, and not much is available outside school. It took him 2-3 months to get back into the social swing in high school. Fortunately he is very well adjusted, and turned out fine. Be sure the pieces are in place before you homeschool. Otherwise, you will be the only support your child has, and it can be almost a full-time job, especially if you have to start your own organization. I highly recommend homeschooling if you are in an area to do so. It can be a great experience and children can learn so much faster than in the public school. Good luck.
Good knowledge you passed along. nm
t
knowledge increases productivity
My productivity is up and down. I have found that with doctors and report-types that I am use to typing my productivity is higher, with new docs and new/rarely typed report a lot lower. I think only knowledge can increase your productivity, when you can anticipate what the doc will say next because you have a true knowledge of what you are typing. (please excuse typos.. I am on a quick break)
For the amount of knowledge this job takes...
The constant demands to do more and more, increased accuracy requirements, I think #4. #2 would be a good entry level wage, but in reality I think most of us are stuck there.
What is your experience and knowledge worth? sm
Only you can decide what a good line rate is for you. Everyone has different opinions, expenses, time management, and issues. No two people are the same.

Now, if you take the IC part out of it and ask if 7 or 8 cpl is a good line rate - basically the answer would be no, not really. Then again, it seems to be what companies are offering these days.

Remember, most companies base any health benefits, etc on your production. So, if you have a bad month of production, your benefits might go bye-bye!

Just think, as an independent contractor, 8 cpl, nice easy account, canned reports, lots of templated work - Yeah you can make decent money.

Now, no canned reports, difficult account, you might have to work 10 to 12 hours a day to make decent money.

See the difference - Go with your gut and decide what you are worth.

Good luck!
more knowledge of Offshoring is good.
nm
But QAing requires much more knowledge
and experience than VR editing. They can hire newbies to do VR editing, but not QA.
To my knowledge, you can't print the physicians'....sm
list and I doubt they are in there by specialty, too. You can print the contents of your ESP file if you save it to your desktop and then print it. Hope this helps.
QA's lack of knowledge really irks me.
Most of the time, they say the exact opposite the next day, anyway.
I've used it. There are a ton of knowledge base forums out there
where you can research your results.
It's a knowledge-intensive field which doesn't pay anywhere near enough..

depends on your speed, knowledge & accounts.
x
So dont you think the knowledge & experience it takes

B.S. in HIM, no MT school, OTJ training for that skill, but the HIM classes for the knowledge. nm
x
Exactly! We have a broader knowledge base. My sister has been an RN for 30+ years and I have the u

I could never do what they do.  I am an anxiety-ridden person and the thought of someone's health and well being, not to mention physical comfort or discomfort being completely my responsibility and then to be able to function in a calm, methodical manner in a high-stress, life or death situation...  Well, let's just say I know I could not handle it.  I would have a nervous breakdown. 


It's a pity that some nurses can't return to the favor and respect us for what we do.  My sister respects me.  She actually comes to me with medical questions because she realizes she doesn't know it all and I basically get a medical education on a daily basis what with new terms, drugs, procedures, equipment, etc.  And let's face it, MTs are the masters of research and medical references, searching the internet, etc.


But all people see when they see an MT is that we sit at a desk all day and type and to them it looks easy.  It's just a shame.