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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

independent consultant

Posted By: sunshine on 2007-02-16
In Reply to: independent setup details - S. Hill

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. 




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Consultant

A consultant will cost a lot of money.  Who do you work for now and how do you get their work?   Just have to be flexible, be able to do tapes or digital, pick up and delivery, printing, etc.  Just gotta get out there and market your business and yest it might take several mailings as you gotta catch their eye when they are looking for someone.  If they have someone doing their business right now you have to be able to offer them a reason for switching -- and I don't mean an introductory price at a ridiculous amount -- service is it.  Point out why you are different.  But be prepared to back up what you promise,  there won't be any vacations or days off in the future unless you have a back-up when first starting out.  The offices are not usually understanding as a service with sick kids, you being sick, husband walking out and leaving you or even a death at times.  Well maybe not that bad but at first they will ask for a lot and you gotta be prepared to give it until you prove yourself.  But again, gals, it will take more than one mailing, you gotta get your name out there and sell yourself.   Do it every 6 to 8 weeks at first.  Stop by and hand deliver your flyers/brochures after a first mailing.  Drop off some pens with your name on them.  But you have to me a marketing person, customer service rep, manager, business owner and employee to make it on your own.   Good luck.  I just cannot justify spending money on something that I can do myself but if you can, look in the yellow pages under Business Consultant but be prepared to spend more on them than you would on an attorney. 


consultant
Thank you so much for answering.  I work for a national company now.  My biggest concerns are how to be set up for the delivering of transcription if its a not a pick up and drop off situation and how do I go about getting the contract written up?  YOu can e-mail.  I would very much appreciate it.  Thank you once again!
consultant
I think it might be worth checking out.   
consultant for IC business
HI all.  Someone had posted on this board that they knew of a good consultant for getting started as an independent set up business.  Would you please be so kind to email me info on this?  Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
I want to be a consultant to attorneys, to show them where
.  I'd like to reduce the allowable error rate for patients like you and me.
yeah, someone agrees on consultant!!
Thanks for the vote!  I just can't believe people can be so rude.  Thanks for the advice and,oh, I am a woman.  I thought the sensitivity would have given it away! LOL
Writer and PT marketing consultant
z
Bingo. A good tax consultant
Thank goodness I have a good one that knows what to write off, etc.  Misconceptions of IC in this field is very common.  I also do not agree with an IC being assigned work whether it be a certain amount of minutes or to work certain hours.  As an IC you have the choice to take the work and transcribe it or not.  As an employee, however, you may be required to transcribe a certain amount of work.  These MTSOs what their cake and eat it too.  They want to write off your pay as a "subcontractor", because they are the contractor, plus expect a certain quota. 
FINAL CONSULTANT POST

You are right Fingers/Carole, I am not an MT.  I am a consultant for many big businesses.  All businesses are the same, in it to make money.  The bottom line is that the MT biz is going downhill consistently.  Those of you who are happy with your jobs, benefits, pay scale.... GREAT!  But what about the tons that are not.  Do you not care for your fellow American!!  It won't be long and you will ALL have the same problem.  Pay cut and fixes other VR and off-shore work.  I did not come here to start any war, only to open eyes, that it is imperative to stop the AAMT type who do nothing for you and organize yourselves to get accomplished what is necessary to keep your pay and benefits going up, NOT down and out of the country or to VR with you doing the corrections.  There is nothing wrong with making things easier with VR, but you should still get paid for your expertise while transitioning to this.  VR will NEVER be able to take the place of the qualified MT. 


I hope in some small way I did something good here.  My intentions were in the right place.  I wish you ALL well and full pockets!!


 


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.
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 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.


So, if you hire an independent contractor to sm
paint your house, do you do a criminal background check on that person.  It's the same thing.  Independent contractors are just that. 
independent contractors are sometimes the worse - sm
I hired a courier service to run reports back and forth to the city for me. They informed me that their couriers were independent contractors. One of the independent contractors came to pick up the reports as scheduled on his route, came in to my apartment, locked the door behind him, and let's just say I was extremely lucky that the building maintenance guy was in the apartment next door and kicked in my door.

I contacted the courier service and the police, of course, only to find out that the guy had been arrested for rape and burglary.

So would you like to comment on that!?

What is the big deal anyways. You are getting a company computer and in some cases you have information on patient's insurance and social security numbers because of the platform you are using.
If you are an independent contractor, you are not an employee so the
rule of thumb is that pay should be made to the employee within 30 days from the date of resignation.  If, however, you signed a contract that says specifically that half of you pay can be held until say equipment is returned, etc., then you may have to abide by that.  The company may just want to make sure they get their equipment back.
IC meaning independent contractor?
As far as I know...no...for independent contractor, they do not have to pay any benefits or even take out SS, so I would think it would be MORE not less for IC. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Employee vs Independent Contractor

Click here:


Independent contractor status
Don't forget, though, as an independent contractor, you will be paying 100% of your social security tax, which accounts for somewhere around 15% of your gross income.  You have to factor that into the equation.  Working employee or statutory status makes it mandatory for the employer to pay half of your social security tax; being independent makes you 100% responsible.  Also, you are responsible for sending in quarterly tax statements/payments, whereas as an employee, your company owner does that for you.  I would want to factor all these things in and allow enough to take care of the social security at least. 
This is confusing. An independent contractor IS
nm
As an Independent Contractor, you set your own rate.
then you are not truly an independent contractor.  How she bills a client has nothing to do with how you bill her.
Statutory MT/Independent contractor

Does anybody know of companies that still hire Statutory or independent contractors?  Since I take the standard deduction on my personal taxes I can no longer deduct my MT expenses and that's a major ouch.  Thanks for any help.


 


 


Independent Medical Examination(s)....

independent medical evaluation-NM
/
I guess I would have to say I WOULD expect an independent
contractor to be able to work more independently than an employee. The whole point is you are saying, I can do this on my own, as an IC. However, I only hired IC's and I did my best for the training period to be as successful as possible for everyone all the way around. They still sometimes leave blanks and I find out what it is (although most of the time, if they can't get it, I can't get it LOL) and we all add it to our lists. Working together...
You are not an independent contractor, if you only have one client.
x
starting as independent contractor/need help!

I'm going to be able to return to work very part time since my disability is getting a bit better.  I have an offer to work as an independent contractor, probably not making more than 12 grand per year.



This will be my first time being a contractor and I'm boggled after reading the IRS info on the site.  Do I need to file for a taxpayer ID# or can I just use my Social Security number?  I think I can wade through paying the taxes, etc, but may have an accountant do this initially.



Thank's in advance, Becca.


independent medical evaluations - nm
nm
independent setup details

Have you considered a consultant?  I know a very good one who not only works with independent transcriptionists but also assists acute care facilities with new information systems.  I would be happy to send you the info. 


Question about vacation for an independent
Ok, my first year as an independent. I am planning a fairly longer (than a week's time) for a vacation this year. Do independents just tell the people they work for they are planning on being gone such and such days or do you ask for the time off? Do not flame but I have set hours and days that I work for a particular company and that is how I wanted to do it but didn't know about vacation time. Thanks.
independent contractor lunches
can i deduct lunches as a business expense?
Whether hospitals or independent offices,
I'm speaking from experience.
Yes, but are you employee or independent contractor?
There's a difference. When I had a job as an IC, I had to pay all my own equipment, software, references, phone, internet, utilities, self-employment taxes at 15.9%, etc. No insurance, no retirement unless I paid for private plans. No holiday pay. In fact, no days off at all!

I'm glad you're happy. I'd be happy to have a job paying $11.50 an hour, but I can't even get an interview! There are 800 people competing for one job if you check out the job board ads.

My spouse and I together are down to maybe $1,000 a month now in income when we used to gross $5,600 a month. Time for welfare, I guess. Can't get unemployment being a contractor. Cripes, Walgreens won't even hire me.
Are you hired by a company or is this an independent account you got on your own?
?
Independent Contractor vs. Small Business?

I am negotiating a contract with a clinic to be one of two transcriptionists.  I have typed for this clinic for several years as a sub-contractor, but the current contract holder is not renewing the contract.  The clinic's lawyer is not comfortable with "Independent contractor" as the contract would be for one year and for the usual questionable definition of an IC. 


I tried to research this and just became more and more confused.. so I hope I can get a little advice here..  I do not want to be employed by the clinic - I prefer to be self-employed.  Do I make myself a small business and get a license?  I do plan to meet with my accountant to ask some questions, but I was hoping to get a little info here so that I would not sound completely stupid!  (Doesn't seem as bad to sound stupid here rather than in person!)  I am used to getting a 1099 and paying self-employment tax. 


Are you an Independent contractor or a small business?  I do not plan to have any employees..I just want to type for this clinic and get paid! THanks!