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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

job market update

Posted By: NightOwl on 2009-05-02
In Reply to: Has the job outlook improved any? - Happycat

If your skills are excellent and your experience and references speak well of you, then I believe the job market is pretty good.

But!!!!

You have to look carefully at the prospective jobs.

Please, I beg of you, for the good of ALL OF US, please please please do not take a job for less than 8.5 cpl! Please!


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the market will pay what the market will bear...sm

just the fact that jobs are posted for this pay means people are taking it. You have to remember - we are in a global marketplace now. We are competing against people from India, Thailand, Cambodia for these jobs. If the Mexicans could figure it out, we would be competing against them too. It's like washing dishes. Washing dishes isn't easy. Why does washing dishes only pay $5.50 an hour? Because they can find people to wash dishes for $5.50 an hour. Not only that, but MT work was getting cost prohibitive for a lot of people. That's why some other really, really smart people said, "let's find a way to make computers do this! Then we can sell the programs so docs can buy programs instead of paying MT's." Then some other really really smart people said, "let's not even have docs dictate. Let's have them point and click!" And so MT's are also competing against VR and EMR.


You may say ..."If a company offers me 7 to 9 cpl, I let them know that it is an insult to expect an experienced, highly skilled Transcriptionist to be offered such low pay and I refuse to work for them." But if your current job goes bye-bye, and you're scrambling out in the market and that's all that's out there....well, you get the picture. If you want the job, you take the job for that pay. Otherwise, yes, it's get a job at WallyWorld. Your choice.


 


You need to Ctrl + A, then hit F9 to update all fields. To update header,
you need to switch to print preview and back or print the document.
Now you know the local job market and my
home situation better than I do.  For your information, I make more working parttime at home doing MT than I would working fulltime for any of the local advertising agencies.  Plus, I don't have to travel or put my kids in daycare.   Thank you so much for your concern about my employment situation, though.  And please, get off your
In the market for a new computer -

I will not buy MS Vista - I hear it's a nightmare. TIA


 


When you market your services with a
business name and a business license, it shows the doctors or hospitals that you are representing yourself as a professional business and are not just a homemaker or housewife trying to make a few extra bucks. They will treat you with more respect and take you more seriously, and in turn will be willing to pay you a fair rate as a respectable businesswoman. Think about any business in your community or town. They all first procure a business name and a business license before they open their doors. You may be working from home, but you can will present yourself in this fashion. I would also suggest obtaining a P.O. Box to use as your business address instead of using your home address. Believe me, this works. I have been running a successful small MT business from home for over 20 years now, and I support my entire family on my earnings.
It's a very tough market right now...sm.
I have 8 years experience and have been testing left and right for the last 3 months. I have passed several tests only to hear about the company being put on a hiring freeze and I am added to their waiting list. I have also tested and done very well and not heard anything back. I finally made the decision that I am going to go to nursing school but right now is not a good time either (my husband has been out of work since April of 2008). He finished his degree and STILL cannot find a job.

Keep faith..it will come through. Maybe instead of having to drive into town, you could send your resume to all the local doctors, dentists, veterinarians, eye doctors, anyone who maybe has been thinking they are too busy to do their own notes. I have heard that this has worked for many people. It is always worth the effort. If you are a good general Transcriptionist too, don't just stop at medical. Send you resume to insurance businesses, lawyers, whatever might be there.

Good Luck and God Bless.
Money Market accounts
MM accounts do have checks, but you are limited to the number of checks that you can write per month - no more than 3 checks to a third party. Rates are usually tiered based on your balance - the more you have deposited, the more interest you will earn.

Start here:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/mmmf_home.asp

Are you worried about possible MT job market glut then? I am...
nm
My family went to a flea market that is mostly run and
attended by Hispanics.  There were several vendors selling leather goods, such as wallets, belts, shoes, etc.  DH needed a new wallet so he picked one he liked and opened it up only to find a tag that said "MADE IN INDIA."   (He didn't buy it.)  We didn't look at any of the other leather goods, but found it very ironic that the Hispanics are now importing their "handmade" goods from India.  
yeah, in today's job market, the
middle class is supposed to be happy we even have a job.  Forget any idea of getting any appreciation for hardwork, reliability, knowledge, or any of that good stuff, just be "happy" to be working... in my next life, maybe!
So what? 8 cpl is what the market will bear. If you don't want 8, don't take a job that pays
x
Instead, if I had $345, I'd put it in a money-market acct. - sm
and watch it grow, rather than putting it towards a bunch of fake 'certification' letters after my name, and seeing that money fly away and earn me nothing.
Sixe of MTSO Market
Does anyone know the size of the MTSO market (how many service providers, how many software co's etc. or a good source for this info?
Going back on the market -- any advice?

Hi y'all,


Three weeks ago I began a new job doing acute care at a local hospital (part of CHS). On Friday they told us that our work would be outsourced beginning in April.... Previously I worked at another local hospital for 9 years transcribing Rad and ER notes, echos, etc. I left there because I need expensive orthognathic surgery and their insurance plan has a blanket exclusion against it. Plus I wanted to brush up on my "big four" skills.


Now I am looking for work. Boy have things changed!  I really prefer to work for a hospital or start up my own company again but would work for a service as a last resort. After reading the informative posts here, I have begun compiling a list of "good" and "bad" services so I can avoid certain ones.


Does anyone here have any advice for me? Not general advice about job hunting, but more specific advice about the services -- what to watch out for, etc. I have never done editing/VRT, but apparently that pays less anyway so I don't think I will be doing that.


Thanks.


Really? Hmmmm...you wouldn't know the stock market if it bit you.
Run a stock analysis on MQ under any search engine.  Yahoo stock analysts are the ones I use personally.  There are advisories and analyses of MQ and Philips in the data base EVERY DAY.  There have been "hold" advisories, "sell" advisories, and "buy" advisories any given day.  Sorry to disappoint your disillusioned mind. Obviously NASDAQ and regular trade is better, but they are STILL in the ball game, sorry to disappoint you. And you SHOULD be happy at that if you care about the 1000s of MQ employees who have stocks, etc.  But, gee, sounds like you're just a disgruntled werker!
Does anyone know any basics on money market accounts?
nm
If you're an overseas vendor here's how to market....sm

Go by medical offices and talk to them in your native tongue.  They just LOVE hearing it.   When visiting in places like Florida be sure to ask about the last snow storm they had last winter - that's very impressive!   In the northern states talk about the warm sunny 70 degrees in February in their state and ask if they're ready for that this year.  


Be sure to take brochures showing the fabulous quality of work you do.   Be sure you include impressive sentences such as:  "Dr. Jones said he would eat ketchup with the patient to review his lab work."   After all they don't find it cute to type it like it was dictated.... "Dr. Jones said he would catch up with the patient to review his lab work." 


Lastly don't forget to give them laminated card including all 25 digits they will have to use to call your native country.  Be sure they're aware that all of your employees in your native country have new names.... Ben, Mary, Thomas and Amy are of course popular choices.   Potential clients like getting a warm fuzzy feeling by talking to "Mary" who has a very heavy accent to the point that they can't understand her talking.  But hey - she has an American name (woo-hoo!) so all is forgiven!


Be sure to investigate the housing market in your area
In my area as well as most of the U.S., the housing prices are SKY HIGH! Some say there is sure to be an 'adjustment' (downward) of housing prices in the near future. If the prices have skyrocketed in your area also, you might want to take a wait and see attitude for a year or two and see what happens? Just a thought.

I don't know your circumstances, and there may be reasons you need to buy a house right now, but a waiting period would also give you a chance to straighten up or clean up whatever is wrong with the credit.

I feel sad for my two sons, (one of whom is a store manager, but single income), as I don't see any possibility of either of them being able to buy a house at the outrageous prices nowdays.

My husband and I got lucky (MANY years ago) and bought our first house from an elderly fellow who carried the contract himself and gave us a STEAL of a price! He assumed we would default like all the other renters had and he would repossess the house. Ha Ha, not so with us!

Hey, maybe you could try advertising for a house with owner financing. Might be easier to qualify. Good luck!
This is not a new market. Is being done with all offshore companies I have ever worked for. nm
:+
you should be setting your rates according to what the market will bear...
not what you feel like getting. If you like the account, you're familiar with it and able to make good money off of it, you might want to stay at the rate you are at. As a service owner, I used to plan to hire at 7 but bring everyone eventually up to 10 cpl by 0.5 increases every six months. I also used to be able to raise the rates from the hospital, clinic or physician office every 2 years. Nowadays if I bid on a new account, I am regularly outbid at 11 cpl, with 24 TAT. I have discussed it with my IC MT's. If they want a raise, I can try to negotiate a raise from the hospital...but it jeopardizes our account. Every time you raise your rates, it's a signal for them to start shopping around. So I would say, based on what the market will bear, don't expect to be getting raises. Ever.
Never heard of RMT. In my experience, CMT is worthless in the job market.
x
It's called competition in a buyer's market (sm)
 or vendor's (hospital's) market, not low-balling. 
Here are two free market listings. You can google search for
freelance writing or editing market/job listings, too.

Writers Write market database
http://www.writerswrite.com/paying/

Writers Weekly market listing
http://www.writersweekly.com/markets_and_jobs/003118_11302005.html
Yeah, but are these other companies trying to put stores in every market in the country?
I think that is what makes Wal-Mart so "evil" and scares me so badly.  Soon we won't have ANYONE left to buy our goods from because they force all the other competitors out of business (particularly the small business owners) and then we are FORCED to buy everything from overseas countries/Wal-Mart. 
Various analysts are predicting the housing market will collapse soon. sm
Cannot be sustained at the level it is presently at.
No I don't think so. Everytime I see postings about the MT market failing it gets pegged as "n
that's what I think OP is referring to, postings about the dismal future of MT.
You are in a global market now Darlene. If she doesn't do it, someone overseas will.
x
You're asking for part of their market! It'll be a competition
You go ahead though. Keep us all informed.


In the market for a new ergonomic keyboard. I would love some suggestions!!! What are you using??
Right now I'm looking at the Comfort Keyboard ($289) and Ergoflex ($179) that are on e-bay. If you haven't seen them, they basically look like a regular keyboard, just in two halves. I've also been looking at the Microsoft Curve Comfort and the Logitech Wave. I HATE the big, bulky ergonomic split keyboards like the Microsoft Elite. I cannot use them at all. I also tried the Kinesis Classic and after a month, couldn't get used to it either.

Right now I'm using the A-tech AntiRSI keyboard. It's okay, nothing great.

I would appreciate ANY suggestions. Price really is a factor even though the ones I listed are outrageous. I'd rather not spend a ton, but will if I have to.

THANKS!!
Does anyone have any good ideas for back and hip pain from sitting all day? Anything on the market?
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Update to above

I found the link to above.  Here it is: 


https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/


 


Thanks for the update! NM
NM
Thanks and update
Hi Pat and everyone who posted a reply..
I really appreciate your imput on this and am becoming wary of the whole thing. I emailed the person who is giving me this test and she said that the only format she has the files is .wav. She recommended Express Scribe but it doesn't seem to help me much quality wise. One thing I thought about doing was converting the .wav files to MP3's. That might make it clearer. I have a converter here on the computer and when I previewed the files as MP3's they were much clearer with less "noise" in the background". (less static sound) Of course I don't know if I want to convert files every day just for clarity sake. I'd sure like to hear from anyone else who has ideas on how to deal with sound files. Thank you to all who wrote me about this!
Best,
RT
Update

This morning I was very upset.  I had just had an argument with my daughter's father.  I was crying.  I tried to call several people to talk to them and no one was answering.  My main concern was my daughter was there and I didn't want her to see me this way.  My breathing turned very rapid/hyperventilating.  This has only happened once before, right after an earthquake about 15 years ago.  I didn't really have any other symptoms and I slowly caught my breath and started breathing normally after about 10 minutes. 


Someone came and took my daughter who was worried about me, but not crying.  I reassured her that I loved her and I'd be okay.


Afterwards, I contemplated about going to doctor, but felt fine afterwards, just a little lightheaded.  I called a counseling center, told them what happened and got an appointment to go in and talk with them.  It helped somewhat and I came home.


Now, I feel lightheaded still and my throat is dry, but otherwise I am okay.  I did just start working out, but I am pretty sure this was only panic/stress related and not anything else.  If I still feel bad tomorrow, I will go.  But considering no insurance, I'd rather not.


I'm trying to make a few changes to my life, as with working at home, I feel pretty alone and I think the fact that I couldn't get a hold of anyone made it worse.  A lot of people depend on me and yet sometimes I feel like I get forgotten when it comes to depending on people.  This weekend, I have made the effort to do more things out of the house and I really enjoyed myself.  Partly may be holiday blues too as I'm single.  And also I have this aggression towards my ex.  He only keeps my daughter 8 hours a week and one of the tensions we were arguing about. 


I'm not one to ask for help, but because of the panic attack today and that it happened in front of my daughter, I was more than willing to ask for help.  Online help or advice is also appreciated. 


Update
The surgeon was very pleased with the surgery.  He feels that he got about 95% of the tumor (which was difficult to get as this type tends to branch out).  She is able to move all of her extremities.  We'll know more once the final path is back.  If all goes well, she may get to come home early next week and will be starting chemo soon.  Once again, I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. 
thanks for update!
I was worried I missed a lot--I think I got most of it then.  Can't wait until next week!
Update.
He came home and apologized and said he will stop playing so much. He hasn't got on this evening either. I am glad he is willing to work it out now. I guess I will see. I am not going to be too hard on him. I don't mind if he plays the game, just as long as he cuts down. I guess I will find out with time. Thanks to the people who gave me advice. I didn't appreciate the name calling and some comments some people made about me, but I guess you have to expect the trolls to start coming out as night time approaches, lol.
Update??
So, were you pregnant or not?
UPDATE

I started my period.


Thanks to everyone who replied to me, it did give me hope. I am going to keep on trying, even though I feel like giving up.


I better get back to work. All this worrying has given me low line counts the past few days.


Thanks!!


Had to update this one
I went to the FCC website and filed a complaint. They can be fined up to $3000 for the first phone call for not providing the information required by the TCPA act. If we all start reporting all of the violations, maybe we can just get them fined into bankruptcy. Actually, not only can the company placing the call be fined, the company they are calling on behalf of can be fined as well - up to $500 per violation each. If the American companies start getting enough fines from using the offshore companies, they may think twice about using them.
Update
Please remind Dad that this is a secretive illness and if she's really sick, she'll learn even more deceptive tricks like laxatives, holding food for long enough to appease you, then vomiting, etc. Be hypervigilent because she'll have him thinking she's all better. I'd even tell any of her very close friends (who may have encouraged this) that you're aware of her problem. She may seem to have accepted what you said, but I guarantee she's thinking up ways to get around you. Much luck to you.
UPDATE!!

Well, I took my son to the doctor this morning.  Needless to say they were dumbfounded by the so-called "treatment" my ex did to my son.


He has the equivalent of a third-degree burn on the great toe of his right foot.  They applied Silvadene cream and wrapped it in gauze.  I have to apply more cream and change the dressing three times a day.  We have to be very diligent in this as a foot infection could completely ruin the rest of his summer.


They also prescribed Keflex for him to also try to help prevent infection.  He cannot go swimming unless it's in a swimming pool.  I take him back to the doctor in one week for a recheck.  They will address the warts at a later time because his foot has to heal before they can do anything else to them.  I'm not really all that concerned about the warts at this point.  They will be taken care of in time.


My son's doctor assured me that they will cooperate with my attorney in any way necessary if further actions need to be taken.  They did not feel it was necessary on their part to contact child services or any other authorities.  But they will cooperate.


Thankfully, my son isn't in any pain at this time, but that is because the nerves have been burned.  The doctor informed me that it would not be out of the ordinary for it to start bothering him and/or causing pain once it really starts to heal.


Thank you to all of you who responded with your kind words and advice.  It meant a lot to me as I was very upset (I'm sure anyone would be). 


Update sm

I talked to my realtor this morning.  She finally talked to the seller's agent.  They said when they were out of town a toilet overflowed.  They said they have receipts to show this has been fixed.  She's trying to find some cheaper insurance for us.  She said the sellers are paying $800 a year premium.  The premium I was quoted was $1120 a year.


I told her I still don't feel comfortable doing this.  I know she wants the deal to go through so that she can get paid, but that's not my problem.  I don't think she's looking out for our best interests.


What do you think?


IP7 Update

I updated last weekend and used it for a week.  I did not like it at all.  It has a completely different look and where things are as far as tool buttons, etc., just doesn't work for me, so I unstalled it and went back to IE6.  I must say that the install and uninstall went smoothly.  If you're not comfortable with the installing just yet, take a look at the preview site.  That might give you an idea of whether you will like it or not.  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx#ie7interface


 


update
The MT really is a nice person who I think was frustrated with the industry. She did apologize to me and said she wasn't thinking that I had to look things up and/or did not realize how I would have to complete her work. She had been reading about costs of extra expenses IC people incur such as paying our own insurance but..........anyway, we are all in the same boat, wishing for more pay. I too, made more money ten years ago. Maybe I'll just go to school to become a private eye or something.
UPDATE: Don't know what I would do without you
Many, many thanks for the ones who have now helped me settle this problem I was having with the printer. I cleaned the printer doing what was asked and it is now printing again. You folks are the greatest!
Update!
The infinity pedal WILL work with Emdat. You have to go to options and then "configure foot pedal" and it will work
Update
Well, I finally got an explanation and will see if it pans out.  He said that I will be paid June 1 for April's work, July 1 for May's work, etc.  He said that he had explained it to me, and I must have misunderstood, and that my emails were going into his Spam box, and that is why he was not responding to me.  (he just found my emails supposedly this morning and emailed me to let me know that).  I did call my school (who was contacted by this company for new grads), and was told that they have not heard anything negative about them.  So, I will continue working and see what happens!  (**Crossing fingers**)
Update...
Okay, she has not repsonded to my last email sent yesterday, yet she continues to send me "group" emails for the team, so I KNOW she's checked her email.

Now I supposed I have to follow my contract with regards to termination so as not to forfiet any $$$ due me? Contract states "a 90-day written notice by certified mail of intent to terminate shall be required if the defaulting party fails to correct the breach within 10 days of written notice." Can an email count as my 10 day notice? Do I have to continue working for her during those 90 days?

Update

These were a series of psych interviews.  The patient is a very slow speaker and they could be easily typed.  The interviews took most of the transcribers two hours to complete since the patient speak so very slowly.  That's why it was 4 hours and that equaled to $20 per hour of work.


It has been covered and those that did the files mentioned that they would happily take more of them because they were so easy to do.


Update

My first email was vague, I'm sorry...This is about offshoring our jobs,,The plan is below..If you want to save your jobs please email me and send me your state also. This may take time,,I am complining a list of people so that I can mass email and maybe we can save our profession...


I am thinking about trying to get maybe one or two MTs from each state to write a letter to their respective legislators with a copy to the President...And see if we can some how get it circulated and signed by the respective transcriptionists in that state...I read on that other site that Obama has instituted something called I think it was MER or MRE forgot but they were saying it would put us out of work in 5 yrs...I'm still playing on that site but I think it has something to do with medical record errors that follow a patient throughout their lifetime. I'm trying to find out more about that now..There wouldn't be near as many errors if the transcription stayed in the country,,,Now the President needs to know how many jobs he will be cutting as well...Still researching..