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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

re wanting experienced MT to answer q's

Posted By: sm on 2005-10-27
In Reply to:

go ahead and e/m me if you want.  I've been at this since 1975; will help you if i can.


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Are you wanting to know what it says?
x
That is not at all what I was wanting!!!
I came here for honest advice...positive and negative. I got that...and I am very glad for both views. Now it is just up to me to decide.

I have never expected to just graduate and make BIG money....I have NEVER said that or thought that. It is very obvious that most MT's don't get rich. Like I have already said...I am looking to supplement my husbands income....and I came here to ask all of you your opinions on the business....good and bad. That is all.

And thanks to everyone for that!!!!! I am sorry that a lot of you are getting discouraged about the MT business...It is worrying me too! Which is why I may not even spend the money to go to school. I have a lot of time to think about it....and that is what I will do!!!!!
Why are they wanting you to take it??
Will it mean an increase in your pay? If not, I would not waste my money. I was a CMT for 15 years (15 years ago). In the part of the country I lived then, it made a difference -- we were paid another 1 cpl, but once I moved back to the south central part of the US, nobody cared.
wanting to know more about Transcend.

I have been curious about them as well because I have thought of applying to work for them.  I am with a company now but feel I need to make a change for the better.  It is a small company and I feel I need to be somewhere else.  I just was not sure about the company.  I would welcome any input on this matter


 


Kebra 


Not wanting to start a war but sm
it just really gets old reading the same ole, same ole about SS.   As far as I'm personally concerned, there are usually 2 sides to every story.  If  I happened to be in SS's shoes,  I believe I'd be talking to a lawyer about something called "slander" and I'd be telling some folks to put up the proof or shut up.  Nope, I don't work for SS, never have and probably never will.  If I happened to be in the market for a new job, I believe I would give them a try just to see if they're really that bad.  If they were......well, I'd move right along.
wanting to go digital

and I am totally clueless!  Had a call from a cardio group today and they want to send me transcription via WAV files, guessing I need a WAV pedal??  HELP


Also, I am tired of the old tapes and want to "go digital"  I have heard of 800#'s for a call in system, but dont know of any websites.  Any help is much appreciated!!


 


TIA,


sunnyMT


They OFFSHORE and are wanting to do even more.
Pay not that good.  I have 20 years' experience in acute care, can do ESLs and was only offered 8 cpl. 
Just wanting to know if any IT users

would care to share tips on getting started with Instant Text, especially the best way to go about customizing the glossaries . . . just received my IT and I'm anxious to get going, but it does seem that there is a learning curve and takes some getting used to.


 


Thanks to all!


Re: wanting to work MT
Check w/ Diskriter. They have at least one account for a hospital in Florida. I have been w/ them for 1 1/2 years, plenty of work and OT. Hired in as hospital employee.
wanting to go digital

I have had my own transcription service for several years now.  All of my doctors are local and everything is dictated on microcassettes.  I am looking into going digital and I have heard that there are phone in services that you can go through for a charge every month.  Does anyone know who would be a good service to use or how this works?  If anyone has any info on this I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!


I have been wanting to rant too
When they start talking before the system is recording. Is it REALLY so difficult to turn it on BEFORE you talk?
Not wanting to work
I know this happens at every company, but why is it that when the work is there, nobody wants to get it done but when work is slow, they are always the first to complain? Do they not realize that by letting it be late that they are harming the company and could eventually lose their jobs? Or is it just Spring Fever? Anyone else going through this at the moment?
wanting to go digital
Please send me information on how to go digital.

Thanks,

Cheryl
We aren't the only ones wanting
more flexible chairs for work:

http://www.oodlesofpartsplus.com/plasma2.htm
Bro wanting to use my disc to get his PC
x
I think $.07, $.075, $.08, or $.085 are all way too low for experienced MTs.

I truly love interviewing with these companies, then trying not to spew coffee out my nose at the line rates offered.  Some of those rates were even for IC with no benefits or tax withholding.  I'm about ready to quit MT and let them offshore because rates have dropped so much since I started.  It's wonderful being offered the same rate to do ESLs and upper level work as what I made 10 years ago as a newbie.  It's getting to the point where you can't make a decent, honest living anywhere any more.


Well, that's what MQ does. If are not an experienced MT,
nm
If you are experienced and don't have to SM
look a lot of things up, then the answer is macroing the daylights out of you machine. Macro just not large words, but medium and small words, such as "n" for "and" and "w" for "was", and so on. Try not to type anything out, if you don't have to.
I have also experienced that.
Did tell her that she might not have realized it but I felt there it sounded condescending and as our goal was to put out as perfect a product as possible, it was not helpful. Also told her that I appreciated constructive criticism as that would help us both.

Things did change. Sometimes I don't think they realize the importance of the way they phrase a sentence.
new MTs vs. experienced MTs

Dear MT Pundit,


Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts about experienced vs. new MTs.  I think you're right-on.  I see myself in the set-in-my-ways attitude sometimes.  I'm not speaking for anyone else, of course.  I can only speak for myself.  Change isn't easy for me, but I've tried very hard to adapt and think I'm doing okay.  This industry is changing fast and furiously, and if I want to stay in it, then I need to be able to go with the flow.  Otherwise, my job may well end up in India. 


Too experienced? sm
Looking for a little advice. While applying for MT jobs recently I have been told I am too experienced to "just transcribe" because they see that I have held supervisory and other positions in the industry - along with many years of actual transcribing experience. I realize these days about 8 cpl is the going rate and although I wish it were higher, I wouldn't apply to these postings if I wasn't willing to work for that rate. Just looking to supplement my income. I would hate to leave all this experience off my resume, but maybe I should? Any ideas for a different way to spin this?


If you are experienced, you don't need to
look at the keys, whether characters are there or not.
Experienced ICs, please help.

I am an experienced Transcriptionist but I have always worked as an employee.  I now have the opportunity to pick up a side account as an IC. 


I really need some help and guidance on how to create a contract and what needs to be in that contract.  Can someone please give me some advice?


Thanks In Advance!!


Even the most experienced MTs can
have trouble with new accounts. As long as your company has not said anything to you, don't sweat it.
experienced MT
Companies tend to want to hire newbies with the mindset that they can pay out cheaper. We all have to start somewhere, of course. Experience needs to continue to be worth something, including a deserved pay to go with it, and this notion seems to be whittling away...

In this profession, we all learn something new continuously.
I have experienced this...
before.  There are many clients who operate in a similar fashion.  If that's what they want, give it to them.  After all, they are paying for our services, right?
yes, dnh.... I am experienced

I have been doing this for 15 years.  Did my time in the office before going home and still learning every day. 


I feel that I am above average at what I do, in the past 11 years on my current job, not one QA audit below 98%.  I also have a 2nd job to make ends meet and in the past year, my monthly QA audits have been above 99%, twice at 100%.  The 2nd job is OPs only and paid less than the 1st job. 


I work a schedule at both!  I do not complain and take pride in what I do.  Of course I look things up.  I do not abuse QA.


Thanks for you advice about trying to find a job like yours that never posts ads because no one leaves.  That should help a fellow MT find a home. 


A simple google search will give you your answer...I'd give you the answer,
but how would that help you learn to research on your own...and I'm in a rush to get to the next post. 
Most companies are wanting a Sunday through
Thursday schedule, Tuesday through Saturday, so you would still be working 5 days, but would always be working 1 w/e day.  If you just rotate weekends it depends on the company what days you would have off during the week, whether they would dictate the days you took off or you would be able to choose. 
Wanting psych work
Looking for psych work.  Will work any hours or days.
I had lots of people wanting her, just most

not good homes based on what I required.  Tried the lab rescure, but everyone had all they could take and they would help me find her a home, I just had to keep her until then and I just didn't want to get too attached.   All the other various rescue groups had reached their limits too and taking her to the pound wasn't an option.  Even though I felt she would be adopted quickly because she was so sweet, there is absolutely zero screening and anyone that fills out the paperwork and pays the $$ can get a pet.  When we adopted the cats we were fostering there was a grandmother in there dragging her grandson by his upper arm and she balled her fist and threatened to punch him in the face.  This was not a home I would want my lab to go to. 


I'm not 100% comfortable with the family she went to, but I told them if it didn't work out we wanted her back.


We are going to build a dog lot and dog house in the event we have another stray. 


For the person below wanting brochure--sm

samples, check out the enclosed link. Tried one and did not see where there was a charge.  You will need to modify with your personal info.


http://www.hp.com/sbso/productivity/office/brochure.html


hope this helps.


Job posted wanting EMDAT exp..what's that?
xx
wanting to start using laptop
Hi all! I was wondering if anyone could help me out here. I'm attempted to use a laptop this weekend to work and be away from the house, but it would not recognize the wav files. It has Windows XP office, all the same stuff my home computer has on it, but I cannot figure out why it is not working. Any ideas? Thanks!
Are you wanting to use normal headphones
With a dictaphone?

I got an adapter for about 20 bucks from Executive Communication Systems. They have an ebay store, here's a link to an auction for the adapter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dictaphone-Transcriber-Transcription-Headset-Converter_W0QQitemZ110088564174QQihZ001QQcategoryZ25324QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Hope that's what you need!
If they are newbies wanting to get into the field

they really haven't a clue.  I have a major case of burnout, but I have also been doing this for 20 years.  I haven't had a raise in 5 years.   It isn't that I can't do the work, I can do whatever is thrown my way, but I certainly don't enjoy it anymore.  My options are just limited right now because I have to be at home, but I sure am exploring my options. 


Everyone's situation is different.  Some may be having to take care of sick/elderly parents or have a child with special needs who requires lots of care, etc.  All these things suck up your energy, but you still need a paycheck.  Someone who has children in school all day or has grown children and doesn't have any of the other issues above can focus on their job, get it done and not have to deal with it until tomorrow. 


You can't know what someone else's situation is and it isn't fair to say they can't do the job. 


 


That depends on why you are wanting to be a transcriptionist. sm
If you are looking for a lucrative field and an easy lifestyle, don't do it. Transcription is the hardest job I have ever had, and I've had several. I could teach if I wanted to. I choose this.

You can make a living as an MT. A good MT can still make $20-30 K a year without killing herself, but she has to work, and it takes several years training after school to reach this. I don't think that will change in the near future. Unless the US completely changes its medical policies and facility standards, I don't think transcription will be eliminated, at least for many years. You have much more freedom in your life as far as scheduling, etc. If you have children, that's worth a lot. If you would rather not be around people all the time, that's a plus.

However, if you need benefits, raises, PTO, and job security, you might want to look into another field, such as PT, radiology tech, etc. JMO
She is wanting to take a transcription test without
having to log into a company site (in which case she will be graded).  She just wants practice. 
Wanting PT QA work, is it worth it?
I'm currently a FT MT (many years now) and getting very bored with the work. It's so bad now that I'm finding myself constantly distracted (perhaps too willingly) thus not producing enough lines.  I'm more than capable...just bored.  I was wondering if doing QA PT would be worth it, on top of my MT work?  I just need something to do other than MT work to break up the monotony.  I've done QA work before but that was quite a while ago and don't know what the pay standards are anymore.
Sadly, while you are not wanting to spread the name...

 


...Some other unsuspecting MT is signing a contract with these folks. 


Believe me, I felt the SAME exact way as you back when I was fooled by D&L.  I gave them the benefit of the doubt for over a month, and actually believed payment would be sent to me.  I didn't talk badly about them, well not until PA Dept of Labor decided there was nothing they could do for me as an IC.  Here it is, 1 year later, and I still haven't been paid...either have 20+ others who were all just suddenly *let go.* 


The only loyalty you should ever have in this business is to yourself, your pocket and to a fellow struggling MT.  Don't be scared to let others know the name of a company to avoid. 


Good luck dealing with PA courts/magistrates/Dept of Labor, etc.  I hope you get your pay.


They are just wanting money (kickbacks)
Very see-through. But, they may have gotten more kick backs in the old days when MTs made the money. Now adays, they are just plain laughed at, I am sure, by all. This is like an advertisement, and extremely tacky. So, why don't they pay for us to get credentialed, have the government fund this so-called program, and then have the government set true guidelines on pay scales for MTs. LOL. Just a joke IMHO. I have been in this over 25 years, and after the grandfathering joke, the credentialing business was an obvious way to make money by the organization pushing for it.
Thanks everyone for your help. I am wanting to go wireless and am clueless.
nm
If you are wanting to make it bigger, but
not affect the final report, look on your tool bar and there should be a box that has a number/percentage in it. Mine says 100%. You can increase it there so it is bigger on the screen, but does not change the "font" of the report. This is in MS Word.
I am an experienced transcriptionist, and have no more need sm
to proof every word of every report that the doctors have a need to actually listen over to their own dictation.  Speed and quality go hand in hand in making a good MT.  If you don't have both, then you will never make any more and never have any confidence in your skills.  I think I already told you, above, that I have a QA score of 99.4.  Good enough for me. 
Everyone must pay their dues....we experienced MTs sm
worked in the office in the beginning of our career. I am not as old as one might think, 38 years old, but I started MT while still in high school in the 10th grade on a typewriter. I paid my dues many times over before I could have a career at home. I have to tell you, the experience and knowledge gained in that time is priceless. Yes, we learn something new every day, but in the office you have the doctors, nurses, OMs, and other MTs to offer their assistance. If you don't know a word or can't understand it, you go right to the doc himself. So, the next time you hear it, you know what the heck he/she was talking about. That is how you learn. Sorry to say it, but an office job or MT job in one specialty is where you should start. These schools tell you that you can work at home after you finish their course. That just is an outright untruth!

Just had to give my 10 cents worth.
Experienced MTs Needed
AccuStat Carolinas is seeking experienced MTs to work on many multispeciality accounts.  All MTs must have high speed internet acess to apply.  All MTs must reside within the US.  NO OFFSHORE NEED APPLY!!!  Each MT will need to have a 9-pin (serial port) foot pedal.  The client will provide all software needed to perform work.  All work must be 98% or above in accuracy to remain with our company.  AccuStat offers statutory employee or IC status with no restrictions on scheduling for either status.  Pay is sent via mail or direct deposit twice a month.  Pay is 7.5 cpl per line for all transcribed work and 2.5 cpl for all edited work.  The program that you will work with is a VR program so you will have both transcribed and editing work.  Please cut and paste resume into email.  Only eligible MTs will receive response. 
unbelievable... 6.5 to 8 cpl for EXPERIENCED ONLY

that was an ad in the job seeker's board.  UN-freakin' believable.


Experienced MTs, please see New MT/Student
.
It may be pitiful but consider how much experienced MTs are
making. Not much more. 8 to 9 cents per line, maybe 10 if you agree to transcribe heavy ESL. Yeah, it's sickening, but then service owners have to edit newbies reports and still show a profit margin without losing their shirt. It's a quandry.
And they always saddle the experienced with these. sm
And then wonder why few really experienced MTs apply for the jobs.
Anyone experienced with ExText? (sm)

This is a new account and we're still on dial-up, and don't have the help function.  I have 2 questions:  1) How can you bring a normal you have made for yourself into the document without having to go through the entire list?  2) How can you stop an expansion from expanding on a 1-time basis.  Let's say you have PT as prothrombin time, but you need just "PT" -- how could you get it to stop at PT?  Many thanks!