Not bad for a day where I had to start learning again about some new (6 or 7) dictators without any sample to use a basis of their style. I have so far a total of 9 or 10 (?) dictators in my pool, enough to keep me occupied during my vacant hours, I hope. Although I might request to remove two of these, who are hard dictators and therefore, they waste my tim e(they require double the time I do the other dictators. If my employer will request I keep them, she should give me more financial reward for these.)
My target is 1000 to 1200 lines per day, to give me a salary of equivalent to 9/hr. I thin it is possible once I got the hang of using the autotext feature of the software I am using, and of course, the most important is to get used to the style of the various dictators in my pool. To give you an idea of how fast I am improving, last Friday I made around 400 lines working for about 8 to 9 hours (I was not able to keep track) on 3 dictators, and had a hard time on a 4th dictator.
Then yesterday morning I worked on the leftover dictations from yesterday, and made 200 lines for just 2 hours! However, siince I am 3 hours behind the CA's timeframe, I had ato wait until the dictators submit their files to the ftp. The internet was also crappy, that I was not sure if it was really only during lunchtime when files started streaming in. I also had to request to my employer for more dictators/accounts to keep me occupied. Then I think during the afternoon I made a total of 412 lines (either that or plus the previous 200 of the morning work.)
So my 571 lines today was only lower than what I could have accomplished mainly because of slowing down by the two hard dictators. Two dictators in particular was so easy, that I transcribed their dictations of 22 lines for less than 20 minutes and another of 25 lines for 26 minutes! (That could translate to around $12/hour salary if I only transcribed their dictations!)
Not to mention I still am looking forward to elevating my status from an entry-level, but I will have to wait for the QA to make the recommendation to the employer.
I hope I can land on a 10 cpl at least.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
DJR's sample transcriptions
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for follow up. She saw Dr.XXXX yesterday. She had a positive pregnancy test. She had some cramping on 3/22 but is doing fine now. Her last menstrual period was 12/18/04; however, she does have a history of irregualar menses. She just recently started having nausea and some breast tenderness about 3 to 4 weeks ago.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses or operations.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/70; temperature 98; pulse 68; respirations 19; weight 149 pounds; height 5 feet 3 inches.
Pelvic: Vulva: no lesions. Vagina: clear. Cervix: nulliparous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: slightly enlarged and globular, nontender. Adnexa: no masses or tenderness.
ASSESSMENT: Growing pregnancy
PLAN: The patient was advised for starting prenatal multivitamins, Novonatal 1 tab p.o. daily, advised to avoid medicines or other substances. She will have pelvic ultrasound on 8th dating of the pregnancy. Schedule new OB appointment. Follow up p.r.n..
**************
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for refill on Ortho Tri-cyclen low. She is currently a pharmacy student back at University of Illinois, Chicago, and will be graduating in May. She will be getting married in June, hence, has recently started on Ortho Tri-cyclen low. She denies problems.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses. She has a history of appendectomy.
ALLERGIES: None
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Ortho Tri-cyclen low.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 100/60; temperature 98; pulse 56; respirations 19; weight 108 pounds; height 5 feet.
ASSESSMENT: Family planning.
PLAN: Questions were answered in regard to oral contraceptives. In particular the patient wanted to know how she can avoid menses at the time of her waning. I advised her to skip placebos in the pack that month, and just start the next pack. She will follow up p.r.n. and in July after her marriage so she can have her first Pap smear.
*********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for the first time to our office for annual examination and Pap smear, and also wants to discuss birth control. Her last menstrual period was 3/1/05.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses or operations.
ALLERGIES: None.
SOCIAL HISTORY: The patient is a nonsmoker.
FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY: The father is alive and well. The mother has hypertension.
GYN HISTORY: Menarche at age 15, with regular cycles. Her last Pap smear was two years ago. She has history of Chlamydia approximately 2 to 3 years ago during her last pregnancy.
OB HISTORY: The patient is a gravida 6 para 6; all of pregnancies were normal with vaginal deliveries.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/70; temperature 98.2; pulse 76; respirations 19; weight 172 pounds; height 5 feet 2 1/2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
**********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/24/05. There has been no change in her health status since examination one year ago except for recent treatment of pneumonia.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 120/70; temperature 96.8; pulse 72; respirations 20; weight 160 pounds; height 5 feet 1 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Paps smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
***********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear and refill of Ortho Evra patch. Her last Pap smear was 11/20/02 and normal. Her last menstrual period was 3/21/05. She denies problems.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Ortho Evra patch.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/68; weight 138 pounds.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: With small amount of menstrual blood. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender.. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
*****
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/09/05. She is complaining of vulvar and vaginal irritation and discharge. Her health status is unchanged since her last examination 12/08/03, except that after she was screened by this office and found to have elevated blood sugar. She was referred to Dr. XXX who advised her to go on a low-carbohydrate diet and also started her on oral medication for diabetes. The patient took the medications for a while and then stopped about 6 months ago. She has an appointment tomorrow with Dr. Echeverri for followup and will go in fasting so that she can have followup blood sugar studies done.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 112/74; temperature 99.6; pulse 96; respirations 16; weight 243 pounds; height 5 feet 8 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: With mild erythema, however, with no lesions. Vagina: Positive for frothy discharge. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES: Wet mount shows positive clue cells.
ASSESSMENT:
*******
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. She denies problems. Her last menstrual period was approximately 1999.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Significant for hypercholesterolemia.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 90/50; temperature 97.8; pulse 64; respirations 16; weight 115 pounds; height 4 feet 11 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses and heme-negative.
Extremities: : Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
******
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was January 2005. Her menses continue to be kind of sporadic.The patient complains of recent episodes of feeling tired; otherwise, there is no change in has health status since her examination one year ago.She already has mammogram scheduled for next week.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/60; temperature 98; pulse 76; respirations 19; weight 174 pounds; height 5 feet 2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
****
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/20/05. She denies problems. There is no change in her health status since examination one year ago.
ALLERGIES: PENICILLIN
CURRENT MEDICATIONS:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 102/64; temperature 97.4; weight 122 1/2 pounds; height 5 feet 2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Pap smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/22/05. She is currently under the care of infertility specialist as she has been trying to get pregnant for over a year. She was previously on [0:30]. She has now a full battery of tests, including bloodwork and hysterosalpingogram which were normal. Infertility specialist has advised her to have in vitro fertilization so she is doing all her annual screening tests before this is done, including her Pap smear and will also need a mammogram. She needs several prescriptions written for medications that she will take at least during that one month after the in vitro fertilization.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Significant for hyperthyroidism.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: PTU 1 tab daily
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 118/68; temperature 96.8; weight refused; height 5 feet 5 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Nulliparous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Pap smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. The patient was given prescriptions for dexamethasone 0.5 mg 1 tab PO daily, doxycycline 100 mg 1 tab PO daily for 30 days, Vivelle transdermal patch 0.1 mg one patch thrice a week, and Medrol 8 mg #8 1 tab PO times 8 days. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
*****
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses or operations.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/70; temperature 98; pulse 68; respirations 19; weight 149 pounds; height 5 feet 3 inches.
Pelvic: Vulva: no lesions. Vagina: clear. Cervix: nulliparous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: slightly enlarged and globular, nontender. Adnexa: no masses or tenderness.
ASSESSMENT: Growing pregnancy
PLAN: The patient was advised for starting prenatal multivitamins, Novonatal 1 tab p.o. daily, advised to avoid medicines or other substances. She will have pelvic ultrasound on 8th dating of the pregnancy. Schedule new OB appointment. Follow up p.r.n..
**************
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for refill on Ortho Tri-cyclen low. She is currently a pharmacy student back at University of Illinois, Chicago, and will be graduating in May. She will be getting married in June, hence, has recently started on Ortho Tri-cyclen low. She denies problems.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses. She has a history of appendectomy.
ALLERGIES: None
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Ortho Tri-cyclen low.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 100/60; temperature 98; pulse 56; respirations 19; weight 108 pounds; height 5 feet.
ASSESSMENT: Family planning.
PLAN: Questions were answered in regard to oral contraceptives. In particular the patient wanted to know how she can avoid menses at the time of her waning. I advised her to skip placebos in the pack that month, and just start the next pack. She will follow up p.r.n. and in July after her marriage so she can have her first Pap smear.
*********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for the first time to our office for annual examination and Pap smear, and also wants to discuss birth control. Her last menstrual period was 3/1/05.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Negative for chronic illnesses or operations.
ALLERGIES: None.
SOCIAL HISTORY: The patient is a nonsmoker.
FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY: The father is alive and well. The mother has hypertension.
GYN HISTORY: Menarche at age 15, with regular cycles. Her last Pap smear was two years ago. She has history of Chlamydia approximately 2 to 3 years ago during her last pregnancy.
OB HISTORY: The patient is a gravida 6 para 6; all of pregnancies were normal with vaginal deliveries.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/70; temperature 98.2; pulse 76; respirations 19; weight 172 pounds; height 5 feet 2 1/2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
- Stress incontinence.
- Family planning.
**********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/24/05. There has been no change in her health status since examination one year ago except for recent treatment of pneumonia.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 120/70; temperature 96.8; pulse 72; respirations 20; weight 160 pounds; height 5 feet 1 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Paps smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
***********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear and refill of Ortho Evra patch. Her last Pap smear was 11/20/02 and normal. Her last menstrual period was 3/21/05. She denies problems.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Ortho Evra patch.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/68; weight 138 pounds.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: With small amount of menstrual blood. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender.. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
- Normal well-woman examination.
- Family planning.
*****
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/09/05. She is complaining of vulvar and vaginal irritation and discharge. Her health status is unchanged since her last examination 12/08/03, except that after she was screened by this office and found to have elevated blood sugar. She was referred to Dr. XXX who advised her to go on a low-carbohydrate diet and also started her on oral medication for diabetes. The patient took the medications for a while and then stopped about 6 months ago. She has an appointment tomorrow with Dr. Echeverri for followup and will go in fasting so that she can have followup blood sugar studies done.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 112/74; temperature 99.6; pulse 96; respirations 16; weight 243 pounds; height 5 feet 8 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: With mild erythema, however, with no lesions. Vagina: Positive for frothy discharge. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES: Wet mount shows positive clue cells.
ASSESSMENT:
- Bacterial vaginosis.
- Adult-onset diabetes/poor compliance with therapy.
*******
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. She denies problems. Her last menstrual period was approximately 1999.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Significant for hypercholesterolemia.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS:
- Zantac 150 mg b.i.d.
- Lipitor and Gennin were discontinued recently after the patient was found to have anemia.
Vital signs: Blood pressure 90/50; temperature 97.8; pulse 64; respirations 16; weight 115 pounds; height 4 feet 11 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses and heme-negative.
Extremities: : Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
- Normal well-woman examination.
- Premature menopause.
******
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was January 2005. Her menses continue to be kind of sporadic.The patient complains of recent episodes of feeling tired; otherwise, there is no change in has health status since her examination one year ago.She already has mammogram scheduled for next week.
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 110/60; temperature 98; pulse 76; respirations 19; weight 174 pounds; height 5 feet 2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT:
- Fatigue.
- Normal well-woman examination.
****
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/20/05. She denies problems. There is no change in her health status since examination one year ago.
ALLERGIES: PENICILLIN
CURRENT MEDICATIONS:
- Synthroid 125 mcg daily.
- Vitamin B12 1 tablet daily.
- Multivitamins occasionally.
Vital signs: Blood pressure 102/64; temperature 97.4; weight 122 1/2 pounds; height 5 feet 2 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Parous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness. Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Rectum: No masses.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Pap smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
********
SUBJECTIVE: The patient presents for annual examination and Paps smear. Her last menstrual period was 3/22/05. She is currently under the care of infertility specialist as she has been trying to get pregnant for over a year. She was previously on [0:30]. She has now a full battery of tests, including bloodwork and hysterosalpingogram which were normal. Infertility specialist has advised her to have in vitro fertilization so she is doing all her annual screening tests before this is done, including her Pap smear and will also need a mammogram. She needs several prescriptions written for medications that she will take at least during that one month after the in vitro fertilization.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Significant for hyperthyroidism.
ALLERGIES: None.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS: PTU 1 tab daily
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: Blood pressure 118/68; temperature 96.8; weight refused; height 5 feet 5 inches.
Thyroid: Within normal limits.
Breasts: Within normal limits.
Lungs: Clear to auscultation.
Heart: Normal sinus rhythm.
Abdomen: Soft and nontender.
Pelvic: Vulva: No lesions. Vagina: Clear. Cervix: Nulliparous, nonfriable, no cervical motion tenderness Uterus: Normal size, shape and consistency, mobile and nontender. Adnexa: No masses or tenderness.
Extremities: Within normal limits.
ASSESSMENT: Normal well-woman examination.
PLAN: Pap smear was done. The patient was scheduled for mammogram. I reinforced multi-self breast examination, daily calcium needs, and regular exercise. The patient was given prescriptions for dexamethasone 0.5 mg 1 tab PO daily, doxycycline 100 mg 1 tab PO daily for 30 days, Vivelle transdermal patch 0.1 mg one patch thrice a week, and Medrol 8 mg #8 1 tab PO times 8 days. Return to the clinic p.r.n. and yearly.
*****
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
I am now officially tied up with a better MT company!!!
I had a lot of mistakes when I agreed to work for my first employer. Well, it was a learning process for me. But as soon as I realized that that company was rotten, and it was such a waste of my talents and time to work for them, I made my announcement of leaving them as early as just beyond one week of working for them. They were not worth my time and effort. I abided by the two-week notice I was required before such notices as termination of service or vacation. During those last two weeks of working for them I was actively seeking other potential employers. This new one was the one most satisfying company among those who replied positively to my application. I interrogated their systems, addressing all those concerns that made me want to quit my previous company, and when I was satisfied, I then took their tests. Obviously, I passed with flying colors. I was satisfied with all their answers (two weeks of corresponding through emails, plus the final phone conversation to conclude the terms), and they were satisfied with my performance in their tests. As early as now I have developed a deep sense of respect for these professional people who obviously knew how to value their employees. My previous employer should learn from my new employer, but then, they are not the type of people who listen to their most important resources.
Below is a copy of the contract between me and my new employer. One thing I can say is that this new employer is very professional and knows how to listen to their greatest asset, their MTs. My new employer is miles far ahead my previous employer. I am so glad to make this shift at a very early phase of my MT career.
It is quite ironic that most of the companies seek MTs with 2-3 years of experience. Even this new employer of mine wanted experienced MTs. I lacked experience, but I got to the stage, despite annoying queries regarding methods of work distribution and payment system, of finally taking their tests to show what I can offer to their company. I even had the vision, upon being so impressed with the efficient system of this particular company, of promoting this service in my area, and giving more clients to my company, meaning to distribute more work to the MTs. I was thinking that if MTs are nationwide, we can get clients nationwide as well, if such efforts are rewarded by incentives (say 1% of all work done for the client marketed will go to the marketer, with the marketer trying her best, of course, to meet customer satisfaction to keep her incentives coming). An MT can only type so fast and do so much in a day's work, but with marketing, the income is augmented exponentially. My new employer is trying to discuss such possibilities with their partner (EMR). If approved and once working, I will be ready to use my Filipina charm to the doctors around here.
Haha...as soon as I received the contract copy to sign, I got an email from another company that says they saw my CV at MTWanted.com and are interested to learn more. They gave their salary payscale, which was so low (starting pay of 4 cpl, when I will start here with my new employer at 7 cpl despite lack of experience -- what a joke!!!)as well as a list of equipment that an IC MT must possess (I wondered whether they required their MTs to buy the software, pedal and reference materials.) I knew I corresponded before to this other company, and they replied, giving me the same information, to which I sent several queries addressing some concerns, such as the need to buy the equipment (or can I use mine?), etc. I got no replies to my queries. Then I got their email...Hahahaha! Some companies are now so desperate to get good MTs, yet they are not too keen on giving pay commensurate to the abilities of MTs. Plus some of them even try to make a business out of it, by demanding that the MT pay for such and such equipment or pay a deposit! Some say such arrangements are justifiable because MTs are given work to do in the comfort of their homes...Helloooo! This companies save a lot not to have to put up an office, and with IC status, they even have nothing to worry about benefits!!! The least they can do is compensate the MTs with a good salary!!!
I know I can save enough money with this new employer for me to take the USMLE or process whatever papers I have to prepare for an RN life, or even obtain a certification as a Phlebotomist...There are so many options available, once I have saved the money to proceed.
Below is a copy of the contract between me and my new employer. One thing I can say is that this new employer is very professional and knows how to listen to their greatest asset, their MTs. My new employer is miles far ahead my previous employer. I am so glad to make this shift at a very early phase of my MT career.
SECTION 1. PARTIES AND TERM OF CONTRACT
This Contract for Medical Transcription Services (hereinafter called "Agreement") is made this 23rd day of March, 2005, by and between [ME], the subcontractor, an independent contractor (hereinafter called "Subcontractor"), whose address is xxxx,and telephone number is #####, and [employer(hereinafter called "Contractor"), whose address is [address].
WHEREAS Subcontractor desires to contract with Contractor to perform work and/or services in accordance with the contract between Contractor and its Client(s) (hereinafter called "Client(s)"), and
WHEREAS the parties herein desire to set forth their contractual and business arrangement(s)
THEREFORE, this Agreement constitutes said contractual and business arrangement(s), and the parties hereto contract and agree as follows:
THAT THE SUBCONTRACTOR agrees to perform, abide by and follow the stipulations listed in this Agreement:
1. Client Contracts. During the course of performing work and/or other services in accordance with the contract between Contractor and any of its Client(s), Subcontractor agrees to adhere to the terms of said contract, which are considered pertinent by the Contractor to insure Contractor's compliance to the terms of said contract.
2. Equipment, Supplies, Materials. The independent Subcontractor will provide his/her own transcription and word processing equipment, reference materials, and supplies. Contractor will provide any supplies specifically indigenous to the Client(s). The Subcontractor is responsible for all repairs on his/her own equipment. Any equipment, supplies, or materials (i.e., doctor’s lists, drug lists, etc.) provided to the Subcontractor by the Contractor will not be distributed to any third party by the Subcontractor.
3. Work Hours. Subcontractor's work hours are set at the Subcontractor's discretion with consideration for the terms and conditions of the listed hereinabove contract between Contractor and his/her Client.
4. Compensation. Compensation for all work will be paid at a rate of $0.07 per 65-character line by electronic character count.
Contract for Medical Transcription Services
Page 2
5. Invoices/Billing Statements. Based on the work performed by the Subcontractor from the 16th through the 31st of the previous month, compensation will be issued on the 16th of the following month. For the 1st through the 15th of a month, compensation will be issued on the 1st of the following month. Subcontractor may verify the character/line count within the EMDAT software. Any discrepancies between the Subcontractor and Contractor counts are to be settled within two weeks of statement issue. EMDAT software is used to calculate compensation owed to Subcontractor.
6. Payment. Contractor will only compensate Subcontractor for work completed which meets the requirement(s) of the Client(s) in accordance with the contract(s) between Contractor and Client(s), which includes missed deadlines. The Subcontractor will be given an opportunity to correct any unacceptable work and will receive compensation for the final and correct product.
Contractor is not responsible to remunerate Subcontractor for work that must be reprocessed due to losses caused by power outages or equipment failure. It is the responsibility of Subcontractor to keep equipment in working order and to provide backup emergency services should a technical problem occur.
7. Confidentiality. It is Subcontractor's responsibility to refrain from violating any confidence of the patients or their families through indiscriminate discussion pertaining to patients, their treatment, diagnosis, or progress. Erroneous and nonpublic information released by Subcontractor shall result in legal liability. The Subcontractor understands and agrees that all patient names, patient records and patient information are strictly confidential and will not make any disclosures.
8. Communication with Clients. Subcontractor may not communicate with Client(s) directly regarding billing or pricing structure or anything other than a question directly applying to the production of reports or documents, or work procedure, such as terminology, spelling, etc. When communicating with Client(s), Subcontractor must identify self as being from the agency of Contractor, and in no way represent self as an independent.
9. Noncompete Clause. The Client(s) of the Contractor shall remain the Client(s) of the Contractor unless and until the contract between such parties is terminated or expires without renewal in accordance with such contract. The Subcontractor will not contract or attempt to contract directly with Clients of Contractor unless and until the contract between such parties is terminated or expires without renewal, and only with the express written consent of Contractor.
10. Quantity of Work. Subcontractor understands Contractor cannot guarantee the quantity of work that will be made available to Subcontractor, as work volume is beyond the control of Contractor, and is set by the Client(s).
Contract for Medical Transcription Services
Page 3
11. Termination of this Contract.
Contractor may terminate this Agreement by providing Subcontractor with seven days written notice.
Subcontractor may terminate this Agreement by providing Subcontractor with seven days written notice. Anything less than a seven-day written notice may result in a 50 percent penalty fee assessed against Subcontractor's final billing statement, payable to the Contractor, and subtracted from the final payment due to the Subcontractor.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Subcontractor is to surrender to Contractor, all tapes, reports, documents, computer disks, Client(s) stationary, and any other supplies and/or equipment belonging to or loaned by or borrowed from Contractor.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Subcontractor is responsible for supplying the Contractor with a copy of all work performed for Client(s) during the previous two-week period.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the hiring of Contractor by client, and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to that hiring in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representation, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise no contained in this agreement shall be valid or binding on either party, except that any other written agreement dated concurrent with or after this Agreement shall be valid as between the signing parties thereto.
13. Modifications or Amendments. No amendment, change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing signed by the parties hereto.
14. Waiver. The failure of either party to insist on strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant, or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for all or any other times.
15. Partial invalidity. If any provision in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way
16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. The laws of the State of Alabama shall govern the validity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
Contract for Medical Transcription Services
Page 4
17. Notices. Any and all notices, demands, or other communications required or desired to be given hereunder by any party, shall be in writing and shall be considered validly given or made to another party if personally served, or if deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. If such notice, demand or other communication is given by mail, such notice shall be conclusively deemed given five days after deposit thereof in the United States mail addressed to the party to whom such notice, demand or other communication is to be given as follows:
If to the Contractor: XXXXXX
If to the Subcontractor: XXXXXX
This Agreement is via Internet and mail on this 23rd day of March 2005.
.
_______________________________________
My Signature
________________________________________
Employer's Signature
It is quite ironic that most of the companies seek MTs with 2-3 years of experience. Even this new employer of mine wanted experienced MTs. I lacked experience, but I got to the stage, despite annoying queries regarding methods of work distribution and payment system, of finally taking their tests to show what I can offer to their company. I even had the vision, upon being so impressed with the efficient system of this particular company, of promoting this service in my area, and giving more clients to my company, meaning to distribute more work to the MTs. I was thinking that if MTs are nationwide, we can get clients nationwide as well, if such efforts are rewarded by incentives (say 1% of all work done for the client marketed will go to the marketer, with the marketer trying her best, of course, to meet customer satisfaction to keep her incentives coming). An MT can only type so fast and do so much in a day's work, but with marketing, the income is augmented exponentially. My new employer is trying to discuss such possibilities with their partner (EMR). If approved and once working, I will be ready to use my Filipina charm to the doctors around here.
Haha...as soon as I received the contract copy to sign, I got an email from another company that says they saw my CV at MTWanted.com and are interested to learn more. They gave their salary payscale, which was so low (starting pay of 4 cpl, when I will start here with my new employer at 7 cpl despite lack of experience -- what a joke!!!)as well as a list of equipment that an IC MT must possess (I wondered whether they required their MTs to buy the software, pedal and reference materials.) I knew I corresponded before to this other company, and they replied, giving me the same information, to which I sent several queries addressing some concerns, such as the need to buy the equipment (or can I use mine?), etc. I got no replies to my queries. Then I got their email...Hahahaha! Some companies are now so desperate to get good MTs, yet they are not too keen on giving pay commensurate to the abilities of MTs. Plus some of them even try to make a business out of it, by demanding that the MT pay for such and such equipment or pay a deposit! Some say such arrangements are justifiable because MTs are given work to do in the comfort of their homes...Helloooo! This companies save a lot not to have to put up an office, and with IC status, they even have nothing to worry about benefits!!! The least they can do is compensate the MTs with a good salary!!!
I know I can save enough money with this new employer for me to take the USMLE or process whatever papers I have to prepare for an RN life, or even obtain a certification as a Phlebotomist...There are so many options available, once I have saved the money to proceed.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
What are the prospects of progress in this type of job?
In the past nights, after work, I have been testing for my prospective employers.
Golly, I was not prepared for the difficult dictators. I even stopped applying to other companies to give time to these test files (while at the same time working in my present job editing).
This job is easy IF the dictator is clear and slow enough. Accent is not a problem. But recently with my test files, I have encountered dictators who won't even slow down on findings that really matter: (e.g., CV findings on a CVA patient; lab result of a Rheumatoid Arthritis suspect--I got the WBC count, not the Hgb and Hct if those were dictated, got the sed rate and ANA and RF). Some dictations, particularly SOAP in clinics, have sentences that make no sense, and which I could have researched on IF ONLY I knew what the case is all about (I wish all doctors doing SOAP will at least dictate the Working Diagnosis, so that by the time they dictate the medications, workup and plan, I can try to guess the mumbled words and come up with sentences that make sense and is related to the case.)
One thing I can say, the more I learn about how difficult this job is for MTs, the more I see how strong the net community built by MTs, and the more respect I develop for them (us). All the more reason for me to wonder why MTs salary (based on forums/chats I have witnessed) is going downhill. This is not at all an easy task! While some nurses (especially CNAs) may be doing back-breaking dirty tasks, we face the same dillemma of acquiring CTS, scoliosis/kyphosis, and poor eyesight, often at our own expense. If not for my present need to stay at home, I would have applied even for an NA position and slowly work my way up.
Furthermore, I believe that while MTs have the burden of making their transcriptions as close to error-free as possible for these to be considered quality documents, I also believe that doctors should produce quality documents in the form of their quality dictations as well. This whole quality assurance and proper documentation are intended to enhance quality medical service through continuity of care made possible by such quality documents (i.e., if a patient is attended to by different doctors--ER to admitting to attending primary care to specialists--proper documentation will make it easy for these doctors to manage the patient).
Ergo, don't MTs have a voice to make such demands from the doctors to provide us with quality dictations?
I used to work in a clinic where the nurses only had to ask me (assistant to the med director) to tell my fellow drs to make their handwriting more legible, so the nurses could properly log the cases in their ER/admissions logbook. I did, and everyone cooperated, so the nurses were happy. Needless to say, the ultimate beneficiary was the clinic and, indirectly, the patients.
I thinks MTs should also have this kind of feedback system with their clients (hospital QAM, by principles of quality assurance, can address such problems at the root cause by sending a notice to their doctors to improve their dictations, even to the point of sending the doctor who got more complaints from the MTS to a dictation workshop, to avoid erroneous documentations. If these are carried out, then the burden of errors will be on the MTs.) In true quality assurance, communication is important to come up with the least errors, and targeting the root cause is the best way to tackle problems.
I wonder if that is possible?
I can see now why individual MTs working on accounts of doctors within their vicinity have better work relations with the clients. If the client is a hard dictator, the MT has the right to demand a higher pay (because she uses more time and effort to transcribe) for a job well done. Either the client agrees to pay more, or make his dictations easier to transcribe.
But I don't see the same thing with MTs working for companies, especially when these MT companies are competing against each other, and trying very hard to please their clients by always promising at least 98% accuracy. Do they also have a means to address the problems of difficult dictators at the root cause? I have no idea...but I hope they do. I hope it is one of the issues tackled by AAMT. After all, MTs are part of the healthcare system, not mere typists.
Just a note about MT jobs in PI (you are aware that there are indeed some MT companies with offshore MTs): I have read a post in another forum where they say that MTs earn less than call center agents, and they (MTs) don't get it, when employers look for qualifications that are higher--allied health professions, typing speed of 45 wpm or more, and the rest is the same for both jobs (English proficiency, listening skills, computer skills).
I just might look for local clients sometime in the near future if the situation becomes so depressing, but then that would mean that I will not address issues on EMR (electronic medical records) handling, but purely just transcribing what the doctor dictates, then sending them copies (both hard and soft, as they desire); they will be responsible for filing and archiving their documents.
In any case, I will use this MT job to force me to study and to raise the money for USMLE. I hope I will make it, and if I do, I will remember the plight of many MTs.
I have read posts about MTs praying for the patients. Sometimes I have the same tendencies. In addition, I can't help asking whether the PCP did a previous workup for a differential diagnosis that I had in mind, or whether aside from referring to the ortho, did the PCP also refer the patient to the cardio?...things like that...
Well, I hope I will learn more about case management through these transcripts. It is like undergoing an apprenticeship. I hope that by the end of 2 or 3 years I will have studied enough to pass the USMLE, and learned enough insights from the specialists to add to my wisdom.
I honestly don't think that MTs will be regarded as that valuable in the coming years. Companies and clients will always use the competition to haggle for the price, and will use the VR technology to threaten the MTs and force them to bow down.
I think it is best to be on the client side -- be a doctor/health practitioner. There is no way one will run out of job in this profession.
Golly, I was not prepared for the difficult dictators. I even stopped applying to other companies to give time to these test files (while at the same time working in my present job editing).
This job is easy IF the dictator is clear and slow enough. Accent is not a problem. But recently with my test files, I have encountered dictators who won't even slow down on findings that really matter: (e.g., CV findings on a CVA patient; lab result of a Rheumatoid Arthritis suspect--I got the WBC count, not the Hgb and Hct if those were dictated, got the sed rate and ANA and RF). Some dictations, particularly SOAP in clinics, have sentences that make no sense, and which I could have researched on IF ONLY I knew what the case is all about (I wish all doctors doing SOAP will at least dictate the Working Diagnosis, so that by the time they dictate the medications, workup and plan, I can try to guess the mumbled words and come up with sentences that make sense and is related to the case.)
One thing I can say, the more I learn about how difficult this job is for MTs, the more I see how strong the net community built by MTs, and the more respect I develop for them (us). All the more reason for me to wonder why MTs salary (based on forums/chats I have witnessed) is going downhill. This is not at all an easy task! While some nurses (especially CNAs) may be doing back-breaking dirty tasks, we face the same dillemma of acquiring CTS, scoliosis/kyphosis, and poor eyesight, often at our own expense. If not for my present need to stay at home, I would have applied even for an NA position and slowly work my way up.
Furthermore, I believe that while MTs have the burden of making their transcriptions as close to error-free as possible for these to be considered quality documents, I also believe that doctors should produce quality documents in the form of their quality dictations as well. This whole quality assurance and proper documentation are intended to enhance quality medical service through continuity of care made possible by such quality documents (i.e., if a patient is attended to by different doctors--ER to admitting to attending primary care to specialists--proper documentation will make it easy for these doctors to manage the patient).
Ergo, don't MTs have a voice to make such demands from the doctors to provide us with quality dictations?
I used to work in a clinic where the nurses only had to ask me (assistant to the med director) to tell my fellow drs to make their handwriting more legible, so the nurses could properly log the cases in their ER/admissions logbook. I did, and everyone cooperated, so the nurses were happy. Needless to say, the ultimate beneficiary was the clinic and, indirectly, the patients.
I thinks MTs should also have this kind of feedback system with their clients (hospital QAM, by principles of quality assurance, can address such problems at the root cause by sending a notice to their doctors to improve their dictations, even to the point of sending the doctor who got more complaints from the MTS to a dictation workshop, to avoid erroneous documentations. If these are carried out, then the burden of errors will be on the MTs.) In true quality assurance, communication is important to come up with the least errors, and targeting the root cause is the best way to tackle problems.
I wonder if that is possible?
I can see now why individual MTs working on accounts of doctors within their vicinity have better work relations with the clients. If the client is a hard dictator, the MT has the right to demand a higher pay (because she uses more time and effort to transcribe) for a job well done. Either the client agrees to pay more, or make his dictations easier to transcribe.
But I don't see the same thing with MTs working for companies, especially when these MT companies are competing against each other, and trying very hard to please their clients by always promising at least 98% accuracy. Do they also have a means to address the problems of difficult dictators at the root cause? I have no idea...but I hope they do. I hope it is one of the issues tackled by AAMT. After all, MTs are part of the healthcare system, not mere typists.
Just a note about MT jobs in PI (you are aware that there are indeed some MT companies with offshore MTs): I have read a post in another forum where they say that MTs earn less than call center agents, and they (MTs) don't get it, when employers look for qualifications that are higher--allied health professions, typing speed of 45 wpm or more, and the rest is the same for both jobs (English proficiency, listening skills, computer skills).
I just might look for local clients sometime in the near future if the situation becomes so depressing, but then that would mean that I will not address issues on EMR (electronic medical records) handling, but purely just transcribing what the doctor dictates, then sending them copies (both hard and soft, as they desire); they will be responsible for filing and archiving their documents.
In any case, I will use this MT job to force me to study and to raise the money for USMLE. I hope I will make it, and if I do, I will remember the plight of many MTs.
I have read posts about MTs praying for the patients. Sometimes I have the same tendencies. In addition, I can't help asking whether the PCP did a previous workup for a differential diagnosis that I had in mind, or whether aside from referring to the ortho, did the PCP also refer the patient to the cardio?...things like that...
Well, I hope I will learn more about case management through these transcripts. It is like undergoing an apprenticeship. I hope that by the end of 2 or 3 years I will have studied enough to pass the USMLE, and learned enough insights from the specialists to add to my wisdom.
I honestly don't think that MTs will be regarded as that valuable in the coming years. Companies and clients will always use the competition to haggle for the price, and will use the VR technology to threaten the MTs and force them to bow down.
I think it is best to be on the client side -- be a doctor/health practitioner. There is no way one will run out of job in this profession.
Interesting Cases Today
1. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
2. Fibromyalgia
These were things I only encountered in Pathology class during med school but not during practice...sigh.
The links prove these are indeed common here.
2. Fibromyalgia
These were things I only encountered in Pathology class during med school but not during practice...sigh.
The links prove these are indeed common here.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Major corrections I made
These are only some major errors.
I.
From
A well (29:03) in a (29:03) splint. Her fingers are warm and well-profused. She does have a normal sensory exam, but in the median of this, she reports it is tingling. She has full motion of her right hip without pain. She does have pain when I try to extend her leg. She is tender at the posterior thigh. The knee has no effusion. There is tenderness medially. No instability. Normal neurological exam distally.
To:
Physical examination reveals a well forearm which is in a sugartong splint. Her fingers are warm and well-perfused. She does have a normal sensory exam, but in the median nerve distribution, she reports it is tingling. She has full motion of her right hip without pain. She does have pain when I try to extend her leg. She is tender at the posterior thigh. The knee has no effusion. There is tenderness medially, with no instability. Normal neurological exam distally.
(Things that an ordinary MT, inexperienced, would not comprehend...Did she know that the carpal tunnel syndrome assessment in this case was brought forth by that PE finding of tingling sensation on the median nerve distribution? Only a doctor can understand that. Now, if only MT companies who turned down my application would understand that...Well, it's their loss.)
II.
from "culture insensitivity" to culture and sensitivity"
Other errors were minor.
I.
From
A well (29:03) in a (29:03) splint. Her fingers are warm and well-profused. She does have a normal sensory exam, but in the median of this, she reports it is tingling. She has full motion of her right hip without pain. She does have pain when I try to extend her leg. She is tender at the posterior thigh. The knee has no effusion. There is tenderness medially. No instability. Normal neurological exam distally.
To:
Physical examination reveals a well forearm which is in a sugartong splint. Her fingers are warm and well-perfused. She does have a normal sensory exam, but in the median nerve distribution, she reports it is tingling. She has full motion of her right hip without pain. She does have pain when I try to extend her leg. She is tender at the posterior thigh. The knee has no effusion. There is tenderness medially, with no instability. Normal neurological exam distally.
(Things that an ordinary MT, inexperienced, would not comprehend...Did she know that the carpal tunnel syndrome assessment in this case was brought forth by that PE finding of tingling sensation on the median nerve distribution? Only a doctor can understand that. Now, if only MT companies who turned down my application would understand that...Well, it's their loss.)
II.
from "culture insensitivity" to culture and sensitivity"
Other errors were minor.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
I will be better off working at Wal-Mart as a cashier!
I made an observation.
After editing and making comments for further revision of the intial medical letter (see previous post), and editing another transcription, I calculated my compensation for a job done over a period of 3 hours, with pay depending on the lines I produced (including the document and the comments I gave. No compensation for THINKING.)
I came to $4 for working for three hours...using my own computer, own electricity, and paying for my own internet connection.
Is this job worth my time?
That is the reason I am quitting this job in this particular company! They don't know how to properly compensate a reliable worker.
I hope my next company will be better. If the pay is better, I will see if it is worth the time and effort, and if there are possibilities of relying on it fully and going up the ladder. If not, I still might just use this job as a means to earn while reviewing for USMLE.
After editing and making comments for further revision of the intial medical letter (see previous post), and editing another transcription, I calculated my compensation for a job done over a period of 3 hours, with pay depending on the lines I produced (including the document and the comments I gave. No compensation for THINKING.)
I came to $4 for working for three hours...using my own computer, own electricity, and paying for my own internet connection.
Is this job worth my time?
That is the reason I am quitting this job in this particular company! They don't know how to properly compensate a reliable worker.
I hope my next company will be better. If the pay is better, I will see if it is worth the time and effort, and if there are possibilities of relying on it fully and going up the ladder. If not, I still might just use this job as a means to earn while reviewing for USMLE.
A Medical Letter related to worker's compensation
I won't post the medical letter here. It was a letter in reponse to one given by an attorney acting on behalf of an insurance company.
This is the kind of editing that I do, which might probably be considered aggressive by some MTs, and, I predict, is way above some MTs.
I had minor revisions on the letter itself, but I raised the following issues to the doctor who wrote it:
I wonder how many MTs are that brave to make such comments to the doctors?
My observation is that this doctor is a novice to worker's compensation issues. I am no expert in that, but I had enough exposure to pre-employment, annual medical exams, and compensation issues, have educated myself on the DOH's rating system for such pre-employment exams, also to the seafarer's med exam as per ILO guidelines. I know enough about it to point out the inconsistencies and innacuracies of the doctor's letter to the attorneys. I am sure he will overhaul that letter.
And I am confident he will probably inwardly thank me for the indirect education.
This is the kind of editing that I do, which might probably be considered aggressive by some MTs, and, I predict, is way above some MTs.
I had minor revisions on the letter itself, but I raised the following issues to the doctor who wrote it:
Before finalizing this letter, please verify with Dr. XYZ the following:
(1) if this phrase "should discontinue" meant that the insurance company asked whether Ms. XXX is to discontinue work (and what is this work specifically?)
(2) Dr. XYZ said, "I do not believe she will have any permanent functional impairment with regards to her left shoulder when and if she progresses through physical therapy and without difficulties."
--I believe the insurance company's concern then would also include if Ms. XXX should be temporarily disabled and approximately for how long, and if not, if she would require to be given none or light to moderate task through time as she undergoes PT. I believe that this letter does not address those concerns clearly and would put the insurance company and the employer at a loss on how to proceed giving Ms. XXX her benefits, or on how to continue employing her.
(3) On this phrase:"With regards to the second statement that Mrs. XXX suffers from similar problems in her right shoulder, she did complain of right shoulder pain the last time I saw her." -- Is this statement as Dr. XYZ himself said, or is there a statement also by the insurance company or the attorneys that referred to a similar problem in her right shoulder? Basing on the letter, it seems that this is not presently the concern of the most recent letter, although it is quite okay to bring it up as this also has work compensation implications. The objective findings of the right shoulder exam are of no concern to the insurance company and to the lawyers; what they would be interested in is how this condition will affect her work proclusions and her compensations. It will be better for Dr. XYZ to state a tentative schedule of the observation period, during which, in what work conditions should Ms. XXX be, then an approximate date of followup, and so on.
I am predicting Dr. XYZ will have major changes done in this letter to address those concerns.
I wonder how many MTs are that brave to make such comments to the doctors?
My observation is that this doctor is a novice to worker's compensation issues. I am no expert in that, but I had enough exposure to pre-employment, annual medical exams, and compensation issues, have educated myself on the DOH's rating system for such pre-employment exams, also to the seafarer's med exam as per ILO guidelines. I know enough about it to point out the inconsistencies and innacuracies of the doctor's letter to the attorneys. I am sure he will overhaul that letter.
And I am confident he will probably inwardly thank me for the indirect education.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Learning more about the MT job
For more than a week now I have been doing MT editing, and I realized that the pay I agreed to was not worth the effort and time I devote to doing the job. I am now convinced to just do MT instead of editing; that way, the pay is more commensurate to the effort and time I put into it. But, because of disgruntlement with my present employer, plus the replies I am getting from some companies to which I applied, I am now considering other MT companies and am leaving my present employer.
Why do I want to work as an MT?
First, it is a job which will not change my mindset from a doctor-thinking to a nursing-thinking (like what happens to those MD-RNs. Remember, I took a one-year crash course in nursing before coming here.)
Second, I am a stay-at-home mother and has no driver's license yet.
Third, I am somewhat of a techie. I love techno gadgets and internet.
Fourth, it keeps my mind medically-oriented.
Fifth, there is a GREAT DEMAND for good MTs.
And lastly, I need the money to help pay the bills.
Because of my recent employment, I gained confidence enough to submit application to 19 companies Saturday of last week. So far, responses have been varied: from "your application is in processing" to "you do not meet the requirements for the position" to "please take our online test files."
I TURNED ONE DOWN after realizing they are doing mostly acute care. Why? Because the dictators are in such a hurry they tend to produce dictations that are a garbled mess; therefore, production-wise, I will be on a losing end, unless they pay me more per line.
As I have been learning the flaws of my employer, I have now engaged another company in a series of discussion, meaning to let the employer know that I am studying thoroughly what I am getting myself into this time.
I am quickly learning that these companies are in dire need of good MTs. They have a lot of jobs that they can't catch up with, because there simply are not enough MTs whose work do not need editing.
Then I got a latest reply from a company that said they "have no good fit" for me, "but in the interim, another service took interest in my skill set. For privacy reasons, I cannot forward your resume to her, so I am referring you to the above contact person for submission of your resume."
That got me excited. It seems I will be offered a job that is above the MT level.Of course, I quickly submitted to her my resume. Still waiting for her reply. (I realized now that I only need to make myself known to these companies, then the employer/HR who has the vision can think of the best way to make use of my talents.)
But then, with my recent experience in MT editing, I realized another thing; it gave me a whole new perspective of MT as a way to earn while reviewing for the USMLE.
You see, with the recent transcripts of actual practice here, I had been forcing myself to study more about drugs, their indications and dosages. I had to recall the anatomy, examination techniques and management of illnesses of the shoulder, knee, leg and hand. I discovered websites that had "Guidelines for Reporting on Musculoskeletal Imaging" and some "Operative Technique" samples. I realized that instead of paying for a review for USMLE, this is a good way to earn while reviewing, using the internet for updated information on medicine that is relevant to today's practice (no need to buy expensive reviewers; no need to enrol in expensive review centers! I don't have the money nga eh!). I am exposing myself to actual cases even without a residency training.
I had been thinking...with MT jobs (not managerial position in an MT company), I can then review while earning. At the end of 2 or 3 years when my children might probably want to spend less time with their parents, I can then probably seriously consider registering with the ECFMG and taking the USMLE and to practice medicine in this rural area where doctors are needed.
I will make it a goal to be prepared for those at the end of at most 3 years. Then I can make the MT business as a sideline. If government regulations permit, I will use offshore talents (MD-MTs as well as allied health professionals in PI, of course!) for that.
No, ain't that a smart move?
Wish me luck.
Why do I want to work as an MT?
First, it is a job which will not change my mindset from a doctor-thinking to a nursing-thinking (like what happens to those MD-RNs. Remember, I took a one-year crash course in nursing before coming here.)
Second, I am a stay-at-home mother and has no driver's license yet.
Third, I am somewhat of a techie. I love techno gadgets and internet.
Fourth, it keeps my mind medically-oriented.
Fifth, there is a GREAT DEMAND for good MTs.
And lastly, I need the money to help pay the bills.
Because of my recent employment, I gained confidence enough to submit application to 19 companies Saturday of last week. So far, responses have been varied: from "your application is in processing" to "you do not meet the requirements for the position" to "please take our online test files."
I TURNED ONE DOWN after realizing they are doing mostly acute care. Why? Because the dictators are in such a hurry they tend to produce dictations that are a garbled mess; therefore, production-wise, I will be on a losing end, unless they pay me more per line.
As I have been learning the flaws of my employer, I have now engaged another company in a series of discussion, meaning to let the employer know that I am studying thoroughly what I am getting myself into this time.
I am quickly learning that these companies are in dire need of good MTs. They have a lot of jobs that they can't catch up with, because there simply are not enough MTs whose work do not need editing.
Then I got a latest reply from a company that said they "have no good fit" for me, "but in the interim, another service took interest in my skill set. For privacy reasons, I cannot forward your resume to her, so I am referring you to the above contact person for submission of your resume."
That got me excited. It seems I will be offered a job that is above the MT level.Of course, I quickly submitted to her my resume. Still waiting for her reply. (I realized now that I only need to make myself known to these companies, then the employer/HR who has the vision can think of the best way to make use of my talents.)
But then, with my recent experience in MT editing, I realized another thing; it gave me a whole new perspective of MT as a way to earn while reviewing for the USMLE.
You see, with the recent transcripts of actual practice here, I had been forcing myself to study more about drugs, their indications and dosages. I had to recall the anatomy, examination techniques and management of illnesses of the shoulder, knee, leg and hand. I discovered websites that had "Guidelines for Reporting on Musculoskeletal Imaging" and some "Operative Technique" samples. I realized that instead of paying for a review for USMLE, this is a good way to earn while reviewing, using the internet for updated information on medicine that is relevant to today's practice (no need to buy expensive reviewers; no need to enrol in expensive review centers! I don't have the money nga eh!). I am exposing myself to actual cases even without a residency training.
I had been thinking...with MT jobs (not managerial position in an MT company), I can then review while earning. At the end of 2 or 3 years when my children might probably want to spend less time with their parents, I can then probably seriously consider registering with the ECFMG and taking the USMLE and to practice medicine in this rural area where doctors are needed.
I will make it a goal to be prepared for those at the end of at most 3 years. Then I can make the MT business as a sideline. If government regulations permit, I will use offshore talents (MD-MTs as well as allied health professionals in PI, of course!) for that.
No, ain't that a smart move?
Wish me luck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)