A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Independent contractor means "independent" contractor - sm - jumpingthroughhoops

Posted: Oct 22, 2014

I am so tired of these companies hiring for an IC position and then when you are not at your keyboard johnny on the spot at 11 a.m. every day to start your day and sometimes start at 12 p.m. or 12:30 p.m., they are calling your cell, sending threatening E-mails. They never stipulated in their contract that if you say, per se, you are going to work 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you start a little later, say 12 p.m. and work until the work is completed still getting getting the work completed well within TAT, that that is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I work as an IC for a reason. That reason is I cannot work a set schedule, this is why I work from home. If I could work a set-in-stone schedule, I would be working outside of the house or working for a company who hires employees.

Let this speak for you - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Send them the two links in this post, that should clear a few things up for them. Many companies use IC to save money; however, they do not recognize (or chose not to recognize)all of the laws that go along with IC. You own your business, you are your business and they need to treat you as such. They can request you start at 11 a.m., but it is just that, a request. These documents will shine a light of knowledge on them.

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Independent-Contractor-Defined

If she chooses not to start on time,she can find herself - out of a job. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
s

Contract - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Tips on writing a contract. The devil is in the details.

I don't think the OP is being unreasonable. - I work as a true IC

[ In Reply To ..]
and I get on the computer when I want, no set hours, as long as I type my contracted lines I'm good. I am never bothered, called, or harassed for not being at my computer working. I never give a time when I will work. I don't think companies that claim you are an IC truly treat you as one. As long as your contracted lines are typed, I think you are abiding by your contract and that's all that is required of an independent contractor.

I'll bet you don't get paid 7Â¢ a line either! nm - retired MT

[ In Reply To ..]
.

Actually I get paid more than 7 cpl. nm - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

What's your point with the "7 cent a line" comment - ?

[ In Reply To ..]
I can't tell whether you are agreeing or disagreeing with the poster you replied to.

Yep. When I started with YOG many years ago - as an IC, as long as we

[ In Reply To ..]
got our line count in sometime during that day it didn't matter when you worked. Now they have so many young and competitive management persons that they make us miserable with their requirements, even as an IC.

young and competitive? - you mean morons???!

[ In Reply To ..]
you're too kind...:)

Why, yes, that IS what I meant! - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

LOL! - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
:) thought so...!

Yes, took me a while, but I found a "true" - IC position

[ In Reply To ..]
Many of these MTSOs are illegally designating IC when in fact they are enforcing employee demands, and when reported and investigated have been made to pay back wages or fines. Some employers think all they have to do is call a position IC and it is. There is a reason that the IRS gives legal guidelines on what is an IC and why it is a different classification according to the IRS and tax laws.

I've been in this business almost 30 years and even when I started as an in-house employee, we didn't have a set schedule (just 'morning'/'afternoon' shifts, etc. and a minimum weekly line count). Anyone saying this is impossible and you can't conduct a business like that has been drinking the kool-aid. Inherently, medical dictation has ALWAYS been based on the ebb and flow of dictation which is why this flexible system had always worked, UNTIL these MTSOs made it a sweat shop with strict schedules. That is the reason now why MTs go from mandatory OT demands to sitting around with NJA (no jobs available). It does not work, except for the company who now has their employees convinced it is normal to work their set schedule, sit around if there is no work, AND be available at any other time round the clock. Madness, yet even in this thread you see MTs (?) defend it.

So do you work for just one company or do - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
you work for several? How did you find a true IC position? None on here that I know of. So you're saying you contract to work mornings or evenings and a weekly linecount? I truly want more information on this. How is this different from per diem work? Do you send them an invoice to pay? What if you want time off? I don't see how this can work with the services there are now. Truly want information though. Thanks.

I work for one company and - love it.

[ In Reply To ..]
My background: Worked 20+ years for a great company as an employee, flexible schedule with minimum line count per pay period. They closed/owner retired after competing with underbids for accounts we had had for decades. I found a job as an employee for a company with great perks (no weekends, 16 paid holidays, sick days, 12-hour window for your 8 hours) until they were bought out by one of the big offshoring MTSOs. Just as horrible as everyone had warned me about (the only positives were I had good TSMs). I gave it about a year and quit. I was fortunate in that my husband has a good job so I could take my time with interviews and new companies. It took me about 2 months to find my current company. They had advertised on a well-known MT Job board on another site, and I found positive reviews when I did a search here.

To answer your questions: I only applied at places looking for ICs and, when interviewed, made scheduling my primary question. If they basically wanted to hire an employee, I politely declined.

The family-owned company I work for asked for a rough time frame (afternoons/days etc.) and how many lines I think I could commit to. I work afternoon/nights and usually start anywhere between 2 and 4:30. I work M-F, but will help out on weekends if I see we're busy. I do let my boss know ahead of time if I have to work less hours than usual or will be quitting early due to dinner plans, etc. As an IC, vacations are unpaid, but I've never had a problem requesting time off.

If doctors suddenly decide to catch up on past dictation (which we all know happens often), we jump on and work if we can. If it is slow, I'll work less that day and make it up if I need to on a weekend or other time when we're busier. Simple. The best part? With flexibility comes MUCH less stress.

And yes, this system works for both employee and MT and makes for a happier environment. It worked in the past, and it works now. MTSOs demand strict scheduling of an IC because it works for them, not the MT. What they really want is an employee, but do not want to pay the benefits. Again, there is a reason the IRS has different classifications for an IC vs. an employee.

IC position - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
I am a retired MTSO/MT and I absolutely loathe other MTSOs who misclassify employees as ICs. They only do it for their own selfish gain, and they cheat their employees. I for one am glad that several of these companies are being investigated by the IRS (and the State of California as well), and I hope that huge fines are levied and that they are made to pay restitution to the MTs whom they ripped off. Not all MTSOs are evil--some of us are actually on the side of you guys and are glad to see MTSOs who do these things get the punishment they so richly deserve. They give all MTSOs a bad name, and it just ain't so, McGee.

Say I hire a house cleaner or gardener - IC too

[ In Reply To ..]
...and she says "I can start at 2pm each Wednesday" and 90 minutes later there's no sign of her, you bet I'm going to be calling to find out why she's not holding up her side of the bargain.

If you can't stick to a schedule that you yourself have set up, then you need to find a position that works on pure turnaround with no schedule at all.

I work as an IC and I have complete freedom over my schedule - I can work the same hours every day or week or change them around each day to suit me. But it's on the proviso that once I've told the MTSO when I'm going to be working on a given day, then I need to stick to that or notify my TL if I can't. In return, when work is slow my TL will save files for me to do as she knows I'll be there when I said I would.

It is also all about work ethics too. Some have it, some abuse it. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
IC was great...in the beginning. Too many have abused it, along with the MTSOs. Not being reliable on the MTs part, and not being fair on the MTSOs part. The MTSOs think they can pay you peanuts. IC was supposed to be a benefit to those who did not need benefits and so they were compensated with larger pay and because they had to pay their own taxes, they were also compensated. This was because they did not get some of the perks like in-house employees got.

Now it does not pay to be an IC nor an employee, nor an MT in the US...so it seems.

Independent contractor - Grandy

[ In Reply To ..]
department of wage and salary has very specific guidelines for IC vs employee. If they want you working during specific hours and dictate what you must produce, they need to hire employees, which would then require them to guarantee at least minimum wage when there is no work. Unfortunately, many transcription companies want the best of both worlds.

I was told - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I was told I could finish the daily line requirement and stop if that is what I wanted to do. Now all of a sudden that has changed to no work available for long periods of time, yet I need to be sitting there staring at a blank screen generating ZERO income. Also they certainly don't mind emailing you to death when other MTs don't show up and there is excess work and insist you work. Cake and eat it too is certainly one sided in this industry. I hate this now. Absolutely hate it. And yes, I am trying my best to get out.

You were told - Nick

[ In Reply To ..]
If you are being forced to sit and look at a blank screen, you need to contact the Labor Board.

Similar Messages:

Mar 10, 2010

Would a few independent contractors mind sharing your CPL rate? I currently work as an employee and have three years experience. I am looking into IC jobs, but I am having difficulty finding information easily on the difference in rates between IC jobs and employee jobs. Thank you! ...

Jul 11, 2010

How does anyone become an IC (independent contractor)? What is the process exactly? Any help would be appreciated. ...

Aug 19, 2011

I recently got a reply on a job as an IC for a company but in order to work for them I have to have an EIN. How do I get one and how do I figure out my taxes and all the stuff that goes with it? ...

Jun 13, 2013

I was thinking of applying for an IC job until I saw this (and much more, but this did it for me). If you have been offered an independent contractor position it is very important that you calculate the ultimate cost to you as a taxpayer to see if the salary being offered is worth the time and effort. For example, if you are being offered $15 an hour as an independent contractor and $12 an hour as a payroll employee, you may initially be tempted by the fact that your "take home" pay will be ...

May 05, 2010

A company is looking for ICs and says you must fill out pre-qualifying form. In it they ask for specific time of each day you can work. As I understand independent contracting, you get job, are given TAT and determine when you will do it. Can a company ask for set hours and still be calling their people independent contractors? Thanks for any answers. ...

May 21, 2010

I would like to know what all is involved with being an independent contractor. I have been toying with the idea a lot lately but have no clue what needs to be done or what is required of me. If anyone could give me some insight into this, I would so truly appreciate it. Thanks... PS: I have been an MT for over 20 years so not new to the scene but always figured employee status was better. ...

Aug 10, 2010

Yes, I fell for DIT's reassurances that their financial troubles were all in the past too. I worked diligently for two months only to be met with silence when I asked which days they mail paychecks out. It's been two weeks now, and I haven't heard a thing. To those of you who are staying loyal to these people: Please, please, please don't. They don't deserve it. For over a year, they have been preying on new MTs who are desperate for a job. This is NOT ...

Aug 12, 2010

I was just wondering how does a person become an independent contractor? I see a lot of job openings for them but not really sure what is involved. Could someone explain how to go about getting into being and independent contractor? Thank you so much! ...

Sep 24, 2010

Is anyone a licensed independent contractor? I saw a job listing that you have to be licensed. First time I ever heard of that. ...

Jul 14, 2011

Hello. I just got a new job, and for the first time, I will be an independent contractor. I am unfamiliar with this. I know they will not take taxes out. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how I do this. Should I consult a tax person? Is there a way I can figure out what to hold out on my own? Can I pay the IRS quarterly those figures so I don't have to pay it all at the end of the year? Do I need any kind of license? This is a part-time position at home, ...

Oct 11, 2011

I am looking for some clarification on the definition, as per the IRS website, of an "independent contractor." With the majority of companies now hiring MTs as IC's, does this definition apply ? "You are not an independent contractor if you perform services that can be controlled by an employer (what will be done and how it will be done). This applies even if you are given freedom of action. What matters is that the employer has the legal right to control the details of how the servi ...

Aug 31, 2012

BEWARE AND BE SURE you are truly an Independent contractor. This info is available on the IRS.GOV website (type Independent contractor in the SEARCH box and then click on IC defined). I was going to work for a company who later informed me that i would be REQUIRED to look up patient information that was not dictated by going to a different website and searching thru the paperwork looking for the information. I know from experience that doing this seriously cuts into My Line Count and MY PAY. I w ...

Jun 08, 2013

When you are considered an independent contractor, is it necessary to give at least two weeks notice before you quit? ...

Nov 04, 2014

Want work as an IC on a part-time basis. Anyone know of a company that is truely hiring for ICs, not calling you an IC but treating you as if you are an employee? Thanks. ...

Nov 18, 2014

Oncology Positions Available - iMedX Inc Posted: Nov 18th, 2014 - 4:48 pm iMedX, Inc. Openings for Oncology transcription in a clinic setting as IC (Independent Contractor). Must have approximately 2 years recent Oncology experience. **** This is the first step of shifting people out of Employee status...bye bye guys!!! Clock tickin'!!!!!! What more do you need. Thumbs up for Employees about to be dumped ...

Feb 22, 2015

Hi! Can anyone tell me what some good programs are if I was to try to get into the IC field? I mean programs for downloading voice files, for getting the foot pedal to work with said voice files, etc. I have Word and a word expander. ...

Mar 13, 2015

Can anyone tell me any details on being an independent contractor? Pros/cons? Pay? Thanks for any info! ...

Mar 27, 2015

Could someone please explain how an IC status works, has anyone worked in this capacity, and feedback. Thanks. ...

Dec 07, 2009

I have been doing IC work for almost a year now and up until now the work has been plentiful even though its pooled, however, recently I noticed that I keep running out of work. I keep being told that the accounts are not over assigned, but I am having serious doubts. Before I call it quits with the company I just wanted to get opinions as to whether this is the norm for this time of year or what? ...

Mar 13, 2010

As I understand it, according to IRS definition of an IC, the IC cannot be tested. If this is so, how do the transcription companies get away with testing for IC positions as mentioned in their ads. Is this legal? ...

Nov 01, 2010

Do any of you who work as an independent contractor for an MTSO carry liability insurance? Why or why not? Do they have to carry it and cover you or are you responsible for this? Thanks. ...

Nov 26, 2010

Can anyone tell me where I would find the steps to go about becoming an IC? Once I learn how to legally become an IC, then what do you do, just send your resume to the various companies? I would like to investigate becoming one. Thanks so much. Deidre. ...

Jan 18, 2011

This is concerning work. There is one question on the questionnaire that asks if I want to be on independent contractor or employee status. Could someone please explain exactly what the difference is and the Pros and Cons of such. Thank you in advance. ...

Feb 08, 2012

Anyone work for Transcription Doctors as an independent contractor? Looked through the archives, but everything seems old. Just wondered if anyone has had any current experience. Very leary trying out a new company. ...

Jan 16, 2011

Can anyone tell me if there are any advantages to being an independent contractor versus an employee? I'm worried about being able to set aside taxes if they are not taken out automatically -- I work because I need the money and would prefer to not have to "bank it" for taxes later. Seems like it is getting harder to find employee status jobs thay are not voice recognition / editing positions. ...

Nov 06, 2012

As an independent contractor, can the company I am doing work legally make me work holidays? ...

Mar 13, 2015

Can someone tell me which position is more financially rewarding? Do ICs get 401k and whatnot? Basically, can someone tell me the differences between the 2? Thanks so much. I am an idiot with money and taxes. ...

Mar 11, 2010

I am thinking about pursuing a job as an independent contractor as I am retired and want something to do more than the money (retired hospital transcriptionist). It is my understanding that an IC must have flexible schedule to qualify for IC status, yet the job ads specify second and third shift as well as weekend days. Can they do this? I know the government is cracking down on ICs to make sure they are truly ICs (we all know the transcription companies will do everything to preserve their bo ...

Jul 24, 2012

I've just started working as an independent contractor and I was wondering if an IC can work more than 40 hrs. a week, since not working as an employee. This is all new to me. I've always worked as an employee before. I just couldn't handle the VR anymore. It's a joke and decided it was time to "just say no!" The big boys came up with it and they can deal with it. Not going to ruin my health (body and mind) anymore for minimum wage! That being said, I'm very willin ...

Oct 08, 2013

So after more than a month of research for the new HIPAA-HITECH Final Rule, I was able to pass everything to the company I work for as an IC. I just want to share to any IC/BA if anyone is still looking for professional liability insurance/Error and Omission. This company is the cheapest I have found. http://www.myvirtualstore.yolasite.com/professional-liability-insurance.php ...