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

How did this happen..... - Fedup

Posted: Sep 05, 2012

How did we get to this point? I have been an MT for 35 years and how did we let our profession turn into the slave labor it has become. This used to be a great job, good pay and well respected. I read these boards and see all the complaints about low pay, no pay, no work, etc. and it makes me physically ill. But, I also know nothing will change if WE collectively do not demand and force change. I know people need their jobs and need money, I do too but at what cost? How long will we allow these companies to make millions off our hard work while we barely scrape by? Enough is enough, it is time we stand up for ourselves. Any ideas? A union maybe? Something, anything?

We cannot blame ourselves - JW

[ In Reply To ..]
First of all most of us did not sit back and let it go away. Greed did it and we all know who did the offshoring and outsourcing don't we? We had very very little say in all of this. We have been true to our jobs and done our very very best. I don't blame myself. I want out of this. I have done it for 30 years and am now unemployed for the third time in four years. I want a secure job. If this was a secure job, I would do it happily but I am tired of the exploitation I have experienced since loosing my MT job of 24 years. It's not your fault, it's not my fault or or the fault of anyone on this board. It is pure greed that has very much to do with the government or so-called government we now have. Take pride in your 35 years, job well done.

To Fed Up. What I believe is going to happen. - JMO

[ In Reply To ..]
Things are only going to get worse and there is nothing we can do about it, except get out of the profession. VR will not be the only problem. The government is handing out checks for practices who see Medicare patients to go to EMR, and they are accepting it. The offer is good until 2014. It was my understanding that if doctors did not do this, they would not be able to see Medicare patients. That is over half of their business. This is hard to compete with. What little "transcription" is left will likely be on VR.....but still, more than half, maybe 2/3 of MT jobs will be eliminated altogether. The MTSOs cannot change this. Many of them will not survive either. They will fold up, or sell out to the "Monsters." What little is left will probably go off-shore, but they too will lose thousands of jobs. Forming and union or going on strike will not change the course of this.

MT is never again going to be what you have known in the past 35 years. There are a few happy and successful MTs now, and may be for a while to come, but the day is coming for us all. Demanding anything is a waste of time. This is "progress." I would guess that any MTs left in the next year will be making rock-bottom wages. This will be a profession for part-time people, and MTs who do not need this as an income to make a living on. I hate seeing this. I have been an MT for about 25 years myself, but the reality is before me at my own company. We are losing accounts left and right. MTs are being let go and leaving in droves. Whatever new accounts are obtained will eventually go this route. They will need MTs to do VR, but after the facility goes on EMR, they will only need a handful of MTs then. We need to think about general or legal transcription I guess, or get out of the business altogether.

There is nothing we can do "collectively."

agree - sad days on the horizon

[ In Reply To ..]
completely helpless

Need to Quit - Old, Fed-up MT

[ In Reply To ..]
They get away with it, because here we all sit still doing it. There needs to be some sort of mass exodus, to the point they get desperate, but that's not going to happen.

Soooo many good MTs have quit, though, and I'm not far behind. The only reason I'm here is for the cheap health insurance, and once that goes, there is ZERO reason to do MT.

We also need new people who want to do MT to make a wiser decision and not do it, but that doesn't seem to be happening, they are still signing up for classes and doing it. Working from home may be one big reason for doing this, but the way technology is these days, it's not impossible to find work from home anymore. Used to be, MT work or stuffing envelopes were the only work-at-home jobs. Not so now.

Maybe things will turn around in years to come, but even if it does, I wouldn't risk coming back into the business once I leave.

you have cheap insurance? - where do you work

[ In Reply To ..]
mine's still pretty bad

And in the not too distant future, no one will be making millions off of us. - They will be gone too. NM

[ In Reply To ..]
s

I think this is a dead wrong assessment, and here's why. - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
You're are talking about things that, left unchecked over time, are inevitable. What you are not considering is the fact that "collectively" we could control the time "they" need to bring that inevitability to fruition. We could control the time "they" need by depriving "them" of that time. For now, "they" need us to continue as we are while "they" slowly cut us out of the loop. What if "collectively" we just refused to help "them" continue to undermine our profession. There is no other avenue currently in place that could take up the slack of millions of transcriptionists suddenly refusing to cooperate with their own hanging. If the transcription stopped, so would compensation for the doctors, the hospitals, the MTSOs, and the CEOs. Collectively, that is the power we would have. Individually, there is nothing any one individual can do other than sit back and watch "them" tighten the noose.

As far as the EMR is concerned, I can redictate directly into the EMR and create an accurate record faster than any doctor can, and given the plethora of mistakes we are all aware they (doctors) continually make without even being aware of it, the record I create will typically be much more accurate to boot.

"They" still need more time to completely kill our profession in the manner and to the point you describe. Collectively, we could threaten "them" with bringing it crashing down around their ears overnight. They would have to listen and compromise. We're not dead yet, though some have clearly already given up, which I understand, but for those of us who have not yet given up, "collectively" is indeed the solution. It could make all the difference.

Exactly..... - Fedup

[ In Reply To ..]
I am not saying we can stop progress, that is inevitable. But, WE are in control of our destiny, not "them". We do not have to work for slave labor wages, no pay for down time or being treated rudely or in an unprofession manner with no job security. These are things WE do not have to put up with. Remember, without "us" doing the work, "they" have no business. We need to stop toiling away in silence. It is time for us to collectively stand up and demand that we be treated and paid like every other American worker!!!! These MTSO companies consistently break labor laws every single day and we do not call them on it....we as a whole are responsible for that. We will be treated as we allow ourselves to be treated.

Totally agree - JW

[ In Reply To ..]
I totally agree with this. I don't have a job now but I am truly sick of the way we are treated. They all act like we are so unimportant to them but maybe this would be "the way" for them to see it differently. I am with this idea but it will take more than a few of us here on this board to accomplish this.

Nurses have a union, why shouldn't we? - Fedup

[ In Reply To ..]
It is time. Stop complaining and lets get organized.

pipedream - faceit

[ In Reply To ..]
We aren't nurses. There is no need for us like them. Just face reality and make changes to move on. Did you see old-time phone operators trying to form unions when they were phased out and be successful? It's not going to happen. Let go of the pipedream folks. Very few here even have an associate's degree; why are we so indispensible in THIS society?

You are overlooking our true value to the overall process - which becomes our strength through organization

[ In Reply To ..]
Healthcare today is about big bucks. The doctors who generate the most revenue run the show. They run the show because they feed the driving force of the healthcare machine - GREED!!!

To them - the MTSOs, the doctors, the boards of directors, the CEOs - the most important thing is the bottom line. It's more important than life itself, and they will without hesitation sacrifice any life in the quest to pad that bottom line. They have made "bottom line" their god, and in so doing they have unwittingly created their own weakness, which weakness we are in a perfect position to govern and control (through organization). If you control their "god" you control them. We didn't create the current system as it now exists, but we are in a position of being able to exert great influence on it to our benefit, but only if we organize.

Fact: Insurance companies will not reimburse for services provided unless said services have been properly documented in a fashion other than hand written.

Fact: If we don't provide that documentation, their "god" begins to buckle at the knees. And don't kid yourself, they do not have any other means of providing what we provide on the scale that we collectively provide it. Without us typing the reports, the whole thing comes to a halt immediately. They do not currently have the means in place to replace us on the scale they would have to replace us to keep their "god" flowing. They don't need us to keep their patients alive, but they do need us to keep them alive, and that is where our power lies. Only through organization, though.

If you feel it's time to move on, then move on. But stop trying to discourage the rest of us from considering alternatives to just giving up.

Contribute, support, encourage, participate, or move on and leave the rest of us to ponder the possibilities. Ever watch the movie Norma Rae?

To overlook our true value to the overall process - please see message

[ In Reply To ..]
First of all, please do not tell me what to post and what not to. Anyone's opinion is as valid as your own. There was a question posed and I said, "What I think is going to happen." I did not say I agreed or disagreed with it, it does not matter. I still have the right to post even if you do not agree with what I say.

Actually, there is nothing to "contribute, support, encourage, or participate" in. When a ship is sinking, it will go down, especially if there are not enough people to bail water; as in this case. MTs have never organized and never will. If they did, I would join them, but it is not going to happen. Ponder that all you want. As you probably already know, the MTs on this board is a very small percentage overall. How does one organize MTs? When you come up with that answer, let us know.

We are in a "positon to govern" nothing. As you said in your post, the clients and medical industry as a whole "will not hesitate to sacrifice a life in their quest" to improve their greedy bottom line. Therefore, as is obvious to all of us, the definition of what you call "proper documentation" has changed significantly.

Again, I did not say I agree with this. I am saying that this is what we are all watching happen right before our eyes, and there is nothing we can do about it; unions, strike, and organizing will not change the bottom line, it only makes it more necessary for the industry to proceed and progress as it is doing.

I see. So, your purpose in telling me and everyone else how hopeless it all is - is what?

[ In Reply To ..]
What do you accomplish by this negativity? If you feel it is unchangeable reality, what do you gain by shooting down the thoughts of others who might feel differently? If some of us want to discuss possibilities rather than just give in, why is it so important for you to jump in and offer nothing but reasons why it can't work? What does that do for you? What does that do for anyone? How does that help the situation? Do you have anything to offer that might help the situation? Do you have anything to contribute to the conversation other than the notion that it's all just a waste of time? Do you have anything positive to contribute? Any ideas other than to just give up?

I have an idea other than just give up. Organize!

My view - MMTT

[ In Reply To ..]
If someone does not agree with you, you think they are being negative?

I am trying to come to grips with the fact that this profession is coming to an end due to technology. There is nothing I can do to change that. I do not consider this giving in or giving up. I consider it accepting the truth of the situation, moving on and transitioning to a more stable career. Why continue trying to organize or unionize a field that is being phased out? Why use your energy in that way? Turn your energy into something positive, moving on to a new career. Let go of the past and move towards the future. There is no longer a future in MT.

To I See - Your purpose is what? - message for you

[ In Reply To ..]
My purpose was not to tell YOU anything. I simply responded to the post from the original OP who asked, "How did we get here." I gave her my opinion. I am not trying to accomplish anything. I have no purpose toward you or any other posters here. I am not advising anyone to hang in there or give up. I am simply being realistic, which may be different from your reality, so get a grip on yourself. Go ahead and do your "organizing." When and if you accomplish that, I will join you, but I do not see that happening and by the time it does, 2/3 of the MT population will have moved on to different professions. Sorry if you perceive that as negative, but that is what is happening. If I were to advise anyone on anything, it would be to prepare themselves for the way this industry is headed, which seems to be all any one MT can do. Stop attacking people and posts as if they are directed simply to you, or because you do not agree with what is written. Live and let live.

see mess - what you suggest is unrealistic and here is why. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
MTs will not "organize" as you say. None of them are going to stop working completely. MTs are not going to stop accepting low wages. This has been discussed to death. It is every man for himself. MTs are not going to sacrifice anything for the sake of the industry. Right or wrong, it is just unrealistic to think there would be enough "collective" participation to accomplish anything.

Right. Unions PAY people while they strike, so they can. Also, - once again, employers have alternatives. NM

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Takenotice! - sountrue

[ In Reply To ..]
This is so frightening, how someone can post such a statement and be so utterly wrong in fact. Unions do NOT pay employees who are on strike. There may be some type of "fund" for those in dire need, but employees do NOT earn wages. I know this b/c my husband spent 35 years in a large union, I spent 10 years in a different union, and my sister is yet in a different union currently.

Please, folks, don't believe crap you read that is posted like facts.

Take notice - Inquiring minds

[ In Reply To ..]
I didn't say anything before, but I also have never heard of unions paying strikers wages. I've had neighbors who had union jobs, and when they called a strike those people did not get paid, and sometimes they went on for months. Oh, and everyone goes on strike unless they want to cross the picket line, because everyone has to join the union.

you couldnt be more wrong - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
We have no power collectively or individually. First of all, you will never get, as you put, "millions of transcriptions to suddenly refuse to work." Secondly, even if you got thousands to do this, it would work for a split second, to get everyone back to work. You might get a raise, you might get respect for a minute or two, but then they will replace you as fast as they can with either low-paid US MTs or offshore. You could not be digging your grave fast enough. There is no way you can win. The only thing you all can do "collectively" is plan your escape route quickly.

Used and abused long enough - JW

[ In Reply To ..]
Right on sm. Let's get out and show them that way. I'm all for that. We've all been used and abused long enough.

You're not thinking it through, and you missed the point of my - reference to millions

[ In Reply To ..]
My purpose in referring to millions of transcriptionists was simply to point out through numbers the potential leverage that we could exert collectively. As an organized industry, we're nothing to sneeze at.

Regarding the balance of your comment, you have to examine all of the ramifications inherent in becoming organized. Perhaps you haven't yet realized how the problem with offshoring could also be dealt with effectively through collective organization. Too, lengthy to explain here, but I have thought it through, and this thorn in our side could be easily handled, not through discouragement or prevention, but through standardization, which standards they would not be able to meet.

Think it through! We all need to contribute to the dialoge not just criticize and discourage.

Thinking it through - Inquiring minds

[ In Reply To ..]
I am definitely not anti-union but I wanted to point out that I am aware of several large medical facilities and health care systems within my state and in neighboring states where MTs were union members. When the facilities converted to Epic or chose to use outsource services to do their transcription, the unions (notably SEIU) did not fight to help those people keep their jobs. Several people have talked about forming an MT Union, but that means that the MTSOs would have to agree to become "union shops" and pay higher wages. I don't see that happening. I read that currently 4% to 5% of medical transcription work is currently sent off shore. It is possible that a labor union might force the issue and we could lose even more work. It happened in the auto industry and the textile industry; those jobs have gone elsewhere. I'm not criticizing or trying to discourage anyone. Labor unions have their place, but the issue is not as simple as it seems. If someone could figure out how to make it work, I'd probably support it.

unfortunately I agree - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't believe we let this happen, either. It is simply progress. Think of MT as we used to know it in terms of VCRs and console televisions. Now there are flatscreens, DVDs, netflix, online streaming. My gosh you can watch movies and TV shows on your IPhone if you want to now. Technology and time march on. Prepare not to be left behind.

an idea - could we all, s.m.

[ In Reply To ..]
write every representative we have in Washington regarding the HIPPA violation that having medical records transcribed/edited in India represents? Or are there any sympathetic lawyers who might pursue a lawsuit regarding this?

I think it happened when - steppinout

[ In Reply To ..]
companies were able to offshore and not be penalized when NAFTA was signed. I wish we could strike, because I'd be first on board, but the picture is much bigger and bitter. We are not the only ones who lost good paying jobs, look at the factory workers, the telephone operators, customer service, IT departments, etc., etc. Many have lost their jobs to off-shoring and it is only because these corporations legally can due to the free trade agreement. They are businessmen and women and will line their pockets even if it hurts the overall American individual, although morally wrong, it is legal. If we strike, which I would do either way to try and prove a point, I think our industry will pack up the work we currently have and bombard India and the Philippines, etc. Either way, the work will get done with or without us because they are already set up to do so. I personally feel we need to start at the polls and get these schmucks out of office who are for NAFTA and bring our jobs back, and yes this is how I vote because at this point in our economy I feel this is the most important topic, but it will take a long time. Earlier down I saw posters blaming the rich and then others saying we whiny transcriptionists are just mad because we aren't successful, yadda, yadda. I can say I was successful and I'm sure many of you can too; they just took it away from us and we are mad because we really liked our jobs.

Contact the attorneys.... - FEDUP

[ In Reply To ..]
Several MTs brought suit against Transcend in May, 2012. First we need some volunteers who would gather priorities/demands/complaints, etc; fair wage, down time pay, OT pay, etc....then contact these attorneys for assistance. Maybe they can help or at least advise.

I would also suggest - FEDUP

[ In Reply To ..]
I would also suggest that we setup private emails/IM etc. for any further discussion/organization and get off this board.

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