A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
I have been observing a lot of comments made on this board and have heard many comments from others about the MT profession across the Internet. Sadly, most comments ring loud and clear with the all too familiar vibe, such as: “Times are tough” and “You have to make adjustments” during these tough economic times. Yes I get that part of it. I also work at a MTSO and I know from firsthand experience that it can be tough -- especially when our paycheck is being literally chipped away, for example, with charges for “too many submissions” to QA and then we see the paycheck is deducted with extra fees for that.
Then I recently read about one MTSO which sent out a lovely E-mail informing MT staff that there would be a cut in pay ?? While at the same time the MTSO is obviously making money hand-over-fist (just check a Google Alert and one is quickly reminded about mergers and acquisitions in the millions of dollars). But the paycheck for the MT staff is cut down, pay decreased, and paychecks attached with fees for too many submissions to QA. I know that somebody out there can relate to all this. What is going on?
I.simply.do.not.get.it
Okay I am not trying to brag, but I am very good at my job as an MT/ME/QC Specialist. Just like a lot of others, my status is Tier 3 at the top of the pay scale at my MTSO. And I consistently achieve 99% accuracy (often 100% accuracy) for many of the “random” audits that we are subjected to.
Beyond that – despite the ever increasing “policy changes” and other issues going on at the MTSO, I admit that I really enjoy my job. Also, I enjoy doing research and preparing the medical reports and narratives which become important parts of the patient’s electronic medical records, etc. The research really helps me to get a firm grip and understand my work in a more comprehensive manner.
Sounds like the ideal job, right? I also tell my family and friends that I really enjoy my job and especially the part about working at home, setting my own hours, etc.
REALITY CHECK – truth be told I am totally and completely disgusted on pay day !!
Pay day is a real downer. It is an absolute disgusting SHAME to receive a thinned out paycheck for all the hard work I have done, and also considering the expansive fund of knowledge that I am expected to know in order to maintain the “golden Tier 3 status” at the MTSO. I.simply.do.not.get.it
What has happened to this profession of Medical Transcription / Medical Editor / QC Specialist / Medical Language Specialist ?? Just venting.