Each MTSO is different, but tried to answer your questions generally - Annie

Lots of questions – unfortunately, every MTSO is a little different in how they handle each of your questions.  I have answered below in generalities, just to give you an idea of what you may run into as you do your job search.  

     When you are an employee working for an MTSO, do you have any kind of flexibility? 

That really depends on the MTSO.  Because they are hawking practically “instant” turnaround time in order to get clients, many of the larger MTSOs are now installing software in their programs that can detect if you are typing or not.  If you are not hitting the keys for a certain period of time (they give you a few minutes, assuming you are researching a word), they are either calling you instantly or you get a nasty Email later wondering why you were not transcribing.  These things can be held against you if they decide to have an RIF “Reduction in Force” and start laying MTs off. 

     If your scheduled work time is 8:00-4:00, do they allow any flexibility for such things as 15 minutes to drop off/pick up your child from school?  Or an hour to go to an appt? 

Again, depends on the MTSO.  If they follow a very strict schedule, you have to ask in advance and take PTO to cover the time.  Their rationale:  “We schedule the MTs we need to get the jobs out within TAT.  It is not fair for someone to transcribe whenever they want, and possibly take work from someone working the next shift.”  Some of the smaller MTSOs may be more flexible and give you a 10 or 12 hour window.  You have to ask each one separately.  

     I see a lot here where there is no work available, so do you just wait and watch during your entire shift looking for work? 

Basically, Yes.  You check back as often as you want, but if there is consistently no work, you can request using PTO to cover the time lost.   As an Employee, they are required to pay you minimum wage (for the pay period), but you really do not want to be in that position.  So, basically you just try to transcribe more the next day to get your minimum lines in for the pay period.  

     What happens at the end of your scheduled work time - you no longer have to check for work? 

Pretty much. 

     Are you even allowed to check for work outside of your scheduled shift if there was none during that time? 

Again, depends on the MTSO.  Because there are MTs waiting to work, some MTSO that adhere to strict schedules do not want the MTs from previous shifts impinging on the MTs coming on for their next shift.

     Do you have to type a certain amount of lines in order to receive benefits and if you don't get that in, can you just pay more to continue your health coverage? 

Again, it depends on the MTSO.  Some are more forgiving than others.  But, if that is their policy then, No, if you do not get the “minimum” lines per their cycle (whatever that may be – daily, weekly, per pay period, per month, per quarter), for so many months (usually 3), they automatically drop your status from full-time to part-time and you lose all your benefits.  The only way to get your benefits back is to exceed minimum lines per cycle for a certain period of time (again, usually 3 months).  During that time, you cannot just pay for the insurance yourself.  It is totally cut off.  But some MTSOs will work with you so you never fall below their minimum (if there is a really good reason why you cannot transcribe the minimum), and they usually give you 6 months to a year before they even start to threaten you with loss of benefits. 

     Are disability benefits included or available through any of these health plans offered by the MTSO's? 

This one you can probably find out from the MTSO’s website.  A lot of them are now listing what benefits they give their full-time employees. 

Unfortunately, with literally hundreds of MTSOs who have Employee status and offer benefits, no one can answer your questions without having the name of a specific MTSO.  They ALL do things differently. 

Once you have done your research and have picked a few MTSOs to apply to, you can either come back here (to the COMPANY Board) and ask specific questions about specific MTSOs, or you can wait and ask the recruiter those questions before you accept the position.  Unfortunately, most MTSOs will not take telephone calls or Emails before you go through the long process of sending in a resume or application and testing (or doing that on-line).  So you will not know the accurate answer to these questions until you actually get a call from the recruiter. 

Good luck in your job search.  Hope you find the position of your dreams.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Annie - 1mt

Depends on MTSO, and can vary greatly - LK

Thank you LK! - 1mt

You could check with some of the smaller - MTSOs that hire