Any Medical Transcriptionists Out There?

[JenBayles]

Since my medical status no longer allows me to work outside the home, I'm looking into medical transcription as something I can do from the house. I never know when I'm going to have a "pukey day" or not, so I'm not exactly reliable when it comes to a full or even part-time job. I type 120+ wpm, and have already learned quite a bit of anatomy and medical terminology from my own research and pursuit of personal trainer certification a few years ago. I'm also very interested in all things medical, so it seems like a perfect fit.

A friend of ours has her own transcription service, and she says as soon as I'm certified, I can work as many or as few hours as I choose. Even if I don't end up employed, I figure no education is ever wasted, and at least my brain won't rot from sitting here at home.

There is a school here in Houston that I could go to, but the same problem applies to sitting in a classroom: Most days I couldn't attend since I'm home with my head in the toilet. That leaves internet or correspondence courses. After doing some Web research, I see there's a ton of courses out there, but how does one find out if they're legit? I'd hate to waste $800 to $1,000 on schooling that won't do me any good. Anyone have any ideas?

[Miss Mary]

Same here - I need to generate money now, not spend it on more schooling.

I've heard you need to work in an office setting at first, for some offices and then they allow you to work at home. But this is just word of mouth, that I've heard this.

MrsRob/Mary has experience I think with this type job Jen. Try PM'ing her.

Good luck - I'm all for working at home, however it's just never worked out for me. And now I'm looking for another job. The sub cook job didn't pan out - I was told I'd receive steady work, as many as 4 to 5 days a WEEK. I've only worked 23 hours and 8 days since Oct. 28th. When I call, I get the same excuses - no one's been sick. Of course I am a sub, but when you're told you'd get steady work, you believe it! To say this has been a huge disappointment, is an understatement. Employees told me a completely different story - they rotate subs, instead of hiring permanent employees, probably b/c of lower pay, no benefits, etc.

I'm afraid I now need to work in the real world. Which will be awful for our family's schedule but what can I do?

Sigh....good luck.

Mary

[JenBayles]

What an absolute bummer about the sub job Mary. That was my same experience with temp agencies the two times I had to resort to that. After being subjected to their moronic tests, they promise the world and the phone never rang.

Since it looks like my long-term disability claim is going to be approved, that will more than pay for the schooling, so the income isn't the primary reason I'm looking into this. Mostly, I can't stand just sitting around doing handwork all day long, and I have an inquiring mind: I want to know! Like I said, any education will never go to waste, even if I don't use it for employment.

Another friend of mind went into medical transcription, and while it took her a couple years to build up her own clientele to where she could support herself and her son, she's now turning down more work than she can handle.

My pain psychologist was just ecstatic when I told her about this, and agrees that just staying mentally engaged in something other than myself is a great idea - no matter what it may be. Kudos to Dave for coming up with idea!

[Miss Mary]

This does sound like a perfect job for you Jen. I'm hoping you can make this work too!

I'm already rejecting any ad that says temporary or seasonal. Saw an ad for H & R Block offices, no thanks. I want steady work now.....can't afford to take temp jobs or ones that promise the world and deliver nothing.

The thing is our local school district is top notch, for students but they even treat aides this way also. Years ago someone suggested working for the school district. This must have been when they hired you permanently, paying you well and keeping you in one school/assignment. Not rotating subs or aides around. Times change I guess.

Mary

[CajunMama]

MsRobi911 and Jason0509 both do transcriptions.

[wxcrazytwo]

Med Trans is not as easy as it sounds. It is tough and very demanding. Good Luck..

[angelwing]

I also work from home full time at night as a medical coder, you need to make sure that you're up on all the rules & regs and have your own office space-you can also check out the following:

http://health-information.advanceweb.com/Main.aspx

Check out the job section also as well as the articles, very informative.

[MSRobi911]

Yes I do Medical Transcription at home. But fortunately I work for my same employer that I work for during the day time. I have done Medical Transcription for 25 years on and off so its no big deal to me. Every doctor is different and you have to get used to what phraseology (is that a word?). Thank goodness none of my doctors are foreign, but I have heard some I know that I could not understand what they were saying, again its what you get used to. I am not certified, but I would assume if you went to work for some "company" that they might require that.

If you can only do classes on line, then check in with the .....shoot I can't think of the name, I will have to look it up, its a "organization for medical transcriptionist", your friend that has her business should have the name and see what courses they would recommend. Some businesses have their own course they want you to do and I know our local Junior/Community College has this as a course of study. Also call your local hospital medical records department, it may be called health information department, ours recently changed names and see what they recommended and if they have any openings. Our local hospital hardly has any typist in-house, they are all set up at home and the hospital provides everything and they pay by the page. I get paid by the character.

Jason, from what I understand, doesn't actually type, he is "quality control" edits all typed notes, but he could tell you about his company. They are based in Canada though, but he says they have people in the U.S.

Mary