How do other people deal with this? I don't even feel like working tonight!

[ 12-07-2001: Message edited by: Nel ]

What was the reason for you not getting paid? Were you told when you would be getting your money? That would make a big difference to me.

Ruth

[ 12-07-2001: Message edited by: Meems_101 ]

You are a professional. You are in business. Get a contract drawn up (See the Independent Medical Transcriptionist for samples).

When I looked into working for the VA Domiciliary here as a home worker, I got a copy of their contract, actually 3 copies of their contract, all 35 pages of it. Everything was spelled out, down to the last period and comma, when carbons were to be used, how each type of report was to be logged, etc.,etc.

After my friend was suddenly dropped from an account she had had for 11 years (showed up to pick up tapes and they told her they had hired the business manager's niece), I decided to CMA and put together a contract.

So many of the problems I had had before then disappeared with the implementation of a contract. I refused any new clients unless they would work on a contract with me. One doctor even looked at me with astonishment, as though a chair had walked and talked, when I insisted on a contract.

My contract included payment clause -- with a set amount for any payment later than 10 days from their receipt of my bill, with appropriate escalations, including legal for outright nonpayment, as well as denial of further services until outstanding amount had been paid.

Believe me, I may have lost a few prospective clients, but in the long run I didn't get ulcers and didn't get stiffed either.

When I was teaching MT students, I gave them copies of my current contract to use as a guide and emphasized to them that if they were going into business as an MT that they should conduct themselves in a business-like manner.

Look over the samples in the Independent MT, and I am sure there are others specific to MT business online too. Talk to your local small business advisors, contact the SCORE people. You would be amazed at how much help there is out there for you.

Sorry you have this problem, been there myself, seen fellow MTs there too. Hope it all works out for you.

Nancy

I really love this second job, but at Christmas time and with my husband out of work, this really BITES!!!

If you read this, please e-mail me at Medtrans1999@mediaone.net.

Thanks

Forgot to mention I tried to e-mail you, but you are blocked...

[ 12-11-2001: Message edited by: Medtrans1999 ]

What is in it for you with this arrangement? If you're being paid the same rate as a subcontractor or employee, you shouldn't have to wait.

I agreed one time in my career to do this. I worked "with" a woman who had the account, but I was paid the same line rate being billed to the client. I picked up and delivered and printed myself. She billed the client and paid me.

In either situation, the problem is that you have absolutely no control over when the invoice goes out or is paid and you have no way of verifying whether or not it actually has been paid or if someone is not telling you the truth. The woman I had this arrangement with was an extremely disorganized person and sometimes the bills didn't go out for months. I was certainly glad I had other sources of income or I would've gone broke. I certainly don't advise it under any circumstances.

My feeling is that if you have to wait until the client pays the bill before you're paid, you might as well cut out the middle person and get your own clients.

I haven't ventured out on my own as of yet, but that will be the next step.

Maybe some day MTSO owners will appreciate their MTs and pay them every two weeks, like I have for the past 15 years. You should not have to experience this at all, as this is not YOUR problem. It is OURs.. That is why MTSOs should be applying for lines of credit, so that the check can be written to you on a regular basis. The whole idea is to keep YOU happy.

I cannot tell you where to go with this, however, there are great MTSOs out there to work for. They are not easy to find, as good MTs are not easy to find.

If this person truly needs you (which I do not doubt at all), they should have NO problem with a face to face confrontation with you. Go to them. Tell them to pay or that is it. You will see that if they have any morals, you will walk away with your check.

Happy Holidays!!

lisa

Maybe some day MTSO owners will appreciate their MTs and pay them every two weeks, like I have for the past 15 years. You should not have to experience this at all, as this is not YOUR problem. It is OURs.. That is why MTSOs should be applying for lines of credit, so that the check can be written to you on a regular basis. The whole idea is to keep YOU happy.

I cannot tell you where to go with this, however, there are great MTSOs out there to work for. They are not easy to find, as good MTs are not easy to find.

If this person truly needs you (which I do not doubt at all), they should have NO problem with a face to face confrontation with you. Go to them. Tell them to pay or that is it. You will see that if they have any morals, you will walk away with your check.

Happy Holidays!!

lisa