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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Health Information First, LLC

Posted By: upstateMT on 2007-02-13
In Reply to:

Hi, does anyone have any experience with this company out of Maryland?  I just tested with them.


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Does anyone have any information on HIP (Health
Information Partners)?  Consistent work?  Good platform?  Anything else?  Thanks in advance!!
Health Information Partners
Great people there, good pay, and always have work.  What more could you want!
Health Information Partners

Does anyone have any feedback on Health Information Partners (HIP)--good or bad?


TIA!


Health Information Partners?

Good Morning.  Does anyone know about this company?  Line rate?  Orientation pay?  Scheduling?  Overall good company to work for? 


Thank you very much.


Health Information Partners - sm

Anybody  working for this company that could me some info i.e. platform, pay, line requirement, work flow, etc.? It would be much appreciated. I did a search and only found minimal information. Thanks in advance.


Health Information First (Hi1st),
Can I get some feedback on this company pretty please?  Thanks much!
HIM = Health Information Management
.
Anyone work for Health Information Partners LLC or
have any information about this company??  Need feedback.  Much thanks.
Is PT offered at Health Information Partners? Thanks. nm
nm
Health Information Partners (HIP) questions...
Anyone work for HIP or know about them?  They had an ad up a couple of places and was wondering about the scoop on them.  I found some old posts here from 2004-2005, looks like they are a small, newer company so maybe that's why I can't find much.  Any info and insight, good and bad??  Thanks!!
This is Health Information Partners with a new name. City is the same in an ad of theirs. Newbies
s
Health Information Partners, but they sold and are no longer around :( nm
nm
Looking for fellow employees of Health Information Partners..sm

Since they sold last year and I did not accept the job with OSi, I have had one crappy job after another.  Just curious to know where everybody ended up at, so email me if you like.


Thanks


Amphion, TransTech, eTransPlus, some at Focus, and Health Information
s
Health Information Partners, based in Maryland. She used to take in newbies
d
EXACTLY! HIPAA protects the privacy of your health information IN THIS COUNTRY!
Once your protected health information leaves this country, your privacy is no longer protected.  So while you may not trust your neighbor to know your medical history, you can trust that if they breech your privacy, you have legal recourse and you can have their jobs!  In India, if someone holds your health records hostage and threaten to publish them on the internet because they didn't get their 2 cpl, you are basically screwed! 
Interested in information on Focus Infomatics health insurance
I am curious as to what the costs of their health insurance plan, and if they offer family insurance, what that cost is. I really need a job with benefits.
Does anyone know anything about a company called Heart of Georgia Health Information Services? (sm)
I am beginning a job search and this was one of the services that I came across.  Has anyone worked for them and had good or bad experiences that they could share?  TIA
MT Salary woes article in Advance for Health Information Prof. 8/2008







Vol. 18 •Issue 17 • Page 20
Reactions to the MT Study

A group of professors is taking a hard look at the medical transcription industry.


His knowledge of the industry a few years ago? Admittedly, zero. Coming from, as he described it, a position of ignorance about the medical transcription industry, Gary David, PhD, associate professor of sociology at Bentley College, Waltham, MA, hit the road and headed to Reno, NV, last year, where he took in the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) Conference. After realizing no formal academic research had ever been done on the medical transcription industry, Dr. David and two Bentley colleagues, Donald Chand, PhD, professor of information and process management, and Angela Garcia, PhD, associate professor of sociology, set out to do an in-depth study of the industry.

The first part of the study was an online survey taken by 3,800 MTs, and the results of the survey were compiled, analyzed and presented as the study's preliminary findings. The full study is still in its infancy; the preliminary results from the survey represent only one part of the teams multifaceted approach. Dr. David has become embedded in the industry, serving on task forces and committees with AHDI and the Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA), and he's now a staple at the annual conferences.

ADVANCE spoke to Dr. David, as well as to experts in the industry. We aimed to look at specific aspects of the study's preliminary results and gauge its reception. The opinions are mixed when it comes to three major issues in the medical transcription industry: quality, the work force shortage and the ever-present salary issue.


Questions on Quality

The survey posed several questions related to the quality of documentation done by MTs. Nearly half of MTs reported that they see how flagged errors are resolved only rarely or never. Also, the survey showed that 59 percent of MTs transcribe for multiple physicians at multiple hospitals and/or clinics. Dr. David's view is that if an MT isn't told how a flagging issue was resolved, he or she may not know how to resolve a similar issue in the future, which can affect quality. Likewise, Dr. David noted, if an MT is transcribing for many accounts, he or she might not be able to develop an ear for physicians.

According to David Plummer, founder and CEO, Probity Medical Transcription, Harrisburg, PA, quality review is useless unless that information is shared quickly with the MTs. He also agreed that transcriptionists should have primary accounts to work on, and then when that runs out, have pre-determined secondary and tertiary accounts. Today, many MTs are transcribing the dictations of multiple physicians from multiple hospitals and/or clinics, Plummer said, and that's just the way the business model works for most medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs), he explained. Quality, turnaround times (TATs) and productivity suffer in this design; however, when you have a transcription system where the pools do not contain sophisticated logic and has transcriptionists flit from one account to another, these are expected outcomes, in Plummer's opinion. What has happened is that the architecture of some of the newer platforms has not been built with [MT familiarity] in mind, and it creates these massive pools with multiple hospitals and tens of thousands of physicians, and that's just not good for quality or the MT, Plummer explained.

Chris Hopkins, chief operating officer, Landmark Transcription, St. Davids, PA, looked at the survey results from another angle. He noted that approximately 50 percent of his work force consists of independent contractors, which may indicate that those MTs are working for multiple companies, which would explain why they are transcribing for many different accounts. Hopkins also said that just because an MT is transcribing for multiple accounts doesn't mean that quality work isn't being produced. Landmark maintains a system where MTs are assigned certain accounts, and MTs do transcribe for multiple physicians. By working on certain accounts, however, MTs can keep track of the different client specifications, something that Hopkins said may be difficult in a pooling system as mentioned above. [MTs] can't build up any kind of speed or fluency on an account when they're doing 10 different accounts, Hopkins said.

Bonnie Crow, director of U.S. operations at MxSecure, Scottsdale, AZ, agreed that in an MTSO setting, MTs are most likely transcribing for multiple accounts. These MTs are often experienced and highly skilled, Crow said, and therefore they produce high quality documents. With the flagging issue, Crow said that software used at MxSecure provides feedback to MTs, and she believes most platforms will allow this (Probity and Landmark have software that lets MTs see how a flagging was resolved, as well). Crow also noted that MTs should go through a quality auditing process on a consistent basis. I strongly feel the Quality Assurance monitoring process today is the best it has ever been, Crow said.

That's due in part to the technology that can allow MTs to follow documents through the quality assurance (QA) process. Kathy Eberle, who works in QA and is the operations supervisor for Landmark Transcription, explained that as soon as a document leaves QA's hands, MTs can immediately see the changes that were made. Some platforms make this difficult, however, and MTs and QA personnel may have to work harder to ensure that errors are explained. It is extra work to give them the feedback that they need, but in the end, it always pays off for QA because the MTs always become better for it, Eberle said.


Shortage or No Shortage?

Besides quality issues, another point brought to light by the MT study's preliminary results is the aging work force and, potentially, a looming work force shortage. There's no denying that the work force is on the older side—77 percent of respondents are older than 40. There is, however, room to debate whether or not there's an immediate crisis when it comes to a work force shortage. Dr. David commented that because there are no solid numbers on the actual number of MTs working, there's no way to determine if there is definitely a shortage.

Plummer disagreed with the conclusion that there's a work force shortage right now. He pointed out that Probity uses all domestic labor, and noted that all of the accounts he'd like to secure are either being transcribed in-house or by other MTSOs. When an account is landed, the MTs on that account typically join Probity, and the need for more workers is quickly met. Plummer called the work force shortage overplayed.

Eberle referred to the shortage as simply a shortage of qualified MTs, rather than of all MTs. She's noticing that many good MTs are leaving not just their positions, but the industry, and they're going back to school to start different careers. With quality MTs, we're truly lacking at the moment, Eberle added.

Hopkins echoed that, to a certain degree. He admitted it was hard to say whether or not the industry was facing a work force shortage, and said he doesn't see that happening at his MTSO, where his needs differ from some of the bigger transcription companies. At my level, where we are, we don't see a tremendous shortage of transcriptionists, Hopkins said.

He added that if he has an opening, he advertises it and that day, he'll wind up with 40 résumés in his inbox. I can usually fill a very specific position within a day, Hopkins said.

Crow, however, is worried about finding qualified MTs to support the growth of the industry. There aren't enough younger MTs to replace the retiring MTs within the next 10 years, she pointed out, and she strongly believes that there is a work force shortage. She added that new education programs are being put in place to produce good MTs, and many MTSOs are offering mentoring programs. Her company started a mentoring program 2 months ago for new MTs to help them garner experience in the field. This seems to be easing the labor shortage, according to Crow. We are very excited with the decrease in attrition numbers we are seeing already!


Salary Woes

While there may be debate over whether there's a work force shortage right now, one certainty in the MT industry is that wages aren't heading upward. In the survey, MTs reported varied personal incomes, with the majority, 72 percent, bringing home $10,000 to $50,000 annually. Another survey question asked about the number of wage earners in MTs' households, and 33 percent said that there is only one wage earner in the household--the MT.

Dr. David called the industry one of the only places where the laws of supply and demand don't work. There may be fewer transcriptionists and there's a greater demand for transcription services. [That] should mean that [MTs] get paid more, but their pay doesn't increase—if anything it goes down or stagnates—and so part of it is linked to how there's just no perceived value in what it is they do, he explained.

The industry as a whole needs to recognize that MTs spend a lot of time and money learning their craft, and if wages continue to drop or stagnate, potential MTs are going to look elsewhere—to other industries—for jobs, Hopkins pointed out. We want to see a viable pool of labor here in the United States, he said. If people can get better benefits and better wages at McDonald's, why wouldn't they go there? It's too hard to learn this business. It takes years of work to be fluent and professional.

Dr. David observed that there was a sense of unrest in the industry about salary issues. There's a number of things impacting [MTs], causing their wages to go down or be less robust in terms of going up, so it's definitely an issue that we've heard about, Dr. David said.


What's Next?

Overall, despite differing opinions on the results of the survey, everyone agreed that it could be a valuable tool in the industry. Crow said she hopes the study can lead to medical transcription being recognized as a degreed profession with mandated certification. I think once this is in place, the profession will be viewed by the younger people as a desirable health care position, Crow said.

Hopkins hopes the study highlights the fact that offshoring labor is doing what he called a disservice to the industry. I think if people focus on providing a livable wage to the transcriptionists with a reasonable package of benefits and a decent schedule, the labor pool will become deeper and broader because more people will start to come into the industry, he explained.

Plummer hopes to see more transcription programs set up at colleges to help school more domestic MTs. He also hopes the study helps companies adhere to better quality, because that could help the entire industry. Overall, he found the preliminary results to be valuable, and he noted that the industry is ever-changing. It's a dynamic study, too, because it's like painting the Golden Gate Bridge—by the time you get done, it's time to do it again, Plummer said.

Lynn Jusinski is an associate Editor with ADVANCE.



Anyone know anything about Global Information Systems? Any information would be appreciated. nm

MedScribe Information Systems, Inc - Information please?

Anyone with information on this company? 


You are right about the health
insurance, it is not very good.
get health ins
You can join your local chamber of commerce and get a group rate or check what your state has for the uninsured.
Entente Health?
Has anyone heard of Entente Health? 
Do you know how much your health insurance is? sm
I applied today and took the online test.  I am confident I did well.  I am sure, though, there are a lot of others doing the same.  I was just wondering how much health insurance cost monthly.  Do you get paid by the line or by the hour?  Are they pretty fair? 
Health Insurance
I'm also looking to Webmedx.  I was wondering if you, or someone else out there, might have an idea what the cost of health insurance for family would be.  Thank you!
TT health insurance

Are any of you taking out the insurance. I just started in October with the big hire, and should be eligible February 1, 2007, right? Anybody know.


I have also been curious about the PTO time accrued.


Does anyone know the new Health Ins rates?

Trying to decide


Is the health insurance

a good policy. Is the premium super high.


 


HEALTH BENEFITS
ABOUT 340 PER MONTH, BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD. THEY ARE STABLE BENEFITS FOR SURE.
health insurance
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what companies give a pretty good rate for health insurance?  Thanks!
IC, what do you do about health insurance. sm
It is way expensive on the outside if you know what I mean.
MDI-MD have health insurance for MTs?
I'm in their site and I can't find mention of benefits anywhere?
I'm a new hire for the Occ Health...
account too. I am looking forward to getting started with them, as I have heard so many good things. In the meantime, I'm enjoying this weekend, preparing my desk, computer, etc. getting ready to get set up, and taking some time for myself to relax and enjoy some downtime (hoping that we'll have PLENTY of work soon enough).

I would like to know about the health benefits (cost) for a single parent and one child. I wonder how much health bennies will be just to get an idea as to what to plan for.

I hope to meet up with the new hires on the Occ Health account so we can help each other out if stuck, etc.

I am so excited!!! Hope to meet you all real soon!


health insurance
Amen to everything that has been posted on this ongoing subject. I too have heard promises of new insurance over and over for the past couple years.

What's worse is that employees had to answer personal questions in a phone interview for insurance that never materialized.

And why was that AFLAC phone conference manditory? After reading through the materials they sent in the mail, I already knew I didn't want to waste my money on supplemental insurance.

Finally, if KS can't find better/cheaper health insurance, why can't they at least start paying for a portion of the premiums on the current insurance plan??

These are all questions that will probably go unanswered.
health insurance
I have had a gap, I was covered through end of November. I have been on meds, but there are some plans that define PEC as receiving treatment i.e. seeing a doctor, and just being on meds continuously doesn't count (Premera plans typically work this way). I have an offer from a company with a Premera plan that has a 3 month PEC so I am fine on that one. But with that company I can't afford to cover my spouse ($400/month paycheck deduction for him, $66 paycheck deduction for me).
health insurance
I am aware of this, that is why I am trying to look into all possibilities for now and also a couple years down the road. May have to keep a day job for a couple years while doing IC part time or something.
But I do know of a couple companies so far that will take a well-educated newbie that offer benes, and I am also starting to figure out what my goal companies are for later, from people's feedback.
Everyone's feebback is invaluable on this subject, for me and other newbies who have this question.
NEED HEALTH INSURANCE!

Isn't life a joy!  Thought I was going through menopause and it turns out I'm pregnant!  I've been with my current employer for 6 years, they have the worst insurance I've ever seen in my life.  Does anyone know of any companies that are currently hiring with half way decent health insurance, maybe a deductible that won't bankrupt me!??


health insurance?
Does anyone know of a company with good health insurance benefits that won't cost an arm and a leg to pay for?
How soon can one get health benefits with them?
I am looking for a company that has dental coverage without the $1000 annual limit in payouts.
IC Health Insurance

I will be starting 2 new IC positions soon and am looking into healthcare options, as hubby and I absolutely need this.  If you are willing to share the info pumpernickel, I would like to hear more about how/where you obtained healthcare,costs, etc.  Please feel free to email me


MDI - Health INsurance
yes but will they ever offer health benefits and PTO?
Health plan
Guess they will wake up when it happens to one of their parents, grandparents, or themselves.  Won't they be surprised.
Her words were to see how their health is
was. I never saw the statement about age in her statement at all.

As far as that goes, again sickness, ill health and death are not only played out in older people. I see absolutely nothing wrong with a company, especially as she was stating, in a high income category wanting to know about a person's health if it is their policy and you want to be hired. there. I find nothing in her statement that even hints at any kind of discrimination.
health insurance
I am looking for family coverage.
regarding spheris health insurance

Hi,


I got a job offer from spheris, i need some info regarding their health insurance benefits, how they are. Do they cut from our paycheck for health insurance i was offered 202 for family for two weeks excluding dental and vision. I would appreciate if anybody post message on it.


Nancy.


 


 


regarding spheris health insurance
hi,

thanks for the reply, but my questions is yesterday i got interviwed. The recruiter told me that the family insurance will be 202 for every two weeks and the money goes from our pay check only it looks more cost for insurance and excluding dental and vision is that everyone is getting the same insurance offer from Spheris for family or it depends on plan.
Does DSG have affordable health benefits? SM
Any idea on the cost of this?  Thanks, :-)
What do you pay for health insurance? Survey. sm

What do you pay at the company you are with for health insurance?  Is it employee, employee w/spouse, employee w/children or family? What is the deductible? HMO or PPO?  Big company or small?  What percentage does the company pay? 


We are trying to come up with what is fair for everyone without putting us out of business due to cost.  We need more MTs for new contracts but cannot grow until our benefits are better.  Catch 22.


I really would appreciate feedback.  What other benefits do you get?  Do you want? 


HIP (Health Info Partners)

You can use the CTRL I feature, and it matches the ichart line count.


Medware health insurance
Does anyone know how much the health insurance at Medware costs the employee for eimployee and spouse?  Thanks