Focus

Focus hires newbies and she can probably pick her hours [2008-10-15]
nm

I would RUN from Focus! [2008-10-04]
Just read all of the negative posts here about them! I also heard from a RECENT graduate that she contacted them about a job. They told her that she would have to work for free until her work was up-to-par as far as quality! FREE! With no time limit?! Also, it would have to be between 10 pm and 7 am. Just contact them and ask them. If I were you, I would do what the above person said. Get your stuff together and go door to door. Just think, you probably only need 1 good doc, to get started! Just 1 to give you a chance! That will get your foot in the door for experience. My chiropractor just hired me. But before you do, make sure to do your homework for the going rates in your area for MT work, maybe call some local services and see what they charge and underbid them. Also, just ask the doctor/office manager. Tell them you would be willing to work for a little less than what they pay now, just to get in. Also, you will get paid a lot more for a private doc, than with an MTSO. Cuts out all the middlemen! Good luck to you!

Focus [2008-10-01]
FYI, Focus is currently hiring newbies for their FOF program. It consists of a few weeks of unpaid training for a few hours a day, but at the end of the training you are guaranteed a job with Focus, and theyare hiring for both pt and ft. Focus has one of the higher cpls for newbies that I've seen. They have an online test you can take. Since it has been a few years since you graduated, this might be a good way to get back into the field. I'm a newbie too, and things are really competitive right now. Best of luckto you in whateverpath you choose :).

Focus is okay for new people [2008-05-27]
The pay is relatively good for new people. Most is VR, and it has its pros and cons. The biggest problem I have is lack of work, but seems to be getting a bit better. All accounts are different, though, from what I've seen. Email me if more specific questions.

Focus [2008-05-27]
What exactly does lack of work mean? Are you struggling to have work sufficient enough to be considered part-time or do you have just 6 or so hours of work? I ask because I want to work full-time, but I don't want so much in the beginning to overwhelm me. Also, are you an IC? How does that work for you. I would need to work some in the morning and some at night. My husband works 2-11 p.m., and I have two small children. I really need to work around these hours, I just don't know if these is even considered by them. Right now I am waiting for the internship to begin. One more question, do you use a laptop and are able to travel while working? There is times this summer that I will have to be in a different location for a week or two at a time. I'm really nervous that once I get there, my equipment won't fully work. Any help on any of these questions would be fully appreciated. I know it's alot, but I'm new to this world. All I have right now is questions and many of them. But thank you for your information and any other information that you can give. I really appreciate your time and effort!!!!

Nuance owns Focus now [2008-05-23]
I enjoyed working for them very much. I was with them for almost a year and left because, 1) I'm not a fan of VR (voice recognition) and, 2) a company contacted me for an employee position with benefits and I really needed the health insurance. They have direct deposit and I always got paid 2-3 days before my actual payday. I enjoyed the work, too, even though I didn't like VR. Good luck!

Focus Infomatics [2008-05-22]
Hello, I'm looking for anyone working for Focus Infomatics. I have read several bad things on the forum about them. But that is true of almost any company. Maria called today and said I have passed the testing and in two weeks or so I will begin the internship for a few weeks. After that I will be sent back to her for clients. I am a new MT. This is the reason for having a mentor. Is this how it works? Just want to make sure. And is the pay and amount of work really that bad? Anything you can tell me about them would be great.

Focus [2008-05-21]
I started with them in March, and I am really enjoying working for them thus far. I have a great account manager! Actually, all of the people I have dealt with at Focus have been super nice. Good luck!

You can take a test at Focus online for newbies [2008-05-20]

I did the training program at Focus [2008-03-25]
after happening to catch the name on someone else's post. I had been looking for a couple of months and was so relieved. You just take the online test for newbies and I got an email like the next day inviting me to the training program. You pretty much have a job then. I went to a local school and I got no help finding a job, either. I was very disappointed. We were also pretty much told that right out of school we would have to work at a hospital or clinic. I am very thankful I stumbled onto Focus.

Focus is great [2008-03-25]
I started with them as a newbie and they have a great mentoring program. I now work for them part-time and another company and I will always be grateful to Focus for giving me a chance.

focus informatics [2008-03-13]
I have heard they are based in India and all QA's are indian. Maybe I have misread...

Focus [2008-03-04]
Meagan, I am glad to hear you enjoy working for Focus Infomatics. I will be starting their apprenticeship this month, and I am looking forward to getting started.

i just got a letter from focus today [2008-02-04]
and it said that they do not pay during the 2-3 week training period. i'm so confused. will i get paid or not?

First: Don't panic. I did not take the Focus test, but [2008-01-30]
I took plenty of others as a newbie. Listen through the dictation once and get used to the dictator's voice and speech pattern and glean as much context as you can on that initial listen. Then try again to transcribe, leaving blanks wherever necessary. After that, get up and walk away for a little bit. On your third pass check for accuracy of what you already have and fill in as many blanks as possible. Remember: They are not looking for speed from a newbie, just accuracy. Good luck.

Focus Informatics [2008-01-30]
Amanda, I am trying to do the MT test for Focus Informatics. I felt hopeful about getting on with them. I have actually spoken to someone there, and she has my resume and references. However, I am trying to take the online MT test for new medical transcriptionists, but the first couple of lines, I'm already having trouble understanding the dictator. Can you offer me any help or suggestions with regard to taking their tests. I am looking at starting the 2-4 week internship (?) in February, but I'm sure they will not allow me to start if I don't do well on the transcription test. I assumed the test wouldn't be too difficult since it is supposed to be for newbies. Please help me if you can!

focus infomatics [2008-01-27]
is this a good company to work for? i've checked out their website, but as a newbie, how do i know if it's good or not?

No Focus does pay for the first 2-3 weeks. [2008-01-26]
I got that from the horse's mouth when offered a job. It sounds like things are different now than when you got your information

I believe she means Focus Infomatics - NM [2008-01-25]
NM

Focus always hiring [2008-01-24]
I started there as a newbie and they were great. I still work for them part time, along with another company. They were very patient and they QA you until you are ready to be on your own. You will still get feedback even after to get off QA. They will give you a chance if you do okay on the test. They hired me even though I did not completely pass the test, but they said I did well enought to hire. Now I have greater than 98% accuracy on a consistent basis. They are a decent company, despite some of the negative posts I have read about them from others. I also do agree it is best to have more than one company once you get some experience. Every once in a while they do run low on work. Good Luck, Sue

focus what? [2008-01-24]
What is the full name of this company? Thanks a bunch!

Focus is American-owned now. Just an FYI. [2008-01-23]
I don't work there now but Nuance owns Focus now.

I work for Focus part-time [2008-01-20]
I work for Focus and have posted many times recently on them. They are a great company but I do not feel that the extra shift differential always makes a difference because they have a lot of ESL dictators which can slow you down. They also have very large accounts and you really do not always have a chance to become familiar with the docs. You can get health benefits around $75/biweekly if you meet the line count and permanent employee, but there is no pay for time off. On the other hand there are some positives. There is no set schedule if you are a contractor and they are very nice people. I ususally log in whenever and there is usually always work. There are times when they run low, but I have another company I do full-time which has better benefits. I would not do Focus alone, but they are a great 2nd company. They started me out when I was a new graduate, so I will always have good things to say about them and have not found much of the negatives posted about them to be true. The only thing is they hire a large volume of MTs, so you need to protect yourself from running low on work if you are going to work for them full-time. I have worked at least 4 different accounts when I was full-time to ensure this did not happen to me. Maybe you could work for both companies---one full and the other part-time. Good Luck with your decision. Sue

Please spare yourself from Focus. What you read on this site is right. [2008-01-20]
f

As a new MT, focus on quality and don't worry about quantity. SM [2007-12-12]
Any decent company who gives a new MT the chance, should be considerate and realize they cannot produce like a veteran MT. Speaking from experience working for myself and hiring several subcontractors, and also working for large nationals, the quality of your work will first be evaluated. With training and experience, your production will increase. If you need to reread, relisten, etc., do it because it will be well worth it. Research every word or phrase you are not sure of. In time, your brain will soak these terms up like a sponge. You will find yourself researching less and less. However, even veteran MTs continue to learn daily. I feel a good MT has good researching skills that never end. Good luck, keep your head up. Research and review your reports before submitting them.

You are SO not the only one... [2008-11-09]
I was a newbie just a few months ago and put in 100+ resumes before I found something. I would try to find the smaller companies. Here are some that have been mentioned here before: Accentus Accuscribe Accustat Carolinas Advanced Transcription, Inc. Advanced Transcription Network Aero Transcription Service, Inc. All Type Inc. A Stat Transcriptions Amphion Ascend Cambridge Transcriptions Cbay Systems C M Transcription CMT Corporation CNC Transcription Cobb Medical Transcription, Inc. CC Transcription DataKey MT Employment Opportunities with PTS Encompass eMTS ETransPlus Careers Focus Infomatics Freedom Type Huntington Group Services InterMountain Transcription Soultions Kathy Yip Associates LTS Lake Valley Transcription MAG Mutual Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Medical Linguistics Medical Transcription Corporation Medical Transcription Professionals Medifax, Inc MediScribe Med-Tech Resource Medquist Medscribe Inc. MTA - Virginia Med-Ware MedWrite Midelfort Clinic Melody MT Service MXSecure NEO Transcription New England Medical Transcription Northeast Transcription Incorporated Outsourcing Solutions Inc. P.J. Transcription Peacehealth Clinic Preferred Physician's Transcription, Inc. Presynct Princeton Range Medical Transcription Rapid Transcript Incorporated RI Unlimited Transcription Solutions RX Text Scribes Canada Inc. Scribes Voice and Data Services Scribes Online Scriptech Silent Type, Inc SoftScript SpectraMedi Spheris SPi TransHealth Transolutions Inc. USA Medical Transcription Inc. Zylomed Good luck. I know just how you are feeling right now. Just keep at it and someone will give you a chance. By the way, it seemed to make a difference in my results when I added the line I know that I have the skills necessary to be an excellent Transcriptionist if just given the opportunity,to my cover letter. Again, good luck!!

Most common MT companies [2008-11-06]
I I am a newer MT with only 6 months of experience and am trying to get on with an at home company. It has been suggested for me to just apply to the major companies out there and see what happens. I have already applied at Focus Informatics, but other than that I don Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

New MT [2008-11-01]
Hi everyone, I am a new MT with only 6 months of acute care experience that I acquired through a local company. Does anyone know of any companies that are accepting newbies for work at home? I have submitted my application to Focus just today and am waiting on a response, but would like to broaden my options. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I thought she was talking about the E school [2008-10-13]
Right, that couldn't have been M-Tec. Wonder if the person attended that school with the name that looks like M-Tec? Couldn't have been Andrews, either. They provide quality references as part of the course, so you don't pay extra. They're the ones some nationals require you to have. They use SUM and now include the ESL set. Their instructors teach different modules, so you learn to deal with a variety of QA approaches and styles, but they all use the same guidelines. They also help you see what can vary, so there's no surprise later. They doesn't require attendance at online classes, but they provide technical support even for grads, even years later. Support for jobs begins at enrollment with Focus on employer needs and how to fit with that and you get access to employer recommendations well before graduation. Andrews simply has a list of employers who will hire their grads even if they otherwise require years of experience. I don't think they've ever had a grad who had trouble getting a job and most seem to get the job of their choice. They also remove problem employers from their list as soon as they hear about undesirable practices so that their grads don't get burned. So, whatever school that woman went to, it wasn't Andrews, either.

Work at home? [2008-10-13]
You can get hired after completing a local college program, but it all depends on the college and how local employers view it. Most programs Focus on entry-level skills and few employers have entry-level jobs and the time to train people who should have gotten that training in school. It's very unlikely that you'll be able to even apply at a national service to work from home because they require at least 2 years experience in acute care dictation. They make exceptions for grads of certain schools, like Andrews and M-Tec, because those grads don't have entry-level skills--they look like they have 2 years experience already. They also know those grads have a good chance at making a success of the job. Ask your instructors which employers will hire you. Ask the employers NOW if they'll hire you. Don't settle for vague promises. If they can't refer you to actual students who got jobs, then cut your losses now and find a better school. You can find a local job typing for doctors offices, but you'll have to work at it. With your background, you might be able to break into it by getting a job as a medical secretary.

WORK FOR NEWBIES [2008-10-01]
Take your resume to every doctor's office in your area. If there is a medical office building attached to a local hospital, all the better. Speak to the office manager, if possible. Make sure you charge less than any service they might currently be using. Point out that you are local and can give better service -- and do just that! A former student of mine did that here in Bangor, Maine (a small town) and had 3 job offers waiting on her answering machine when she got home from papering the docs. Also, there are some MTSOs that hire newbies. I know Focus Infomatics used to. In addition, take any test an MTSO will give you. If you pass their test, they will hire you (or they are morons!) Good luck! Rosie

Focus [2008-10-01]
FYI, Focus is currently hiring newbies for their FOF program. It consists of a few weeks of unpaid training for a few hours a day, but at the end of the training you are guaranteed a job with Focus, and theyare hiring for both pt and ft. Focus has one of the higher cpls for newbies that I've seen. They have an online test you can take. Since it has been a few years since you graduated, this might be a good way to get back into the field. I'm a newbie too, and things are really competitive right now. Best of luckto you in whateverpath you choose :).

TY! ... [2008-08-09]
I appreciate the tips! Yes, I do use an expander, but as we all know, there is always room for additions. I will try adding even more to it. Yes, at times I'm more distractable than other times. I need to Focus more. That book sounds helpful...might have to check that one out. Thanks all!

best software for spellcheck [2008-07-07]
I am getting ready to start mentoring for Focus. I wanted to know what would be the best spell check for medicines and up to date. Also what is the best text Expander program. I have one from my school, but is there a better one to have?

I am having the same problem [2008-06-03]
I am having the same problem with Vista. I can get a computer with XP but I can not get DSL or high speed internet where I live, so that is a problem too. I could have had a job 4 weeks ago with Focus Infomatics but i can't get high speed internet. I am very frustrated becasue I am a new MT and no one wants to give me a chance. How am I suppose to get experience if no one will not hire me?

Vista [2008-06-03]
Hi Tera, I know what you mean. I have been looking on and off for 2 1/2 years. One thing then another. It's the computer or not passing employment test. I haven't tried Focus yet. I wish you good luck with everything. Take care, Barbara

It depends on what type of General Transcription [2008-05-28]
Focus groups can be hard because there are multiple speakers, speakings talking over one another, background noise, etc. Some is just one person speaking which can be very easy. I once did a motivational speaker. The pay is usually by audio hour. The best thing I like about general transcription is that a lot of companies don't have production requirments. There are a couple companies that if they have work for you, they'll ask you if you can do it and if you can't that's fine. I guess it's whether you like that type of work better than MT. Also, when doing Focus groups some are specialized and there's another whole type of terminology to learn which can be just has hard.

mt gave a good response [2008-05-24]
Focus uses the EditScript platform and it was actually pretty good with VR. However, I didn't like editing. I would rather type and am faster typing than editing reports.

Focus Infomatics [2008-05-22]
Hello, I'm looking for anyone working for Focus Infomatics. I have read several bad things on the forum about them. But that is true of almost any company. Maria called today and said I have passed the testing and in two weeks or so I will begin the internship for a few weeks. After that I will be sent back to her for clients. I am a new MT. This is the reason for having a mentor. Is this how it works? Just want to make sure. And is the pay and amount of work really that bad? Anything you can tell me about them would be great.

Focus [2008-05-21]
I started with them in March, and I am really enjoying working for them thus far. I have a great account manager! Actually, all of the people I have dealt with at Focus have been super nice. Good luck!

Questions on a company [2008-05-16]
I am a new MT and very proud of my achievemnt. I have just been approved to enter an apprenticeship program with Focus Infomatics. Is there anyone here that has had some experience (good or bad) with this company? Thanks for any input!

great start... [2008-05-16]
I agree---the program gave me a great start. I have posted many times on Focus. If you search the forum you will see many posts. Good Luck---Sue

JOBS FOR NEWBIES [2008-03-25]
Ask them all if they have a mentoring program. I know Focus Infomatics in Massachusetts is a good one. At the last local AAMT meeting there was talk of mentoring programs being started by the association to address this famous Catch-22 problem we have. And why didn't your instructor coach you in jobhunting? I've been adding that to my curriculum for years. Rosie in Maine

I did the training program at Focus [2008-03-25]
after happening to catch the name on someone else's post. I had been looking for a couple of months and was so relieved. You just take the online test for newbies and I got an email like the next day inviting me to the training program. You pretty much have a job then. I went to a local school and I got no help finding a job, either. I was very disappointed. We were also pretty much told that right out of school we would have to work at a hospital or clinic. I am very thankful I stumbled onto Focus.

Focus is great [2008-03-25]
I started with them as a newbie and they have a great mentoring program. I now work for them part-time and another company and I will always be grateful to Focus for giving me a chance.

Your school should be able to tell you who hires their grads. -sm [2008-03-22]
You will have to do your own research otherwise, but here are some that have been mentioned before: Accentus Accuscribe Accustat Carolinas Advanced Transcription, Inc. Advanced Transcription Network Aero Transcription Service, Inc. All Type Inc. A Stat Transcriptions Amphion Ascend Cambridge Transcriptions Cbay Systems C & M Transcription CMT Corporation CNC Transcription Cobb Medical Transcription, Inc. C&C Transcription DataKey MT Employment Opportunities with PTS Encompass eMTS ETransPlus Careers Focus Infomatics Freedom Type Huntington Group Services InterMountain Transcription Soultions Kathy Yip & Associates LTS Lake Valley Transcription MAG Mutual Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Medical Linguistics Medical Transcription Corporation Medical Transcription Professionals Medifax, Inc MediScribe Med-Tech Resource MedQuist Medscribe Inc. MTA - Virginia Med-Ware MedWrite Midelfort Clinic Melody MT Service MXSecure NEO Transcription New England Medical Transcription Northeast Transcription Incorporated Outsourcing Solutions Inc. P.J. Transcription Peacehealth Clinic Preferred Physician's Transcription, Inc. Presynct Princeton Range Medical Transcription Rapid Transcript Incorporated RI Unlimited Transcription Solutions RX Text Scribes Canada Inc. Scribes Voice and Data Services Scribes Online Scriptech Silent Type, Inc SoftScript SpectraMedi Spheris SPi TransHealth Transolutions Inc. USA Medical Transcription Inc. Zylomed

Thank You! [2008-03-06]
Thank you Eric for your words of encouragement. I think I am going to do what you suggested and Focus on my expansions and the BOS. I have to agree that the CMT would be a bid ego booster for me, as it would make me feel like I knew everything LOL (first I have to get the BOS down:) Thanks!!

same problem [2008-03-06]
I also work for Focus, and I do love the work I'm doing, but I sometimes sit for a long time without work to do. Unfortunately, I only started last August, so it's not so easy for me to find something else. On the up side, flexibility is great and I find time to play with my son and get laundry and some other little chores done. Just wanna prepare you...

Focus [2008-03-04]
Meagan, I am glad to hear you enjoy working for Focus Infomatics. I will be starting their apprenticeship this month, and I am looking forward to getting started.

I need a second Job!!!! [2008-02-21]
I am working at Focus, whoI really enjoy working for, but I am looking for a second part-time job to supplement for the lack of income and hopefully get some health insurance. Does anyone have any advice as to which companies are the best. I have almost two years' experience so far. Thanks