AAMT to start offering its first medical transcription training program in the Philippines.

HELP I have questions about medical transcriptionist!!!!! [2008-06-14]
hi to all! Question i am intrested in the medical Transcriptionist program can you recomended some good schools and prices

Do you think we should start a petition, go on strike or have an MT March all over the U.S. ? [2007-05-30]
???

AC Medical Records (ACMR) [2007-02-24]
Does anybody have any info. on AC Medical Records (ACMR), a transcription companyout of Oregon? Thank you!

MT re-training [2006-03-25]
quote: Emerging roles for the Transcriptionist include database administrator, data abstraction, data coding, etc. :end quote I don't know if this fellow has considered the training required for each of these position-types. Coding requires some sort of training (even if its in-house), database administration requires a lot of training (at least a thorough f/t 1-year certificate). For that, you need to know sql statements, tables in the database, how to path information (its not just which table within something), the same for data abstraction. When these folks look at MTs and say oh they can change their job to X, they must remember that in order to do so, the MT must have other training. So, instead, why not train those in other countries to do that instead of training them to be MTs and training US MTs to be something else. MAYBE the MT WANTS to be an MT. (some of this is tongue in cheek)

Medical Transcription Recognized as an Apprenticeable Occupation [2006-03-14]
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2006--Graduates of selected medical transcription training programs will now have access to registered apprenticeship programs, as the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has now declared medical transcription to be an apprenticeable profession - the first step in establishing a national apprenticeship program. The Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services approved the application for apprenticeability determination submitted by the Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA) along with the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT). Having a recognized apprenticeable occupation will provide a pipeline of medical transcription professionals entering into a workforce facing a serious labor and skills shortage. stated Keith Flannery, Vice President, MTIA. Workforce development under the standards established by this apprenticeship program will aid in facilitating the transition between student and an employable, productive, and qualified medical transcriptionist. Given the challenge the industry faces in recruiting qualified candidates to meet the ever-increasing demand for real-time, quality healthcare data, a registered apprenticeship program couldn't be developed and launched at a more critical time, stated Peter Preziosi, PhD, CAE, AAMT Executive Director. Workforce development is essential to ensuring that documentation experts are in place to assist the industry in transitioning to an electronic health record and to preserving the quality and integrity of the health record in that future. The Registered Apprenticeship Program, sponsored by the Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA), will offer structured on-the-job learning and related technical instruction for qualified medical transcriptionists entering the profession. The two associations, along with the Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services, are finalizing program details. Medical Transcription is a crucial process in the provision of quality healthcare in our country. This is a hallmark program for the industry, said Sean Carroll, President, MTIA.

Neurologist saves $12,000 per year on medical transcription [2006-02-22]
Recognition vs. Transcription W. Palm Beach, FL neurologist saves $12,000 per year on medical transcription using state-of-the-art voice recognition software [ClickPress, Tue Feb 21 2006] Dr. H. Steven Block, M.D. uses Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical Edition, voice recognition software for medical professionals, to eliminate a very real business problem--medical transcription costs-- which six years ago, began topping the $1,000-a-month mark. Today, a doctor can easily spend three times that amount. Very open about his high regard for the Dragon Medical VR product, Dr. Block had much to say about its place in his solo practice: “I purchased Dragon Medical from Eric Fishman’s company, Nuance, which is actually located in the same building as my practice, on the floor above me. Neurology is all about ‘nuance’, no pun intended. But ‘nuance’ is really the best word to describe the health effects of a neurological problem. It has been a major focus of my practice.” “Very subtle neurological changes can have devastating health consequences. You have to be able to communicate those subtleties in order for a medical record to have any meaning.” “I see some really sick patients. Using an on-the-spot note generation product like Dragon, instead of a transcription service, let’s me get back to the referring physician with a fast note, usually within 10 minutes of seeing the patient. That kind of speed in delivering a medical exam note with ‘nuance’ can mean a great deal to everyone involved. You see, I can’t type. I never learned how to type. My kids who grew up instant-messaging can type faster than I can speak. They don’t need Dragon. But for me, Dragon is a wonderful tool.” Dr. Block, 49, is no stranger to high technology tools: “There are only so many hours in the day,” he laughed, driving down the road, talking via wireless cell phone headset, “and I’m very detail-oriented. I couldn’t be without Dragon, quite frankly.” One word I did not hear from Dr. Block is the word “downtime”. It doesn’t seem to exist in his vocabulary. Having traveled the long and winding upgrade path for both Dragon and laptop hardware, Dr. Block has watched and participated in the evolution of the product for six years. “Like a surfer looking for the perfect wave,” he joked. The improvement he’s seen in the most recent version of Dragon Medical—combined with a high-RAM laptop with at least 512MB—has boosted performance to an almost unbelievable 99.5% real time voice recognition accuracy level, according to his observations. His advice to new users: “If you haven’t tried Dragon Medical in the last four years,” he said, “try it again, the way it is now, with the new speech engine. It uses mathematical models to analyze word groups. There is a learning curve, but the training is not that bad, consisting of you reading a 15 minute script into a microphone, then a little touch-up here and there.” “Try a few charts each day, and sit down where it’s quiet, where you can relax and concentrate on your speaking habits. Tech support is great; they’ll help you, and be sure to read the help file “How to Speak to a Computer”—and the manual. Especially for often repeated phrases, the voice-actuated “macros” are great, a real time-saver. It’s well-worth the time you invest in learning how to use this tool.” What are the pitfalls? “Mumbling,” says Dr. Block, “that’s the main problem. Doctors are used to dictating in a low, monotone mumble, as fast as they can. A person might be able to handle it by going back and listening to the recording again and again. But for voice recognition, doctors need to speak in a normal, conversational tone of voice, just like we are doing right now. Speak normally, and Dragon has no problem, it works very well. It’s really quite simple.” He stated that using a handheld Sony digital voice recorder with removable memory stick allows him to dictate anywhere, anytime, then later, “feed” the sound file to Dragon, achieving about 98% voice recognition accuracy. (Please note: If you are considering making a recording for later voice recognition by Dragon, be sure and use 16-bit resolution .avi format, or Dragon won’t even try to “digest” it. It won’t bother with a recording of poor quality, because the end result would be useless.) Although he is considering it, Dr. Block has not yet adopted a commercial EMR(Electronic Medical Records) software system for his medical records, mainly because of concerns about interoperability standards. (Coming soon to an EMR near you.) However, by using Dragon Medical as his “front-end” for the creation of detailed paper medical records, email reports, and digital-FAX messages, Dr. Block not only uses computers, but has also created a highly personal and expressive way to “chart” a patient, unmatched in detail, depth, and the “human touch” by out-of-the-box EMR software. Would EMR software developers do well to discuss with this doctor any design plans for a voice-controlled, voice-recognition-based EMR program? I think so. Will a “hands-free” EMR workstation which responds to voice commands--as does the entire Dragon program--ever be used to help maintain a “sterile field” in the medical environment of the future? It certainly worked well on the Starship Enterprise, didn’t it?

AAMT [2006-02-12]
I have to agree with Sam - AAMT = American and should stay here!!! AAMT should be ashamed, especially in light of offshore concerns. How is this going to help those of us in America? I think AAMT needs to rethink offshore training... Peter Preziosi, PhD, CAE – Executive Director - What are you thinking?

AAMT [2006-02-07]
They obviously forgot what their initials stand for.

Transcend acquires California company's transcription biz [2006-01-31]
Transcend Service Inc. has bought PracticeXpert Inc.'s transcription business. Under the terms of the agreement with Transcend, PracticeXpert will receive up to $500,000, over three years, on an earn-out basis, with an initial $40,000 payment on closing. Atlanta-based Transcend (NASDAQ: TRCR - News) provides medical transcription services to health systems, hospitals, clinics and physician practices. Calabasas, Calif.-based PracticeXpert (OTC BB: PXPT - News) provides medical billing, accounts receivable management, practice management, consulting, seminars, practice management software, electronic medical records software and related services.

AAMT to start offering its first medical transcription training program in the Philippines. [2006-01-29]
IT education institution Informatics recently signed up with the American Academy of Medical Transcription (AAMT) to start offering its first medical transcription training program in the Philippines.The training modules intend to improve both English communication skills and medical knowledge from basic to intermediate in students hoping to work in the medical transcription business growing in the country. Among the modules are English grammar and style essentials, foreign accent dictation, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, laboratory medicines, medical word building, and medico-legal concepts and ethics. Participants with medical backgrounds would have 150 hours of lecture and 160 hours of on-the-job training. Those without medical skills would have 220 lecture hours and 160 hours of on-the-job training. The program intends to train about 2,000 medical transcribers to enter the workforce this year, according to Informatics director for corporate learning Paul Dumaguin. Statistics from the Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines indicate that over 7,000 medical transcribers are needed to meet the demand of the medical transcription business. The US is currently the biggest source of medical transcription and 45 percent of the work is being done by India. Dumaguin said that medical transcribers can work for existing firms, but have an option to work at home as independent transcribers. “Trainees typically obtain employment with an MT outsourcing firm, but with the growth of the industry, they have other options as well, such as putting up their own MT businesses,” Dumaguin said. The worldwide medical transcription business is expected to grow to 25 billion US dollars within the next three years.

The Top 10 Reasons to Become a Medical Transcriptionist [2006-01-19]
January 17th 2006Work From Home You've seen the commercials: medical transcriptionists are in high demand. Should you consider this field? Below are the top ten best reasons to become a medical transcriptionist. If these characteristics are something you're looking for in a job, then medical transcription may be for you. To get started, try “Working at Home the American Way in Medical Transcription” by Debra Jan Hebert, an experienced (http://medtrans4u.com) medical transcriptionist. 10. Quick entryMany lucrative professions require extensive training and advanced degrees. Other jobs in the medical field can take eight or more years of grueling, expensive schooling to begin. In medical transcription, you can begin your work in a year or less, avoiding huge debts and student loans. Some employers require no training, especially not if you already have good English skills and some experience in a medical field. 9. Contribute to societyAs a medical transcriptionist, you can contribute to society in many ways. In addition to the economic contributions you'll make to the overall economy, experienced medical transcriptionists become well-versed enough to catch errors or even act as patient advocates. Medical transcriptionists can see inconsistencies and correct them as well. By quickly returning transcripts to hospitals, private practices and individual doctors, medical transcriptionists can ensure fast patient care in the medical system. 8. Work from homeWhile the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 70% of medical transcriptionists still work in hospitals or physicians' offices, medical transcription is becoming increasingly popular as a work-from-home profession. The convenience of a home office appeals to some people on its own virtues, while parents may value the opportunity to stay close to their young children and still support the family full time. No matter what the reason, if you're looking to work from home, you should seriously consider medical transcription. 7. Excellent payWhile compensation methods may vary, almost all medical transcriptionists enjoy excellent pay, even in entry-level positions. According to (http://medtrans4u.com) DJS Enterprises, you can earn as much as $50,000 to $80,000 a year as a medical transcriptionist. If your pay is production-based, as you gain more experience and dexterity in medical transcription your salary will steadily increase. If you're looking for a job that can really support your family working from home, medical transcription may be for you. 6. Job securityThe US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for medical transcriptionists is definitely positive. The medical transcription field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate through the year 2014. This indicates that medical transcriptionists will have plenty of opportunities to find steady work, even if they work at home on a freelance basis for at least another 8 years. 5. Job satisfactionWhile job satisfaction may vary from job to job and person to person, if you enjoy being able to visibly track the progress you've made in a day, medical transcription can bring you a high level of job satisfaction. As your completed medical reports pile up, you'll be able to see how much you've accomplished. 4. Set your own hoursMost of the medical industry operates 24 hours a day. Many hospital and at-home medical transcriptionists are able to set their own hours at any time to accommodate their families or other commitments. No matter when you're able to work, there's a medical record waiting to be transcribed. In medical transcription, you can work when it's most convenient for you. 3. Comfortable work environmentWhether they work in a hospital, a private office or from home, medical transcriptionists enjoy a comfortable work environment. Noise levels are low, safety risks are minimal and strenuous labor is negligible. In medical transcription, you'll enjoy a comfortable office and dedicated work station to transcribe. And what could be more comfortable than working in your own home? 2. Transferable skillsMedical transcriptionists acquire many transferable skills that they can use in other jobs if ever they want to leave the industry. In addition to a basis in the medical field, transcriptionists learn skills that could apply as a court reporter or an administrative assistant. Transcriptionists also develop their English skills, which can be useful in all types of positions that involve writing and editing. Whether medical transcription is a step on your path or your dream job, the skills you learn can improve your overall career outlook. 1. Rewarding workWhy do people become doctors? The vast majority of the people who endure 8 or more years of schooling and incur substantial debts and student loans to become doctors do so because they love to help people and to cure them of their illnesses. Every member of the medical field helps in this endeavor. What could be more rewarding than to contribute to the speedy treatment of people who desperately need your help? If these ten things sound like characteristics you're looking for in a job, look into medical transcription. You can learn more about medical transcription from books, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other materials online.

PracticeXpert, Inc. announced the sale of its transcription business unit [2006-01-04]
CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- PracticeXpert, Inc. (OTCBB:PXPT) today announced the sale of its transcription business unit to Transcend Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRCR). Commenting on the sale, Jonathan Doctor, president and CEO of PracticeXpert, stated, Transcend is very much like PracticeXpert. They utilize leading-edge software applications to deliver transcription services, just as PracticeXpert utilizes leading-edge software applications to deliver our physician revenue management services. Allowing Transcend to focus on providing our customers with transcription services will allow us to focus on what we do best -- outsourced billing and collections for medical practitioners. We consider this transaction much more than a sale of our transcription business unit. We see it as the beginning of a long-term partnership with Transcend. We intend to formalize a strategic marketing arrangement with Transcend under which they will be the transcription provider of choice to PracticeXpert customers, and Transcend will be able to offer our revenue management service, practice management systems, and electronic medical record systems to the thousands of physicians who currently use their services. Under the terms of the agreement with Transcend, PracticeXpert will receive up to $500,000, over three years, on an earn-out basis, with an initial payment on closing in the amount of $40,000. About PracticeXpert, Inc. PracticeXpert provides turn-key practice management services and technology solutions to medical practitioners that improve operational efficiencies and enhance cash flow. PracticeXpert offerings include medical billing, accounts receivable management, practice management, consulting, seminars, practice management software, electronic medical records software and related services. PracticeXpert bundles its technology applications with its billing and other practice management services to provide a complete and integrated solution to its physician customers. To find out more about PracticeXpert, Inc. (OTCBB:PXPT), visit our website at www.practicexpert.com.

Revolutionary new Medical Transcription Software. [2005-11-27]
This is to introduce a new Medical Transcription Software KeyboardCheetah. KeyboardCheetah is an application that helps you create very fast text macros and text replacement hotkeys to increase your typing speed vastly. KeyboardCheetah application redefines the way typing is done. It helps increase your typing speed to 200% of your present speed within a period of 15 days.

M-Tec and The Andrews School Approved by AAMT/AHIMA [2005-11-02]
According to the AAMT web site, Upon the recommendation of the AAMT Review Committee, the following medical transcription programs have been approved by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP), a joint committee established by AAMT and AHIMA for certifying and approving medical transcription education programs. http://www.aamt.org/ScriptContent/mtapproved.cfm M-TEC offers quality distance education training for the novice, the healthcare professional wanting to make a career change, and continuing education programs for the practicing MT. Special discounts are available on continuing education and refresher products for AAMT members. The M-Tec Skillbuilding Wizard is available through the AAMT Store and offers 54 CECs to certified medical transcriptionists. This is also a great resource for companies offering continuing education classes for their employees. The Andrews School has been providing quality medical transcription education and training since 1989. With what we believe to be the best program, instructors, and advisory staff in the MT community, the Andrews School has a proven track record, graduating thousands of students who have gone on to successful MT careers. The Andrews School offers distance learning opportunities via the Internet anywhere in the country. Graduates are able to work from home after completion of the program. Related Links Medical Transcription Program Approval Manual

You are talking about the Philippines [2005-10-29]
Just wondering.

MTBC Announces the First Annual New Jersey Medical Malpractice Forum [2005-10-27]
Oct. 26, 2005--Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (MTBC), the 4% medical billing and free EMR company, together with Commerce Bank, the region's fastest growing financial services organization, and NJPure, the not-for profit New Jersey medical malpractice insurer, sponsor the First Annual New Jersey Medical Malpractice Forum. This informative session will highlight the specific actions a healthcare provider should take to manage medical malpractice costs and exposure. The forum features a panel comprised of State Senator Diane B. Allen, Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula, plaintiffs' attorney Rosemary Pinto, of Feldman Pinto, and medical malpractice insurance expert Eric S. Poe, of NJPure. This forum comes at a time when New Jersey physicians continue to face increasing pressures from insurance carriers as well as rising expenses, most notably rising medical malpractice premiums. David Rosenblum, president of MTBC, addressed the importance of hosting this forum, There are tangible actions physicians can take to address the mounting concerns of malpractice; this forum will give them the opportunity to hear from and discuss these issues with people who are actively addressing them. We invite physicians to hear from political representatives, industry leaders, and experts who are taking the necessary steps to help protect them, their colleagues, and their patients. We are excited to host this forum with Commerce and NJPure, two organizations that share our passion for helping physicians lower their cost of doing business by providing better alternatives and excellent support, said David Rosenblum. The forum features dinner, discussion and a question and answer session with this distinguished panel. It will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Attendance at the forum is free of charge. Physicians are invited to reserve a seat by visiting www.MTBC.com.

INDIA - Why medical transcription is such a major draw [2005-08-20]
The medical transcription business is drawing people from other sectors. That’s because the income can be quite substantial. Transcriptionists are paid anywhere between 60 paise to Rs 2.0 per line. At a minimum of 6 hours and transcribing 800 lines per day, transcriptionists can make around Rs 1,200 a day. Working 26 days a month, they earn more than Rs 30,000 (USD 450 - 500)a month. They send their reports to an Editor for proof-reading who are paid upwards of Rs 40,000 per month. As a result, hundreds of professionals are quitting their regular jobs to assist US doctors in transcribing their conversation with patients. X-ray, pathology, surgery and discharge reports of US patients are also being transcribed out of India. To be a transcriptionist, an aspirant has to acquire skills in medical terminology. The next step is the editor. Level three is a quality analyst (QA) who has to work out of the office of the MT firm. It’s a daily ritual for thousands of homemakers across India. After sending husbands to work and kids to school, they download voice files and start transcribing medical illnesses of patients in the US. Slowly, medical transcription from home is becoming a phenomenon, particularly in tier-II cities where the BPO boom hasn’t yet caught on and educated women are still not being encouraged to venture out of home. “Almost half of our 600 home employees are women. Working from home allows them to spend more time with family,” said Mr Rajiv Shetye, VP, Spryance, a Boston-based medical transcription firm which now has 1,200 employees in India. According to estimates, India has about 100 medical transcription companies and the big ones include Accusis, Spryance, Stheris and Heartland. About 10,000 people work in the $120 million-strong industry. Still, there is a lot of untapped potential. The US market for market transcription is about $12 bn per annum, which is more than double the BPO exports of India. More than 700 million hospital events need to be recorded every year. According to Nasscom, about 1.6 lakh such transcriptionists will be needed in India by 2008. Earnings depend on how much time a person is able to devote. Billing is based on the number of lines transcribed. HARSIMRAN SINGH

Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA), new strategic goals [2005-08-12]
Aug. 11, 2005--At its recent meeting of the Board of Directors for the Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA), new strategic goals were crafted for 2005-2006. According to Sean Carroll, President of MTIA, the association will be dedicated to activities that will direct member companies to be valuable and relevant in the rapidly evolving healthcare documentation environment. The following strategies were approved: -- In order to be valuable and relevant, MTIA will lead by asserting itself in the standards development arena, and by serving as a valuable resource for the medical transcription business community and the vendors that support it. -- In order to be valuable and relevant, MTIA will be coordinated and strong by proactively building productive alliances with related associations and becoming an active participant in government relations. -- In order to be valuable and relevant, MTIA will engage with technology by educating its members in the effective use of emerging technologies for continuous quality improvement and greater efficiencies. -- In order to be valuable and relevant, MTIA will focus on programs and deliverables that will help their members preserve and increase profitability and succeed within the dynamic evolution of this industry. Carroll proudly proclaims that the Board is fully committed to achieving these objectives, making this the most important year ever for the association. MTIA is definitely on the move! MTIA is a nonprofit membership association founded in 1993 to represent medical transcription companies of all sizes. For more information about MTIA, contact Elaine Olson, Executive Director, at 800-543-MTIA or eolson@mtia.com.

Losing medical integrity [2005-08-05]
Losing medical integrity By Pius KamauDenver Post Columnist Not too long ago, all my local transcriptionist had to do was call me when she couldn't understand something in my medical dictation. Now, I no longer know who transcribes reports of my surgical procedures and physical exams or where they are. I only know that most hospital transcriptions have been outsourced. At times, the resulting inaccuracies are incredible or enormously amusing. Transcription is only one of many medical fields facing outsourcing, which is rapidly making inroads into American health care. The stability of medicine is being chipped away to satisfy America's Wal-Mart belief that cheaper is better. While the public prefers not to know how fundamental changes in health-care delivery may be adversely affecting it, real harm to patients has resulted from outsourcing. Recently a lab that processed specimens from across the nation was found to have misinterpreted Pap smear results. In some cases, a pathologist hadn't actually read some slides. Such labs aren't chosen because they do a better job than local pathologists. Simply put, they're cheaper. Cost-cutting is the new mantra, and shoring up profits the prevailing credo in a world where the quick fix trumps the long-term, universal good. The net result has been to throw many competent lab techs out of work. Valuable, highly qualified people have forever been lost to the medical world. My former medical transcriptionists were used to my accent, and offered occasional advice on how Americans pronounce certain words. They were replaced by others who find American speech heavily accented and sometimes indecipherable. Hospitals are not factories; they don't manufacture screwdrivers or light bulbs. Hospitals are small communities, where sundry departments and personnel form a mosaic that fulfills the essential function of the institution: to heal the sick. It's a cohesion that has slowly been dismantled to squeeze out more profits for investors and HMO moguls. The practice of medicine is unique in that each person in the system plays a vital role. Frequently, we discuss puzzling radiologic images, weird pathological presentations, and brainstorm difficult surgical cases in corridors and lunchrooms. Unfortunately, there's now a move to outsource imaging technology as well as other forms of testing and therapeutic modalities. Without casting aspersions, I believe many of us wouldn't like to discover that our scans are read in Beijing, Bombay or Manila. Hospital staff collegiality has suffered irrevocable damage. X-ray, lab technicians and other medical colleagues have been let go or moved away because their expertise was deemed useless. Change is inevitable. But it should always be geared toward making patient care better and safer, not jeopardized by profit- taking. It's conceivable that future insurance policies will offer several options: Pay more if you want care in local facilities or pay nothing if your treatment is provided in Mexico, South America or Africa. If you could save a few dollars, would you do the latter? Looking at this as well as other aspects of our failing system, it's easy to see that the businessmen we have entrusted our health care to will do anything they can to shortchange the public, as long as we let them. The question is: What will it take before we all say enough? I want my transcriptionist down in my medical records office. I don't want to talk to a radiologist in Bombay or Nairobi about a patient in Denver. I want a pathologist I can interact with on a regular basis. Surely you don't want your surgeon to be located in Guadalajara? Pius Kamau of Aurora is a thoracic and general surgeon. He was born and raised in Kenya and immigrated to the U.S. in 1971. His column appears on alternate Wednesdays.

losing medical integrity [2005-08-05]
Hallelujah!!!! I am a medical transcriptionist working in an office that outsources for three of our docs, and believe me, we get a good laugh from their returns on a daily basis, and we are also astounded at how some of them make no sense on their return.

Physical line count [2008-08-17]
It definitely sounds as if you were misled. My understanding has always been that a line is 65 characters including punctuation and spaces. You have a right to know EXACTLY how your pay is calculated in no uncertain terms. Personally, if someone told me they weren't going to pay me for spaces and/or punctuation, they'd start getting reports without spaces or punctuation!

Just FYI on new drug Pristiq [2008-07-28]
The name is Pristiq and anyone working in psych transcription will be seeing this a lot. It's a new SNRI used to treat major depressive disorder. There's tons of info on any of the search engines if you need to know dosages, etc. This just came across in my dictation today, so I thought I'd pass it on!

IC Taxes [2008-07-28]
Make sure you either get with a good accountant or get a really good tax program (we use TurboTax every year) because as an IC, taxes don't get taken out of your check, but you get to take deductions for everything that you use for your business. If you own your house, you can deduct the square footage of your office space from your mortgage, you can deduct part of your electricity bill, cell phone, internet, any equipment you have to buy, milage if you have to travel for work - the list can go on and on. Just make sure to keep receipts and good records - I got audited my first year as an IC. I passed with flying colors because everything was legit and I had a receipt to back it up. Hope this helps you and good luck!!! =)

editing [2008-07-13]
As far as I know, it is just like learning new software which is usually what you have to do with any new job. Of course, you have to be trained as an MT just like witha regular transcription job, not sure if that is what you were asking? But like I said, it is just like learning new software, not a big deal.

VR is here to stay [2008-07-03]
I think it serves any professional to keep up with any technology affecting their chosen profession. A medical Transcriptionist who refuses to learn editing of voice recognition files will end up being left behind. Having said that, if you're thinking about transcription work, then choose a school who isn't afraid of current technology and includes it in their curriculum. I love voice recognition. Working with it on a high-end technical level has made me understand that there isn't now, nor probably ever will be, a substitution for the human element. Trained editors will ALWAYS have job security. Because any speech rec system is only as good as the people behind the scenes writing the software. It's not an unlimited technology, and it simply cannot interpret certain things. I love reading some of the gobbledegook it spits out, and snicker while I edit it. Please stop being afraid of technology. Learn it, embrace it, get good at it, and secure your own future.

The bottom line is.... [2008-06-29]
that offshored transcription work sucks. HIPAA does not apply, JCAHO does not apply, etc. There is really no obligation of offshored individual MTs or services to follow U.S. privacy laws. Plus I used to QA these reports, and 9 times out of 10 they have been horrible. The wrong patients were even put on reports!!! This is not to diss the offshored MTs which I am sure are as hardworking as we are, but to me it is a patient care issue.

NOT DO VR [2008-06-28]
What planet are you from? Don't do VR!! It's here and its going to stay. I don't recommend anyone anymore to get into medical transcription. Don't bother with school - just don't do it. If you want to try and work at home, then go into coding or billing, but not transcription. It's a dead field and its just getting worse. The pay has been cut even more, the doctor's are a joke, and it is not worth your training. And if you are training transcriptionists without teaching VR then you really are living on another planet.

Time to introduce a bill [2008-06-27]
This is great news but from my experience, the bottom line is all most companies care about. The company I worked for never paid for enough quality control hours-usually only one hour per day and outsourced it's MT work. Records came back with incorrect names, gender, diagnoses, procedures and labs because the outsourced Transcriptionist could not flag the work for the dictating doctor (boss said doctors were too busy to deal with it) and/or entered anything just to get the chart to clear medical records. They only dealt with issues when lawsuits arose and my guess would be that since most cases are arbitrated, the doctors were the winners yet again. All this is to say, even if the suits know they will get better quality, they do not care because they are only concerned with lining their pockets. It is not just MT jobs that suffer because of outsourcing. Will you (or anyone else for that matter)be denied work or insurance in the U.S. because an overseas transcriptionist entered erroneous information in your medical record? U.S. citizens would probably be outraged to discover this is happening to their private information despite HIPPA. I believe it is time to get tough and form a coalition to introduce a bill to end outsourcing of medical transcription. Time to take a stand and fight back.

you get what you pay for - [2008-06-20]
I attended M-TEC, graduated in 2001, and have been working at home doing acute care ever since. I cannot say enough good things about their program or about Kathy and Susan (who were reallythe only instructors back then, not sure about now). I had recruiters banging down my cyber door to test when they learned where I had gone to school. I tested with a few of them and had job offers within a few days of graduation. Many, many companies will waive the 2-year experience requirement if you graduate from M-TEC. I hear Andrews is also very good. You cannot go wrong with either of them. Remember, cheap, quick, and easy will not sustain you in the long run because you will be ill equipped for work in the real world. Best of luck.

HELP I have questions about medical transcriptionist!!!!! [2008-06-14]
hi to all! Question i am intrested in the medical Transcriptionist program can you recomended some good schools and prices

From what I've read [2008-06-14]
M-TEC and Andrews are in the very top of the best schools around. I've checked their websites and the prices are around $2500-4000. They also are really good about job placement (from what I've read). I also found a Sylvan program for MT which is very reasonable, but I cannot attest to how good the program actually is. I do, however, know it's a reputable company.

AMEN [2008-04-22]
Amen but where did you hear of this study?? Sometimes these are just rumors and everyone gets a jazzed up. I get a minimum of three phone calls a day on my business phone from either India or philippines. Maybe there are just too many companies there doing this work, or they are losing the work? I don't kn ow, but the guy from India is always called Joseph. Even in some of the emails. I agree with your comments about the work.

You're right but ... [2008-04-11]
Yes, absolutely, the suits and middle managers have no clue at all, nada, zip, zilch about medical transcription. However, many doctors actually invest in offshore MT companies .... according to Wall Street Journal. It was, oh, maybe 10 years ago that there was a caption or article about medical transcription being where the money is, as in investments, etc. You're right. Typically the MDs don't know and don't care who transcribes their dictation. Most do care, however, about quality at least to some degree. I'm just glad someone came up with a study as to cost effectiveness for whatever reason. It's like they're thrown us a crumb. Hope we get the whole cookie soon.

Stand firm! [2008-04-08]
I agree. I actually knew someone who typed some work with no spaces after a new client complained about the cost and said something about being ripped off because of paying for spaces. The gal that did this was actually a past president of AAMT, years ago I might add. She took it on the chin, took the next few tapes home, and returned a few reports with no spaces, no line spacing, etc. The office manager flipped her lid and went nutso on her. Hmmm, my friend said, I don't do anything I don't get paid for. End of story, end of a headache account. I still smile when I think of that story. That would be like a surgeon saying, Oh, I don't get paid for the stapling your wound shut, so I had the nurse use the masking tape. Single spacing after a period makes me crazy too. Do the math. It just to rip us off a bit. Think about how many spaces are saved over thousands and thousands of transcribed lines with single spacing after periods, and know if you are doing that you are undermining the profession and everyone in it. Quit being stupid. If your employer disagrees, tell him/her to have at it themselves.

You're so right, SusieQ [2008-04-08]
I have a huge, huge problem with our professional organization. Errr, ummm, where is the word transcription in AHDI. We've had the plug pulled on us by the ole gals who've been holding the reins for years. It's like a good ole girl association. Most of them have worked for global services, hauled in the big bucks for helping get those services off the ground, and have done it all with no second thoughts. It makes me sick. Our compensation hasn't increased at all. In fact, it has decreased steadily for the past decade. I do, wholeheartedly, wish we could unionize somehow. We should be paid hourly at a sizable rate like other skilled trades. I hate to say it, but our profession is made up of nearly 100% women. We need to be confident, stand up for ourselves, and not let this get any further out of hand.

This is a skilled trade [2008-04-08]
You know, an apprenticeship is just what we need. Really. I also think we should be paid hourly, and that hourly rate would increase significantly after a year or two of on-the-job training wherever you work. At the very, very least we should get paid as much as coders; and everyone knows they haul it in compared to medical transcriptionists. By the way, the coders rely on what we transcribe. Interesting.

Yeah, right!!! [2008-04-08]
Any MT who edits any voice recognition files should be stoned. If they want to take out the human element, leave it out. The whole voice recognition thing will disappear in a heartbeat. One in a thousand doctors might, might be able to pull it off without help from a medical transcriptionist/editor. Actually, I doubt that. I teach medical transcription, and one of first instructions to students is, Never, never, never spell a word or drug as dictated by the MD, and never pay attention to their instructions with regard to punctuation. It isn't a matter of trying to nip voice recognition, it's a matter of not jumping through the hoops or nooses meant to eventually hang us. If they're using VR, just tell them to have a happy life and be on your way. Helping them out is like give terrorists a map and directions. C'mon people. Use the gray matter.

Don't fear VR --- ignore it!! [2008-04-08]
Any MT who edits any voice recognition files should be stoned. If greedy MDswant to take out the human element, let's eave it out. The whole voice recognition thing will disappear in a heartbeat. One in a thousand doctors might, might be able to pull it off without help from a medical Transcriptionist with professional judgment and a working brain.Actually, I doubt that one in a thousand would be able to rely on their own perfection. I teach medical transcription, and one of my first instructions to students is, Never, never, never spell a word or drug as dictated by the MD, and never pay attention to their instructions with regard to punctuation. It isn't a matter of trying to nip voice recognition in the bud, it's a matter of not jumping through the hoops or nooses meant to eventually hang us. If they're using VR, just tell them to have a happy life and be on your way. Helping them out is like give terrorists a map and directions. C'mon people. Use the gray matter.

Study on outsourcing -- For Real! [2008-04-08]
Put this under your hats, but there has been a study performed in Ohio regarding the cost effectiveness of outsourcing transcription versus bringing American MTs onboard to handle all of it. Oh, happy day!! The concensus is ..... sit up and read this twice ...... it is more lucrative to hire more people who are skilled and pay them a nice hourly rate with benefits than tooutsource some or all of the work.Hang in there. What goes around, comes around. It's about timethat the true cost effectiveness of inferior work be scrutinized. There are managers and QA's and editors and customer service people up the ying-yang who may have to worry a bit because I truly feelthat doctors across the county (many of whom have invested in outsourcing medical transcription)are beginning to realize that it definitely is a skill/profession that needs to stay here in The States. Woooohooo!

Up-to-date platform [2008-02-22]
MDI Transcription is awesome.

Anyone who is not happy with outsourcing... [2008-02-07]
...might want to consider Barack Obama for president: He says he will ensure that US companies that outsource work to other countries will LOSE the tax breaks. Something to consider anyway. This could really be an important issue to all medical transcriptionists.

MTs and uniting [2008-02-05]
You will never be able to get all MTs to unite. It will never happen because everybody is so wishywashy about it. Afraid to lose their jobs maybe? What jobs? All US MTs are losing their jobs every day, little by little. Line counts are shrinking with no explanation. How about MT management, do they know? You know they aren't opening their mouth. They don't wanna lose their cushy jobs and will kissbutt when it comes to company officials who know nothing about transcription but think they do.Howlong will their jobs be around? Any company official cando a schedule, take sick calls,be the shoulder for an MT to cry on, and make customer service calls. Its a no-brainer. Management definitely is not standing up for MTs, lets see what happens when their turn comes.

Electronic Health Records [2007-12-25]
I think it is just another Bush/corporate medical conspiracy to make transcriptionists do more for less, since hospitals and physicians seem to expect even quicker turnaround time with the advent of electronic records. MTs will soon be working for minium wage if something isn't done. Coding may not be safe, either.

VBC/MAKE A STAND [2007-10-15]
Something needs to be done with this...I made more money transcribing in the 80s than I do now, isn't that going backwards..WE NEED TO UNITE..maybe start AAMT or whatever they are called and let them know how we feel,..the idea about not accepting jobs that have VBC is a great one! Now, if we could just get everybody to do it....

some companies do this [2007-08-22]
I have gone to Washington DC to train for a company before. They paid. Breakfast, lunch included. Transportation from hotel to company provided. I was only responsible for dinner moneywise. Group of about 14 of us. Made really good friends. No longer work with the company but still keep in touch with other MTs from training. This was about 5 years ago.