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Just curious, is this board still for - Posted By: American MTs only? (nm)

xx

another letter that I'll share if anyone wants to copy (long). - Posted By: offshoring concerns

President Barack Obama
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Dear President Obama and Secretary of State Rodham Clinton:

Please take the time to read this important letter from an industry that has remained silent for much too long. I speak for a large number of United States medical transcriptionists, many who have made this their career for 20-30+ years. Our job is one we take great pride in, but are often unheard from because we work "behind closed doors." I'm sure you are aware of what our job entails, but I would like to elaborate. The patient's important medical record starts with verbal dictation by the doctor, nurse, etc. The qualified and experienced medical Transcriptionist produces a formal, legible, and information correct medical record based on this verbal dictation, which is of utmost importance for patient care. As a medical transcriptionist, I take great pride in my job and have spent many years perfecting my skills.

We are experiencing an astonishing number of lost jobs, not because the need for our services is down because of reduced medical doctors visits or hospitalizations by our U.S. citizens, but rather because our U.S. citizens' medical records are being sent offshore to other countries whose medical transcriptionists are being paid at a lower rate. Not only are U.S. medical transcriptionists losing jobs at a rapid rate, but we are allowing medical transcription services that advertise as U.S. transcription companies to shuttle the work offshore for a cheaper rate.

President Obama, many articles have addressed the shortage of U.S. medical transcriptionists. This is simply not true. It is a "cop out" to justify the tragedy that is taking place in the U.S. MT industry with sending medical transcription offshore to countries such as India and the Philippines. There are many experienced and qualified U.S. Medical Transcriptionists, so statements indicating a shortage here in the United States are simply unbelievable in my opinion. Unfortunately, the U.S. medical transcriptionists are losing their jobs to offshoring, and little seems to be happening to make changes to put a stop to offshoring of our citizen's personal medical information.

A large majority of our profession is female. Many have devoted their careers to medical transcription and are close to retirement, others are single mothers who have put themselves through school with hard work and training, and are working hard to raise their family with a full time job without relying on governmental assistance, but are losing their jobs because large national medical transcription companies are being allowed to contract with offshore transcriptionists, thus causing our U.S. transcriptionists to be out of work. The pay scale in our profession is currently comparable to what it was 20 years ago. We have not seen a pay scale raise despite the cost of living increase, but we can even settle for this with the economical turmoil at present, just to keep our jobs. Sadly, we cannot even have our jobs because offshore transcriptionists are doing the work cheaper.

I am not sure how many governmental officials are actually aware of what is happening in the U.S. medical transcription industry. I would estimate that twenty some thousand or more U.S. transcriptions are displaced from work, and sadly because no one will take a stance and put a stop to offshoring our U.S. citizen's medical records. Security risks are high with the age of the Internet, but private citizen medical information is being allowed to leave our country where HIPAA laws are not regulated or enforceable.

These two crucial issues of offshoring medical records for transcription in a foreign country need to stop.

1. We are endangering the confidentiality of our own citizens' medical records by sending them to a foreign country where no regulation such as HIPAA is enforceable.

2. The U.S. medical transcription profession is losing jobs at an astonishing rate, not because the need for our services is down, but because offshoring our citizens' medical records overseas is cheaper and thus foreign workers are replacing us. Why is this being allowed to happen without any legislation against such practice that is not only destroying a U.S. profession, but endangering the security of U.S. citizens?

Please take seriously the need to stop offshoring our citizens' medical records. As a medical transcriptionist, our work has always involved the patient as top priority along with the confidentiality of the work we do. There are great risks being taken when this information leaves our country and laws here in the United States are not applicable once this information leaves our borders. I truly believe with the coming age of the Electronic Medical Record, changes must be made now to keep our citizens information in their own country. Each country, in my opinion, should have access only to their own citizens' medical records. Of course, emergency situations will exist if a patient were traveling abroad, in the military, etc. In this age of security issues and the implementation of Homeland Security, please consider where our citizens' medical records are being allowed to go, and unfortunately many times without the patient's knowledge. As a U.S. citizen, if my doctor was obligated to inform me that my medical records would be leaving the country to be transcribed into a report, I would no authorize this to take place, and if necessary would change to a provider who does not contract with a medical transcription service who sends work outside the U.S. The patient deserves to know this is happening.

Please, Mr. President, give U.S. medical transcriptionists the opportunity to get their jobs back and save our profession by supporting our workers first, as well as protecting our citizens' rights to confidential medical information by keeping this information in their own country.

Please work together with the Dept. of Health and Human Services in revising HIPAA laws to restrict the offshoring of medical transcription. Other countries do not place their citizens' security at risk by sending their personal medical information to the United Sates for transcription purposes, so why are we letting this happen? In the process, we are losing a profession that has been so valued here for many years, but we are a profession that has not been heard from much in the past. It is time we speak our minds on this issue, and we hope that you will sincerely consider making major changes to offshoring medical records for transcription.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.

A concerned U.S. Medical Transcriptionist

CMT examination - Posted By: Paulette

Hi:

To anyone who has taken the CMT exam, I was wondering how many years of experience one would need in order to pass this test. I have been transcribing a little over 2 years. I have transcribed mainly multispecialty clinic. During the first year of transcribing, I had about 6 months experience with doing ER transcription as well. I know that money wise, the cpl rate of pay doesn't go up that much, but I would like to at least show that I am serious about my profession by taking the test.

Thank you in advance for any response or information.

Paulette

Question on templates - Posted By: Peeps

Okay, I have a new question. I'm trying to create a form or template that I can insert information on. How do I create the form with lines so that I am able to insert information on these lines? Is this possible?

Just when I was about to ..... - Posted By: Patti

Having a bad day with one of my docs, he was changing this, adding this, insert this, mumbling and I was about ready to read the riot act to him, he apologizes on tape and says that he is sorry his dictation is so horrible today but he has something presonal going on and to please be patient with him, he appreciates my good job and if need be, put an extra charge on as he knows that this tape was just horrible. So guess they are human and have problems also. Anyway, not all docs are bad.

When last name is first, where does the... - Posted By: I should know this!

Mr. or Mrs. go? Last name, first name Mr.

Need information on company - Posted By: SL

Can anyone give me information on AbleScribe? Good, bad, flexible hours, etc.

Anybody have info on finding Biloxi survivors? - Posted By: omt

My husband's friend hasn't heard from his brother yet and is understandably frantic. His brother was in Biloxi, Mississippi when the hurricaine hit. Last time he was heard from, he was boarding up his house.

I know this is far reaching, but does anyone have any information on finding someone in Biloxi?

Thanks!

Lanier LX-219 question - Posted By: TiredOBuying equipment

Okay, probably a silly question, but do you need the VTI flat box which I've seen sold sometimes with the Lanier LX to transcribe....I've seen the unit for sale on ebay but hate to pour money I don't have into equipment only to find out I need something extra to go with it. Do I need the VTI to transcribe as well as the unit, that octopus appearing cord pack with all those wires, don't even know if I could figure out what goes where. Anyone tell me exactly what I need to work. Thanks in advance.

MS Word-any company still use it? - Posted By: fmg

I'm going to be changing jobs in the next 2-3 months and am wondering if there are any companies that still use Word as their platform. This is what I am most productive in and would like to continue to type in Word.

Hope I am on the right board... - Posted By: Lfish

Does anyone know if there is an MT association in Georgia. I have been searching without success. Any help would be appreciated.

I have to vent! ASR is driving me up the wall! - Posted By: Old and tired MT

When I was started on ASR, I was told it was strictly "voluntary" and that if I did it, I would get a "mixture" of ASR reports and straight MT. Well, not the case. Now everyone has to learn ASR and every report I get is ASR-- even the most horrible of horrible dictators. I keep fixing the same mistakes over and over and ASR has "learned" nothing from the corrections. I still think it is all a ploy to put ALL the dictators on it, no matter how bad they are, just so we will make the same per line as the Indians. My last shift, I had exactly ONE very short report that was not on ASR and all the rest were. Just as soon as I can find another job, I am out of MT altogether. They have totally ruined what used to be a good profession with all their "progress". Well, they can have it!

Leaving MT - Posted By: MTBlab

You know what? I just cannot do this anymore. My last day was 12/31/06. I am moving in a different direction--not sure what all yet, but I just cannot transcribe any more. After 17 years of listening to doctors chew, and waiting--listening to silence--with my pay rate DROPPING over the years , not increasing--I have to leave.

There's only a tiny, tiny part of me that feels sad--it's the part of me that was so overjoyed to be able to do this at home and be here when my children were little. I really thought I would keep doing this forever. Recently, though, I just cannot do it anymore! One day I woke up and had had enough!

I am working on some things here at home that I had going. Some home businesses, things I make, etc.

I just wanted to say BYE.

Lynn

nephrology book - Posted By: southernmt

Can anybody help me by giving me the name of a good reference book (or even reliable website) for nephrology?

Okay, I've got a habitual problem - Posted By: Getting older

I worked for a hospital for 9 years with no expander. Now I use IT. I've noticed that even using the Expander for my headings, I am still in the habit of hitting the CapLock key, then my next line under the header is also in caps. This is truly aggravating me. Anybody have a good suggestion on how to take those 9 years and kick the habit? It slows me down, not to mention how steamed I get when I do this TIA.

tongue tied doc -- The neck was drepped and praped in sterile fashion . . . thought you guys could - Posted By: memt

use a laugh!

Yikes! - Posted By: See Article - sm

The $250 million lean medical transcription (MT) industry in India is racing ahead to grab a major slice of the global $12 billion pie.

Industry experts told Business Standard that as the industry is maturing, players are adopting productivity enhancing tools, stringent quality control measures and training programmes and top this with highly improved communication facilities.

With an acute shortage of required skill sets in the US, the industry is set to become a top foreign exchange earner in the coming years.

The industry, which collapsed due to the low quality of the MT business adhering to a view that the only skill required by employees in MT was to listen and type, has in the last two-three years witnessed a comeback with a strong consolidation.

As per a Nasscom report, MT will become the fourth largest foreign exchange earner in the next five years.

Shedding light over the industry's potential, Rajiv Shetye, vice-president (Indian operations), Spryance India says, "The Healthcare BPO is a $200 billion business worldwide and medical transcription alone is worth more than $12 billion. The $110 million Indian MT industry will grow to become a $ 5-6 billion one in the next three years."

With six to seven strong contenders and 200 serious players in all, the employment potential of the industry is huge.

"The MT service in India has generated over 20,000 jobs and will add atleast 25 per cent more jobs per year," said Suresh Nair, CEO and Managing Director, Spheris India and President, Indian Medical Transcription Industry Association (IMTIA).

As for Spheris, he said, "the company is growing at 50 per cent per annum and expects to increase its employee strength from 2,300 currently to 3,000 in the coming year."

Spryance has also deployed over 1200 MTs including home-based medical transcriptionists and editors. "In five years time we plan to ramp up our employee base to almost 10,000," says Shetye.

Noting that the Indian industry has come a long way from just employing English speaking graduates to employing doctors and students of medical science, Pankaj Bendigiri, an MBBS by qualification and manager of Spryance's Quality Assurance (QA) centre in Pune says, "MT as a profession is attracting doctors as it offers them lucrative remunerations and career options besides keeping them updated with the latest developments taking place in the field."

Spryance has 20 doctors in its 100 people team in Pune and has started a six month QA course for doctors.

"Currently the second batch of 13 doctors is undergoing training," said Bendigiri, adding that in the first batch they had trained seven doctors mostly from the disciplines of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and Bachelor of Homeopathy Medicine and Surgery (BHMS).

With highly improved communication facilities, "The trend of home-based Medical Transcriptionists (HMT) is also on the rise," says Nair, who has 10 per cent of his 2,300 people team working from home and credits the industry average to be higher at 25 per cent with few companies recruiting over 90 per cent HMTs.

RadGuy??? What did you decide???? - Posted By: I wanna know........

Okay, we helped, so now ya gotta spill it.......what did you decide to buy your sisters for Xmas???? :)

Happy Holidays, btw.

All docs to be sent back to high school - Posted By: sgh

to learn how to do a basic OUTLINE!

Anyone here with their own business? - Posted By: mt

I am looking to start up on my own and need any info. Basically I already have a doc to work for, but he doesn't know much about digital, just like I don't. First, what is the simplest setup that I can buy? As far as software, encription, etc. The cheapest setup from Transcription Gear was not that cheap. I don't mind spending the money if it is necessary, but I also don't want to buy something just because they are trying to sell it as the best. Any info appreciated, thanks.

errors - Posted By: blondie

I have a question. Ok say I want to go in to my system tools and do a scan to check for errors and if any fix them. Well I thought this should be in my system tools section. It was with my old computer. On this one which is Windows XP it has disk scan cleanup or something like that to get rid of unnecessary files. Well what about scanning for errors. I don't see that option. Maybe I am missing something?

satellite does not seem to be desirable in this field...can anybody tell me why? - Posted By: nontechieMT

I'd like to look for a 2nd employer, but I am so limited when it comes to internet connection -- either s-l-o-w dial-up or satellite.

Is there an invoicing program that will charge by the page? - Posted By: MT'ing

I need an invoicing program that will charge by the characters in a page. I was looking for something that is simple to use and reasonable too, perhaps $100 or less.

TIA

How much time does it take you to do 60 minutes of dictation? - Posted By: Beth

I talked to a newbie just the other day who has taken a course but has just started his first job and he blows my time clear out of the water! I may not be the fastest typer but 60 minutes in a couple of hours! Does that seem real?

How would you handle clinic notes coming up missing after you've delivered them to the facility? - Posted By: MissouriMT

I type the clinic notes at home, print them, verify the all notes printed, place them in a manila envelope clearly marked with the clinic name and dictator doctor's name and date of clinic. I then deliver the notes to the lead Transcriptionist at the hospital which manages the clinics. She in turn distributes them to the clinics.

The last two weeks, I have gotten several calls from the lead MT that I give the work too that clinics are calling saying they are missing certain notes from certain days which is impossible because I type all notes for a specific day in one large document and print them out together. There is no way that some are printing and some are not. Plus I ALWAYS verify that each note printed. Today, she called and said there were missing notes from two different days.

Then there is the issue of my work being typed by someone in the hospital. When I deliver work I get a print out of what's on the system as far as clinic notes. It is a worktype specific list that only I am supposed type. There are a couple of doctors who dictate all their notes in one looooong job. There were two very long jobs on my list, but were never pooled to me. When I enter the specific job number, it says they have been transcribed. In one instance, the dictator dictated half on one job and half on another. I typed one job and the other just magically got transcribed. When I've called to ask who's typing these reports, no one seems to know.

These ladies in this particular transcription department are not a friendly bunch. I have felt that they sort of resent the fact that I am doing work from home while they have to come in and type. I think they are wondering why they aren't allowed to work from home. The work I do is very easy clinic work and would be pretty easy lines for one of them to do just to pad their line counts.

I have a meeting tomorrow with the HIM director who contracted with me about TAT and I know they want a shorter TAT than the agreed upon 24 to 48 hours and I know she is going to want me to make more deliveries than the three I do a week now. I have asked that they set up a remote printer for me so I can print from home that way delivery isn't an issue anymore, but they act like this can't be done which I know it can be done.

I'm about to cut this account loose, but it's such easy work. It's just that I'm running into brick walls at this place.

Thanks for listening to me whine!

That is total bullcrap that Chris got - Posted By: voted off of American Idol!!!!

What a total shock!!!! I can't believe he is going home. Chris rocked the house. I actually predicted him to win!!!! How sad. I guess my vote now turns towards Taylor.

anyone want a free Tb racehorse - Posted By: to retrain? sm

They would be suitable prospects for riding and ? even eventing. My daughter in KY knows of 3 horses that the owner will give away to a good home, 4 yo gelding, 4 yo filly and 8 yo gelding. E/m me for more information. Thanks!

peachtree transcription - Posted By: jackie

anyone know anything about this company? looks like they deal with radiology transcription

I want to buy a good computer for transcription, mine seems to be bogged down, what I need - Posted By: Kat

How much Ram, processor anything should I be looking for? I have the Windows XP office to put in it, so I'm not concerned about that, but I want something with speed and can hold the software and everything. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! ~ Thanks

Delicate issue of where professional and personal life intersect sm - Posted By: Feeling a little soiled right now

I have someone I work with. It was suggested to me that I go and look this gal's MySpace page because she is a lesbian and she is rather "out" on her page.

Before I go any further, please be aware that I am not a bigot and I am not antigay and I am not judgmental. What I am is a professional and I am always aware of how I present myself based on my professionalism. I don't share whom I work for nor where the company is located because you never know who is listening and we transcribe sensitive information, after all. I have a wild side, to be sure, but that is not the business of my employer, and my employer is not the business of my friends or "party buddies." In short, ne'er the twain shall meet, and with good reason.

I don't give a tinker's about this gal being gay, not my business, whatever floats her boat. BUT she lists the name of the company we work for, where it is located and her supposed position there ON HER PUBLIC MYSPACE and on the same page has a lewd photograph depicting two women together...in an activity, shall we say.

I am not particularly offended by the photograph, it doesn't do anything for me, but I am not offended by it...on its own. What does offend me is the casual use of a company name and location, a place of business, MY professional place of business NAMED PUBLICLY across from an erotic photograph of a like-gendered couple in the buff! I would feel the exact same way if the couple were of both genders, believe me.

Just where is it appropriate to place business information on a nonbusiness site next to photographs depicting the lowest common denominator of human behavior? Am I the only one who is upset here?

Please check As the Doctor about Lipitor - Posted By: That forum is not very active and appreciate info

x

Psych MT's - Posted By: PJ

Are any of you Psychiatry only MTs - if so, who do you work for-are they hiring?

Foot pedal keyboard button? - Posted By: Dayna

I have had trouble with my feet while working the foot pedal. One of the services I worked for had a button attached to their keyboard where they could use that to start and stop the dictation, instead of the footpedal. I know theirs was proprietary, and I couldn't get one from them, but I just wondered if there was something like that out there that could be purchased? Has anybody else heard of this.

How to copy a glossary to a new computer - Posted By: Orianna

I have a new computer with IT existing that I would like to update with the old computer's glossary, especially one. I figured out how to email it to myself, but am not sure exactly step by step how to get it to the new computer. I am not sure if I'd be replacing the old one or updating it. The old one also has some includes, so it gets confusing from there. At this point, I would be content just to have the main glossary...I think...Eeek. Can someone help please? Thanks!

Word Autocorrect question... - Posted By: tia

I have a part time position that does not want abbreviations typed out if the doctor says them as an abbreviation except on diagnosis. I use auto correct in word as an expander. Need to know how, if it can be done, to stop the auto correct from extending out word or phrase when I just want the abbreviation without having to backspace to erase and correct. Anyone?

what board for support for depression? sm - Posted By: struggling

My job is totally getting to me and I thought there was a support board on here... I could use someone to talk to. TIA for any info.

Does anyone know where to find a listing of the V.A. Medical Center physicians? - Posted By: sm

Thanks for the help.

I AM MAD NOW - Posted By: Bunion

Okay people, I say we ALL write our local newspapers and get this information out about outsourcing medical records overseas. People will seriously think about it. We need someone with GREAT writing skill to make us an email we can copy and forward and sign our name to. We NEED to all vote on the best and do and see what happens. We have an opinion column in our local news paper and many, many people read it. I think some would be surprised at this information and it would catch on greatly. Who is a good writer, please let me know? This is a scarry situation for our jobs and the SECURITY of our information being let out of the great United States of America. Lets go people. Go, write on. I want a good, short and sweet explanation of what is going on in reality. Thank you

SRS

Advice on starting up own accounts.... sm msg - Posted By: Maggie

I have my biz cards ready to go. I have my letter partially ready to go, with sticky notes that I�ve designed as a promotional giveaway to insert into my packets. I need some advice/suggestions for startup. If I get �that� call and the customer wants digital rather than tapes, who pays for the handhelds? Do you all use an FTP site for return of documents, or some other way? What wav player do you suggest or use that works for you? I�ve tried GearPlayer, the trial download, which is very nice. I have had a lot of trouble with Express Scribe, so that is out. The audio skips and is just overall very bad. I have never had good luck with Express Scribe.

MS Natural multimedia keyboard deal for under $12 sm - Posted By: HappyFlaMT

I love this keyboard and have tried other ergonomic ones but none have been the right fit for me, and this model is discontinued. If you use this one, I just got a deal on ebay for $11.05 including shipping ($0.99 for the keyboard + 9.99 shipping + Florida sales tax). I'll be happy to get it here but wanted to pass along this information as this seller is only doing this price for the next couple of days - seller is "recycles" & item number is 200331770552.

Kittens being born..HELP... - Posted By: Carly d

any advice on what to do with these kittens? Mom has decided to have them in a paper grocery bag (did not like any of the places we had set up for her!) She is just a kitten herself, a stray who showed up pregnant. One has already been stillborn, not sure how many more to follow! I know to keep the other cats away from her, but I have got appointments in town all day and can't just have her in a paper sack? Is it okay to put her and the sack into one of the boxes or what? Any help would be appreciated...TIA, the new grandma!

Medrite - Posted By: shelly

Anyone familiar with the Medrite platform? I am a fairly new MT and a prospective employer uses Medrite.

tinnitus and headphone use? - Posted By: Chris

Has anyone had progressive tinnitus during their career while using headphones? I would like to know if anyone out there has had increasing tinnitus, ear fullness, ear pain, slight loss of hearing, dizziness, or even diagnosed with Meniere's disease during their career? If so, how are you dealing with it? What precautions are you using now to prevent further damage? Thanks in advance!

Taxes? - Posted By: ERL

I was wondering if there is anybody out there that pays there federal taxes quarterly? I think it is called Estimated Tax for Individuals, form 1040-ES.

Anyways, I want to do that but don't know how to go about getting is started.

Thanks in advance!!

I spent over 8 hours trying to get a problem out of my computer yesterday until - Posted By: 4 a.m. this morning. I HATE MTing.

I spend more time on the electronic, computer, mechanization of this stuff - I can't even do transcription.

I use to think being a hooker would be bad, but now I'm having second thoughts. And I definitely am having doubts that "creature comforts" are worth the pain of living in the so called civilized world we are in now.

Oh yeah, by the way, I spent 2 hours on hold altogether just trying to get to a tech support at NORTON! an hour trying to get tech support for my internet provider, another 6 hours screwing around with the computer - 2 hours the other day just moving it from one room to the other.

I am so out of here! They (the MT companies) can find some other *patsy* to sucker these costs onto.

I am FURIOUS and need advice...pronto - Posted By: totally not MT related...sm

Hey y'all,

This is totally not MT related, but...here goes; my D(ang) husband just called me and told me that his very good friend's (married man) friend (female...not his wife) just called my DH's cell phone looking for said MARRIED friend...

These 2 (friend and female caller) met this weekend at a local restaurant; he got too drunk to drive home (how attractive, right?), so she drove him home. Evidently, the friend gave the female his cell # PLUS MY DH'S cell # too! So this morning, she calls my husband looking for his so-called friend! I want this person's (I can't stand calling her a woman, much less a lady) number so I can call her and inform her that she better not EVER call my husband back looking for his MARRIED *friend*...but my husband won't give it to me!!!

Another thing...I am dying to call this *friend's* wife, as she and I are somewhat friends...(we've been to their kid's bday parties, her bday party, etc..., but we don't talk on a regular basis...) Give me some advice please...am I wrong for being so upset that he won't give me this #...I know when he gets home, it'll be deleted off his phone and I won't see the bill...his work pays for the phone! Help me please!!!

Is there a TV board or are you allowed to post - Posted By: comments here? Thank you.

ABC

Question for radiology transcription - Posted By: Lisa

I have done orthopedic transcription for about 4 years now and was wanting to give radiology transcription a try. There is currently a position open at a local hospital for a a radiology transcriptionist. What references do any of you suggest I get to help me. TIA

Silent Type - Posted By: Mary

Can anyone give me info on Silent Type? Thanks

Looking for Lillybelle - Posted By: bye-bye Birdie

Documented a bunch of stuff. First job contact was bizarre. Second one was lukewarm with one really offensive aspect. If you email me I can pass some info to you...it's rather cumbersome for the board.