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Be very careful with regard to this company. nm.

Posted By: Ex-OSI on 2005-09-14
In Reply to: PEEP THIS OSI'ers - this was posted 9/14/2005, yes 2005

nm.


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How can you feel loyalty to a company that so clearly has no regard for a large portion of its MTs.
;O
Write it off. And be careful who you work for. I had the same problem with local company.
What's your time worth to take these people to small claims court? And what was pointed out to me after doing the research is even if you win in small claims court, there is no way to collect it. Since the company is a bad debt anyway, they aren't going to pay you because you win a small claims court judgement.
I agree with MOMT, but be careful not to print company names or you'll

p


Regard or regards?

Dear Dr. X

I am writing you in regards/regard  to John Smith 


Regard/regards
It would be in regard to.

I have been instructed that regards is only used for things such as "best regards", etc. Hope this helps.
Not in that regard - SM
I'm allowed to correct for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc., especially with the ESLs. I keep such "fiddling" to an absolute minimum to achieve a clear dictation and otherwise it's verbatim or blanked.
Willing to what? Have no regard for the people
"below" them who help keep their practices going or for the transcriptionists listening to their lousy dictation skills. While I may not have chosen to be a physician, I work just as hard to make my money as they do (probably harder), do a good job, I might add, and still have to listen to mushmouthed, letsseehowmanywordsicansaybeforeistoptotakeabreath, or just rude and inconsiderate physicians who don't care how the folks who keep them going feel. Sorry, just had to vent, because while there are some very pleasant physicians, most that I have met are incredibly arrogant people.
In regard to OH LORD
Per administrator you need to show some kindness to the new MTs. I doubt you yourself were so wonderful when you first started out. Try to remember we are all HUMAN and we all error at some point in our lives.
Yeah..I know what you mean in that regard--sm
I have transcribed dictations by doctors who have been intoxicated at the time of dictation, done at 5 in the morning and he is in surgery by 7 in the morning. This really scares me. I have also done dictations by doctors who are felons. Physicians used to be highly respected and were above reproach. I wonder now about that, too. Ethics seems to have flown out the window these days. These are just my experiences and my opinions. I am not saying that ALL doctors are this way, but the few make it bad for the majority.
Oh believe I have no problems in this regard.
And then proceed to post the line rate as if some MTSO will pay a sub 14 cpl.  No need to be defensive unless of course you're feeling the need to be bashing like our first post was intended to do. 
You are absolutely right in this regard.

I've been in this field for 20 some years and I have my own accounts by the physicians asking me personally from being on site and seeing how fast I type.


Unless you have connections, it's pretty hard to start your own business and offer up your services for cheaper than a national can.  Also, you would have to be flexible and have a call in system, do tapes, go digital, etc., etc. especially in this day and age.


I agree with this above poster; it's not so easy these days.


I consider myself very lucky in this regard
No, my hands do not hurt and this is 8 hours straight. Most of this is VR now (appx 95% of the day) but some straight. Before VR I typed over 2000 per 8 hour period for, hmmm for the past 20+ years. I know people who have had real problems with so much typing but so far, so good here.
In regard to your comment
"Are you so desperate to improve your looks?" - I am not the original poster and don't know anything about the lifestyle lift.

I had commented on my sister's face lift (not a lifestyle lift) which makes her look 15 years younger (but still like herself). She also changed her hairstyle at that time, so I think that's what people attribute to her looking so great for her age. She did not have the type of sutures you are referring to.

The reason I started to think you might think there is actually is plastic involved because you made some comment regarding it falling apart (or something of that nature).

It's great you would never do it. It would be nice if no one had anything done ... then we all wouldn't have to be compared to those who have!

I must tell you though, you really are quite charming.

In regard to the below topic concerning pay rates...

Does anyone else find it odd that the very select few of highly paid MTs, (making between 12 - 17 cpl)  are bold enough to write a post stating outright how much they make and how much they are worth.  But when questioned over and over about who these companies are that pay so well, no one volunteers even one name.


This bothers me for two reasons. 


1)  We're in a recession and many of your fellow MTs are struggling to feed their families and would benefit greatly from the same opportunity. 


2)  None of you are making these insane line rates and likely are just bored out of your mind because you are actually unemployed, which would explain why you have so much time to come here and fabricate things to post about.


No offense to anyone, but I find it incredibly frustrating to read your posts just to have my questions to you blatantly ignored.  If you aren't bold enough to answer, just have the common courtesy to say so.   I hope I'm dead wrong, but whether I am or not, the result is the same because none of you have the nads to speak up and give us some names!  If you aren't going to share information and make a difference, why bother?


You have GOT to be talking about Transcend. What a MESS in that regard!
I threw in the towel after a few months, and regret that I waited that long. What a waste of my precious time! It was such a giant step for me back in time having to shuffle thru reams of paper, and most of which make no sense at all - no rhyme or reason to 50 pages of random rules, each and every silly report that pops into my computer. Uggghhh. It NEVER got better - actually worse when changes came in nearly daily and the whole mess was jumbled around again, with my highlighting and hints obsolete! I heard other parts of Transcend under different supervisors went smoothly, but the different accounts I tried were all the pits!! Forget about transcribing! Had to go thru hurdles to get there!
LAW WITH REGARD TO UNPAID TRAINING, UNPAID WAIT TIME, DOWNTIME, ETC.

I was doing some research and just thought I would share it here. 


----------


http://en.allexperts.com/q/Employment-Law-924/2008/3/unpaid-training.htm


Question
I'm a part time security officer.  The contract is changing hands where i work (large corporate facility)...the location stays the same but a new company takes over the new contract next week.  The incoming company has advised everyone that they must attend a mandatory unpaid training class.  Is this legal?


Answer


Expert: Shirley McAllister, CPP, PHR
Date: 3/28/2008
Subject: unpaid training


It is not legal.



Here is the ruling from the Department of Labor Website at


http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs22.pdf


Lectures, Meetings and Training Programs: Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time only if four criteria are met, namely: it is outside normal hours, it is voluntary, not job related, and no other work is concurrently performed.


Since the meetings are not voluntary you must be paid to attend them.


FURTHER:


29 CFR 785.27 - General.
Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time if the following four criteria are met:
(a) Attendance is outside of the employee's regular working hours;
(b) Attendance is in fact voluntary;
(c) The course, lecture, or meeting is not directly related to the employee's job; and
(d) The employee does not perform any productive work during such attendance.


IF THE ABOVE 4 CRITERIA ARE NOT MET, THEN THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE PAID FOR THE TRAINING/MEETING TIME.


29 CFR 785.28 - Involuntary attendance.
Attendance is not voluntary, of course, if it is required by the employer. It is not voluntary in fact if the employee is given to understand or led to believe that his present working conditions or the continuance of his employment would be adversely affected by nonattendance.
__________________


ICs and unpaid trainings:


http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59022


----------------


FURTHER
(FROM http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/hoursworked/screen1d.asp)


Waiting for Work
Time which an employee is required to be at work or allowed to work for his or her employer is hours worked. A person hired to do nothing or to do nothing but wait for something to do or something to happen is still working. The Supreme Court has stated that employees subject to the FLSA must be paid for all the time spent in "physical or mental exertion (whether burdensome or not) controlled or required by the employer and pursued necessarily and primarily for the benefit of the employer of his business."


Place of Work
Hours worked include all the time during which an employee is required or allowed to perform work for an employer, regardless of where the work is done, whether on the employer’s premises, at a designated work place, at home or at some other location.
------------


DOL.GOV, WAGE AND HOUR OFFICES:


Having trouble finding your answer on our website?


Call the Wage and Hour Division’s toll-free help line:
1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
TTY: 1-877-889-5627
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time


 


With regard to Jester's Touch. Ms. Jester contacted me via email
this morning to announce that she has "been told to cease any other communications" with MTStars.  As well, she has told a tissue of lies regarding the labor board denying Ms. Latta's case.  I have learned this morning that the case has NOT been denied and is still being processed. 

Be VERY careful.
That kind of cruelty to animals is an indication of a very deep problem. You are a much better person than I would have been under the circumstances. I don't care what kind of sob story he tried to spin, I'd have sued him for everything he had for the false police report AND pressed charges for animal cruelty. At the very least, you might want to ask him to retract his accusations IN WRITING and send copies to the police department and the animal control folks, just in case the girl tries on some other type of false accusation to get attention. Your good heart is admirable and I am humbled by your charitable reaction, but at the same time, you must protect yourself, your family, and your innocent dog. JMHO.
Soy can also help, but you have to be careful...
as soy also can inhibit the thyroid  function.  One serving a day is all that is recommended to help with menopausal symptoms. 
Thank you! Be careful though,
horsewhipped for your "liberal agenda".
OSI be careful?
Why?
be careful
I wouldn't use a vacuum, some of the parts are tiny and you could end up sucking them up. The canned air is better, it won't damage anything.
Me, too, but be careful (sm)

I read something about a prostate being dictated as a _______ cc prostate, which needed to remain as is. Anybody know?


Seriously, he does need to be careful what he
nm
Be careful with that!
When you get paid by the line, you get paid by the number of lines times your cpl. Usually a line is 65 characters including spaces. When you get paid by the character, that can often (although not always) mean getting paid by actual character strokes--AND THAT CAN GET YOU BURNED. If you use an expander, as any intelligent MT would do, you won't be paid for the letters your Expander adds to the document--only for the actual keystrokes. For example, if you type "djd;" and that expanded to "degenerative disk disease," you would only be paid for four characters as opposed to the 25 characters you SHOULD be paid for. Some companies do it this way, some don't. Make sure you check it out COMPLETELY!
I'd be careful sm
$1.20 for plain films would be OK. $1.20 for MRIs, Angios, etc would be a rip off. Make sure you have a good mix of reports.
Be careful about doing this...
I've tried this and couldn't access anything with the control set to the highest (no nudity, violence, etc), but when control set to medium or mild, could access EVERYTHING...including nudity, violence, etc.  So for me, it didn't work that well...it is like all or nothing...good luck though
be very careful
From my own personal experience what they really probably want is to buy your clients and keep your name and reputation.  I worked for a small local company - they wooed the woman with promises of big money.  she had to sign a non compete contract so she could never get the accounts back - and most of them were very dissatisfied with the indian work and dropped the service - when they dropped the service - the indians said that negated the money they had promised her.  She didn't get most of it.  They are obnoxious - promise the moon.  They wanted me to stay on as QA - work was ghastly.  They expect you to work the hours that they do - very long 12-14 hour days.  Aren't very understanding about emergencies or vacations - they don't get them. 
be careful...
I don't use a code. If you live in a state that collects sales tax on services, you may end up owing money for that even though you are an IC. Every state is different and I got nailed before I moved for a bunch of $$. I fought it and won, but my attorney advised me to leave it blank on the tax return from now on or at least until it was specific enough.
Be careful
I worked for them for a short while. Lisa is rude and mean. There are some very nice editors though. It would be a nice place to get some experience but if you have other options, take them. The pay isn't great, no benefits. They also charge 5.00 for mispelled names, even if the report is only worth 1.25. Slow platform
careful
Verizon just won a lawsuit against them for stealing software or something....they lost and have to pay Verizon 58 million. Even if they do stay in business, that has got to reflect on their pricing in the long run.
Please be careful
Yes, the only way to make it in this business is to pound faster, pound longer and/or pound for more than one.  You are already having physical problems.  If you go the pound faster/pound longer route, they are only going to get worse to the point that you may not be able to pound at all.  Can you afford that?  Can you afford the medical bills?  You know the doc is going to tell you to back off the work.  Studies on carpal tunnel syndrome indicate that stress is often a factor - thus why some people can do this job for a long time without apparent problems and others can't.  You need to find a comfortable work zone and stay in it.  Scribbles is right.  How well you do isn't work ethic alone.  It also depends on how good, or at the very least, how stable your accounts are.  It's also about working smart.  Use your Expander to best advantage.  Use the platform and its keyboard shortcuts to best advantage.  Good luck, but be careful!
be careful of this
About 8 months ago, I got screwed up with a dell computer because the salesperson steered me wrong. I told him exactly I needed XP on it and he said that vista can work find with companies using xp, and this salesperon was in the US.  The computer he sold me was not compatable with companies using XP, and tech support told me they will help you take vista off and load xp on it but they are not obligated to give you tech support after XP is loaded.  At least that is what I was told.  After pulling teeth I finally got my account credited. 
be careful
If it's the place in Kentucky, I worked for them for a few months last year (and by the way have STILL not received tax info for the year - they have to send me SOMETHING, even though I was classified as independent contractor). Things went well for a while but every time you start making money with one account, they switch you out to another so it's constant relearning and it's a while till you can make any money. They switched me out 5 times in 3 months!!! Also, the owner is a little "odd" and another higher up told me she had some "problems". Be careful!
Be very careful about doing this
I do not think you pay for a business line (you may, but did not say) in which case if you tell them you are using the line for business, it may wind up causing you very big bucks. They could switch you from a regular line to a business line and I think that is ?? between 300 and 400 a month. I would not pursue this unless you are getting a business line in the first place and want to complain about it. BYW, I stopped service with them a couple of months ago because of the extreme charges to me (on regular landline, over 40 something a month, too much). I love my new internet with Charter, speech much faster.
I think I'd be careful
about piggybacking on someone's WiFi, especially from a business.  I think (don't have exact info) there have been cases of people being arrested for that.  I think it's kind of a gray area, but I believe there are fines and possibly prison sentence if you're caught.  But many say so it's there own fault if they're going to have it wide open for anyone wandering by, but I can see a business trying to get nasty if they find out someone is using their broadband or getting in and not paying at places.
Be careful

I coded, billed and posted before I was an MT.  I'd like to make 2 points here.


1).  Yes, you'll be guessing.  And you won't know if your guess was right (payable) or not unless you are actually posting what got billed and see what got rejected.  IMHO, coding is a guessing game that insurers don't want you to win, hence the constant changes in the rules.  If you can get your facility to send you to day seminars such as "Coding for Optimal Reimbursement", it may help.  Make sure your coding manuals are the VERY latest version, at the least.


2).  You can and will be held liable in cases regarding Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.  According to the feds, "ignorance is no excuse" for making mistakes in coding, yet they refuse guidance to anyone trying to do it, annually giving out constantly changing vague rules that force you to guess.  They do random audits and they are quick to scream fraud at honest mistakes.  The feds are hostile to doctors and are basically setting them up to fail so they can scream fraud and demand ALL their money back someday.  They will not only blame the doctor and the facility, but the coder herself, and there can be heavy fines/jail time for offenders.  Has your facility addressed in any way what they would "do" in the case of an audit to help YOU, such as provide you with access to the facility lawers?  Or will they gladly push the blame onto their uneducated coders and let them take a fall?


So be very, very careful.  Be certain the reason for the exam matches the code. If someone asks you to change a code, make sure there is documentation to prove that code.  Example - "rule out DVT" may be the reason for the exam.  DO NOT use code for "DVT" unless the patient actually has DVT.  Otherwise use a screening code (they start with V, I think, its been a few years since I did this).  If that's not payable, too bad for the facility.  If you go ahead and put DVT and the patient does not have it - that can be construed as "fraud" by the feds.


Good luck, and CYA.


Be careful

I was told I had to use an adapter when I switched companies and had to switch foot pedals.  I had nothing but problems with it.  I would press on the foot pedal and nothing would happen.  I would have to slam my foot down 3-4 times to get it to go.  I happen to have a laptop with a docking station that has 2 ports so I got rid of the adapter.


Your monitor should be plugged into a video port not a serial port.  If you don't have a serial port, you can possibly purchase one.  If you have a desktop and you have an open slot then you can buy one and install it.  If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, see if there's a geek squad or something near you.


Be careful
I personally use a laptop but mine was one a company was getting rid of because of buying new equipment.  Whenever I go somewhere, I know the system that I will be using has the security I need.  I don't know about libraries or places that use WiFi but you should be using a network with a firewall to be compliant with HIPAA practices.  Laptops have become the way to go if you are ever going to use it elsewhere or if you want to get Wireless in your house you can work in multiple places.  Just be aware of your security levels.
BE CAREFUL

I just watched a video online from AmeriPlan and I shut if off when the host said, "What else of this value would only cost 95 dollars?"..be careful--you should not have to pay for a job.


Careful what you wish for. New

x


You have to be careful.
Sorry to "butt in," but since I happen to be here at the moment may I add my cautionary advice?

Yes, many free AV programs are safe, but there ARE those out there that purport to be antivirus software (or antispyware, or other freeware offerings) which are actually malicious.

So, when contemplating using a free AV program, make sure it's one of those recognized as safe and effective (AVG, Avira, Avast!, and a few others) and don't download and install one without checking it out with experienced users first ... and always download either from the actual site offering the program (AVG's, Avira's, etc.) or a well-known and trusted third-party site (like CNET's Download.com and a few other biggies), rather than an unknown 3rd-party site that may have slipped a trojan in on ya. :-)
Be careful!
You can order a Dell directly with XP already installed, which is the best route to go, as I much prefer XP over Vista ANYDAY!!

BUT, if Vista is already on your computer and you install XP, it will downgrade your OS and your warranty will no longer be in effect. Even the downgrade XP disc they send with computers with Vista already installed will void your warranty but you won't know this unless you talk with a tech or a Dell customer service rep. This is the case with most all downgrades to XP though.

I would get Dell to directly install XP..... you certainly don't want to void your warranty.


Please be careful
...when doing Pilates anything. It's very easy to get hurt with these exercises. And since you're using a machine with no instructions be extra cautious. I'm perhaps being too motherly but since it takes many chiropractor trips and massage therapy to Undo what one wrong move Can do, I think a little caution is in order.

Please let us know how your new machine is working out for ya. I've been looking into some equipment myself that's not bulky or big that I can use, like the Total Gym.
Can't be too careful anymore.
Very wise call.
p.s.: careful not to heat too much

Be strong, but be careful. sm

He sounds like the type that knows better than to come to your house and violate a protection order, but you never, ever know and it's still early yet. Keep your doors locked.


My ex was "pre-protection order"  (i.e. many years back) and he got through the basement window and was sitting at my kitchen table in the pitch dark. I can still hear him sneer, "Did you have fun with your boyfriend?"


I was grocery shopping and my mother was watching the kids. I got lucky because he really didn't want to kill me, just control me.


He finally gave up on me when I found and eventually  married  a great guy that doesn't expect me to fold towels in high heels and "poofy hair".


Sad part of that story is that he also disowned his own kids. But, after 15 years, the kids have realized that it was neither my fault or theirs. Their "father" lives with me. Their "donor dad" is living 5 miles away, a recluse, and drinking himself to death.


I send him a case of vodka on his birthday every year. Just kidding! 


Be careful if you get an Amazon.
When they reach sexual maturity at about 3-4 years of age, they can become quite aggressive and attack their owners, often inflicting severe wounds. If you have children, an Amazon is not a good choice. Be mindful that any parrot you get will almost definitely outlive you. Also, please consider adopting from a rescue. There are many wonderful parrots out there in need of homes and it is a growing problem, as people don't realize what they're getting into. Having a parrot is like having a 2-year-old child forever, with all of the problems that come with it.
Be careful. If you were a heavy
PRD user, you will be disappointed with Autocorrect. Also, Autocorrect is not a stable program and may crash if you go over 12000 terms in it.
but you have to be careful. There are alot of sm
them out there and some will charge you a percentage. If you go to the counseling service that is run by the United Way or something, that is reputable. In my town it is just called Consumer Credit Counseling, but it is a United Way Agency. They don't charge you anything except maybe a 5 or 10 dollar a month fee for "postage and handling" and I don't think you are required to do that.

I have heard folks say it will ruin their credit, but it has been my experience that after you get that far, your credit is pretty much damaged anyway. I had a good experience with them.
be careful about the handling of that




When Is a Debt Canceled  (IRS.GOV)



A debt is canceled on the date an identifiable event occurs. An identifiable event is:





  1. A discharge in bankruptcy under Title 11 of the U.S. Code for business or investment debt (see Exceptions on this page).



  2. A cancellation or extinguishment making the debt unenforceable in a receivership, foreclosure, or similar federal or state court proceeding.



  3. A cancellation or extinguishment when the statute of limitations for collecting the debt expires, or when the statutory period for filing a claim or beginning a deficiency judgment proceeding expires. Expiration of the statute of limitations is an identifiable event only when a debtor's affirmative statute of limitations defense is upheld in a final judgment or decision of a court and the appeal period has expired.



  4. A cancellation or extinguishment when the creditor elects foreclosure remedies that by law end or bar the creditor's right to collect the debt. This event applies to a mortgage lender or holder who is barred by local law from pursuing debt collection after a “power of sale” in the mortgage or deed of trust is exercised.



  5. A cancellation or extinguishment due to a probate or similar proceeding.



  6. A discharge of indebtedness under an agreement between the creditor and the debtor to cancel the debt at less than full consideration.



  7. A discharge of indebtedness because of a decision or a defined policy of the creditor to discontinue collection activity and cancel the debt. A creditor's defined policy can be in writing or an established business practice of the creditor. A creditor's practice to stop collection activity and abandon a debt when a particular nonpayment period expires is a defined policy.



  8. The expiration of nonpayment testing period. This event occurs when the creditor has not received a payment on the debt during the testing period. The testing period is a 36-month period ending on December 31 plus any time when the creditor was precluded from collection activity by a stay in bankruptcy or similar bar under state or local law. The creditor can rebut the occurrence of this identifiable event if:





    1. The creditor (or a third-party collection agency) has engaged in significant bona fide collection activity during the 12-month period ending on December 31 or



    2. Facts and circumstances that exist on January 31 following the end of the 36-month period indicate that the debt was not canceled.



    Significant bona fide collection activity does not include nominal or ministerial collection action, such as an automated mailing. Facts and circumstances indicating that a debt was not canceled include the existence of a lien relating to the debt (up to the value of the security) or the sale or packaging for sale of the debt by the creditor.







Exceptions



You are not required to report on Form 1099-C the following:





  1. Certain bankruptcies. You are not required to report a debt canceled in bankruptcy unless you know from information included in your books and records that the debt was incurred for business or investment purposes. If you are required to report a business or investment debt canceled in bankruptcy, report it for the later of:





    1. The year in which the amount of canceled debt first can be determined or



    2. The year in which the debt is canceled in bankruptcy.



    A debt is incurred for business if it is incurred in connection with the conduct of any trade or business other than the trade or business of performing services as an employee. A debt is incurred for investment if it is incurred to purchase property held for investment (as defined in section 163(d)(5)).



  2. Interest. You are not required to report interest. However, if you choose to report interest as part of the canceled debt in box 2, you must show the interest separately in box 3.



  3. Nonprincipal amounts. Nonprincipal amounts include penalties, fines, fees, and administrative costs. For a lending transaction, you are not required to report any amount other than stated principal. A lending transaction occurs when a lender loans money to, or makes advances on behalf of, a borrower (including revolving credit and lines of credit). For a nonlending transaction, nonprincipal amounts are included in the debt. However, until further guidance is issued, no penalties will be imposed for failure to report these amounts in nonlending transactions