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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

It probably is legal but certainly not ethical.

Posted By: x on 2005-11-28
In Reply to: If you haven't signed non-compete forms... - Curious

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Not exactly ethical, nor is it legal. nm
 
Regarding Ethical Help
There must be a reason why your MTSO has a strict policy about not ever talking to their clients. If I were an MTSO, I would want someone to give me some feedback and would not ever mention the ICs name who told me. If they have made an agreement to e-mail each other without telling the owner of the MT company, then I would say that the other three of you could be in jeopardy of your jobs. Make sure there is also a clause in your contract that states that an MT cannot steal a client from the MTSO. If that be the case, then you would not have to worry about giving the head's up to the situation. If not...then if I were you, I would give the head's up.
Ethical?

I am pasting the following from a post down the list.  Do you feel this is okay?  Apparentlly you do not work for a company where you have to log in, or they would be able to see that you are fudging your hours, no?  -  -  -


"Very few people are so fast that they can make a living at only 6-7 cpl within the confines of a 40-hr. week. It's often even hard to meet the minimum daily line requirement within an 8-hour day because of all the detective-work we have to do with names/addresses of doctors, brand-new medications not in the books yet, and poor-quality dictating. It's more common to work a 12-hour day and then have to write '8 hrs' on our timecards."


WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOT ETHICAL - ITS WAITRESSING -sm
what is not ethical about waitressing??? The clubs in this city have been around for 15+ years and all the clubs pay their waitresses in the same manner!! While it may not be legal, no one has ever gotten "caught" and the clubs have never gotten in trouble.

But get off your high horse about what is not ethical. Maybe you're just jealous of the fact that you cannot make that much extra money.
No. It's not fair. IMO, it's not even ethical. I saw
a pain management physician a few years back, but only went for 2 or 3 visits.  I was made to feel like one of their laboratory rats, with all the new pain meds that are on the market still being tests, and new "wonder" procedures they wanted to perform, and even though their specialty is pain management, it was like pulling teeth to get a prescription; I even had to sign a pain management contract.    Besides the weeks I waited to get the appointment, all the while in sheer agony, be prepared when you finally get in the door to wait just as long.  They think that your time isn't as valuable as theirs, and that you actually enjoy sitting there for hours flipping through 2 year old magazines.  As you can see, I have no faith or confidence in this fairly new 'speciality' -- just another money maker.  I do, however, wish you husband well. Please keep me informed.
A lot of legal transcription and legal jobs in
xx
Legal or what? IC help.
OK, I need some IC help please? I just quit my IC position and was told after the fact that I would NOT be paid for my last 30 days of working because I did not give proper notice per contract.   Well to make a long story short I didn't sign a contract.  So what would you seasoned ICs do?  
This is not legal
Sorry but this is not legal and if you get caught it can be insurance fraud with big consequences.  Legally and morally you should not be on his insurance coverage, if you chose to stay on it, live with yourself and the fear of "getting caught".   This is where our morals are going down the tube in this country.  Lie and cheat to get what we want and something for nothing. 
Med-Legal
if anyone does work for CMLS doing med-legal docs? If so, any feedback, good, bad, or indifferent would be appreciated. Thanks!
What I was doing is legal. sm
I was using a trial version to see if I liked it. I paid to have the complete 2003 version put on my new computer. I would not use a bootleg version software for work. That was my point. However, I hate to pay that much to put it on my son's computer just so he can take a single high school class. I may have to work it so he can use my computer to send his work in, because he needs Word format.
Regardless of whether it's legal or not, I think
At a time when hundreds of thousands of American jobs have been lost, with surely more to come this year, sending ANY job overseas that could be done by a better-qualified American is wrong.

Of course, they're not going to outlaw offshoring. But it needs to stop being such a cash cow for American businesses. Many of them know what they're doing is wrong, but do it anyway in order to make more money for themselves. Or they do it because they don't have the backbone to stand up to medical institution management who cuts MT expenditures because they basically know little to nothing about MT. To them it's just something they can easily cut without any guilt, because they don't have to face those workers every day in person.

The government needs it pointed out to them that there are at least 2 major benefits to taxing the offshoring of American work: (1) More money paid in taxes by big business, who can afford it. (2) Fewer Americans out of work, and once again paying taxes and contributing to the economy again, instead of having to RECEIVE money from the government in order to survive.
Regardless of whether it's legal or not, I think
At a time when hundreds of thousands of American jobs have been lost, with surely more to come this year, sending ANY job overseas that could be done by a better-qualified American is wrong.

Of course, they're not going to outlaw offshoring. But it needs to stop being such a cash cow for American businesses. Many of them know what they're doing is wrong, but do it anyway in order to make more money for themselves. Or they do it because they don't have the backbone to stand up to medical institution management who cuts MT expenditures because they basically know little to nothing about MT. To them it's just something they can easily cut without any guilt, because they don't have to face those workers every day in person.

The government needs it pointed out to them that there are at least 2 major benefits to taxing the offshoring of American work: (1) More money paid in taxes by big business, who can afford it. (2) Fewer Americans out of work, and once again paying taxes and contributing to the economy again, instead of having to RECEIVE money from the government in order to survive.
legal
Have you thought of doing legal transcription for a company? I don't know of any, but I wonder if there aren't some out there? Makes sense. Hope your travels are fun!
Of course it's legal - It's Your Job
Are you working for an MTSO?  They may even decide to put you on a new account every other day!  Yes, they can do that.  Have had it done to me many times.  Had to get used to it.  You have not really given this a lot of time.  With time comes experience and $$.  You will become more knowledgable and faster at what you do.  It does really matter whether they did it now or later, you would still be on a new account that you did not know.  Besides, you said yourself you are struggling, what if you like the new account better!!!
The last of my brood will be legal age when I'm your age.
Originally, we had planned on retiring from our jobs and being done raising kids by 40 years old.  It didn't work out that way!   LOL  There's something to be said for having kids later in life after your career is established and you've learned patience.
Legal transcription
Has anybody transcribed legal notes?  If so, did you find easier or about the same as medical?  Just curious.
Legal Transcription
It depends what type of law is involved. Patent/tax is dull and boring. I worked for years as a legal Transcriptionist for an auto company in product litigation. This was not boring. As far as difficulty, medical transcription has much more to learn.
Call Legal Aid and sue her
.
Legal action
First of all, my condolences to you and your wife. I feel for you. I lost an adult child 14 years ago. Among the many aspects of grief, the realities of your deceased child's legal affairs can be a nightmare. I am not a legal expert and I don't know if any legal changes have been made in the past years. At the time our son died he left behind a student loan for $13,000.00 and a personal loan for about $5,000.00. He was over the age of 21 when he signed for these loans. It was a nightmare for me and my husband. These creditors hounded us and threatened to get the money from us even though our son was 23 at the time of his death. One creditor even tainted our credit report because my son and his father had the same name. It was a complete nightmare for a couple of years. We sought legal advice, send copies of the death certificate to the creditors several times, and eventually things got straightened out. In your case you have an individual who claims money is owed to him. Did you daughter have a will? I assume she was still legally married. I would definitely seek legal advice. I doubt this individual can force you to pay on her debt if there indeed was one. However, you can stop the harassment by legal means. Seek legal counsel. The last thing you need is this aggravation. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
not a legal anything anymore
You really need to speak with an attorney about this. I see several issues: 1- she was not divorced, as I understand it, so her husband might have rights to the m/c; 2- Dependant on the existance (I spelled that wrong huh) of a will, who knows who actually owns the bike; but, 3- if the bike is in her name on the title, and there is no leinholder, odds are, the seller has no legal footing (unless there's a contract of sorts with receipts to verify his legal standing).... it boils down to, talk to an attorney in your state, laws vary so much state to state.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and so sorry this had to pop up to get in the way of your grieving and healing process.
Has anyone ever done legal transcription? sm
Just wondering what it is like, how you get into it.  Thanks for any info!  Have a great day.
Legal Transcription
Yes, I have done legal transcription before I became an MT. I absolutely loved it! It wasn't just depositions (which weren't that bad to me), but letters, all court documents, everything involved in a legal office. I had no problems with it. This was about 10 years ago. It was a temporary position, and I was later offered a permanent position with them which I would have taken in a heartbeat had I not been pregnant for my now-9-year-old son and in the process of moving. Actually, at the time I worked there, it was considered a legal "word processor" but most of the work was transcription from tapes. It was great!
No legal training, but...
I did have secretarial and word processing experience. I think my average wpm back then may have been about 80-90 wpm. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to type/transcribe and is good with the English language, grammar, and spelling!
Legal issue
Received an email from the company with an attachment that says we have to sign it, giving them the right to access at any time our email and computer files.  We do not have email through the company and the computer is mine, not theirs.   Why would I be required to sign this to keep my job?  It's none of their business what's on my personal computer or what's in my emails!!!
Legal issue
They have absolutely no right to your private emails or personal files. If it is your computer, they have no legal right to access it in any way, actually, without your permission.

Check with an attorney.....I did.
Legal issue
My business attorney said NOT to sign such an agreement. They are free to access my MQ computer but not my personal computer. We have confidential financial data on there.
I was told that it's not legal.
You have to own the CD of the music you're downloading to your MP3 player. It's the same as burning copies of movies and CDs for people, which is not legal either.
legal proceedings sm
I was told by one MTSO that once they sign it, "they own it," but I never did aspire to that rule. I called each client individually before I changed a report to "save them" from making a mistake. I believe that most lawyers would go to any length to pin an error on anyone. I also did court transcripts for awhile and the lawyer asked the doctor on the stand how he dictated his reports, to whom and what the initials at the end of the report were. The report ended up being transcribed at a service I used to work for via their telephone system. I do not know the outcome of the case or any other involvement, as I only did part of the transcript, but believe me, you should worry. I don't want to lose everything I've built up in my life to greed. Be really careful, especially when someone else can edit what you did under your initials. This is why I am so against "editing" and worry about how much anything I transcribe could be altered. I always refused to give out "disks" accompanying my dictation, stating that I would not allow "altering" of my transcription. Think I'm being an old "fuddy duddy" I am sure, but I can sleep at night. Be aware that this is a sue-happy world. Would love to hear if anyone ever experienced going to court. Please come forward or was asked to alter a record that was going to court.
Legal Transcription

Hi,


How would a person go about getting into legal transcription from medical transcription? Would you have to go to school for it or is there an easier way? 


Thanks in advance.


I went from legal to medical
I originally went to school for legal secretary/transcriptionist, but had a hard time finding a job with any benefits. So, I went back for medical secretary/transcription and have been doing this for 9 years now. I found that they really are two totally different areas. Granted, you have the heads up on knowing how to transcribe, work, etc. I think you would need some medical terminology classes and anatomy as many words sound the same, but spelling differs depending on body area you are talking about. There might be an online course or something, such wasn't the case when I went years ago.

I wish you the best!!!!

Legal transcription
Excellent idea. I think I'll consider it as well! Insightful perspective, especially if MTs have to carry some sort of Errors/Omissions insurance as was talked about in AAMT.
Boston Legal!!!
and Survivor, Apprentice, and Monk. I tape most of them and watch them if the system is down or when I have ***precious time off***
You want Legal Eagle I believe.
   ,
someone must know someone in legal field
nm
Legal documents
I worked for an attorney for a while and also have a 2500 page transcript from my BIL's federal drug case and everything was done on legal sized paper - lots of quotes, etc. I wouldn't do editing of that sort of work for $1 a page - or even $3 - $6-$10 - yes. There's probably more money in that than there is in transcription - we MTs just haven't found it yet.
Legal question

I don't know what you can do legally, but I would definitely contact the client and straighten out any damage she may have caused. 


What you're trying to do is not legal.
You're trying to use one copy on both computers. That's why you're getting the message. If you want it on two computers, pony up and buy a legal copy for the second computer. You may not like it, but it's what the rest of us have to do.
Legal transcription?

Talked to my friend.  There are books for it too.  Not as hard as medical transcription! 


Legal question.
As a employee with benefits and 4 years with a company, is it legal for them to call you and say they no longer need your services without any notice?
Is this legal or just not very smart? (sm)
I have a cardiologist who dictates from a template.  Even if he does not mention things from the template, they are to be left in (negatives and positives).  This includes in the PE a respiratory rate of 12.  He never mentions it, but I have been told to leave it in.  The odds of every patient he sees having a respiratory rate of 12 are pretty astronomical, and I think a lawyer could have fun with this if pressed.  My supervisor agrees but feels we should give the client what they want. 
Why would there be legal implications?
It could be quoted to establish the patient's state of mind, intensity of his pain, intent for some action, or for any reason. If it is a direct quote we transcribe it verbatim. If it is something at a particular doctor dictates frequently and morally you do not feel you can transcribe it, then tell your MTSO/supervisor you don't want to transcribe for that doctor/account any more.
Different legal approaches perhaps, but
still company is required to pay for contracted work. If you fire an employee or contractor, you still need to pay the person what is owed to them. I am sure the state board would be interested either way and I called and left a message. Will continue to work on it until the issue is resolved.
I too want to get into legal transcription
Could you email me the service you work for? Or direct me in the right way of finding one. I think I would be more productive in legal/general transcription as that is where I got started.
Legal question
Hi all!

I am considering starting a business transcribing reports for students. I live in a college town and I think this would be a good idea. Like transcribing lectures, reports, etc. Would this be considered legal? As long as I am transcribing exactly what is said then I am not writing the report for them right?

Thanks for any info!
legal transcriptions...sm
Cold you please explain a little further why you hated legal transcriptions?
Does one also go through a training for that and needs a certificate for that?
Also ASR?
I guess payment is equal to MT?
Thanks


legal tx is very different from medical (sm)
I've never actually done legal transcription, but I have done legal editing, so I know for a fact it's an entirely different world....Legal transcripts MUST be verbatim - no exceptions; one transcript can be hundreds of pages long; there are multiple speakers who may or may not be clearly identified and who frequently aren't easy to hear if they're too far away from a microphone or shuffling through papers while they're speaking; and because every hearing is different and must be verbatim, tools such as Expanders or macros are virtually useless.

It's very interesting work, but very, very difficult.
legal transcription

I am so burned out on this MT stuff, with all the work going elsewhere, etc.  I also have an associates degree in legal but that was MANY years ago.  Any idea about some online class to take for refresher course, etc.  Is there any more work in the legal field than medical? 


I do not live anywhere near a community college to take classes so that is really not an option.  Anyone hear anything about being a scopist?  I did take a couple semesters for that some time ago, but maybe it has changed since then. 


Thanks for any information. 


legal transcription

I am so burned out on this MT stuff, with all the work going elsewhere, etc.  I also have an associates degree in legal but that was MANY years ago.  Any idea about some online class to take for refresher course, etc.  Is there any more work in the legal field than medical? 


I do not live anywhere near a community college to take classes so that is really not an option.  Anyone hear anything about being a scopist?  I did take a couple semesters for that some time ago, but maybe it has changed since then. 


Thanks for any information. 


Is this legal? I just started with this

new company about 1-1/2 months ago, having 6-7 years' experience as an MT prior but not having worked for 3 years in this field. I'm BARELY getting up to speed to average over $6.00 per hour (7 cpl), and they are sending out emails we have to do mandatory jobs on other accounts to get them caught up. Now, we all know this is going to slow us down to learn new account specifics, docs, etc., so how is this legal that I MUST make LESS to do these other jobs? If this were not a job paid by productivity, I would have no problem, but this is absurd and unjust. I'm making BELOW minimum wage as it is right now!


And I must say how appalled I am at what has happened to the MT field since I've been gone these 3 short years. Not only has the rate of pay per line gone DOWN, the minimun lines per hour has gone UP, yet the rate of our quality scores has stayed the same. It takes much skill and knowledge to be an MT, not anyone off the street to do this and start typing. I am absolutely appalled and dismayed at the lack of respect given to this field.


 


yes, legal to ASK--not force as

mandatory. Again, I've worked for other companies before, and I've either been very lucky or, as I've stated, this field has gone much downhill and there is less respect for the work and skills of MTs than ever.


No, it's not their job to give me an easy living, but neither is it my job to lose what little money I do make--compared to their ????--because they've overloaded themselves in their greediness to take on more accounts when they know they don't have enough MTs to cover it.


No, it doesn't sound legal.
I'd be contacting the department of labor, better business bureau, FTC, etc.  There are lawsuits out there where MTSOs tried to withhold pay from ICs.  The ICs won.