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beware of "settling" an account

Posted By: Patti on 2006-04-11
In Reply to: Can you elaborate? (sm) - credit chaos

When you settle an account with a credit card company for a specified amount, i.e. you own $9,000  and they settle for half of that amount, one of two things can happen.  They will sell that other $4500 to another collection agency who will attempt to get it from you even though you settled with #1.  Or they will give you a 1099-C cancellation of debt and you have to include whatever amount that they cancel on your account as "income" just like you would if you were an I/C and got a 1099 and then pay income tax on it.   So watch out for those two things when settling with a credit card company, search it out entirely.  The only way these can be avoided is with a Chapter 13 -- and I do speak from experience, not just spouting words and it is not just something I have not personally experienced. 


Patti




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Beware!
I ended up with back problems because of it.  No good!  I force myself not to these days.
But Beware!
I am just now taking a "desperate" client through the process of going to digital. It is very simple and easy for most offices to go digital but if they want transcription yesterday because it is piling up and don't know where the "on" button is on a computer, it can be a nightmare. Two weeks later and I still don't know if I really have a new account because she still can't figure out how to transfer the files from the recorder to the computer. Argh!
BEWARE!!
I'm not a negative MT. Most of the companies I've worked for were either great or ok. Some were fine, they just didn't work for me. I've only had really bad experiences with Medscribe, and Toth. TOTH TRANSCRIPTION IS BY FAR THE WORST COMPANY OUT THERE!!! This man threatened me when I told him I would not type any more until I received the month's wages he owed me. He threatened to sue me and physically hurt me. Whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAN AND THIS COMPANY!! They pay slave wages anyway, if you're lucky enough to be paid at all.
Beware of Bytescribe
Just a head ups about Bytescribe.  While the program itself is great, beware that it can only be reinstalled 3 times even on the same computer.  So, if you are unlucky enough to have to replace or reformat your computer, your Bytescribe program will no longer be of any use to you after your third instillation.  They will be happy to send you an unlimited license for an extra 109.00 after the fact!  Isn't that nice of them?  This information is not given to you until after you have made the purchase during the registration process.  I am now stuck with a several hundred dollar program that is useless.  I hope I can spare someone from wasting so much money.  I wish I would have been warned about this beforehand.

Beware Bytescribe

From register@bytescribe.com 


"Our registration process is necessary because we sell foot pedals separately and because we deal with International markets. 

 

In the registration agreement it states that the software can be installed up to 3 times.

 

We would like to keep you as a satisfied customer but we do have guidelines set by our company."

Beware Bytescribe

Yes, I have been trying to resolve this issue with them since yesterday.  They are not budging and I refuse to pay another 109.00.  I'm not sure if they just started it.  My software was purchased along with a pedal and headset about a year and a half ago.  I actually have the disk here at home.  In any case, I've filed a complaint about them to the BBB.  I'm not telling anyone not to buy it, I just want everyone to be aware of what you are really getting.  Had I known I could only install it 3 times (even on the same computer) I would not have bought it. 


Beware new companies
I have heard many horror stories like this one. IMHO, the reason this happens is that there are people out there who are not experienced in MT who think if they hang up a shingle they can call themselves professionals. Many enterprises even now are operating by the seat of their pants because they don't know the biz. Stick with companies who know their stuff and who don't mind giving you the names of transcriptionists who have been with them at least 5 years and are happy. Just my $.02 worth.
Beware - this is MY opinion
I would much rather NOT have my house RUINED by a pet. Either get rid of it or take it to an excellent vet.

There is nothing worse than walking into someone's home and having the smell of urine be so overwhelming it is nauseating.

My husband is in the construction business and runs into that scenario way too often. Seriously, it ruins your home!!!! You may not smell it because you breathe it all day long, every day. For an outsider, it is disgusting.

I am a pet lover, but honestly, once a pet goes so much in your home, that is their pattern and they may NEVER stop doing it.
Beware, you may not have 24/7 911 service. sm

In my area, Central FL, a little girl died because her parents had Vonage and did not read the fine print that indicated 911 service was only during normal business hours and that you have to take other action if you need emergency assistance during off hours. The parents just kept trying and trying, instead of using a neighbor's phone, etc., and so care was delayed and their daughter died. So, if you get it, read all of the fine print.


Hughesnet is NOT down but beware
their customer service STINKS  big-time.  But, hey, if you live in the wilds like I do, with no cable or DSL - what choice do you have?  Never heard of Wildblue - it must be a small starter company.
newbies beware

TO ALL NEWBIES, AND STAY AT HOME MOMS:>>DO NOT CONSIDER EVEN THINKING ABOUT THIS ON-POINT MTS.....THEY PREY ON PEOPLE OF INNOCENCE AND MORAL CHARACTER.  THEY WILL NEVER PAY YOU.  THERE ARE 34+ PEOPLE VICTIMIZED.  THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, THE POLICE, AND VARIOUS INTERSTATE ATTORNEYS ARE ALL AWARE OF BAWNIE BARTLETT THE OWNER OF ON-POINT MTS.  REMEMBER THE NAME, BAWNIE BARTLETT, ON-POINT MTS.  UNLESS YOU LIKE BEING VICTIMIZED, AND TRANSCRIBING FOR FREE DO NOT THINK ABOUT WORKING FOR THIS CRAZY B----.


beware of medigrafix, inc.
I see my old very temporary employer Medigrafix has posted an ad for help on here and I wanted to let all you MT's know that the person you send the email to you is not a nice person to work for from day one she was negative to me and talked down to me!  Don't bother plus they expect perfection on day one.  The software/platform is impossible to work with also!  don't bother working for them unless you want to be treated badly from day one on.  Trust me it is not the way to work and it will make you not want to work when treated badly like this! 
Beware of agoraphobia
developing over time.  You will start procrastinating going after groceries, leaving the house, not wanting to go places.  Anxiety can set in.  Make sure you get out and have a life.
BEWARE list

Fellow MTs, make note for beware list - 9555 N. Thayer Road, Columbus Grove, OH 45830


Phones:  419-659-2515, 732-917-4211, 866-659-2515


This is just way to insane. Hunters beware. sm
Our "esteemed" governor has just passed on something new for deer hunters.  I am not a hunter and neither are any people on my side of the family or my husband's side. However,  Maine is just plum full of avid deer hunters.  The deer hunting season runs from the end of October through the weekend after Thanksgiving for firearms (bow and arrow hunting starts a month earlier).

 

Over a decade ago, because of the supposed "dwindling deer population" Maine adopted a "bucks only" law where hunters could only shoot male deer with an antler length of 4 inches or more, but were not allowed to shoot females.

 

Now wait, this gets better. . . .

 

A few years back, the grand old State of Maine began to hold a "lottery," so to speak,  to issue "Any Deer Permits" for hunters so that they can shoot female deer or not have to determine antler length for whatever deer they happen to get within shooting range of.  This "Any Deer Permit" system is only the "luck" of the draw.

 

Now here is the new and wonderful thing that our governor just passed, and I am NOT kidding:

 

Any deer hunter that reaches the age of 100 (yes 100) can shoot at any deer without possessing an "Any Deer Permit."

 

100 years old in the woods with a firearm?  Now THAT is a comforting thought.

Beware of computer virus.

I got this email from a friend today and thought I would share it with you all.

*Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent, and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash, and you will not be able to fix it!!!

This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in theUS and Israel.


Don't be inconsiderate; send this warning to whomever you know.


Confirmed at: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/osama.asp


Origins: There are few headlines that would grab the attention of more computer users around the world than Osama bin Laden Captured, and that's exactly what whoever created this lure was counting on to snare unsuspecting victims who use Microsoft platforms.


Osama bin Laden Captured isn't a virus in itself; it's the text of a message that includes a link to a file called EXPLOIT.EXE. When a message recipient clicks on this link to view what he thinks are pictures of Osama bin Laden's capture, he can end up downloading an executable Trojan known as Backdoor-AZU, BKDR_LARSLP.A, Download. Trojan, TrojanProxy.Win32.Small.b,or Win32.Slarp.


Clicking the embedded link in the Osama bin Laden Captured message auto-executes a file called EXPLOIT.EXE, which exploits a known security hole to download the Trojan.


According to McAfee Security:   The Trojan opens a random port on the victim's machine. It sends the Port information to a webpage at IP address 66.139.77.145. The Trojan listens on the open port for instructions and redirects traffic to other IP addresses.


Spammers and hackers can take advantage of compromised systems by using the infected computer as a middleman, allowing them to pass information through it and remain anonymous.*


 


Beware of new e-mail worm!

I just read an article regarding a new e-mail worm that is showing up. Hopefully, we can all be aware of it before it presents itself to us.


The article was at: http://forum.sitefever.com/viewtopic.php?id=38.


beware of companies who ask for money (sm)
to get or give you a job. you shouldn't have to pay anyone. they should pay you.
Beware of Antivirus 2009

While working late at night, I had something pop up that I thought was a MS product called Antivirus 2009, and thinking it was an update on their security, without checking it out, I clicked ok, then at the end, it states it costs $59...and I realized that it was not MS, so I backed out of it.  I currently have AVG 8.0 and it has always done a good job for me...but now after several days and asking several different places, plus the Internet, I cannot get rid of this.  It seems to be tied into my Google site, the one I use so much. 


Does anyone know how you get rid of it?  I removed the software (or so I thought) from my program) but it is blocking Google, and just keeps popping up constantly...driving me absolutely nuts.


Does anyone know of a solution to get rid of this?  I hate to pay a techie to come out to my house to get rid of this, but I will if I have to...just thought I would ask here first.


Thank you for your help.


Beware of Antivirus 2009
AVG is great and not a resource "hog' like McAfee or Norton -- I have had computer problems in the past, and have dealt with Hiwired.com -- they are inexpensive, ALL USA-based techs and great people to work with -- they understand the MT and if you need a progam completely erased and you tell them as such, they will do it -- I had a problem a couple of weeks ago with Adobe and could NOT get files to load that were in that format -- they got it cleared up and no problems but almost every "tekkie" person including them, that I have talked to has recommended AVG
BEWARE Andrea Renner is no pay

Andrea Renner from Columbus Grove, Ohio paid me in November but not in December and January.  BEWARE of her.  She is a crook.  I hope no one else had such a bad experience with this criminal.


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BEWARE DELL COMPUTER CORP!

Computer under warranty and the modem went bad.  Called tech support and I told them the modem was bad (I am not a computer idiot), but went through everything with them anyway.  Of course, they could not help and stated that I had to go through software support before I could be sent a new modem under the warranty.  The first thing you get in software support is a salesperson.  I told her this was NOT a software problem but I had been told I had to go through software support before I could get a new modem.  It cost me $54.23 for a one-time software support problem.  Before I did this, I asked her if I would receive a refund if this was determined not to be a software problem, which I already knew it wasn't.  She said,'YES, just call this phone number back and give us your case number and we will issue a refund'.  So like an idiot, and because I happen to trust people, I paid. I called them right back to advise that software support determined I needed a new modem and to please issue a refund."OKAY - we will issue a refund' the girl says.  Now after 2 months I still have not received a refund and the 'refund supervisor' tells me they cannot issue one because I did receive software support.  She says they will 'counsel' the girl that lied to me.  I told her I never would have gone through software support if I had know that, and if I had not been LIED to, because the new modem only cost $14 if I had purchased it outright so why would I pay $54 to get a free $14 part????  DELL LIES!  They just lost my business.  I can afford the $54, but it is the principle of the thing.  I hate the way big corporations can lie to you and get away with it.  My grandfather owned a small grocery store.  If someone called to ask the price of ground beef and an employee told them a price that was lower than the actual price, he would have sold it to that customer for that amount.  He would not have said,'Sorry but you have to pay the correct price and I will COUNSEL the employee'.  WHATEVER HAPPENED TO COMMON DECENCY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE???? 


Yeah beware..Chronicle Transcripts pays by this method.
I worked there briefly and the platform was awful, and what was worse is that you'd do a whole page of dictation and it came to like 30 lines. Totally felt ripped off.
What is the difference between an acute care account and a multispecialty account??..nm
nm
I've never had a problem switching from account to account.
The problem I had was being switched too soon. If I don't get one account spec solidly in my memory with QA feedback on mistakes before starting another, I get confused. The other problem I had with former jobs was inconsistent QA. One person tells you one thing, another person tells you another.

Lately, I don't have a problem with it. Right now, my binder has 8 account specs (some I've never had to use) and I'm picking up a new weekend job for a while. The terminology and report formats stay basically the same. It's just all those little preferences. LOL
Beware of ink replacement costs. The more inexpensive the printer, the more the ink costs.
s
what is your account and specialty on the account?
no one is watching. tell us all about osi.
Look, if I were on an account that
kept me sending more blanks to QA than was allowed to qualify for an incentive program, I would ask for another account or get with a different company.

I've bid off accounts before; I've also changed employers because of this problem.

I've been there. It's not what I wanted so I fished until I got the catch I wanted.

As well, if your dictators are dictating on cell phones, that can be a real source of contention with HIPAA guidelines and they should be reported. I report that when I run across it; I also tell my supervisor I won't do that physician again if he is dictating on a cell phone. I've never been given a problem with that.
Second account........sm
Does your company base full-time status on line count or on hours?  If line count, it doesn't matter if you do the work in less than 8 hours.  You're still holding up your side of the bargain and you have every right to refuse to work on a crappy second account.  Just tell them you've decided that your one account is enough and keep your second job.  Same goes for the post below stating co-worker is avoiding taking on second account.  Unfair?  I give her credit.  She's a survivor.  We're not the ones who started the game.  But many of us are quickly learning how to play. 
If your account uses the BOS ...>>>

you use numerals for all numbers (and the old way is to spell out numbers UNDER 10).  The BOS says to use numerals for ordinals; 10th, 2nd, etc.  BUT, many accounts have their own preferences, so why don't you check to see what yours wants?


 


My own account

My own accounts been doing them for over 4 years, it is just one office person that says anything.  I think that she was having a bad day last week and we about went on a minor screaming match with each other not only over this but some other things.   So will let things calm down, check and double check to see if I can figure things out but without showing me, I am in the dark like I explained to her.  When nothing comes back you think all is great.  


 


 


I don't do any of that. I have each account in a SM

separate folder on Word and I just click on the appropriate folder. I do 4 hospitals in one state and two more, plus a local.


I never have gotten anything mixed up that I know of.


Take the account and run!
You really need to ask? 
I don't know anything about the account
I am considering an IC position and want to know what is an average rate. I have 9 years experience as an MT and have only wored in a hospital.
Keep that account @ .12 cpl
Keep that account (tell them you will meet or beat the competition). Don't say another word, just keep sending out advertising brochures, etc., until another higher rate really needs you, then tell these cheapskates that your accountant has informed you that not only are you losing money but it isn't fair to those others who do not question your charges nor would they ask you to "cut your rate." I've been in this situation and it has made me very depressed but that's the way these others work, they will undercut you for 1/4 cent, done to me by "friends". Just go along to get along and then you have every right to be the "dumper" instead of the "dumpee." Treat them like a bad boyfriend, until a better one comes along. Had this done to me many times and my only regret is that I let it affect me financially, I used to take the "moral high road" and now I take the "me" high road. If they are thinking only of their wallet, then you should as well if you need the money. Hope this makes sense. Most likely it isn't the docs, just someone in the office trying to say, "See, I saved you some money, so how about a raise?" Don't let them spoil your business accounts receivable, just hang in there and smile a lot.
You must be the OM at this PIA account. (nt)

I am getting .08 on one account and ..sm
.085 for the other acount I work on.
One account, can get only...
250-300 because they are obnoxious.  The other account, can get sometimes over 500 lph.
Usually, each account has a
prescribed method of formatting and if you work for a service you should get all of the specifications for formatting in a document when you start working a new account.  Inhouse, asking the manager will get you the information you need.  It is purely a subjective matter with each and every account; however, AAMT and ASTM are working on best practices in dictation and these of course would include a standardized formatting for all medical records .. making it eaiser for all of us to do our jobs and then ultimately find information in a chart.
I have been on my account
with 15 doctors for the past two years, but I am sure someone else had it before I did. We are about to get a new one in August, as well. I am sure you have just about everyone else beat though.
Pay Pal Account
I have a dumb question regarding my pay pal account.  My new employer pays through Pay Pal.  I do have an account that I've used only for ebay transactions. She's asking for my account number.  I can't find any information in my account as to what my account number is?  Does anyone know what that would be?  Does she want my bank account number associated with my Pay Pal account?  Sorry, I told you this was a dumb question.  TIA.
I have a second account sm

You should never work for only 1 company.  I learned this the hard way.  It's always good to have a backup.


Come take my account
First I get "Mrs. Ed" who talks just like Mister Ed and now I've got a dictator that sounds just like Granny from Looney Tunes.  Gives me a little laugh now and then, guess you gotta look at the little things in life, or you'll become a looney tune! :)  I pray next week is better for you.
If you want an account,
go out and honestly bid for it.....don't "steal" it from your MTSO!!!!! That is just wrong. Bidding on accounts that you don't know the MTSO is a different story. When you take an account from the MTSO you are an IC for, that is "stealing" and you'll get yours when you get to the pearly gates...if you get there!
Nothing really if you want to keep your account. sm
sometimes as an IC and in business, you must compromise. Looks like they are dictating the way they pay. Hey, it would be worse, you could invoice and not be paid for 60 days or longer. So, you will just have to adjust.

own account

I took a small account a few months ago. 3 docs, I do 2 and 1 has his own MT. She is an employee but we cover for each other for vacations. It is lucky they have that other person and they are flexible when I go away (rarely). Some accounts might expect you to find your own coverage. I have had problems with them not paying on time. It's not their fault, they have a large institutional accounting office over them. But MT is my only income so it has been a problem. Make sure you have a cushion in your checking account or whatever that you can live off of if you don't get paid for a while.


Another option might be an IC position if you can find the right one. I also have an outside contractor position with a local hospital that has employees, but I charge them like a service and they make no demands on my time.


Something to consider is how much time you will spend doing administrative things like billing, recordkeeping, marketing, answering emails, picking up tapes if applicable, traveling for interviews or training if you will be working on their system. I find that stuff eats up a lot of my time.


You might want to consider a 30-day trial period in case you dont like them. My account turned out to have a crappy dial-in system, they expected me to fax every report 1-4 times, and they eat up my time with emails and phone calls - each doc has his own secretary and they have another MT and they all tend to call me for things they don't need to bother me with like I'm an employee. Instead of telling them to find one person to deal with me we agreed I would charge by the hour instead.  I have no problem telling a secretary who calls me at 7p I will take down the info and call her back during business hours unless it is an emergency. It is hard to anticipate those things hence the trial period.


New account
Hi everyone.  I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to convince a doctor's office that they need transcription done when they haven't had it done in the past.  This is my first big meeting on my own and I am nervous about what to say.  I have other accounts, but I never had to convince them because they were already using transcription.  Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated.  Thank you in advance.
Looking for your own account?
It has come to my attention that Travelers Insurance worker comp claims in some states are off shoring their transcription.

Contact your local offices and offer your services. I also know the pay is comparable to ours - (I have been contacted by an off shore agent to handle this for them ) - imagine work off shored only to be sent back to us to handle.

I will be starting with Charlotte NC. - Who is with me?
If you have an account
where you get the same doctors who repeat the same things you can make a template and not have to type anything or just edit a little. Around 15 years ago, I had a great job with a chiropractor who would do a 5-page report and all we had to do was change right/left and some range of motion measurements. Easily made $45-$50 an hour with him as part-time employees. Some people are also really good with Expanders like Instant Text. It really depends on your account. I have a huge hospital, too many dictators, too many bad dictators.
I would do what the account wants, sm
they are the ones signing my paycheck.

Do you really think every health care provider or facility is compliant?
Using it currently on one account.....
don't know what version it is, but it does not use Word. It offers a spell check at the end of the report when you come to send it. It does not highlight misspelled words while you are typing. There is no word expander/macro program with it, but I use SpeedType with no problem.

All in all it is simple, I have no footers/headers to worry about. I navigate through the demographic screen using ENTER/TAB/arrow keys. With the help of SpeedType I have to enter the dictator's name (4-letter code), MR #, date, pick the exam from a drop-down list and then type the report. F12 brings up Spell Check only if there is an error, sends the report, and files it. After a few reports you can get the rhythm down and move right along.