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I believe she means Focus Infomatics - NM

Posted By: LinK on 2008-01-25
In Reply to: focus what? - jr

NM


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Focus Infomatics

Has anyone heard anything about this company?


Thank you


focus infomatics
my friend works for them and i am starting monday. i am concerned they only pay 8 cents a line though. what do you want to know?
Focus infomatics
Yes, I have worked for this company since October of 2005. The people are terrific to work for....very helpful and always willing to answer questions and make sure you're happy with their company. There isn't always a whole lot of work available, but they are constantly trying to remedy that and keep you busy. Drop me a line if you want to discuss things further. Amber (trblmkr778@netins.net)
Focus Infomatics
I am going to be testing with Focus Infomatics later today. Does anyone have any advice about their test? Also, does anyone know anything about their program Focus on Future? Since I am a recent grad, I would have to complete this 2-4 week program. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated!!!
Better than Focus Infomatics and MS?

Is Spheris at least better than these two companies?


Focus Infomatics
Focus is a good company to work for. I have no problem communicating with Team leaders as we use Yahoo IM. I have never had an issue of not getting paid on time. Pay is direct deposited and always on time. Team leaders are great!!! Highly recommend this company!
Focus Infomatics

I have read different posts about this company and have noticed good and bad feedback but it was from a year and sometimes two years old.  What is the perception out there now about them.  Is it still the same or have things changed?  I begin my two week apprentiship on Monday and would like opinions of what the thought is on them.


Thanks in advance 


Angela


Focus Infomatics
Stay away from Focus Infomatics!  They expect YOU to provide all of the necessary equipment and programs to do the job.  They do not pay for training, and it is very poor training as well.  I spent $600.00 getting MS Office, Shortcut, AAMT Book of Style, etc., as well as, ink jets to print all of the employment instructions.  They drop you in the US the day you finish training, never contact you again, and hand you over to India.  The account you train on is removed and they expect you to train again.  Why??  Because they are very poorly managed.  Meanwhile, weeks go by with the anticipation of working.  In my case, the job never came through because of poor communication from India and the techs screwed up my computer.  Don't waste your time.  They also hired me at 8 cpl (in the event I actually ever ended up working)  and  expected  me to login as an Editor at 4 CPL.  What a joke.  Not only that, all of my personal information is now the hands of God know who.  Not a good experience at all.  If they keep this up, there won't be a Focus Infomatics in the future at all.  Good luck to all of you.  An older MT who knows.
Focus Infomatics
I am always shocked when I read these posts because I have worked for Focus for over 1 year and they have been nothing but courteous to me. I started as a newbie and the training has been ongoing with feedback on QA scores and I have at least 5 accounts under my belt now. I will say that they have a lot of ESL docs and I hate only getting 4 cpl for editng, since editing is around 80% of the jobs. There is one account that I do on 3rd shift that is mostly typing and then my rate goes from 8 cpl to 10 cpl. I can also work whenever I want 24/7, anytime I choose and there is always work available. It was not like this initially, since I was a newbie and could only do clinics at first. I just hung in there and still trying to increase production, but I love my job. I do work for another company, American owned , but they do not have much work available on the account I was hired for right now. There are always peaks and valleys in this business, so I think it is best to work for 2 companies. I think I am very lucky to have 2 that I am happy with, and Focus has been there for me and given my great guidance. My QA scores are consistently above 98%. They even called me that day I hit my 1 year mark to congratulate me! I do admit that I am still working on understanding the Indian accent though.

Anyway, I wish you well in finding the company that works best for you.
focus infomatics
is this a good company to work for?  i've checked out their website, but as a newbie, how do i know if it's good or not?
Focus Infomatics

Hello,


I'm looking for anyone working for Focus Infomatics.  I have read several bad things on the forum about them.  But that is true of almost any company.  Maria called today and said I have passed the testing and in two weeks or so I will begin the internship for a few weeks.  After that I will be sent back to her for clients.  I am a new MT.  This is the reason for having a mentor.  Is this how it works?  Just want to make sure.  And is the pay and amount of work really that bad?  Anything you can tell me about them would be great. 


Focus Infomatics
Focus Infomatics no longer hires newbies. I just applied with them a few days ago and received an e-mail stating that I needed at least 2 years experience. If anyone has any other info, would really appreciate it.
Have you tested with Focus Infomatics?
If you pass their test, they will hire you. Even if you don't pass, if you come close they will hire you in a mentor program for a few weeks, pay you 1/2 pay, and then pay you full pay as soon as you can achieve 98% accuracy.
Information on Focus Infomatics
Does anyone have any information on Focus Infomatics in Boston, MA?  Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
stay away from focus infomatics (sm)
there are many many posts about focus infomatics on this board. it is not a positive experience.
Employment with Focus Infomatics.
Dear Desi:

I worked with Focus Infomatics a few years back when I got laid off from the hospital because of voice recognition. However, they do not pay worth a you know what. Apply with a better at home company, such as Spheris or All-Type. There is a free magazine that you can get for being a transcriptionist. It is called Advance. Call them up, and get a year's subscription for free, and you will see all the at home companies that are hiring.

I hope this helped you out.

Good luck!


Erin
I meant better thatn Focus Infomatics and MQ?
Sorry for the typo.
So because YOU don't do it, that means NO ONE does?
As a relatively new MT who graduated from CareerStep, I can tell you that I had six job offers within one month. All but one of the places that offered me a job called for experience, which was waived because of where I graduated and how high my grades were. Believe it or not, there are others out there who operate differently from you.
NM just means No Message. SM means See Message. SM
MT4 was the poster in question, not "nm."
I know what accredited means.
That is why I inquired as to the intent of the OP's use of the word. When she explained what she meant, I gave her an answer as to the intended question.

I am also aware that there are no accredited MT programs, and to the quality of most of the schools on the ADHI listing. I was attempting to politely and logically steer her in the direction of a school that would not give her a sub-par education and cause her to return to this board in a few months lamenting her inability to find an entry-level employment opportunity because her education was inadequate.

Do you have an opinion of the school she inquired about? Do you know anyone who has attended the school? If so, were they successful in finding legitimate, gainful employment?
Means don't wait around for us to contact you. nm
x
you've studied well, perhaps, but by no means
your school doesn't even offer pharmacology? lol

now, i'm not discrediting your grades, study efforts, etc., but be careful throwing around boasts of I've mastered it when you haven't even begun doing the work.

i've done this work over 25 years. i know exactly what it takes. lol
independent contractor means you are sm
working for yourself and not for them. You must pay all your taxes including the other side of your SS tax called self-employment tax.

Six cents per line is a good rate for a newbie with no experience but not for an independent contractor especially having to invest in equipment. I would work for a company that made me an employee for a couple years.
offshore means another country
nm
The CMT is pretty worthless and all it means
is you passed the test, doesn't mean you are a good CMT.  Some people get stuck on the initials and use then every possible opportunity as if it were MD instead of CMT.  I've been told many times that my work is better than lots of CMTs and I've always been paid the higher line rate, same as CMT.   Very, very few MTs have any respect left for AAMT - whatever they are called now.  If it makes you feel better to have it, got for it, but you don't really better yourself by having it.  You have to have 2 years of experience first.  If you really want to better yourself you'll find another line of work.  This one is going down the tubes so fast that I wouldn't waste any more of my time with it.  
World-wide capabilities just means they
offshore, without actually saying the offshore. 
The worst schools would like you to think the approval process means nothing
but it's pretty obvious why they want you to think that. They can't pass it. They may not even be eligible to take it!

I will agree that the AAMT Approval Process does not mean that every school on there is good, but it does mean that they have been able to pass a fairly tough process and the others have not done it.
or it means the job market has shrunk while you were busy studying...welcome
to reality. You may want to just cut your losses and get back in school for Medical Assistant, nursing or something. From here, it only gets worse, honey.
I think it means medical transcription service outsourcing, or something like that. ; )
no message...
Who determines it is one of the top MT schools? Experience means you need minimal instruction and
hit the ground running..not possible even from the top schools.
And...letters in all caps means you're yelling! Shhh...nm
s
Accredited basically means they offer financial aid. Did you mean AAMT-Approved?
If it's an AAMT-approved school, you won't have a problem. Schools that provide financial aid are required to be accredited. That means their financial records are reviewed to make sure the government's money is being handled right. They aren't evaluating the value of the course or qualifications of the course to teach medical transcription.
The AAMT and the "Top Three" just feed each other - so-called approval by AAMT means nothing

a lot of community college programs are far better than the "top three." Just make sure you get plenty of actual dictation. If you don't have good grammar skills and aren't a literary-type person this may not be the field for you. I can't tell you the unbelievable applications I get for MT jobs - misspelled words, sloppy grammar, and how about those st*pid email addresses  THEHOT1@aol.com, etc. Sheesh. If you're one of THOSE, then be prepared to look for a   l o n g   time to get your first job LOL


focus
I guess everone's experience must be different. I recently started with Focus and have received nothing but exceptional treatment.
FOCUS
I jus quit Focus....they do not speak English, can not type English, are no help, you do not get paid what they will tell you!!!  I worked 60 hours for 2 weeks for a total of 120 hours and just got my paycheck of $106. Not even a dollar an hour. I ran out of work many times. They would tell you to do it one way one day, and a different way the next time. They are reallly good with insults! Please do yourself a favor and don't work for them!
Focus
I tend to disagree with the person who said stay away from Focus. A lot of the negative postings are older. I have been working for them for three months, and I have had few problems with them. Although, they may not be the ideal medical transcription job, they have allowed myself and many other newbies a chance to gain some experience. I cannot say the same for a lot of employers out there. Since working with Focus, it has enabled me to get my foot in the door with another company. I now work for Focus and another company. If it is a foot in the door you are looking for to get started, I would not automatically discount focus.
Focus
Experienced MTs won't work for 10 cent straight trans and 5 cents VR? Wonder if those experienced guys know WHERE their work comes from!!!!!
focus what?
What is the full name of this company?  Thanks a bunch!
Focus
Meagan, I am glad to hear you enjoy working for Focus Infomatics.  I will be starting their apprenticeship this month, and I am looking forward to getting started.
Focus
I started with them in March, and I am really enjoying working for them thus far.  I have a great account manager!  Actually, all of the people I have dealt with at Focus have been super nice.  Good luck!
Focus
What exactly does lack of work mean?  Are you struggling to have work sufficient enough to be considered part-time or do you have just 6 or so hours of work?  I ask because I want to work full-time, but I don't want so much in the beginning to overwhelm me.  Also, are you an IC?  How does that work for you.  I would need to work some in the morning and some at night.  My husband works 2-11 p.m., and I have two small children.  I really need to work around these hours, I just don't know if these is even considered by them.  Right now I am waiting for the internship to begin.  One more question, do you use a laptop and are able to travel while working?  There is times this summer that I will have to be in a different location for a week or two at a time.  I'm really nervous that once I get there, my equipment won't fully work.  Any help on any of these questions would be fully appreciated.  I know it's alot, but I'm new to this world.  All I have right now is questions and many of them.  But thank you for your information and any other information that you can give.  I really appreciate your time and effort!!!!
Focus
FYI, Focus is currently hiring newbies for their FOF program.  It consists of a few weeks of unpaid training for a few hours a day, but at the end of the training you are guaranteed a job with Focus, and they are hiring for both pt and ft.  Focus has one of the higher cpls for newbies that I've seen.  They have an online test you can take.  Since it has been a few years since you graduated, this might be a good way to get back into the field.  I'm a newbie too, and things are really competitive right now.  Best of luck to you in whatever path you choose :).
I would RUN from Focus!
Just read all of the negative posts here about them! I also heard from a RECENT graduate that she contacted them about a job.  They told her that she would have to work for free until her work was up-to-par as far as quality! FREE! With no time limit?! Also, it would have to be between 10 pm and 7 am.  Just contact them and ask them.  If I were you, I would do what the above person said.  Get your stuff together and go door to door.  Just think, you probably only need 1 good doc, to get started! Just 1 to give you a chance! That will get your foot in the door for experience.  My chiropractor just hired me.  But before you do, make sure to do your homework for the going rates in your area for MT work, maybe call some local services and see what they charge and underbid them.  Also, just ask the doctor/office manager.  Tell them you would be willing to work for a little less than what they pay now, just to get in.  Also, you will get paid a lot more for a private doc, than with an MTSO.  Cuts out all the middlemen! Good luck to you!
I also work for Focus...
and I love it there. I have had no problems whatsoever. The people are very nice and will help to remedy any problem you may have. I make 8 cpl and am making great money. I think the lack of work comes in depending on the account they have placed you on. The account I am on keeps me busy all the time and you can ask if it is possible to get a secondary accout to keep you busy during slow times.
Do a search on Focus...sm
You will be interviewed by US employees, tested by US employees, and be working with off-shore employees with heavy accents both spoken and written.  I wouldn't work for them.  You make your own choice after searching the archives.
I worked for Focus
for about 6 months. It was my first job. I really liked the account I was on, and my team manager was very nice. The only reason I quit was because I couldn't get fast enough to make any money on voice recognition. I was not in the apprenticeship program though. It was kind of hard understanding the technician that got my software downloaded because he had a very thick accent. If I didn't understand him, I would just ask him to repeat himself. He was very friendly and even laughed sometimes when I asked him say something again. Overall, I had a very good experience with them. Some people weren't so lucky. Good luck!
I also worked for Focus
It was also my first job.  I only lasted a few months only because there was no work.  There were days that I only got 5 jobs....I'm sure this is not the case anymore.  The guy who trained me also had a very thick accent and that was frustrating at times.  At that time I had to purchase a $40 foot pedal that is NOT compatible with anything but there system.  It was also difficult for me to make any $ editing VR because the reports were so bad I ended up re-typing them...for .4 cpl.  Not a great experience for me. 
Focus always hiring
I started there as a newbie and they were great. I still work for them part time, along with another company. They were very patient and they QA you until you are ready to be on your own. You will still get feedback even after to get off QA. They will give you a chance if you do okay on the test. They hired me even though I did not completely pass the test, but they said I did well enought to hire. Now I have greater than 98% accuracy on a consistent basis. They are a decent company, despite some of the negative posts I have read about them from others. I also do agree it is best to have more than one company once you get some experience. Every once in a while they do run low on work.

Good Luck,

Sue
No Focus does pay for the first 2-3 weeks.
I got that from the horse's mouth when offered a job. It sounds like things are different now than when you got your information
Focus Informatics
Amanda, I am trying to do the MT test for Focus Informatics.  I felt hopeful about getting on with them.  I have actually spoken to someone there, and she has my resume and references.  However, I am trying to take the online MT test for new medical transcriptionists, but the first couple of lines, I'm already having trouble understanding the dictator.  Can you offer me any help or suggestions with regard to taking their tests.  I am looking at starting the 2-4 week internship (?) in February, but I'm sure they will not allow me to start if I don't do well on the transcription test.  I assumed the test wouldn't be too difficult since it is supposed to be for newbies.  Please help me if you can!
focus informatics
I have heard they are based in India and all QA's are indian.  Maybe I have misread...