Yes, they are outsourcing with Spheris
Posted By: Frustrated on 2008-01-13
In Reply to: I worked for them last year sm - Lyndia
Yes, you are correct. The account they were supposed to put me on that I worked for with a different company (they bought them out) is from Spheris and I was supposed to be learning the Spheris platform. I did not even receive a bit of information from that point forward. This company is so darn screwed up. Sounds like the Recruiter/Manager we are talking about either quit or got fired. Maybe with all of these darn complaints we are posting they finally got the darn message! I hope other MTs are experiencing the same things we are experiencing. She was very rude! She was always doing something else to avoid our questions. I could not stand getting those rude e-mails from her. I noticed a new name on MT Daily for the recruiter management and I also noticed last month they posted a position for a new Recruiter. Very interesting what is going on with that company. I would not even bother reapplying with what they did to me. Glad you are out of that place. Hope you are much happier!
Happy New Year!!!
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Article in local paper about Spheris and outsourcing to India
Franklin-based Spheris Near Top of Medical Transcription Business
BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD
In today’s world of Palm Pilots and voice-recognition software, you might think the need for medical transcriptionists is waning. You would be wrong. Franklin-based Spheris employs more than 5,000 medical transcriptionists worldwide and is looking to hire more as its service to more than 200,000 physicians at health systems, hospitals and doctor groups continues to grow.
The world is changing because the demand for electronic medical records … is very high. Certainly there are some technologies being tried and adopted, such as speech-recognition technology or systems where the physician is required to key in his or her own information. Those are still in their infancy and hold some promise in the distant future. But for right now the work-flow habits of physicians and hospitals and the need to see many more patients and process them more efficiently is driving the demand for what we do to its highest levels, explains Harry Shaw, Spheris investor relations.
In July, Spheris was named No. 7 among the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare information technology companies. The designation was by the publication Healthcare Informatics, which also ranked Spheris 28th for total revenue. The company is the second largest in the medical transcription industry.
Spheris’ growth is in no small measure due to its December 2004 acquisition of HealthScribe (also known briefly as Avicis), which was No. 3 in the field. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, Spheris gained a workforce of more than 1,800 transcriptionists. About 1,500 of those employees work at a centralized facility in Bangalore, India. Thus, says Shaw, the transaction gave Spheris a much-needed global perspective.
To service this increased demand that’s out there, having enough medical transcriptionists to do the work is a real challenge to the industry in general. One way to tackle that increased demand is to tap the resources that are available globally, he says. One of the neat things about having an operation based in India is that a lot of dictation is done at the end of the day after hours. So we get a lot of volume that comes in late in the evening, and if you follow the sun, that’s the morning time for India. They’re just starting their business day, so we can route a lot of volume that we get late in the day to India when transcriptionists are just coming to work.
Shaw says the fact that Spheris owns its international facility and employs its workers rather than subcontracting differentiates the company from similar businesses. In addition, all Spheris’ medical transcriptionists in the United States are either full-time or part-time employees of the company.
With more than 3,500 employees and additional sites in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Sterling, Va., Spheris depends on high-tech global systems to quickly turnaround client transcription. Here’s how the technology works: Spheris provides clients with a server and whatever voice-capture system the client prefers. That might be a hand-held device or it might be a phone number the client calls. Shaw says fulfillment shops ensure that the client — as well as transcriptionists — have the hardware and software necessary to do the job. Following a patient encounter, physicians and other healthcare providers dictate details such as patient history, diagnosis and medications prescribed. The voice files are sent to a data center in either Franklin, St. Petersburg or Sterling, then passed out to transcriptionists.
The technology play is critical for a company of our size, and it’s one of the advantages that we offer in terms of cost savings, he says. He acknowledges, however, the continued existence of sneaker net, with some physicians continuing to speak into a tape recorder; then tapes are picked up at the office for delivery to Spheris.
Most of Spheris’ U.S. transcriptionists work out of their homes, where they usually receive digitized voice files over the Internet. Spheris offers the client a variety of templates, or the client may have its own format. Turnaround time is 12 to 24 hours, Shaw says, although stat service is available.
As it is known today, Spheris is the result of a small Franklin company called Total eMed, which purchased the much larger EDiX from IDX Systems in June 2003. The resulting company was branded as Spheris. In November 2004, the company completed a recapitalization in which two private equity investors, Warburg Pincus and Soros Private Equity (now known as TowerBrook Capital Partners), acquired ownership. The management team, led by President and CEO Steven E. Simpson, also invested and continues to lead company operations.
Asked if an IPO is in Spheris’ future, Shaw says the company will take a cautious approach to that. We want to make sure that we stay disciplined around the acquisition of HealthScribe, making sure that we’re fully integrating all aspects of that. … We do have a growth strategy in mind, and that certainly is an option down the road.
I still feel like a team player of Spheris, as the shackle scars are still on my legs! Spheris was
Micromanaged to the microsecond, or ms! Horrible. And part of a team? Total opposite - part of a team as in prison.
Don't imply you're worried at all. Just stating fact that Spheris does NOT allow a Spheris MT
work concurrently for MQ - no exceptions. MQ, on the other hand, does not have the same feelings as Spheris. Just all I had to say so that MTs aren't misled into thinking they can do the same "legally". Even went to the ropes on this issue with Spheris, as I was professional as well, and wouldn't share info, etc. The point they raised was that MQ is their direct #1 competition, and if I was typing for MQ and doing great work, that was in direct conflict of interest with Spheris' best interests. Guess which one I obviously stuck with!!
Thank you, Spheris recruiter! Anybody wanna place a bet that there are lots of Spheris
HELP WANTED ads on the job board?? So funny!! Out of the blue, Spheris, we love you!! Lets all run and apply NOW!!
I also know Spheris would fire you if they knew you worked for MQ. That is a BIG NO with Spheris!
nm
what do mean outsourcing?
TT does not outsource??? I am not sure what you mean? They are awesome to work for, I second everything the prior poster posted. Nothing venture, nothing gained. TransTech is AWESOME!
Outsourcing
Amen to that! I say--American jobs for American workers!
IF they are outsourcing, where is there
so much work. I don't know 100% that they aren't but am 99.9% sure they aren't. Money $$ don't make sense either. Most MTs are IC, so no benefits, tons of work and if they are outsourcing money should be more.
What about outsourcing?
I work in a very large medical center, and our institution is going to complete outsourcing with EMR, bypassing VR technology altogether. That way, they get rid of all in-house transcription (including academic and research), save costs on benefits, salaries, etc., and supposedly streamline the whole process. Quality, sadly, does not matter. Typos do not matter. If the document looks like a second grader typed it, it does not matter. From my experience, the outsourced dictation reads like someone from another country transcribed it, but they do get all of the medical words right; it's the English that suffers. The bottom line, though, is physicians don't care. They really don't.
Outsourcing? how do you know
How can an MT know if a company outsources? Does anyone know if MDI-Florida does? Thanks.
If you are serious about Outsourcing
I am ready to do your job. contact transonica@transonica.com
Outsourcing
I know that Cymed used to outsource, supposedly only a small amount to the Philippines. The work load seems to have really dropped in the last 6 months on the accounts I work on. I can't help but wonder if SR or more outsourcing is responsible. Does anyone actually know what is going on with them?
Outsourcing
I have worked with docs in a very large city since I was 18, and I am well into my 40s. I know most all of them. I have had many discussions with physicians about outsourcing. I have even convinced a couple to drop the companies that did the work because of the outsourcing. I for one am proud of the American MTs. Those who do not do their job should not have the jobs. There is a simple solution.
outsourcing
Not unrealistic at all. If you don't do your job well you should not have that job.
Outsourcing
Yes, wait until you wake up one morning and your account is low on work, and then you discover that the nice reports you formely had are sent outside the US. They won't tell you that, but all you have to do is do a little research and you will find out for yourself. Doesn't take a dummy........
outsourcing
MT is not the only thing outsourced. Consider this - your medical information is now seen all over the world, and confidentiality is out the window - they have no law like we do here. As an American I should be able to demand that my medical information be kept in the US. The government sends money - we do not need t send our work load - no matter what the job. and Venezuela can keep their oil too - have you seen the commercials - and then read up on who this guy is - Give me a break - USA only for me. And do not preach to me about how there is always a part of my American made car, clothing etc made overseas, I know, I do not like it at all - and if at all possible I do my best as an American to stay within our borders. Quality or not - my medical records should stay here, not overseas where they could be seen and posted where ever. Yes MTs should get the pay - yes MT should be qualified - and we should all do our best to be sure of it, but low pay or better quality aside - I am American and want my information to stay safe.
Last point - the majority of identify theft arises overseas, so what do we do - given them even more information to steal that too.
No thanks
Outsourcing
I worry about the outsouring and SS# going outside of the US too. Why make it easy for someone to steal your ID? What are these people thinking? I have spoken to a lawyer friend about it. He and his wife had no idea this was happening. I think we need legal people to put the pressure on the people currently in office. Most of them do not even realize this is going on.
Yep, me too before outsourcing
am doing exactly the same work now as I did in the 90s for the same place, only difference is no pay plus incentive at the hospital and VR. This was the 2nd time I have been outsourced doing this work and just did not want to start all over again. My choice really because now I can work the part-time and not have to live on my salary alone.
Outsourcing
You guys started it. This has been bugging me for the last month or so. How do we get it out to the public that their information is probably being sent to India. There is no HIPPA and the Homeland Security aspect is a joke. I stopped going to my physical therapist when she started telling me the junk they get back from India. I explained my side and my particular therapist now transcribes her own reports, faster, and now correct. I always ask my doctors who transcribes for them, most agree with me on the Homeland Security violation and use local companies. I bet the general public would have a heart attack if they knew in whose hands their personal information is.... Ideas we need to get this out there. Would help professionalize our careers and maybe we could get a decent wage in return.
outsourcing
something similar to this happened in calif. when someone received a ticket (I think) the info was sent out of the country to be processed for court. When the public found out, it was a big deal, was even on the news and in the papers. there was such an outcry that that policy was changed and info is no longer being sent out of the country.
Outsourcing
As scary as outsourcing of medical records is, I have a way bigger problem with all of our financial information floating all over the place to other countries. The reality is we have put all of our private information (SS#, bank account #, etc.) into the hands of people whom we have no legal recourse against if they chose to steal our identity. I think it is a major trainwreck waiting to happen. Of course, the CEOs who are getting big bonuses and rewarded for all the American jobs they have cut think otherwise.
Outsourcing
So, what steps could we take as employees to get help on the lack of work because it is going to India. Should we call our senators. This does not seem right, It is against HIPPA laws. I bet those people are not signing anything about privacy. And also they dont care. Remember when some government agency's SSN were lost because some employee took them home on a disk and they supposedly got stolen. Anything could happen with some of this information.
Outsourcing
I was thinking of trying to get it onto AM conservative radio but the little time I have to call I can never get through. Someone also told me about the tax returns being sent overseas. What the heck is that about don't we pay enough to the IRS. I'm a big believer in the Fair Tax. No income tax just a 23% on what you spend would cut the IRS out entirely. Some jobs need to be outsourced but nothing that has personal information like that. I don't want my information going overseas, working on getting rid of the credit cards now for the same reason someone mentioned every time I call I get an foreigner, my hearing is not as great as it used to be so it makes it twice as hard to understand. My banking is at an employee credit union so I think they are relatively safe. What is happening to the good ole USA and English
outsourcing
You might feel differently when you're booted out of a job because your accounts are outsourced overseas.
or outsourcing
The hospital could be outsourcing directly to India or trying another company on the side and your company is clueless as to what is going on and is just hoping it's all about deductibles.
OUTSOURCING!
Please see Medquist board. If you are tired of having work outsourced, follow the lead - Contact Lou Dobbs at CNN. Send an Email to them to investigate how our profession is dwindling. They say they can't get enough US MTs, but we all know that is bunk. It is all about the bottom line. If enough people let the public know what is going on with their medical records being sent to foreign countries, just maybe we can save our profession. PLEASE KEEP IT GOING. Write your senator, congressman, and LOU DOBBS to get an investigation going if you want to keep our jobs in this country.
Outsourcing
You said it well! Now experienced American MTs have to edit those outsourced reports for a degradintg, substandard rate before they go back to the clients. Pay the oppressed 3 cents a line, pay the disenfranchised American MTs 3 cents to edit these reports, and the contractor gets 2 cents, which makes only 8 cents out of pocket for the clients. A sweet deal for them, as if they are not making enough money already. I can just see them slurping at the trough in those hospital board rooms greedily raking in mega profits off the sweat of the rest of us. What next? They are even running the doctors and nurses ragged. Speech recognition is a disaster. Somebody still has to edit those reports as well. Time for us to go clean toilets for $10 an hour.
Outsourcing
I work at a local hospital that has 1 Transcriptionist and in house and if she doesn't clear all the lines by the end of the day, the rest is outsourced. I have never been anywhere else that the lines are cleared every single day. TAT on everything is less than an average of 2 hours. Crazy huh? I am not the transcriptionist there. I code; however, I do work for a company from home.
Outsourcing
I have read through the various posts here. What they are doing to us transcriptionists is the SAME thing they are doing to clothing manufacturers. The cheaper something is to produce, the more money the business will make when they re-sell that product. It is just a cop out excuse that there are not enough transcriptionists here. AND...I do not know about you other transcriptionists out there, but I have not gotten ANY line rate pay raises for the past probably 10 years now, and when searching for jobs I have not found any higher pay. Cost of living is rising for us, but our pay is NOT. Instead, our work is being sent offshore which allows our U.S. employers to either oursouce or pay us well below what we SHOULD be getting paid. It makes me very SICK and I also will NOT knowingly seek employment with a company that does this. Although, the one I presently work for DOES outsource their help desk, and this is also unfair. The help desk could employee Americans at minimum wage....no hard job in answering phones, routing calls, and fixing minor technical issues....but instead, they would rather leave our Americans on the unemployment line and hire the Indians instead who, as others have said, are getting paid WELL BELOW minimum wage. (The Indians at our help desk seem to be wonderful people and I do not mean to direct any hostility directly at them - it is not their fault.) I am actually glad I am in my 40s in that hopefully I will never see the day that it is ALL oursourced...but it DOES seem that the economy is heading in this direction. MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!!!!! GREED is why our work is being outsourced overseas. And most of you guys voted for Obama who wants to SPREAD THE WEALTH. I do NOT feel sorry for anyone who voted for him, as he is NOT for the small business and therefore his financial plan of spreading the wealth will HURT US!!! But, I know the naive will stand their ground until we lose our country completely. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Four years from now, we can come back and talk about how much he has helped us, huh? Fat chance. I personally will be crying my eyes out on inauguration day - may be doing to India myself one day....to STAY!!! LOL!
DTS outsourcing
It's not only transcription they outsource. Their help desk people are entirely in India and you talk to them a lot.
Outsourcing
I know there are 2 sides to every story. I appreciate your candor.
It is a scary time for the American worker in more ways than one. We are supposed to remain competitive with people all over the world whose standard of living is so much less than ours. Yet, I would feel a lot better doing this if the company CEO (and I mean this generically) did not have a private jet and multiple luxury vehicles and houses all over the world. It is a kinda Let them eat cake kind of deal. There has to be a balance. There is definitely a struggle going on, and if owners/CEO attitudes do not change, there will be a labor war in this country that made the early 20th century labor union developement look like childs play. It is all up to the guys in the corner office.
P.
outsourcing?
In the following statement Liz made :
It might be safe to say that I don't think there is a transcription service around that does not outsource.
If the outsourcing she refers to is sending work overseas, then that is not safe to say. I work for a company that only hires US MTs and keeps all work in the US. Who is it? MTSO that does solely work for the VA. Who better to understand the needs of American workers than the men and women who have fought for us, lost their lives for us, etc.
I applaud all who stand tall and refuse to work for anyone that outsources overseas! We need all US MTs to make a stand! I know it is hard to do when you need a job, but if we don't make our voices heard there will be no change.
That is why I am glad ATA was started. It supports the US MTs. Hopefully it will give us a fighting chance to improve the outsourcing situation.
To all of you enduring this change, my prayers are with you.
Anita
What they're outsourcing
Our docs are outsourcing all dictation, including research and academic, and an EMR won't help them there. Until the EMR is completely in place, they're using a company that outsources to India for the clinic as well. When the templates are set up for them (they're in a transition period now), you're absolutely right - they won't need any Transcriptionist for clinic. It's just point and click, and the info is pulled into a letter. I'm just still mourning the loss of research and academic. I was preparing myself for the loss of clinic; I just thought there was still a living to be made there for me, but the docs have outsourced that too.
MDI outsourcing- Have not heard that
they do, but don't know for sure. Do know they are giving $1000 sign on bonus this month for Meditech experience and pay well per line.
outsourcing/offshoring
MDI -Florida does not offshore but Partners in Practice does offshore. I think people should be honest when they post a job offer.
Outsourcing Solutions, Inc?
Anyone have any good/bad info on this company?
Hospitals outsourcing?
Anyone know of any hospitals directly outsourcing to MTs? My local hospital does - but not hiring now. I'm w/a great company other than running out of work consistently even on three accounts for months on end ....
They aren't outsourcing. nm
nm
First of all are you Outsourcing Scandals?
nm
In 7-10 yrs, outsourcing will be out of India and into
The Indians are getting screwed over, exactly the same way we are.
We are all in this world together. Don't blame them, blame the greedy corporations who are after just one thing, profit. 
OUTSOURCING: This is a MUST-READ!
VERY interesting article from 2002 in which Acusis CEO is interviewed about outsourcing to India. OF PARTICULAR INTEREST are paragraphs 1-4 on page 2, regarding WAGES.
I like where he says a top-notch American MT makes $800/week! WHERE?
So! If Acusis pays its Indian MTs 3x what most Indian MTs earn in their country, can those of us in the US being bought out expect to earn 3x what most American MTs earn? (I don't think I'll hold my breath........)
do you mean offshoring, (not outsourcing)?
nm
Outsourcing Solutions
OSI- Outsourcing Solutions,Inc
Hospital Outsourcing
I took a job at my local hospital at the beginning of the year. Three weeks later, we were told the hospital was going to outsource the work. :(
Outsourcing in California
Not true - I live in California and many transcription companies outsource offshore. In fact, it's a trend that is increasing.
Outsourcing for HR and Payroll
How many transcription companies have partnered with ADP, a global conglomerate listed on the NYSE. Transcription companies, et al, are turning their Human Resource and Payroll functions over to ADP. Now in my opnion, an mouse does not partner with an elephant. Partnership???? Thousands of ADP accounts were already invaded by hackers this year. What is going on? Is there a gobble-up in the offing for some of the smaller, more independent transcription companies? Is this why they are partnering? Is this why were are being treated as disposable commodities? Are they all going to sell out to foreign companies listed in the US as corporations, but actually foreign owned and controlled? Any insight would be appreciated. E-mails welcomed.
Not outsourcing to India
I don't know who 'conniemt' is but Greenlight is not and will not outsource outside of the US.
Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. OSI
Does anyone have any current info on this company or does anyone work for them? I reviewed the archives and found some info, but not current. Just wondering if anything has changed since then. Thanks!
They don't like being honest, not about outsourcing either.
It's one of those things if they don't like your question, they simply won't answer it.
TransTech, Outsourcing?
Is all work based in the US, or do they have other countries transcribing also?
Those in need do not benefit from outsourcing
The people in need do not get anything. They will continue to starve while the upper castes/classes become more and more of a consumer-driven society.
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