Creating a proposal for services
Posted By: Janell DeMello on 2006-06-13
In Reply to:
I have been asked to submit a proposal for transcription services for a local imaging facility. The dictation is accessed over the internet and the reports are typed directly into their own system. I am a bit sketchy on how to submit a proposal like this. Can anybody provide me with a "sample." I will be hiring additional subcontractors to help me on this account. I have only been employed as an outside contractor on one-site facilities and dont really know all the wording that is needed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Questions about creating a bid proposal...
I am fairly new to the business. I am currently transcribing part-time for a local clinic. I learned that the clinic will be accepting bids for a new contract position. I have never drawn up a bid. Do not know the first thing about it. I have someone who can help me with that. What I would appreciate any suggestions or advice on are:
1. What to charge per line? Will picking up and dropping off tapes at 3 sites. Will be transcribing outpatient clinic and radiology reports.
2. Turn around time? Current contractor has 3 days. The contract in place states 24 hours but they have been lenient lately.
3. Would it be accurate to figure 30% for taxes and 20% for benefits?
I appreciate any and all advice. Anything I have forgotten, please let me know!
Thank you for suggestions. 
Proposal
I would basically just type up what you are proposing to provide as services, outline TAT, price who will provide what equipment etc. This is not the contract just a proposal of what you are stating what you will provide at what price. Just make sure you know all the little details or be able to put in some type of stipulation that the propsal is NOT a final binding contract but with what details are known this is the proposal of your price and TAT. Same as if you were to get a bid on someone to do a roofing job, windows, work on your car, that this is a propsal and not a final cost. I have just always made mine very simple and if they accept and want a contract I go into more specifics i.e. invoicing, payment due, etc. Also if you will be needing IC's be sure to put into the proposal that you will need some time to hire IC's, etc., get set up, and so on otherwise you could be hiring and have no work for them if you jump the gun. Now the balancing act begins, having enough IC's on hand but not too many so that there is enough work for all of them but not too much in case one or more call in sick, have a sick child or decide not to work. Also being able to pay them enough but you still make something off the account for all the headaches of managing them. So I wish you the best of luck, but basically just specify what you are services you are proposing to provide to them.
Stock proposal forms
Does anyone have a "stock" proposal form they use to bid on transcription work? Thanks.
Creating Templates
I am looking for a way to create a sample report and put ?? in the places where changes would be made, using a control key to jump from ?? to ?? i.e. This ?? year-old ?? patient.....Blood pressure ??, pulse ??, temperature ??, ETC.
Creating Resume
Can someone tell me how to create a resume on MTStars. Thanks
Creating glossaries
To create glossaries, the first option would be to import your AutoCorrect file. Right-click on Phrases and go to Importer and click on the AutoCorrect option and follow the prompts.
The next option would be to do a compilation as suggested in the previous post. To do a compilation, right-click on the glossary list and select "Multiple File Compilation" and then follow the prompts.
With regards to not seeing any matching phrases in your advisories: What glossary are you currently using? What are you typing for a short form? Do you see anything in the advisories at all?
It may be easiest to troubleshoot over the phone. Please feel free to call us at 781-272-3200 ext 2 with any questions and we can help get you started. We are here Monday-Friday 9am-5pm eastern time. You can always email us as well.
Textware Solutions
Creating Jump Codes
Can someone help me, please? I'm trying to set up my own templates and need to create jump codes. Does anyone have any suggestions? I did the Ctrl F9, but when I saved the template and reopened it, the blank symbol was gone. If anyone has suggestions, I am willing to try them. Thanks everyone. Have a blessed day.
Need help creating a go-to function in Word...
I would like to set up Word so that I can press tab (or some other) key and it will move to a specific point in the report such as ???, so that I can then insert text at that point. I have had many templates come to me with this function but I would like to be able to set it up for my own templates, only don't know how....after spending 30 minutes in the Help menu I'm just frustrated!!  But I bet one of you folks know how to do it! Sure would appreciate the help.
Help creating letterhead templates
I would like to take an existing letterhead, scan it and create a template for it that can be pulled up and typed right into. Someone I used to know did this for one of my accounts at one time, but I have no clue on how she did it and no contact with her anymore. It doesn't seem like this should be anything difficult to do, but I have played around with it and just can't figure it out.
Would really appreciate any pointers, or even links/websites where I might be able to find simplified information on how to do this. I am a little "behind the times" and not very experienced on much besides typing at this point. I will be changing direction soon and need to update my ways of doing things.
Thank you in advance for any tips or direction. 
Creating Templates in Word
Anyone familiar with creating report templates in Word ?
Creating a resume on MTStars
Would someone please explain how I can create a resume on MTStars. I appreciate your help. I really need to post a resume ASAP. 
Instructions on creating a field.
Using Word 2002, you would do this by creating a field in the report. First, you must enable Field Codes by going to Tools, Options, View, under Show check Field Codes and Shading Always. Then hit OK.
Next, in your template or blank document in Word, go to Insert, Field, select Go To Button. The Go To Button will be grayed out on your screen. However, you will be able to see the Go To Button field on your monitor screen if you enabled the field correctly as described above.
To use the Go To Button field in your report, to land in this field when transcribing, use F11. This will place your cursor right in the Go To Field box in your report. As soon as you starting typing, the Go To Field box will be replaced with the text. This field is very useful when you only need to fill in text in a paragraph. I use it all the time in my templates to save time. And we all know time is money in this business.
Of course, these instructions could be slightly different in other versions of Word. I use Word 2002. But this is the basic concept of setting up a field in a document.
I hope this is of some help to you.javascript:editor_insertHTML('text',' ');
javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
Creating back space in IT
I admit that I am challneged when it comes to Instant Text. Year-old is already entered but have been attempting -month-old with no success.
Any ideas?
As always, my gratitude!
Very sorry if I'm creating the wrong impression...sm
This post will be a little long - my apologies in advance.
First, I wasn't "discounting" the dslextreme suggestion per se. However, the OP had already indicated that her phone company couldn't provide DSL, and if the phone company can't physically configure a line for DSL no other company like dslextreme, which has to rely on the phone company provisioning the line, can provide it either. I should have been more explanatory in my response, but then I suppose I would have been "preachy".
As for whole "preachy" thing and the "belarc" post sounding like a magazine article, I write the way I write. It's true that I've written many articles on technical subjects, so perhaps that style has crept into my forum posts as well. What I'm trying to do is to include as much information as possible in my posts so that I'm not just leaving everyone with more questions than answers. Sometimes, a little information just confuses people while a little more information would have made it clearer.
In other words, I'll plead guilty to sometimes trying to teach, but I have no gospel that I'm trying to preach. Perhaps you'll make that distinction in the future.
Maybe it would help if you knew a little about me. I've been in the transciption industry for over 25 years, and in that time I've sat in most of the "seats", including production, QA, supervision, management and tech support. The latter is most relevant here, so I'll go further to explain that I've always had an interest in the technologies that we use and have invested literally $tens of thousands in taking everything from college courses to certification "bootcamps" to seminars having to do with telecommunications, networking, operating systems, PC maintenance, computer security and even digital forensics. I've also done quite a bit of HIPAA training. If you'd care for a list of the training I've had, I'll be happy to provide it if you reply by email.
I don't say this for any other reason than to point out that I don't come on this forum for any other reason than to share what I've learned with the members of the forum. If it's not helpful to post on the forum, I have other things to do than posting and I'm sure members have other things to do than reading the posts.
Personally, I think it's a shame when anyone who has something of value to offer and does so voluntarily finds that they're being attacked on "style points". When you commented on my Belarc post, my only thought was, "Yes, but did you download and run it, or did you let all that other junk get in your way?" If it's the latter, you're the loser, not me.
...and now, as I said, I have other things to do. Have a nice day!
Are you creating a template or form letter? Then try this. sm
Your message makes me think that you're trying to create some kind of form. If so, try these steps.
View, Toolbars, Forms. You will now have a toolbar that makes creating the form much easier for you. Mouse over each button to see what it does but it sounds to me like you'll use the text form field button the most. Finish creating your template/form and click on the padlock on the toolbar to lock your form. Save it.
Now, you can just hit tab to move between the fields to make filling it in faster. Hope this helps.
But at least with straight you're creating a document, not -
correcting one a machine did. I just get so bored proofreading, that I think correcting VR would put me to sleep.
Also, doesn't editing pay a lot less per line than straight transcription?
India and China will undoubtedly be creating
Just as the blue collar workers in manufacturing can be replaced, in this global setting, so can the entire corporations - I give them 10 years before the enterprising businessmen in China, India (whereever US CEOs have fled to gain access to slave labor) steal the info and create their own companies and compete as they certainly would be happy with a fraction of the American CEOs income.
Great tool for creating shortcuts
I just found this really great site with a tool on it for counting the repeated phrases in documents which we as MTs can use to make shortcuts!
here it is: http://medicaltranscriptionexpandproductive.blogspot.com/
...sigh... and don't bother creating a 2nd email acct. nm
s
Where are the services that pay 11.5?
I have 18 years of experience, and the most I've been offered is 9 cpl and that's jumping through hoops. 11.5 for a company is just not the norm, sorry!
HIM/services will get you any way they can!
Howwouldtheyliketoreadareportjustlikethisandcodeasfastorbill? Maybe we can charge "air time" for all those times the docs leave us hanging while they figure out what they are going to say.
services
Carol, I have never worked for an on-line service but was thinking of switching. I'm tired of getting screwed by the hospital and cheated on line counts. Which services are you speaking of.
Services
Services Provided as Key Activity of the Business
If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of the business, it is more likely that the business will have the right to direct and control his or her activities. For example, if a law firm hires an attorney, it is likely that it will present the attorney’s work as its own and would have the right to control or direct that work. This would indicate an employer-employee relationship.
Does this mean I am not an IC because my company presents my work as its own and they tell me what platform I have to use?
You keep saying they tried other services?
Why did they try other services if they were so happy with you? Maybe they keep coming back, but one day they may not...
What extra services...
I was wondering if any of you MTSOs, or MTs that work for an MTSO, offer any extra services to your clients? For example, do you do their envelopes and labels as well? Or anything else? Keeping in mind that you are not in the same town and that your employees are not in the office or even same state as you, lol. Thanks for any suggestions!
curious
Yes, small services (sm)
used to pay 11 cpl IC, have now sold out to squids who in turn pay 7-8 cpl.
And services left average 8 cpl, if you're really experienced you'll get 10 or 11 and get such bad dictation you'll get a headache you'll never forget. 
ICs can work for services, as well. nm
nm
Funeral services
I agree. I personally did not attend my first funeral until I was in my mid 20s, even when my beloved grandmother died, it was her wish that we "kids" not attent (age 12 at the time). I have never forced my own son to attend as a child either. I now feel obligated to attend services for husband's family, etc but always dread the whole ordeal, even for just a distant relative, etc. Grateful that my parents also will not be having formal services, just simple cremation. You must do what YOU feel is right for your child and your own situation.
armed services
My sone joined the Navy in his junior year of college. He went in as an officer. They finished paying his college and then sent him for Officers training. He is now teaching nucler physics for them for 4 years and go do something else in the Navy after 4 years to do anything he wants.
Did you get a contract for your services?????
If so check your contract.
if not
Are they normals he supplied you?? If not then are they YOUR MACROS???? If they are then I would think they would be your property. Did he pay for your ShortHand or Office programs or even your spellchecker????? Did he furnish your computer?????
If your answer is repeatedly no then perhaps you should tell him NO money No macros.
Just my humble opinion.
And then company has right to not use services
x
Not being paid for IC services
What steps can I take to collect payment for my services as an IC? Company is ignoring me. The only thing I can think of is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Hiring a lawyer wouldn't be worth it. Thanks.
Transcend Services
Thanks so much for the information.
When you market your services with a
business name and a business license, it shows the doctors or hospitals that you are representing yourself as a professional business and are not just a homemaker or housewife trying to make a few extra bucks. They will treat you with more respect and take you more seriously, and in turn will be willing to pay you a fair rate as a respectable businesswoman. Think about any business in your community or town. They all first procure a business name and a business license before they open their doors. You may be working from home, but you can will present yourself in this fashion. I would also suggest obtaining a P.O. Box to use as your business address instead of using your home address. Believe me, this works. I have been running a successful small MT business from home for over 20 years now, and I support my entire family on my earnings.
No, these services have not cleared
it with their legal staff. If they did, they would not be advertising IC status and flexible schedules, then presenting a contract that requires Tuesday through Saturday, set hours, or Sunday thru Thursday, set hours. No, no one has to accept a contract, and I certainly would not under those conditions. I bet there are a lot of MTs though who need jobs, don't know the law, and who are willing to accept a contract under those conditions. However, it is ILLEGAL under IRS guidelines. If the national MTSOs have consulted their attorneys, then pray tell why are they hiring ICs, controlling their schedules? Under those circumstances, they are considered employees under the law, and these large nationals KNOW IT. I'd fire my attorney if I was told it was okay to operate under the screen of IRS detection. No, you do not have to shy away from services and find your own accounts. Get real. I subcontract to MTSOs, albeit smaller ones, as an IC, and do not have my own accounts. Right now, I am under contract to only 1, and I am not breaking any IRS laws in doing so.
MRT Services - anyone familiar with them?
Anyone ever heard of MRT Services? I saw them online. Please provide feedback.
Gmrtranscription Services
Good morning,
Has anyone heard of Gmrtranscription Services or Verilogue?
I am testing for a home position and I am curious about their reputation.
They transcribe physician/client interactions for medical marketing research.
Any advice is appreciated.
Kymee
I didn't say they tried other services after
Yep, I know they've used Medquist, MRC, Medifax (long time ago - don't think it's the same Medifax that I think is in existence now) and some local services I won't name because they'd be identifiable by their names. How do I know this? I knew about it before I even went on my own; in fact, that's one of the reasons I did it. I saw a need for QUALITY transcription, not the crap that was coming back from services, and I knew i coulld provide that. Also, I have contacts in the HIM world who told me by name the services they used and what poor quality/turnaround time they were getting.
Transcend services
Has anyone heard of Transcend Services? Is this a good company to work for? I need to find a dependable reliable national co to work for. Thanks for any advice
Medical Dictation Services Inc
Does anyone here work for this company that is based in Gathersburg, MD? If so, I would like to talk to you. I have been away from transcription for a couple years but want to get back into it and am hoping to hear from this company. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks! MSH
and they have offshore services as clients.
t
Southern Transcription Services
Any info on Southern Transcription Services would be helpful.
TIA
Telerecruiting Admin Services
Has anyone worked for Telerecruiting Admin Services, or do you know someone that has. A friend keeps getting email from them, and wants to know if they actually hire or pay people the wages they advertise? TIA.
Heartland Information Services
I have read all about the difficulties with MQ here. Anyone here have any experience working for Heartland Information Services.
Thanks
Transcend Services does (see inside)...
The company website is at: http://www.transcendservices.com
Academy of Business Services
Has anyone ever heard of these people - they are advertising for a conference in my area for people interested in learning medical billing. Does anyone know if they are legit or a scam? Any info would be appreciated.
Services are having to lower their prices, too..sm
I get routinely outbid for work by other services who are willing to do 24 hour TAT and fax or print the reports - all for 11 cents per line...So don't be too sure the services are making all the money either!
Anybody had any experience with tax relief services SM
for back taxes owed, specifically state tax? I owe some back taxes to the state (2005), not much, $1200. Need to come up with it pronto. I saw an ad on TV about tax relief and was wondering if anyone has done this. Thanks.
What bother me is that we all pretty much know this, especially those of us who do QA for services
and know what we are doing. The work is atrociously bad, both from MTs and even from some other QA'ers! So why does it continue to go on? Your guess is as good as mine!
I haven't gotten paid for my services....sm
I was wondering if anyone knew how I should go about getting paid for my services. I provided over $700 worth of services to a social worker and she refuses to pay. I have a signed independent contract with her. I also have all the emails she has sent me promising to pay me. I also have the recent email that she sent that she is not going to pay. I have since sent her 3 letters and emails. She hasn't responded to any of them. I also tried calling all the numbers I had for her and they are all disconnected. She has since quit her job and they don't know where she is. I do know where she works now. I would like to take her to small claims court, as I mentioned it to her in her final notice. I think that is why she disconnected everything. The only address I have for her is a PO Box. Is there anyway I can file a petition at small claims court and have them subpoena her at her job? Please help me. Thanks.
with some digital phone services--sm
the product you mention, Phone Tools by BVRP, is not able to be used as some digital phone services do not support faxing functions, as of yet.
I use MaxEmail internet fax service. They have a free program for using a limited amount of faxes both outgoing and incoming. They have a Lite service, which I use, for about 10.00 per year, for unlimited incoming and outgoing faxes during that time. I have been VERY satisfied with their service. I have used them for three years.
|
