Government contracts
Posted By: nn on 2006-02-08
In Reply to:
Has anyone out there heard or looked into government contracts transcribing for VA hospitals - a friend called me today with this proposition - she said there were two places to look for work - one is called rsp.com and the other is fedbizops.com. She put in a bid for a radiology account with 600,000 lines a month and said that she thought that would take two people. I'm just trying to find out if this is legit or not. I'm not wanting any extra work for myself, but this just sounds too good to be true.
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I agree. MTIA is not a government organization. Credentialing comes from state government and
sometimes at the federal level. This mandatory credentialing is ludicrous and a scheme to make money, in my humble opinion.
I have to agree with the other poster, if not having CMT after my name after 25 years of experience prevents me from being employable, I have a very good lawyer who will take up my cause!!!
The government giveth,and the government taketh away
Lori is correct...the SS does give the recipients a yearly raise. This year the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was 3.3%. This sounds fine and dandy until you take inconsideration the monthly premium for Medicare was raised by 3.1%.
Does anyone know how to go about applying for a government job?
nm
What I expect from my government
When a mandatory evacuation is ordered I expect to be able to get on the hurricane evacuation routes and have enough gas available to get moving. Is this reality........NO.
As far as moving somewhere else, FL has a way of putting a grip on you. Low wages to the point you are stuck literally. I haven't been out of this state in over 7 years due to lack of funds.
Government jobs...
MTs are listed under "medical data technician." Also, the military sometimes uses placement agencies for MT jobs.
Government disability and doing MT
Does anyone here collect government disability and also work part time doing MT? I have a severe immune disorder and was considering filing for permanent disability. Anyone know if you are allowed to work part time? 
Including, unfortunately, our government. nm
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What we CAN do is vote for changes in our government
And then we have to keep a very, very close eye on them and scrutinize every move they make. We have to become more knowledgeable and involved in how our political & judicial systems work.
Thanks for the answer. Our government in
x
And the more people want from the government -- the more you pay
Someone has to pay for all the government programs and it is us. Just like that $600 we will get, who do you think will be paying for it -- us working people. Those with the tax credits, child credits that pay no taxes just want more. We the people support the government and the more the government gives the more we keep giving the government. I use all my deductions I can give. If I think I am paying too much to government, I find another dedution, my self retirement, my anything other than the government.
I agree with you completely. It is our government that ALLOWS this
to happen though. My point exactly. Spend money overhauling the system. Make people accoutable for their actions. That opens up money for people who really need it. Also, people here that do not pay taxes and are not here legally, give them the boot.
Government/Federales office....nm
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Some government drone is going to have a heyday
going through my computer (not!).
While I certainly don't support Google doing this (if, indeed, they are), it's kinda like the Patriot Act. If people have something to hide, they are going to fight this tooth and nail. If they don't have anything to hide, well, so what? If some poor government drone wants to see the dress measurements of every kid in my dance classes--enjoy! Want a list of what I want to see in Kauai--have at it!
Call me naive, call me stupid, but if surveillance of what I do means that people who ARE doing bad things are caught and kept from negatively influencing your loved ones (not to mention mine), I'm all for it. I would suspect that said drones would be targeting very specific ISPs, if this is all true, rather than wanting to see what the secret ingredient is in your great aunt Sally's family-favorite beef stew recipe.
So, with that said, I am going to continue to enjoy Google's presence on my desktop. 
All you fans of the government must be from one o' them RED states..........
If you have such a productive life, why do you even care about MT, let alone spend time posting on an MT forum?
Those were put in place by the government for people who NEED them
You disgust me. You're part of what's wrong with society today, my dear.
Take a good look in the mirror - Yep, the epitome of what's wrong with many people who do not NEED those programs but scheme and manipulate and wheedle their way into being 'entitled' to them.
Your post seriously sickens me, as does you having a child you obviously cannot afford to raise.
Yes, PLEASE quit the MT field. I don't want my profession associated with system-sucking swindlers.
Government controlled healthcare!!
Contracts
Does anyone have copies of Independent Contractor contract, Non-compete contract and confidentiality agreement. My hard drive crashed awhile back and all my contracts were on there. I run a small business and can't seem to find these anywhere on the Web. Any contracts e-mailed to me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Robin
Contracts out
To Medquist and OSI. From what I remember, they do not transcribe all that well -- a lot of mistakes.
Contracts
It is true. The only thing is depending on the contract some guidelines are really strict. They usually ask for a 70-character line count, but it is definitely worth bidding for because if you do a good job it is a 5 year contract in most cases?
Contracts
I haven't used a written one for years but I basically just outlined what services I would be providing at what price, TAT, and what I expected from the account. There is usually a 30 day cancellation clause unless it is due to poor quality or not meeting TAT. My accounts now have been on a handshake and a verbal agreement and have lasted for over 15 years.
contracts
Well..that is a subject all right! I bill on the 1st and 15th. On my invoice, it states, "due and payable upon receipt." That way there is no denying they know I want to be paid now. I actually discuss with the Transcription Coordinator at the time of the contract that I expect to be paid promptly, that I am a small business and that I cannot float paying my MTs and that I must pay them or they will not work for me...MTs are sort of like that, if we don't get paid promptly, we don't work. I hope that helps you and good luck with your new contract.
I have no contracts
When I first started out I had contracts wtih some accouints -- I did the work as spcified, they paid as specified and either count cancel with 30 days notice. It worked. I now have 5 accounts, no signed contracts, verbal only. I do the work as promised, I follow HIPAA rules, they pay on time - no bounced checks, I raise my rates when I need to -- they have been with me for 16 to 6 years. No difference. Works for me. You can cancel the service at any time either side, if they don't pay with or without a contract you can go to court. I do the job as promised, they do their part as promised. Works for me.
I do not do contracts
I have worked both ways, as an IC and the MTSO and I do not do contracts but I do try to pay prior to the doctor paying me. But most of the time I do know the IC's quite well as it is a small circle here in Portland and we just work on trust I guess. I have never had anyone try to take my accounts but then I have always been up front and fair with my help. I would ask though when you might expect payment prior to the big project. But like I said, we are all pretty local and if the word ever got out that you either took someone's account or you did not pay, it would be all over and could easily ruin your business. But again, nothing hurt in asking, as a small MTSO I would not have a problem with someone asking me when they might expect payment. Good luck. Patti
need contracts
In hindsight, it would seem a good idea in such a situation would be to have a notarized agreement between yourself and the person you get to fill in for you. This agreement would stipulate that they are only to fill in for you in your absence when requested by YOU and they are not permitted to seek or accept employment with this client as long as you are their transcriptionist, even if it's your best friend. This is business, not a Saturday lunch together.
Then you could also get the facility to sign a notarized agreement with you stating they will not offer employment to your fill-in. They are to understand that this person is only a fill-in for you and is not permitted to solicit your clients because he/she has a legal agreement with you to not do so. Should they violate this, you will pursue legal means, etc. You must protect your job as well as you can.
You can also put in a contract that you have the first right of refusal to turn down work if the workload increases and the facility wishes to hire more staff. Then they can't go behind your back and hire others without offering you the work first. You have yourself covered at both ends this way. I've done such contracts and they befuddle the client so much that they willingly agree to sign because it sounds like I know a whole lot more than they do. Get a lawyer to draw something up so all your bases are covered.
Being nice, honest--that has to do with character and it's wonderful if the people for whom you work are that way. But in business, it's money that comes first. The two are not incompatible but it seems these days they aren't often found together anymore. Do a bullet-proof contract and give it to your clients in a very cordial but professional manner. They will respect you for it. Your business and income are every bit as valuable to you as theirs are to them and explain that to them as you hand over the contract for them to sign. If they can't see that, you don't need to deal with them and move on. Make the playing field level here and protect yourself. You are a professional too!
Contracts
Your information regarding contracts is just what I need. I never thought I would need to get so "formal" but just when you think you are in a comfort zone, you're not. Much appreciated!!!
IC Contracts - sm
I've got a question for those of you who service your own personal accounts. I currently work as an IC for another company and I am getting ready to take on a bunch of radiology reports from one doctor. (I'll work both places) I'm going to be paid by the page. Have any of you asked for a contract for a guarantee of work, i.e. he will guarantee a certain number of reports a week? What about contracts? Is there any place where I can download a contract and use it as a template for a foundation? Thanks guys.
contracts are all different SM
I've had contracts that span from year to year and then new ones are signed (if invited to stay on, sometimes they don't need the same amount of workers from year to year).
All of my contracts have stated some type of notice to be given as this could affect accounts if left short-handed. I give the MTSO forwarning, why not, it's called repect.
Also - contracts can be negotiated, you know. If there is something in there you don't agree with, call and discuss it. Ask questions.
why doesn't the us let the aruban government come in and search for the
murders in the idaho case? how about why not the aruban government decide if the sexual predators that our legal system lets out decide whether they should be left to go out and kill some other child or left in prison. why did it take so long to arrest scott peterson. why didn't we let the aruban government come in and arrest him immediately and question him.
NOW for the undereducated, a team of US people from Texas are in Aruba searching for Natalee and FBI has had advisors on board in Aruba.
Another thing, people expect the government
to pick up the pieces for them, and everyone is concerned about this. Do people not care that we are paying for people who should not be here in the first place. I am paying for free school, health care, welfare for the Hispanic family, who are very nice, next door to me. All are illegal. They bought their house with cash. They have 4 cars. Their kid goes to free preschool because he is automatically in because he speaks Spanish. I take my daughter 30 minutes out to a high school because I cannot afford anything else. How is this fair? Why are more people not standing up and saying this is not right. We pay the money, we SHOULD be entitled to help, whether you or anyone else thinks they deserve it or not, whether that girl had a baby out of wedlock. It is not as big an issue as the billions of people we are supporting that are not putting a dime back into the system. What is people's problem? I am all for people who come here legally, go to work and contribute back to society. At least the ones having babies out of wedlock are at some point paying taxes and/or their family is.
Government retirement program has changed.
It is now the same as Medicare, with a 401K added.
Civil Service/Government MT Jobs?
Hi all, I am wondering if any of us work as an MT for any government agencies, V.A. hospitals, military bases, etc. And if so, how is the pay rate. Is the hiring process difficulty. THANKS!
I am going broke, looking for a more lucrative 2008.
Soon it will be the government, Universal Health Care, nm
xxx
and contracts...works for me 20+ yrs..nm
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Govt contracts... been there
done that. I wouldn't do another one in a million years. Most are one-year contracts with 4 one-year renewals (their discretion, no guarantee). Their systems are mostly Dictaphone, some with VPN for voice. Most of the cost is on you for anything connected to account such as C-phones. The amount of paperwork and reports they wanted daily was overwhelming. They call you every 10 minutes 24/7 with "need it right now" stuff. The 2 facilities I did had about 75% ESL doctors that rotated in/out every few months -- especially if a military hospital. Then, because it's posted on the web site who was awarded the bid, I started getting a lot of calls from offshore companies wanting to work on the accounts, asking me not to tell the contractor. I also got a few calls from offshore companies asking if I would "front" for them and bid on contracts cuz they needed an American company to actually have the contract. As of just a few months ago, you needed evaluation from D&B (your cost $250) and their required liablity insurance limits (varies with accounts). You don't just go in and bid -- it's a process of applying to be a vendor first and filling out LOTS of tedious paperwork. (My last contract was about 80 pages long to fill out). If you miss one little thing in this paperwork, your bid gets bounced. They do call all of the required references, and if you haven't done the VA contract volume before, it's not likely they will award you contract. Getting paid took literally months - I was about broke and had borrowed money before I got my first check. (We didn't do anything incorrectly for billing, just took that long cuz it sat on somebody's desk) I'm sure others have had better luck - this was just our experience with these contracts. I wish you better luck!
Sample Contracts
I found this the below link quite helpful, particularly sample contract 2.
HTH
Best wishes.
noncompete contracts
I emailed you back.
noncompete contracts
Yes the papers have been served. Seeking legal advice soon. I don't really fear anything as I know we have done nothing wrong. It's just maddening that this person doesn't have anything better to do than to make other people miserable. She doesn't want to make her own money, she tries so hard to take other people's money. I swear, she works harder at trying NOT to work than she would actually have to work if she would just get a job! Get a job lady!
Noncompete contracts
Has anyone ever been sued for breaching a noncompete contract? Do you know what legal steps are involved? How do these things usually turn out? FYI: The contract was never actually breached.....but this former employer BELIEVES it has been and is suing several of her former employees. She owes one of us money (over $3,000.00) for back transcription. We HAD to quit...she wouldn't pay any of us. But the contract was not breached by any of us (probably by her - dirty hands clause - shady business practices, etc.) Any info would be greatly appreciated!
How many companies or contracts does everyone have.
It seems most Transcriptionist have to have more than one job. I want to work for just one company but have always worked for two and three to make sure I had work if one was low. Does anyone work for just one company ?
There are some sample contracts on
www.medword.com. Google "Transcription contracts". You can cut and paste into a word document. You are probably better off charging per line. Going rate is anywhere from 13-17 cpl depending on where you are located. 
contracts and mergers
This can be tricky. You need to have a lawyer look at the contract you made with the physician and see if you made a contract with him as an individual or the contract was made with his business and then see what can be done. If it was made with his business, then you may be covered and be able to fight this more easily.
I think you also need to know what the new contract for the merger covers -- are all previous services used by that physician automatically transferred over to the merged group? If not, you may have been cut out of the deal. OR, you may be included and they are not telling you. Also, if you are not covered under the new arrangement, you may be able to go after him for expected income based on what your existing contract states with that physician. You may be able to go after him personally for money owed.
We're talking 6 months of income here as I see it. Get a lawyer and go get what you deserve if there is any possible way--either by being retained by the new group or bringing charges of some sort. Make sure the lawyer stipulates that THEY pay all legal costs involved. They may be more willing to settle with you, give you what you want, rather than go through all this. Stand your ground. You are a business and don't let them cheat you. There are a lot of things in contracts that a non-lawyer can't see but can very well be to your advantage.
Good luck!
contracts and security
Yes, the only real "comfort zone" is what is covered in a legal document. There's your security to a certain extent. That's not to say that will eliminate all problems, but it gives people an idea you're serious and professional about your servies and you don't expect to be taken advantage of. Demand all that you want. Then decide down the road how strictly you want to hold the other party to those demands.
Think of how business people operate -- they argue at the conference table over clauses in contracts and then go play golf together the next weekend. It's expected. It's part of running a business. Business is business, social is social. Draw a line here between the two. Be nice when you type a term paper for your neighbor's kid. Be strict when you deal with clients.
Anyone can challenge a contract or agreement, and sometimes you will lose or it won't be worth the fight to pursue it. Every situation is different. That's why it's best to get the best attorney you can afford, the most experienced in this, to draw up that contract to begin with. Obviously the clients for whom we work have their own lawyers and the money to pursue things. But looking at the overall picture, it's just easier to give into your demands as a Transcriptionist than fight, especially if they really want to keep you which seems to be the case here. If there is a disagreement and you walk, their work is going to get backed up until someone else is trained and up to speed (in most situations). Who wants that hassle? It's easier to give into your demands. Lawyers aren't cheap for anyone, either side.
I'd sit down with these people and explain what they have done to you because they really may not realize how it is affecting you. Be pleasant about it but firm. Then have that contract ready and re-negotiate. Tell them your lawyer has advised you to do this with every client you have and you are changing your way of doing things to protect your business. Who can fault you for that? It makes perfect sense. Then you'll know where you really stand with them and you can make your decision to stay or move on. And when you deal with anyone else, present the contract to them and make sure all parties understand what they are signing before you do one bit of paid work for them.
One other tip: This is not meant in any way to offend you, as I'm sure your sklls are good, especially if they asked YOU to find a replacement. They assumed they would get someone just as good as you. Don't do it. Don't ever hire a fill-in who is equal to or better than you. You want them to be exceedingly glad upon your return!!! Doing this even puts you in a better bargaining position as far as rate increases in the future. If you want to help out a friend, get her/him an account you don't want. OR, hire them as a subcontractor for you so that they do not deal one-on-one with the client except to do the work. They are not to be involved in any negotiations whatsoever. But I still prefer hiring below your level of expertise. It's better for you that way.
Company Contracts
For those of you who work for MT companies, do you have to sign a contract regarding working for other companies as well?
Since supplemental income seems to be a big part for many, I am wondering if there is ever any problem with that.
Internship contracts
I am wondering if anyone has experience with companies requiring an internship contract that states that if the intern quits anytime within 2 years of signing that she will be charged $25 per hour in logged QA fees that could "potentially amount to thousands of dollars" (per contract). The starting line rate is decent, but there is no guaranteed increase, and advancement is at the discretion of the employer/mentor. Is this legal?
question about gov contracts.
Is it standard practice for a VA to 'sanitize' hard drives before paying up?
Getting MT contracts/subcontracting
Are there any MTs on this board who get their own contracts or subcontract directly from the MTSO that individual practices, hospitals, clinics, etc. contract with that would be willing to give me some pointers about getting my own accounts? You may feel free to email me privately if you want. Thank you in advance.
Contracts...wouldn't you think...sm
a contract signed between the MTSO and hospital or private practice would involve more legalities and red tape than a contract between an MTSO and your remote MT? I've worked for private practices and from what I've seen,they don't sign or do anything without involving an attorney. I also worked for one small MT company owned by someone I knew that didn't involve much more than a verbal agreement. Fortunately it worked out. Just a thought.
Giving out SS# for new contracts
Is there anyone else, besides me, who's very hesitant on giving out your social security # to new contracts? Am I better off trying to get a Federal Tax ID # and using that instead?
Am I willing to accept the US government outsources my tax return? Are you nutz?
What the bleep do you expect US citizens to do? Overthrow the government? It's the friggin LAW the politicians made.
Regarding identity theft - ANYBODY can steal your identity. It doesn't have to be someone overseas. Welcome to the real world.
Lost job due to offshore? Government program assistance
found this information in my husband's COBRA package. He is in the machining industry which has lost a lot of work to China. This program will help support during retraining and give a tax credit for health insurance premiums. Worth checking out. Don't be put off by how "complicated" the form is. Just do it one step at a time and call some of the numbers for help if need be.
Running a government women's health program has nothing to do with
The ability to make assessments WITH verbal input (women DO have the ability to communicate) is VERY necessary.
Maybe the former head of FEMA was a vet too. That would explain a lot.
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