I believe private MTSOs have to bid on contracts to do military work.
Posted By: It's a very involved process. nm on 2005-12-11
In Reply to: Transcribing for military hospital - Romey
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MT Daily has a private board for MTSOs
I know a lot of us now come here since MTD decided to institute fees, but that board is so valuable that it makes it worth it--only if other transcription company owners keep it active. It's definitely not what it used to be but those who have stuck with it sure have great camaraderie and help one another with issues just like this one you are facing.
does anyone work for Private Secretay Inc (PSI)
nm
Why not work for yourself with private accounts?
Then you don't have to follow the beat of the MQ (or any other company) drum?
Or try for a supervisor position? You know how you want to be treated; then you'd be in the perfect position to handle other MTs the way you believe they should be. You'll be highly motivational for them and your company will probably have kudos for you for having a winning team.
Just two options of many.
Business plans don't work either...been there done that with SBC & ATT...MTSOs/hospitals need to.
 either offer 1-800 numbers or internet transcription if they want to keep hiring us all over the US....that's it!! Maybe we could all share the cost of a 1-800 number or something, and for goodness sake, with all the technology out there, everything needs to go to digital dictation anyway. Bottom line is MT is NOT allowed for ULD. I even asked about some sort of special ULD transcription package through SBC & ATT and they wouldn't even consider it. So, MTSOs, please listen up...the ULD is going to be a thing of the past real soon. It's a wonderful option to you and it broadens the MT's working capabilities, but without ULD, nobody can rake out that kind of money! We should all put our heads together (MTSOs and MTs) and try to get something going here. We can no longer overlook this situation.
Good luck everyone...I will be holding my breath for us all!
MTSOs who work with call-in dictating systems. See inside.
If you work with a call in system, would you be willing to share if you like it/don't like it, how your transcriptionists acess their work (internet or through the call in system), where did you buy your system and is it efficient, etc. Thanks.
Yup ... smaller MTSOs, local MTSOs (sm)
local doctor's offices or clinics! Don't get discouraged!! :)
military
my grandfather and father were marines and my x-husband was a marine, all front line, first in last out. my father did 2 active tours in vietnam-by choice. not until recently would he talk about it, but when he does, the pride that is in his eyes is unreal. my x and i had just announced our engagement a few days before 9-11. he wanted to reinlist and i had the same fear that you do, that it wasn't for us. that's a decision that only you guys can make. as good as it can be, it can also be as horrible as can be. just like everything else in life it's how you approach and deal with it that will make you or break you. no matter what branch, you will always be able to find a friendly face anywhere in the world because there will always be someone else living the same experience. best of luck in your family's decision. 
my 18 YO is considering the military...
and I don't know if I want him to do that or not. Has it been a positive experience so far for your son? If you don't mind, what branch did he join? I know you can't wait to hug your baby boy again! 
Military
It sounds as if he needs to grow up and accept responsibility for his actions. What did he expect the military to be like??? You just dress up and march in parades? Get real!
Military
Actually, I'm glad he's out-- I wouldn't want a wimp like him "protecting" me or this country anyway. I hope he enjoys his NEW time away from his family being in the brig. Like, duh----. 
military deserter?
Don't you have him confused with his predecessor?
Anyone's husband in the military?
My husband is thinking of joining the military. He has always wanted to since we met about 7 years ago and we just went to a wedding where his couisin was there, who just got back from Iraq. His cousin is going back voluntarily. He is a higher rank (I have on idea what the difference is). Anyway, I am really worried about this. It is just something that he is thinking about right now, but we have 2 kids and it scares me to death!!! Any advice or anyone with experience with this?
Military time
I've done it both ways depending on what the client/doctor wants.
Our Military People
I want to share something my family does in case you're interested in doing something similar. We live near a military base and every year I call and get the names of a couple of soldiers to invite into our home for Christmas Day. These are soldiers who are very far from home and not scheduled for leave on Christmas. We been doing this for several years and it has been such a wonderful experience. We have made friends that we'll keep in contact with until ... 
We pick up these soldiers up at a set time and set gate on the base. They have dinner with us and we always give them some small gifts -- phone cards, note cards, stamps, restaurant gift certificates, etc. The guys love it when they get a box of all occasion cards with stamps, as most of them say they aren't very good at picking out cards to send back home. We end the evening by driving around showing them Christmas lights, etc.
Yes, it is generally a bit awkward for them at first, but they always end up getting "comfortable" and enjoying themselves.
You usually need to call early - they do have to make sure you aren't a serial killer or terrorist.  Often times, they have an office set up where you fill out a form for "adopting a soldier" and that simplifies matters a great deal.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Don't know about transcribing for the Military, but...sm
your transcription skills will most certainly qualify you for an Administrative Assistant/secretary position for the Military. I started as a GS-4 in Aug 04. Got promoted to a GS-5 in Aug 05 and now am lead secretary in an office of 50 people. I get an automatic promotion to a GS-6 in Aug 06. On top of the all the benefits, they are going to pay for my degree too. I know a lot of people complain about Federal jobs, but mine has been a blessing all the way around.
Military wife
Yep, my husband has been in the AF for 29 years. He has been deployed since middle of March and will be coming home at end of May. I've been MT for 3 years, but all at one place. Wish I would've done it sooner, when we were moving around. He's retiring this summer.
Military Overseas
When companies state no overseas applications or solicitations does that include Overseas Military?? I have DSL and we have a US Post office here on base. Curious cause i'm about to start school and want to know it wont be wasted while we are stationed overseas.
Thanks!
I appreciate the military. I DONT appreciate
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Transcribing for military hospital
I have a question, does anybody know of how to get into transcribing for say a military hospital so you could get government benefits, or has anybody does this before? Would love to have the safety net in retirement of some good government benefits.
Just wondering if there are other military wives out there who are also MTs? NM
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Are your military members fighting for your
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Your child JOINED military. Did she do so with
Sounds like apple doesnt fall far from tree if she made life changing move with no forethought. You say this is 2nd tour. To me that that means she and her hubby signed up for second time so its not like this was sprung on all of you. You need to learn to look ahead and plan better. And I dont mean plan on better ways to rob your fellow citizens.
when typing military time, is it, for ex: 1645 or 16:45 nm
Military time would be 1645 hours.
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a lotta of the older docs were in the military...sm
and these were memorized by rote...kinda like the ABCs. Extraordinarily bright men and women who'd served their country and then went on to be docs.
It's always nice to hear them say "Thank you for transcribing this dictation",  Cat
Her child was not drafted, JOINED military. Do
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care package for military in iraq ideas?? sm
i have a very close friend who is in iraq and i went to send something but no idea what? he ideas or someone know anyone in military and what they like to receive or need? FYI, they are on a ship. TYIA!
Sounds like a wartime military POW personnel training manual..nm
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.
I live in a small rural area and they housed some evacuees at a nearby military base
crime went UP in our little community that previously HAD a ~very low~ crime rate. It is a FACT. I'm not saying all NO residents are like that, but MANY seem to be.
My mom was raised in conditions like this poster describes. Mom's parents died when she was 7 (father) and 9 (mother). Her teenage sister (newlywed) raised her and 4 other siblings. They had next to nothing. Not ONE of them turned to a life of crime. Not ONE even graduated high school but they still made good lives for themselves. Life was rough for them, but they didn't blame it on everyone else and cry around about what the president should be doing for them. It is all about RESPONSIBILITY and taking what life throws your way. IMO.
and contracts...works for me 20+ yrs..nm
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Government contracts
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.
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.
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