security, confidentiality, etc...
Posted By: MTinNC on 2008-11-06
In Reply to: security sm - anonamiss
I also have a home computer and all the same programs on a laptop to use when I travel. It's no different than my home computer. When I type at home, I am typing in my living room with my husband and son moving all around me. (We're remodeling right now.) They respect that what I am typing is no one's business and they have never even offered to look or ask what's going on. Furthermore, this is a family computer, not provided by work. They are on the computer quite alot when I'm not. The program in which I transcribe is password protected and the information on patients is not stored locally, but on a server 1000 miles from here. That's about as secure as you can get. Then, that is not to mention that I have a wireless network here at home, as well as when I travel. With a password and a good firewall, security is just not an issue. Also, see the post from Just Me a few down, about networks. She is correct. (I also have worked in IT for many years.) Hotels ARE secure networks with original passwords. The last one I worked in had to give me a new password daily. Working at McDonald's or an Internet Cafe is what wouldn't be safe.
As for the laptop... like I said for my main job, no patient information is stored on my hard drive, but at a server away from me. I have a local account also, and once I do the work and send it in, it is deleted. I personally don't see the concern. There's not any point when I'm traveling that I have patient data stored on the laptop. The only way anyone could get patient information off of it is if they bust in the door while I'm working and jerk it from me mid-note.
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What about EMR and confidentiality? sm
Have a bad neighbor who is a CNA (the worst-behaved person, drinks, yells, swears all day) and she now has access to medical records at a hospital. Someone was in the hospital anonymously but she proudly announced she "found" them and what was wrong with them, etc. How are we going to prevent people working in hospitals or nursing homes, etc., from accessing ours or our loved ones medical records? I see one heck of a mess here! My doc went EMR and now I am very careful what I say to him, some things I should tell him, I do not because I don't want it read by the whole neighborhood. What's your opinion on this?
Ever hear of confidentiality? nm
nm
PS to confidentiality breach
I should have said they "had" their confidentiality breached by others. The hospital was very apologetic of this and does not know who did it but called in federal investigators to find the source of the poster on the website.
Patient confidentiality
I remember when I first started out in MT in a hospital part of medical records confidentiality agreement was that we only had access to records on an as needed basis and were not to be talking to anyone about the things we transcribed even if it was a relative, family member, etc. That was gee now close to 10 years ago.
I know like others on the board, it would be nice to know what EMR will mean for all of us. If we are to be out of jobs, I would sure like to know now so that I can start planning financially. Also, as I have been searching for more information on implementation of EMRs, the more I get concerned myself about my personal information possibly being spread. Given my still rather young age of 31 and having no medical conditions requiring medical attention/medication, it really makes me wonder if I may want to look more into alternative medical care or a private physician who has alternative medicine in addition to medicine as we currently know it.
Confidentiality Agreement
Does anyone have a generic confidentiality agreement that they use for their clients. I have new doc, and I don't have any agreement in my file. I have signed theirs, but do not have one to offer the new doc. Anybody have one or know where I can find one? Thanks so much.
Confidentiality Agreement
There was an Agreement of Confidentialty that was posted on 05/20/09 by DeeAnn. that was really good. Hope this helps.
I have never signed a confidentiality notice that says
I can't mention what account I type on - I know they always say not to contact that place or try to get a job with them, etc., and I don't see the big deal either. I can't see why a company would care if someone knows what hospital you type for. I guess some places are just different, but seeing as how I assume she hasn't signed anything since she just accepted the job, I really don't see how they could not hire her because she mentioned that, not knowing that they didn't want her to. That's just my opinion though.
Hospital confidentiality breach in RI.
A hospital in Rhode Island breached patient information of over 2000. Federal investigation underway. Patient's names, SS#, telephone, etc., put out for all to see and caught by a patient who "googled" her own name. They say it was only face sheet info and hospital offered to pay for credit check or credit fraud alert. (Which is free by the way!) So please be careful who you get involved with. I don't believe it was medical transcription or medical records since it was face sheet information but believe me, all subcontractors to this hospital are now on alert and you should be as well. It's out there! The scum bags who post info are at it again. They also had a scandal at a RI supermarket chain where the credit card swiping machines were altered by crooks who are being charged with federal crimes, two would keep the cashiers busy while another would alter the card swiping machine, put it back to collect information, then come in again, take out the swiping info and people as far away as California were charging to these poor innocent people in RI whose cards were swiped while doing their weekly shopping. So don't think your information is safe anywhere. These stories can be confirmed by the local newspaper in RI, "The Providence Journal" at their website, "projo.com". Check it out!!
Absolutely Not. That is against HIPAA and will cause confidentiality breaches, nm
x
You should have signed a confidentiality agreement which allows you to type this unless-
you do not feel comfortable typing it, in which case I would ask my supe to reassign it.
The buck stops with you (all of us). What confidentiality means is
that you/me, the MT, do not discuss the name and contents of a report with anyone outside the immediate realm of responsibility and only within a professional context.
If you feel really uncomfortable with doing it and have the option of sending it back for someone else to do, that acceptable but not entirely necessary.
If you *have* to do a report on someone you know, do it, and put it out of your mind. If you see that person, you cannot discuss anything about it with them, even if they ask. The onus is upon us to keep.our.mouths.shut. That is all that confidentiality entails.
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when you work for a national, you sign a confidentiality agreement...?
the same rules would apply, and you must have signed a confidentiality agreement with whomever you work for. you can be fired, if breached.
my opinion, as a professional, you transcribe it and mums the word...
when I worked in a hospital, someone was caught 'sharing' information about the CEO from a transcription report, and was fired on the spot.
It's a written rule in some companies confidentiality agreement.
I know my company has it as a written rule so it just is not good business. I would think an MT would know this
IMO, you violated a patient's confidentiality by even posting about this - that you transcribed t
I know you didn't give any personal info, but even mentioning this in a public forum on the "world wide web" - I don't know, I would consider that a violation of medical record confidentiality. I know some may post a sentence or a blooper or something, but this is probably something I would have kept to myself... I am sure you thought what an interesting coincidence when you show the show, but my opinion is you should have kept it to yourself, and if I was the transcription supervisor at your hospital and I found out you had posted on this.... well I would think that would be reason for discipline. No offense meant, just my opinion.
If security is what you want,
I'd look for something higher paying before relocating. Don't know where you're at, but there are numerous clerical jobs in CA on usajobs.opm.gov. One in SanDiego right now for $33K in department of health for someone to do transcription.
Job security??? There is NO job security in
x
Job security
I have been doing SR for nearly 4 years now and love it. In fact, I almost resent having to actually type a whole report.
I believe there will always be a need for us. Not every doc is SR material. What about those specialties that require specific formating? SR can't handle those.
I think as long as we are willing to adapt to the changes, we will have the jobs if we want them.
SR nearly doubles the amount of work produced in a day by the transcriptionist, so I think the problem is going to be for the newbie finding that first job. Those of us already in the profession will be fine. 
security sm
This is what worries me as well, what about storing it all on a portable drive and not the hard drive? Then what if you lose that extra drive even if you hang it around your neck, etc., or it gets stolen? Lots to think about here. Not especially talking about people on this board per se. It's very worrisome that everything is going all over the place. I also hear of people going to others' homes such as relatives, etc., to do their work and the company is none the wiser. I don't think there really is 100% confidentiality, as hard as everyone tries. There are some MTSO's also who do not check out these homes - how can they possibly???? Some of us are going by the book, but I wonder about others, especially if the work is being hauled outside the home to a public place or being performed with people coming and going all over the home. I am not talking about most on this board because we care enough to keep our finger on the pulse of what is going on in the field. What about the tons of others "out there" who we don't know about? Thank God for this board and the questions we ask and the help we give each other, we care enough to check everything out and talk it over. We need each other. Again, it is not about our members, moreso about those who don't care to come in here or don't care. I don't want to be part of a class action suit, no way!
Job security....
This quote was taken from a report on the AHIMA web site about Turnaround Time in medical transcription: (link: http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_039584.pdf)
"Despite multiple replacement technologies, including point-and-click menus, front-end speech recognition (FESR), and documentation by exception, most industry experts and stakeholders believe that transcription services will not be fully replaced anytime soon. The need for a comprehensive free-thought narrative is integral to producing a record that supports continuity of care."
Don't be too sure about EMR job security
I worked for a large facility that went EMR without prior notice in December. This account went from steady work 24/7/365 to almost nothing. Depending on the EMR system in place, transcription can and is being replaced. Scary, but true.
Security
Using our computers overseas should be no different than the government using their computers overseas. I have family who work at the Pentagon and travel extensively to ungodly places with their laptops and all their work. If they can do it, why shouldn't an MT?
Ewido security
x
Well, talk about job security
This morning, she came in my office and brought me a flyer...
HEADING:
Medical Transcription Services at 7.6 cents per line...
Extraordinary Quality Medical transcription at 7.6 cents per line (65 character line)
24-hour Turn Around Time (TAT) compliant
2-4 hour Turnaround available on request
Secure and fully HIPAA complant
HIghly experienced Medical Transcription Staff will ensure that your transcription is completed efficently with the highest level of quality.
yada...yada...yada....on and on with their ad...
How can a company possibly work for this? Wonder what the transcriptionists get paid? Would this be outsourced?? I wanted to ask these questions, but our manager doesn't care about anything but the dollar. I've been here 17 years and the work load is overwhelming. So am I threatened, YES! Should I be?
it sounds like security
is the primary issue for you. Great equipment, and great people mean a lot. Course, so do great dictators, so you may want to look into that...but since security is your big worry in life -- I think you might want to take it. You can always make another choice down the road if you change your mind. State and federal jobs on the resume can be a plus too, if you move on.
I'm almost 5 yr older than you, working for a national and the sole support of my household, and just co-signed on a daughters school loans of $125,000. To me, that is kinda scary. But personally i still have confidence in our field of expertise, and in our future. But you have to go with your concerns and what is most important to you. Good luck!
Thank you Microsoft for job security!!
LOL
So if MT 'incompetence' is job-security for you, then
.
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.
Did security updates; seems all better now. -- nm
As an IC MT do you pay into Social Security? SM
I am an IC MT in California. Does anyone know if we can pay into SS so that we get compensated for retirement? As of yet, I have not but would like to in the future, if it is possible.
TIA
Social Security
If I understand it right, assuming you are paying your federal taxes, you are paying Social Security. It's something like 15.3% of your reported income, half of which you get to deduct if your income is under $102,000. Gee, think I just barely fall under that tax bracket! Google "self-employed social security" or something along those lines for a full explanation.
We have job security?? What company do you
fh
Security enabled?
Is your network password protected?
security code
How do you enter a security code if you don't know it?
security code for what??
x
Being wireless has nothing to do with security.
You can still set your security requirements and firewalls to prevent problems. You can be wireless on a regular home computer, doesn't have to be a laptop or a WIFI hotspot, etc.
Speaking from experience, most hotels are well equipped where security is concerned. Like another poster said they can't have just anyone dropping in on their connection and accruing charges. Also, most of their systems work off the same wireless connection as the guests, obviously they have a secured connection to prevent problems with their own equipment, records, etc.
security code
Try 7534.
Security code....
Mine is 7000. Don't know if they are all different or not.
Security issues.
x
There is no way you can compare security
x
I think i know my kids better than you and at least it is some kind of security.
x
They are. Many of them get social security checks for
mental illness or other issues. Some of them spend their social security checks the day they get them on booze and gambling. Some people CHOOSE to be homeless, if you can believe that. There are programs out there for them if they apply. I got to know the homeless population of our city pretty well at one of my former job. I could tell you some stories about some of those characters. One guy is homeless, but he could have his house and bank account, his military retirement, and his social security. Instead, he pushes a cart around town and sleeps on park benches. One woman runs down the street in nothing but polyester pants pulled up to her armpits in the bitter cold of winter. She has shoes and a coat, plus welfare and social security benefits.
Wow! Way cool! The security issue isn't something..
you need to worry about. The president's itinerary is readily available to anyone, and there is not need to NOT mention he will be in your town.
I hope your daughter will be able to attend to see him and hear the speech! 
Anyone with an ADT home security system?
We have been thinking about getting one for awhile, but especially now since our neighbor is out on bond for 1st-degree sexual abuse. How does this work and what all does it monitor? Any info would be appreciated. Also, is it expensive?
the self-employment tax IS the 1/2 of your social security...
"On top of the self-employment tax, etc., you don't get the benefit of your company paying 1/2 of your social security so that is where most of your money at tax time goes to. " please don't post if you don't know what you're talking about.
security of any kind is really an illusion
so i would agree that you should make a choice for family and sanity vs security. You can make it work. If one company doesn't pan out after a few months, then move to the next.
No job security with offshoring companies
x
Social Security will take it from your Schedule C
Social Security will take your earnings from your Schedule C that goes onto your 1040. Whatever amount you declare and pay your self employment taxes on (15.75%) is the amount that they will use for your yearly earnings.
How to get in touch with social security?
Went by the office this morning, unbelievable, just wanted to set up an appt but too many waiting. I tried to find the web site but had no luck therel. I have heard you can set up an appt that way, just need to know where to look. TIA.
I think it is security issues, anyone can pick
up transmissions from satellites if they have the right equipment.
Ditto. Firefox is the way to go. Best security, as well.
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