First: Don't panic. I did not take the Focus test, but
Posted By: Libby on 2008-01-30
In Reply to: MEDQUIST MT test - newbielw
I took plenty of others as a newbie. Listen through the dictation once and get used to the dictator's voice and speech pattern and glean as much context as you can on that initial listen. Then try again to transcribe, leaving blanks wherever necessary. After that, get up and walk away for a little bit. On your third pass check for accuracy of what you already have and fill in as many blanks as possible. Remember: They are not looking for speed from a newbie, just accuracy. Good luck.
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You can take a test at Focus online for newbies
Test with MediVoxx, SOAP Transcription, MQ, Spheris, Focus. nm
s
I wouldn't panic (sm)
Especially since it's only been a few days. I was hired by a company as an IC, signed the contract, and didn't hear anything about work for 2 weeks, maybe more. This was a few years ago. Finally, I did hear back and I'm still with this company today. I know you're anxious to get started, and probably worried about whether they changed their mind or something, but I think it's pretty common for these delays in getting started. Don't let it discourage you. If it drags on for quite a few more days, you might try to find how to contact them by telephone, but at this point, I really wouldn't worry too much.
focus
I guess everone's experience must be different. I recently started with Focus and have received nothing but exceptional treatment.
FOCUS
I jus quit Focus....they do not speak English, can not type English, are no help, you do not get paid what they will tell you!!! I worked 60 hours for 2 weeks for a total of 120 hours and just got my paycheck of $106. Not even a dollar an hour. I ran out of work many times. They would tell you to do it one way one day, and a different way the next time. They are reallly good with insults! Please do yourself a favor and don't work for them!
Focus
I tend to disagree with the person who said stay away from Focus. A lot of the negative postings are older. I have been working for them for three months, and I have had few problems with them. Although, they may not be the ideal medical transcription job, they have allowed myself and many other newbies a chance to gain some experience. I cannot say the same for a lot of employers out there. Since working with Focus, it has enabled me to get my foot in the door with another company. I now work for Focus and another company. If it is a foot in the door you are looking for to get started, I would not automatically discount focus.
Focus
Experienced MTs won't work for 10 cent straight trans and 5 cents VR? Wonder if those experienced guys know WHERE their work comes from!!!!!
focus what?
What is the full name of this company? Thanks a bunch!
Focus
Meagan, I am glad to hear you enjoy working for Focus Infomatics. I will be starting their apprenticeship this month, and I am looking forward to getting started.
Focus
I started with them in March, and I am really enjoying working for them thus far. I have a great account manager! Actually, all of the people I have dealt with at Focus have been super nice. Good luck!
Focus
What exactly does lack of work mean? Are you struggling to have work sufficient enough to be considered part-time or do you have just 6 or so hours of work? I ask because I want to work full-time, but I don't want so much in the beginning to overwhelm me. Also, are you an IC? How does that work for you. I would need to work some in the morning and some at night. My husband works 2-11 p.m., and I have two small children. I really need to work around these hours, I just don't know if these is even considered by them. Right now I am waiting for the internship to begin. One more question, do you use a laptop and are able to travel while working? There is times this summer that I will have to be in a different location for a week or two at a time. I'm really nervous that once I get there, my equipment won't fully work. Any help on any of these questions would be fully appreciated. I know it's alot, but I'm new to this world. All I have right now is questions and many of them. But thank you for your information and any other information that you can give. I really appreciate your time and effort!!!!
Focus
FYI, Focus is currently hiring newbies for their FOF program. It consists of a few weeks of unpaid training for a few hours a day, but at the end of the training you are guaranteed a job with Focus, and they are hiring for both pt and ft. Focus has one of the higher cpls for newbies that I've seen. They have an online test you can take. Since it has been a few years since you graduated, this might be a good way to get back into the field. I'm a newbie too, and things are really competitive right now. Best of luck to you in whatever path you choose :).
I would RUN from Focus!
Just read all of the negative posts here about them! I also heard from a RECENT graduate that she contacted them about a job. They told her that she would have to work for free until her work was up-to-par as far as quality! FREE! With no time limit?! Also, it would have to be between 10 pm and 7 am. Just contact them and ask them. If I were you, I would do what the above person said. Get your stuff together and go door to door. Just think, you probably only need 1 good doc, to get started! Just 1 to give you a chance! That will get your foot in the door for experience. My chiropractor just hired me. But before you do, make sure to do your homework for the going rates in your area for MT work, maybe call some local services and see what they charge and underbid them. Also, just ask the doctor/office manager. Tell them you would be willing to work for a little less than what they pay now, just to get in. Also, you will get paid a lot more for a private doc, than with an MTSO. Cuts out all the middlemen! Good luck to you!
Focus Infomatics
Has anyone heard anything about this company?
Thank you
focus infomatics
my friend works for them and i am starting monday. i am concerned they only pay 8 cents a line though. what do you want to know?
Focus infomatics
Yes, I have worked for this company since October of 2005. The people are terrific to work for....very helpful and always willing to answer questions and make sure you're happy with their company. There isn't always a whole lot of work available, but they are constantly trying to remedy that and keep you busy. Drop me a line if you want to discuss things further. Amber (trblmkr778@netins.net)
I also work for Focus...
and I love it there. I have had no problems whatsoever. The people are very nice and will help to remedy any problem you may have. I make 8 cpl and am making great money. I think the lack of work comes in depending on the account they have placed you on. The account I am on keeps me busy all the time and you can ask if it is possible to get a secondary accout to keep you busy during slow times.
Focus Infomatics
I am going to be testing with Focus Infomatics later today. Does anyone have any advice about their test? Also, does anyone know anything about their program Focus on Future? Since I am a recent grad, I would have to complete this 2-4 week program. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated!!!
Do a search on Focus...sm
You will be interviewed by US employees, tested by US employees, and be working with off-shore employees with heavy accents both spoken and written. I wouldn't work for them. You make your own choice after searching the archives.
Better than Focus Infomatics and MS?
Is Spheris at least better than these two companies?
Focus Infomatics
Focus is a good company to work for. I have no problem communicating with Team leaders as we use Yahoo IM. I have never had an issue of not getting paid on time. Pay is direct deposited and always on time. Team leaders are great!!! Highly recommend this company!
Focus Infomatics
I have read different posts about this company and have noticed good and bad feedback but it was from a year and sometimes two years old. What is the perception out there now about them. Is it still the same or have things changed? I begin my two week apprentiship on Monday and would like opinions of what the thought is on them.
Thanks in advance 
Angela
I worked for Focus
for about 6 months. It was my first job. I really liked the account I was on, and my team manager was very nice. The only reason I quit was because I couldn't get fast enough to make any money on voice recognition. I was not in the apprenticeship program though. It was kind of hard understanding the technician that got my software downloaded because he had a very thick accent. If I didn't understand him, I would just ask him to repeat himself. He was very friendly and even laughed sometimes when I asked him say something again. Overall, I had a very good experience with them. Some people weren't so lucky. Good luck!
I also worked for Focus
It was also my first job. I only lasted a few months only because there was no work. There were days that I only got 5 jobs....I'm sure this is not the case anymore. The guy who trained me also had a very thick accent and that was frustrating at times. At that time I had to purchase a $40 foot pedal that is NOT compatible with anything but there system. It was also difficult for me to make any $ editing VR because the reports were so bad I ended up re-typing them...for .4 cpl. Not a great experience for me.
Focus Infomatics
Stay away from Focus Infomatics! They expect YOU to provide all of the necessary equipment and programs to do the job. They do not pay for training, and it is very poor training as well. I spent $600.00 getting MS Office, Shortcut, AAMT Book of Style, etc., as well as, ink jets to print all of the employment instructions. They drop you in the US the day you finish training, never contact you again, and hand you over to India. The account you train on is removed and they expect you to train again. Why?? Because they are very poorly managed. Meanwhile, weeks go by with the anticipation of working. In my case, the job never came through because of poor communication from India and the techs screwed up my computer. Don't waste your time. They also hired me at 8 cpl (in the event I actually ever ended up working) and expected me to login as an Editor at 4 CPL. What a joke. Not only that, all of my personal information is now the hands of God know who. Not a good experience at all. If they keep this up, there won't be a Focus Infomatics in the future at all. Good luck to all of you. An older MT who knows.
Focus Infomatics
I am always shocked when I read these posts because I have worked for Focus for over 1 year and they have been nothing but courteous to me. I started as a newbie and the training has been ongoing with feedback on QA scores and I have at least 5 accounts under my belt now. I will say that they have a lot of ESL docs and I hate only getting 4 cpl for editng, since editing is around 80% of the jobs. There is one account that I do on 3rd shift that is mostly typing and then my rate goes from 8 cpl to 10 cpl. I can also work whenever I want 24/7, anytime I choose and there is always work available. It was not like this initially, since I was a newbie and could only do clinics at first. I just hung in there and still trying to increase production, but I love my job. I do work for another company, American owned , but they do not have much work available on the account I was hired for right now. There are always peaks and valleys in this business, so I think it is best to work for 2 companies. I think I am very lucky to have 2 that I am happy with, and Focus has been there for me and given my great guidance. My QA scores are consistently above 98%. They even called me that day I hit my 1 year mark to congratulate me! I do admit that I am still working on understanding the Indian accent though.
Anyway, I wish you well in finding the company that works best for you.
Focus always hiring
I started there as a newbie and they were great. I still work for them part time, along with another company. They were very patient and they QA you until you are ready to be on your own. You will still get feedback even after to get off QA. They will give you a chance if you do okay on the test. They hired me even though I did not completely pass the test, but they said I did well enought to hire. Now I have greater than 98% accuracy on a consistent basis. They are a decent company, despite some of the negative posts I have read about them from others. I also do agree it is best to have more than one company once you get some experience. Every once in a while they do run low on work.
Good Luck,
Sue
No Focus does pay for the first 2-3 weeks.
I got that from the horse's mouth when offered a job. It sounds like things are different now than when you got your information
focus infomatics
is this a good company to work for? i've checked out their website, but as a newbie, how do i know if it's good or not?
Focus Informatics
Amanda, I am trying to do the MT test for Focus Informatics. I felt hopeful about getting on with them. I have actually spoken to someone there, and she has my resume and references. However, I am trying to take the online MT test for new medical transcriptionists, but the first couple of lines, I'm already having trouble understanding the dictator. Can you offer me any help or suggestions with regard to taking their tests. I am looking at starting the 2-4 week internship (?) in February, but I'm sure they will not allow me to start if I don't do well on the transcription test. I assumed the test wouldn't be too difficult since it is supposed to be for newbies. Please help me if you can!
focus informatics
I have heard they are based in India and all QA's are indian. Maybe I have misread...
Focus is great
I started with them as a newbie and they have a great mentoring program. I now work for them part-time and another company and I will always be grateful to Focus for giving me a chance.
Focus Infomatics
Hello,
I'm looking for anyone working for Focus Infomatics. I have read several bad things on the forum about them. But that is true of almost any company. Maria called today and said I have passed the testing and in two weeks or so I will begin the internship for a few weeks. After that I will be sent back to her for clients. I am a new MT. This is the reason for having a mentor. Is this how it works? Just want to make sure. And is the pay and amount of work really that bad? Anything you can tell me about them would be great.
Focus is okay for new people
The pay is relatively good for new people. Most is VR, and it has its pros and cons. The biggest problem I have is lack of work, but seems to be getting a bit better. All accounts are different, though, from what I've seen. Email me if more specific questions.
Focus Infomatics
Focus Infomatics no longer hires newbies. I just applied with them a few days ago and received an e-mail stating that I needed at least 2 years experience. If anyone has any other info, would really appreciate it.
Have you tested with Focus Infomatics?
If you pass their test, they will hire you. Even if you don't pass, if you come close they will hire you in a mentor program for a few weeks, pay you 1/2 pay, and then pay you full pay as soon as you can achieve 98% accuracy.
Please tell me about Focus, I'm thinking of applying.
Hello,
I have been thinking of applying to this company since I heard they are willing to hire newbies. I don't have much experience since graduating from my MT program, but really do need to make some decent money.
The only thing I have heard about this company is that they are Indian owned, thus offshore. I do not know anything about the pay, training, benefits, platform, QA relationship, recruiting practices or anything that might make me worry. Please tell me why you would not recommend them, I don't want to get stuck with a bad company. But I also realize that some companies are not good fits for some people.
Please reply here or by email if you like. I just want honest information. Are there other companies willing to hire and give new MTs a good starting chance?
Thanks.
Information on Focus Infomatics
Does anyone have any information on Focus Infomatics in Boston, MA? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
stay away from focus infomatics (sm)
there are many many posts about focus infomatics on this board. it is not a positive experience.
Focus is American-owned now. Just an FYI.
I don't work there now but Nuance owns Focus now.
I believe she means Focus Infomatics - NM
NM
i just got a letter from focus today
and it said that they do not pay during the 2-3 week training period. i'm so confused. will i get paid or not?
I did the training program at Focus
after happening to catch the name on someone else's post. I had been looking for a couple of months and was so relieved. You just take the online test for newbies and I got an email like the next day inviting me to the training program. You pretty much have a job then.
I went to a local school and I got no help finding a job, either. I was very disappointed. We were also pretty much told that right out of school we would have to work at a hospital or clinic. I am very thankful I stumbled onto Focus.
Nuance owns Focus now
I enjoyed working for them very much. I was with them for almost a year and left because, 1) I'm not a fan of VR (voice recognition) and, 2) a company contacted me for an employee position with benefits and I really needed the health insurance. They have direct deposit and I always got paid 2-3 days before my actual payday. I enjoyed the work, too, even though I didn't like VR.
Good luck!
Employment with Focus Infomatics.
Dear Desi:
I worked with Focus Infomatics a few years back when I got laid off from the hospital because of voice recognition. However, they do not pay worth a you know what. Apply with a better at home company, such as Spheris or All-Type. There is a free magazine that you can get for being a transcriptionist. It is called Advance. Call them up, and get a year's subscription for free, and you will see all the at home companies that are hiring.
I hope this helped you out.
Good luck!
Erin
I would not recommend applying to Focus. That is a bad company and
t
I meant better thatn Focus Infomatics and MQ?
Sorry for the typo.
As a new MT, focus on quality and don't worry about quantity. SM
Any decent company who gives a new MT the chance, should be considerate and realize they cannot produce like a veteran MT. Speaking from experience working for myself and hiring several subcontractors, and also working for large nationals, the quality of your work will first be evaluated. With training and experience, your production will increase. If you need to reread, relisten, etc., do it because it will be well worth it. Research every word or phrase you are not sure of. In time, your brain will soak these terms up like a sponge. You will find yourself researching less and less. However, even veteran MTs continue to learn daily. I feel a good MT has good researching skills that never end. Good luck, keep your head up. Research and review your reports before submitting them.
I work for Focus part-time
I work for Focus and have posted many times recently on them. They are a great company but I do not feel that the extra shift differential always makes a difference because they have a lot of ESL dictators which can slow you down. They also have very large accounts and you really do not always have a chance to become familiar with the docs. You can get health benefits around $75/biweekly if you meet the line count and permanent employee, but there is no pay for time off.
On the other hand there are some positives. There is no set schedule if you are a contractor and they are very nice people. I ususally log in whenever and there is usually always work. There are times when they run low, but I have another company I do full-time which has better benefits. I would not do Focus alone, but they are a great 2nd company. They started me out when I was a new graduate, so I will always have good things to say about them and have not found much of the negatives posted about them to be true. The only thing is they hire a large volume of MTs, so you need to protect yourself from running low on work if you are going to work for them full-time. I have worked at least 4 different accounts when I was full-time to ensure this did not happen to me. Maybe you could work for both companies---one full and the other part-time.
Good Luck with your decision.
Sue
Please spare yourself from Focus. What you read on this site is right.
f
Focus hires newbies and she can probably pick her hours
nm
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