Focus is okay for new people
Posted By: anon on 2008-05-27
In Reply to: Focus Infomatics - Kari
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.
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This is exactly what we tell people if only
they will ask their questions before plunking their money down for a course. And they get so mad at us. We would have told you that PCDI won't be enough education. We would have said you are going to be too busy and distracted to commit the necessary time to the job with 2 little kids. We would have said that trying to work from home from the start was going to be awful for your career (unless you went to one of two schools).
On top of that, there are other newbies currently looking for opportunities who are flabbergasted that you threw 2 away. Now 2 people who tried to help you are going to decide they won't want to waste their time on newbies again. That's not going to help the situation for others. Sorry if we aren't terribly sympathetic, but it is all so predictable.
and some people...
Unfortunately go to a really good college but because they are not connected to any national companies have to work harder to find an at home job. The reason I went to an actual college though is because I have now completed 1/3 of the classes needed towards other medical professions, such as nursing, in case I choose to go back. I'm not sure if the classes with Career Step, MTech, etc would transfer over like that.
I think MTs are still in high demand, it's just getting that first break to get into it. I'm enjoying my first job, but I would have liked to work alongside an experienced MT to see how they do it. I encourage you to contact your local hospital and see if you can meet their MTs and just get some feedback from them and maybe sit in and watch for awhile, it's amazing how some of them get so much done in so little time!
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!
The same you seem to have to call people
stupid and fat and ugly and lazy and, and, and...! LOL
I agree. People are seeing here what
.
People, do yourself a favor...
Get a good education if you want to be an MT. Though there are always exceptions, you need a very solid foundation on which to build your career. I believe you get what you pay for with the MT schools. Be aware that just "attending" the school does not promise success. You need to actually DO all the course work, study, and battle your way through the SUM tapes to train your ear. It is the ONLY way to train for this career. There are no quick fixes for this. You then need to be highly motivated and willing to put in lots of hard work once you graduate in order to continue learning and growing. You also should have a very solid grasp of English as a written language and have excellent reading skills before you even embark on this as a career choice.
This career is definitely not for everyone, so everyone should not assume that since they can type, like computers, or want to help people that they qualify and will excel at it. Honestly assess yourself before you begin and save yourself lots of grief by choosing your career pathy wisely. Just some friendly advice. 
I have heard of it - from all the people who took that course and can't get a job. NM
x
People Just Don't Learn
Why is CS still getting praise??? Affordable or not, you may be an experienced *unemployed* MT because many companies are discovering that CS just doesn't give the education needed regardless of the few praisers who got lucky.
M-TEC or Andrews has a "refresher" course for MTs who have done 1 specialty or haven't worked for a while.
some people....not nice!
I would try in-house to get some experience.
If you have to work at home then try doctor offices that have 1 or 2 docs. They might be more willing to hire someone without experience.
Most people love ES and that is what my
company uses. There are lots of choices available, but I don't think there are any free ones. There is Start/Stop and Bytescribe (haven't heard about them lately not sure if they are still around), and GearPlayer.
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 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.
You Poor Thing - This people must be
First of all, I did not go to MTEC, Andrews or Career Step, but it does seem like they companies to train with.. it seems most people get good jobs in a timely manner when training with them. You pay more, but it seems to be worth it.
As far as days/hours... I have been working for the past 9 months WORKING MY OWN HOURS. The days are set, but as long as I get my lines in during that day, they are very happy. I was a newbie, they started me at a great rate, and I got a 1 cent raise after 3 months (I am very lucky). There ARE MANY companies out there that know that MOST of us ARE moms at home in our PJs. I actually get more accomplished dressed as such.. sitting in my office wearing my pumps is really not necessary... maybe that's why these other people are so damn cranky!!! Anyway, a lot of accounts are 24-hr TAT and as long as you get your lines in, most people don't care when you did it.. as long as the client is happy. Don't these idiots bring you down .. good luck!
How do people make a living in ....
this business? I'm new and realize how lucky I am to have a MT position in which I can work from home. I was hired by a MTSO who needed people on a new account she was getting. Now I am not needed on the account because it's just not rolling in all the work it was suppose to (maybe that is how is going to be or maybe just cause of the holidays). She continues to give me as much work as she possibly can and is constantly stating how amazed she is by my ability to catch on quick to the new doctors she throws at me. However, I am lucky to make $100 every two weeks. I am looking for a second MT job. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am wonder if even a second job is going to bring in enough money though. I actually just have to bring in around $500 (rent because my husband can pay everything else) but of course to be financially comfortable I would like to bring in more. Is it worth getting a second job or will I eventually have to get a third? I really want to stay working as an IC for the MTSO because she is so nice and it lets me be more flexible than a national would. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Geez Louise people
The POINT was that the person the OP mentioned is of the ilk who WILL NOT understand why she isn't getting hired. The example given was of someone who is clearly unqualified if she (or he or it) cannot even communicate appropriately in a very brief message. Well prepared new graduates will not have this problem and will not face the issues the person described will face. The ill prepared (the graduates of the crappy schools who believe that they should be hired at a high cps because they do not understand how ill prepared and unqualified they are) are the ones we see here over and over again bemoaning the fact that they can't pass the tests and cant get hired. THAT WAS ALL I WAS TRYING TO WAY. All of a sudden I'm an evil, arrogant person because I expect people applying for jobs to be properly trained and to present themselves professionally? Wow. Now who's being arrogant and judgmental?
I've mentored several people and only 1 could cut it
It really takes a lot to be a mentor one-on-one with someone entering this field. My experience has been that there is an attitude of entitlement (not that I'm saying this about YOU personally, your mileage may vary). It's as though I am supposed to overlook the lack of pervserverance to research words because I'm there as the buffer to fall back on....like just don't worry about, Milton will pick up the slack so I can just get a higher line count.
Once I actually offered to mentor on the condition of being paid for my efforts and I was accused of being a scheister just into it for the money. The deal was that I would mentor the person until I could help them get a job and after two months of being gainfully employed (all the time answering questions), my pay would be equal to 2 weeks pay of the person I mentored. Now, I'm investing all this time and effort into the situation for potentially months on end and then I'm accused of being into it for a couple hundred dollars?? I make that in a day of transcribing so that got me out of being interested in mentoring.
I had no mentor, I had no QA feedback, I worked from home, didn't have the electronic resources that are available today, worked mostly 12 hour days usually 6 to 7 days a week and I made very little my first year but doubled my income every year for 4 years until I hit a plataeu and now pay is going down for reasons beyond my control.
If you don't have the dedication to making yourself a success, you may find a mentor who gives up on you and you'll be feeling as though you are a victim. Don't count on a mentor. Count on yourself. Best of luck.
Two people may be composing an answer
at the same time, and they have no idea somebody else hit the "post reply" button before they did.
I've heard of people who do okay with them, but ...
I've never hired a grad of their school. I've tested many of them, but none of the At Home grads have done well enough on my tests.
even I have a couple of people I call.....sm
I'm in this business many years, almost 3 decades, and I STILL have a couple of people, one especially, who I call when I have an MT question or if I want them to listen over the phone....it's networking and it's great and if you find a REAL good mt or cmt, well, then you've got GREAT help. Sometimes 4 ears are better than 2. I even have my daughter listen if she is here (albeit she is not in the medical field except 5 years so far *S*)
Best of luck!!
People have been saying that for years. Some have a different experience
I think that the industry is screening out people who don't really enjoy medical transcription and some who weren't prepared to do it well enough to make money. The jobs and money are pretty good for the people who like to do this work, are motivated, and know what they are doing. No complaints here! Also no put down of those who are not doing well. Medical transcription is not for everyone. That's not an insult. Find something you love and do it well!
I happen to know two of the people you "hired" - sm
And one informed me of the shareware she purchased from you. It was Express Scribe and she found out later that she could download it for free at www.nch.com.au/scribe/. I invite everyone to check it out. And there was not a foot pedal involved at that time.
And of course you want to take this into personal e-mail so you're not exposed for the scammer that you are!
Also, if you're giving everyone a break, then why don't you deduct the cost out of the new employee's first paycheck, as other MTSO's do, instead of taking their money upfront?
Yes, MTs are struggling to get into this field. We don't need con artists giving us glimmers of hope and then ripping us off. I'm so glad I didn't buy into your scam.
You say you apologized & refunded people but yet you still
manage to claim that you have been "defamed and slammed" because you were trying to do something good. I don't buy that for a minute. You KNOW you were charging people and making money off of them. If you want to be sincere, admit your TOTAL wrongdoing rather than try to cover up the truth.
I believe MANY people have said they have gotten their refund. Get a job or a life and get over it
My gosh, give it a rest already. Others have posted they got their money but you still have to come here with your negative posts and dribble.
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