stay away from focus infomatics (sm)
Posted By: mandy on 2007-08-27
In Reply to: I meant better thatn Focus Infomatics and MQ? - nm
there are many many posts about focus infomatics on this board. it is not a positive experience.
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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)
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!!!
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
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 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 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.
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.
Information on Focus Infomatics
Does anyone have any information on Focus Infomatics in Boston, MA? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
I believe she means Focus Infomatics - NM
NM
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 meant better thatn Focus Infomatics and MQ?
Sorry for the typo.
Stay away!
I graduated from their program in October of 2008. The program was ok, but with limited availablity of instrutors. They rarely answered e-mails, and they take too long to score your quizes. Some of their rules were inconsistent as well. They also do not cover any modern transcription equipment, programs or techniques. I wouldn't go as far as to say that the eduction I received was insufficient, but it is nerely impossible to find a job after their program. I passed test after test, only to be told that my educational experience wasn't enough. I know that many people would tell you it is because the employers know that you can't do the job, but I feel it's because they are not familiar with the program. I finally got a job in the end of February, but that was after months of full-time searching. Honestly, this job was a miracle, and I love it. I won't go into it, but I didn't get this job by normal means. The truth is that unless you plan on working in an office for several years to get your foot in the door, USCI is a HUGE waste of your time and money. I ended up with an at-home job, but this is NOT the norm for their graduates.
Stay away from Accutran
If you are looking for a job, stay far away from Accutran. They do not pay on time EVER!!!!
How long to stay with first MT job?
I have a question that I have not really been able to get some sound advice on and was hoping the posters of this board could give me their opions. I would appreciate any views.
The question is how long would you stay with your first (low paying) MT job? I am starting to make some fair money now, but am spending 12+ hours per day to do it, which actually comes out pretty low per hour. While I do appreciate the opportunity to be working right after training, I also feel limited by not having two year's worth of experience yet to try to move on. Most places seem to prefer MTs with at least the two years experience. On the other hand, I am getting very good work experience where I am and do not run out of work. I can't keep up this particular pace forever for what I am earning overall. Would you wait out two years for the experience?
Stay away from wireless...
...they're more trouble than they're worth. The ones I've tried have all had a slight delay before the sound reaches the headphones, which you can imagine is quite frustrating in this line of work.
Get one with a longer cord instead and you won't feel as tethered (though be careful not to roll over it with your chair!)
I recommend finding something with lots of cushioning around the ears for more comfort and better noise cancellation. A good one will cost a lot, but it's well worth it IMO.
stay away from Toth
Stay away from Toth transcription, this husband and wife team don't pay, Read the other posts. Good luck
stay away from Toth
Read all the posts about this company. Stay away from them, they are a scam, you work and work and will never be paid.
Looking and trying to stay hopeful??
Okay,..... so I am within a week of graduating from my Allied Medical Transcription course.. and have already started sending out a couple of resumes to a few different places.. but I'm finding it very discouraging that almost ALL the jobs require 'experience' .... anyone have a couple places that do paid internships? or will possibly give a NEWBIE a chance?? I live in Oklahoma... and to my dismay there are only like two transcription companies in the state.. that email addresses are valid.. I was considering going to the local hospital.. but not only does it pay honestly like 6.00 hr... I would have to pay for childcare... Yikes!? Any help out there?
Looking and trying to stay hopeful??
I am in the same boat. I graduated Dec 2007, no one will hire me due to lack of experience. How am I supposed to get the experience I need if no one will give me a chance. I am close to giving up now.
From some of the posts I've seen on here I'd stay away....
apparently the pay sucks....and you don't even get paid for at least the first month that you work there. It can be hard finding a job as a newbie, but it can be done. You just have to apply/submit your resume everywhere, even if they say they want experience and if they will let you test for them, take the test. That's how I got my job and I'm making 8 cpl. And I got hired by a national before I was even finised with school by a company that said they wanted two years of experience. Don't sell yourself short by just taking anything that comes along.
I'd stay away as they charge you to test, a big
red flag that they are probably not legit.
You don't renew your agreement. You just stay with them until
s
Total scam, stay away - sm
unless you have money to burn. Lots and lots of people have been taken by them unfortunately. I hope you have not paid them any money because if so you will never see it again.
That would be a clue to stay away if you can't find anything publically on them. nm
s
If you are hired as an IC, is it harder to stay with that company?
Do you have to worry about renewing your contract every so often?
Indian company with base here in USA..stay away..I worked for them once.
I would rather work a lemonade stand before I would work for them again. When you first get the job, you might possibly speak to an American voice. After that you will be dealing with Indian Team Leaders, Indian QA..Indian everything. Not to mention the fact that the Indian QA will tell you that you are wrong on something when you are right. Also, once I had a team leader (Indian, of course)who questioned me on whether or not I knew what headings when into a physical examination...I was transcribing surgery notes. Nonsense like this happened all the time because I would point out the error that QA would make (usually Stedman's to back me).
There are great companies out there who are strictly USA workers, and they are posting on here all the time on the job seeker's board..you just have to keep looking.
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful day!
Is your internship paid? Can you stay with it and get experienced and apply for an at-home job
s
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!
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.
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.
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 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 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...
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