MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999

=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
July 09, 2003         Digest #107
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

=CMT exam to be accessible worldwide.

    ~Moderator!

===========CONTINUING============

=Outsourcing Policies in the US=-

   ~R.Viswanathan
"Should US MTs harness alternative business models in the field
of Medical Transcription"

    ~Venky Katwa
"US is the country that professed Globalization and getting rid of
encumbrances in international trade. In India, many people went
jobless when US industries came to India"

    ~Tina Spaulding
"I will join Ms. Olson in contacting my US senators and
representatives."

   ~Montyna
"I think if US-based MTs got the chance to know India-based MTs on
a more personal level, it'd benefit both sides."

=Employee retention policies=-

   ~Hitanshu Munjial
"there are certain "lala companies"  that just want to suck the
blood out of MTs"

=============NEW=================

Quote from the July-August 2003 JAAMT:"New Certification Exam"

"Beginning early next year, a new, computer-based, user-friendly
certification exam will be administered. The two-part exam combined
into one sitting (about 4-5 hours) and administered in
vendor-operated testing centers so that all candidates will
experience the same conditions. No longer will candidates be
responsible for finding their own test site, proctor, references,
and equipment. The new exam will also be accessible worldwide."

Your comments are welcome!

Regards,

Amit
amit@...
www.mtindia.org

===========CONTINUING============
From: R.Viswanathan
Subject: MT business - US and India

Hello MT Friends in US and in India,

I am Viswanathan from Paramount, Bangalore and Rapid Care Group,
Chennai. Perhaps, what I have given below could be one of the
possible solutions for the problem faced by MTs in US  outlined by
Stella Olson. These are my personal opinions.

Stella Olson's observations are well taken. I personally appreciate
her concerns that affect the MTs in the US. To identify possible
solutions, I feel the US MTs should carefully address the following
issues:

1.   What is precisely the reason that they lose their jobs in the
US?

Is it just that their entire MT work is moving offshore to India
(or to other countries)? Having spent over 4 years in the Indian MT
business, I personally do not think so. Is it that the MT business
across the US has become less complicated and easier to handle? May
be yes. Is it that with the availability of MT skills exceeding the
demand for them, the line rates in US are sliding? Possibly yes. In
this changing scenario, MTs in the US could perhaps do well to
review the rates they charge per line, and still be productively
employed as independent contractors or as Home Transcriptionists.

2.   Is the overall volume of MT work in US shrinking ?

Anyone will agree with me that it can never be the case. Population
across the world only increases and people in US have much longer
life span. This, along with the stress laden lifestyle, the
incidence of illness could only increase every day, pushing up the
MT work volume in US. Possibly it is only the increased workload
that moves offshore.

3.   Is speech-recognition software posing a threat to the MTs all
over the world ?

All of us know for sure that speech recognition software has its
own limitations for the MT business, warranting human inteventiion
to make the reports 100% accurate. So the software can only help
supplement the efforts of MTs, not totally replace the same.

4.   Should US MTs harness alternative business models in the field
of MT ?

With abundant MT work available in the country, part of which moves
out offshore, US MTs should perhaps look at alternative business
opportunities, even from India. Given the fact that they are more
'at home' in MT with much longer experience in the field, they can
take up contracts/work from clinics and hospitals and themselves
outsource the same to smaller MT outfits in India. They can do the
final quality check of the work done by these companies and provide
100% quality work to clients in US. This will help the US MTs
handle larger volume of work and give them higher earnings by the
value addition they make to to the quality of work. In short, each
of them could start a small MT Company that can handle high volume
work. The business will only grow.

5.   Can this 'apparent threat' be turned to a realistic and
potential business opportunity?

Most certainly yes. I feel with a little amount of flexibility and
adjustment, this can be achieved. In fact the MTs & Editors in
India can be of great support to MTs in the US in this regard. Both
the communities can enjoy mutual advantage and live in perfect
harmony.

After all, the size of the pie is increasing, and everyone can have
a share in it.

I welcome your views!

Best wishes,

R. Viswanathan
President & CEO
Paramount Foundation
Project Advisors - MT & BPO
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Venky Katwa
Subject: Re: Tackling the offshore outsourcing backlash

Dear Stella:

I understand your views and while on my recent US trip, I
encountered many such people who are opposed to outsourcing.

My opinion on this is:

US is the country that professed Globalization and getting rid of
encumbrances in international trade. In India, many people were
jobless when US industries came to India to sell their products
rendering closure of existing industries. In Globalization,
everyone talks about cost cutting and that's the only mantra to
stay afloat.

As a graduate in Economics and World Trade Organization rules, I
feel this is an irreversible process. Indians did go to US and
set-up shops there, but they send work to India more because of
cost than patriotism. I have known many Indians who have settled in
US and are simply US patriots (that's the way it should be!), but
sending work to India is purely due to cost measures than anything
else.

The new social backlash was not un-expected as many Indian
organizations mentioned it as one of the risk factors in their
Project report. Lastly, I feel this is a part and parcel of
Globalization and one should accept is as a new challenge.

God Bless India. God Bless America.

Venky Katwa
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Tina Spaulding
Subject: Re: Tackling the offshore outsourcing backlash

Hello!

In response to the USA MT's letter, you state that you see the
problem but lack the solution.

Later on in your newsletter, you have this quote regarding the
future of MT with voice recognition technology:
Dr Rosser stresses that there remains a role for medical
secretaries in hospitals even under a system like that operated by
DictaScribe. "Instead of spending 60 to 70 per cent of their time
typing, they can spend time on filing, pulling patient notes and
preparing clinics," she says.

The problem with this is that a medical transcriptionist is NOT a
secretary and does not want to work as a secretary, because this
would surely mean a rather large pay cut.

I will join Ms. Olson in contacting my US senators and
representatives.  The Indian-owned USA MT offices are, in my
opinion, merely storefront offices set up to distract attention
from the fact that the actual transcription is being done in India,
halfway around the world.  US citizens are only now becoming aware
that their private medical records are being sent to God
knows where, God knows when.  I realize that Indian companies state
they are HIPAA-compliant, but what if they aren't?  What recourse
would a hospital who had outsourced to an Indian MT company have,
if the Indian company sold its data to a third party?  Very little,
as I see it.

Our service lost a large hospital account last year to an Indian
firm.  The hospital is prohibited by government law to outsource
overseas, but they did it anyway because of the price difference
and, I'm sure, there was some extra money in there to keep people
quiet about it.  Until we lost this large account, I thought there
was enough work to go around and I supported Indian MT companies,
but when it hits your own personal pocketbook, it changes your
opinion.  I firmly believe the old saying that "you get what you
pay for," and I believe hospitals that are outsourcing to India
will soon be paying lawsuit damages because HIPAA regulations are
impossible to enforce overseas.

Tina J Spaulding
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Montyna
Subject: Article...

Hi MTIDers!

I help run a fledging online magazine for medical transcriptionists
called MT Clips. I'd like to get in touch with an MT from India who
would be interested in writing an article on MT-ing in India.

There has been so much rhetoric flying about on outsourcing these
job or that, I think if US-based MTs got the chance to know
India-based MTs on a more personal level, in particular how MT'ing
is the same, with the same mumbling, gum-chewing dictators for all
of us, it'd benefit both sides.

I am also going to extend an invitation to an opponent of
outsourcing medical transcription to write an article about same,
which will appear in the same issue. I do promise that the
difference in opinion will be presented respectfully.

Thank you for your time,

Montyna
montyna@...
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hello everyone!

There has been a lively debate going on at the Hot Zone:
http://www.mtchat.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=10&t=0
02487

If you can't find the thread there, goto:
http://www.mtchat.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=10

And click on the thread "MT India"

I can and have seen all sorts of cooperation between MT business -
MNCs, down to the IC working from home. But if you are talking
about an employed MT in the US benefiting from offshore
outsourcing, that is something I am missing. Whoever benefits, it
is not going to be employed MTs in the USA  - that I presume that
was what was being referred to when Stella talked about "U.S. MTs
losing their jobs". If jobs are not compromised, pay will be and so
on...

The simple equation now for an US MTSO/HMO is either to pay an X
rate to an employee or outsource offshore at an Y rate. The only
"middle ground" I can see is if US MTs go into business for
themselves, eliminating the MTSOs altogether, while using offshore
MTs to compete at the rates nationals offer.

Probably Stella has some vision that I don't...

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Hitanshu Munjial
Subject: Employee retention policies

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

I agree with the comments in the article put by you.

Here, let me put my foot on some more toes. It is also a fact in
india that in spite of MTs increasing their productivity, there are
certain "lala companies"  that just want to suck the blood out of
MTs. They typically want an MT who just sits there meekly on the
seat and sits for long hours at work and who is too shy to demand a
salary raise. I think these "lala companies" find such an MT to be
an ideal one.

They want the MT to be fully committed to them but they themselve
do not want to fulfill their commitments towards the MTs.

Hitanshu Munjial
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Employee_policies

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

lala = trader

Amit
amit@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999

=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
June 23, 2003         Digest #106
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

=Outsourcing Policies in the US=-

   ~Vishal Jain
"concerned about the policies of the US government regarding
Medical Transcription"

    ~Saravanan
"States Fight Exodus of Jobs; Lawmakers, Unions Seek to Block
Outsourcing Overseas"

    ~Jocelyn
"Have a class presentation on MT in India"

===========CONTINUING============

=Employee retention policies=-

   ~Alok Jha
"MTID can be a good platform to increase the awareness among the
employers"

-=MTs beyond borders=-

    ~Jodee
"looking for qualified Indian MTs on an individual basis."

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Starting MT services in Chennai=-

*****************************************************
ADVERTISEMENT:
---------------------
Banyan Solutions Inc., a California based company is looking for
experienced MT's to work at their New Delhi, India center. Only
MT's local to New Delhi should apply.

Please call Dr. S.N. Dube at 31039430, or e-mail your resume to
jo_rao@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Vishal Jain <vishalnagpur@...>
Subject: Outsourcing Policies in the US

Dear Major Chatterjee & MTIDers:

I am working at Ascent Transcriptions, Nagpur, India.

As unemployment is increasing in US, is there any
chance of the back office jobs which are coming to
India to be done can be barred?

And I am mainly concerned about the policies of the US
government regarding Medical Transcription and other
back office jobs.

Kindly send me any web site address if any from where
I could know better the US policies or guide me
through.

Thanking you for your concern.  Have a good day.

Vishal Jain
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Vishal!

This has been addressed in the last two issues of the MT India
Newsletter. For archives and subscription, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTIndia

Legislation will come and go, but it is almost impossible to stop
global free market economics by such measures.

I would personally advise Indian MTs to concentrating on improving
their skills - EMR is already being widely used, and speech
recognition is going to improve in this decade.

The faster you climb away from an entry level MT, the more secure
your prospects are going to be. I can't see any technology
replacing MTs who churn out client ready reports.

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Saravanan
Subject: US lobbyists fighting against outsourcing

Hi all!

I am quoting from a recent article at Rediff:

Quote:

Alarmed by a report that 1.7 million US jobs may be lost to other
countries, particularly to India, American workers, trade unions,
local governments and legislators are fighting back to keep jobs at
home and prevent outsourcing to countries where skilled workers are
cheaper, media reported on Tuesday.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting a report by Forrester Research,
said American workers may lose $120 billion in wages by 2015,
multinational firms are feeling the first ripple of the backlash
but are bracing for the worst.

"It is the perfect storm right now," said Harris Miller, president
of the Information Technology Association of America, a trade group
representing 500 technology concerns.

Many companies, slashing their US payrolls to take advantage of
cheaper labor overseas, the Journal said, noting that according to
Forrester, loss of office support jobs lost by 2015 are estimated
at 1.7 million jobs.

The computer sector is expected to lose 0.47 million jobs, business
0.35 million management 0.29 million, sales 0.23 million,
architecture 0.18 million and legal 0.08 million.

Under the heading 'States Fight Exodus of Jobs; Lawmakers, Unions
Seek to Block Outsourcing Overseas,' the paper said, "Legislation
aimed at keeping jobs in the US is pending in at least five
States -- New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri and
Washington State.

The bills employ a variety of methods, including blocking companies
from using foreign workers on State contracts and requiring foreign
call-center employees to identify where they are located.

By one estimate, 'several million' US jobs are expected to move
offshore in the next 12 years, particularly to India.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jun/03outsource.htm

Any thoughts???

Saravanan
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Jocelyn <jfinocchiaro1@...>
Subject: Insight into Indian MTs

Hi!

I am a MT student in the US and have a class presentation on MT
in India. If you would like to share your background, experiences,
or anything that could give me insight to our profession in your
country, I would love to include this in my presentation. Any
information you give me will only be used in my class presentation.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the above subject and/or
article!

Thank you!

Jocelyn
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Anti-outsourcing
===========CONTINUING============
From: Alok Jha
Subject: Employee retention policies

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

I can fully empathize with this QC from Mumbai. I have worked in
different MT organizations, and I too have seen this trend. To an
extent, I can understand the employers' limitations too. As it is,
there is a severe dearth of good quality MTs in the market. I
hardly know of any MT company which does not want to recruit any
more workforce. The job advertisements on MTIndia and different
newspapers are proof to that. But then there are not enough good
MTs in the market. So, employers have to contend with the workforce
that is available to them. At the same time, they cannot say "no"
to their clients. Transcribed documents have to return in time. TAT
has to be met. So, in the end the MTs/Editors end up putting in
long hours.

However, as somebody who has been long in this field, I know that
this cannot be stretched for long. The quality does suffer! An
MT/Editor who has been working for 14 hours cannot be expected to
deliver the required quality. I think the employers are very much
aware of that, but then as I said, they have their limitations too.
I myself am an MT who has been in management for a while now. I can
feel the predicament on both sides. MTID can be a good platform to
increase the awareness among the employers and the employees on
this issue, to discuss the ramifications of putting in undue long
hours and the after effects, and to develop a balanced approach. I
request Amit and MTIDers to keep this issue live, chip in with
their views, and see if together we can make a difference.

Regards,

Alok Jha
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Alok & all!

Sooner rather than later, MTSOs will have to wake up to ground
realities. I think the situation has drastically improved over the
last 2 years, and most MTSOs who are MTIndia members follow
laudable HR policies.

In a many places, I have found MTs are equally to blame. They
expected to be paid by their "seniority" and not on deliverables.
MT requires its skill sets - but in no way is it a creative art or
rocket science - the best any MT can achieve is a perfect document,
in spite of poor dictation - but that is it.

There is a constant price being paid by the client on that
document and believe me, that rate has not gone up in the last 6
years that I have been in this industry. So after your productivity
at a level of accuracy plateaus off - on what basis does your
employer hike your compensation? Most MTSOs grant a reasonable
hike on loyalty, but as the earlier poster said - most MTs want to
triple their salaries without tripling their productivity.

Mind you, I said productivity - not effort. If the majority of MTs
stop cherry picking easy accounts for a short term hike, we will
see a major difference in output.

Also, there needs to be a reasonable level of satisfaction - Indian
MTs are a very well paid sub group by Indian standards.
Unfortunately, some think that they should be paid at US rates -
in which case I suggest they go into business and find out the
economics themselves. Like MTs, MTSOs are also not into this as a
charity.

And surprisingly, this old arithmetic actually holds true:

1) Smart boss + smart employee = profit
2) Smart boss + dumb employee = production
3) Dumb boss +smart employee =  promotion
4) Dumb boss + dumb employee =  overtime

While smart MTSOs are striving towards enhancing production
capacities, smart employees are cherry picking all the time towards
the next promotion. If both are as smart as they think, MTSOs
should be making MONEY!! But what started the thread was about
overtime, so....

Flame away, I must have stepped on some toes by now :)

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Jodee <JodeeB@...>
Subject: Individual MTs

Hello!

I am a small transcription service in the US looking for qualified
medical transcriptionists on an individual basis.

Jodee
USA
JodeeB@...

===========BILLBOARD==============
From: Peter Vas <pvas@...>
Subject: Starting MT services in Chennai

Dear Amit,

I am an entrepreneur in Chennai with 15 years US IT experience.  I
am looking into the possibilities of starting a MT service in
Chennai. I would love to hear about your experiences.  Please feel
free to email me with your advice.

Thanks,

Peter Vas
pvas@...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999

=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
June 8, 2003         Digest #105
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

=Employee retention policies=-

   ~Name witheld on request
"I've seen many places in Mumbai, which practically expect you to
sit "till the work is done,"

    ~Vineet
"What steps should management take for employee retention"

===========CONTINUING============

-=MT Week celebration=-

   ~Edwin Thomas
"The MT community in India should also have celebrated MT week"

-=MT India Newsletter=-

    ~Amit Rao
"keep the good work going!!!"

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Virtual Phone number=-

*****************************************************
Are you a lead QA with:

* 4+ years of total MT experience (excluding training period)
* 2+ years as a QA/Proofer, in a reputed company
* Present salary over 18,000 pm

Excellent opportunity for career enhancement at Bangalore
Email Anusha at anusha@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: [Details witheld on request]
Subject: MT jobs

Dear Major Chatterjee & MTIDers:

I thought I would just introduce myself before I get to my subject.
I am a QC working in Mumbai for the past 3 years and have been a
member of your group for one year or so now.  I was just wondering
as I continue to receive many insightful newsletters from you
regarding the phenomenal changes that have taken place in the
Indian MT industry, there seems to be more lacking when it comes to
our working conditions, don't you think?  Surely we have covered a
great distance in reducing the gap in quality and proficiency when
it comes to work but it's definitely not the same when it comes to
how people get it done. I've tried a lot in my own company in
getting my management to look at MTs and QCs too not just as
machines but humans and though this is a well-paid job, it just
doesn't mean you can put the pressure and expect them to deliver.

I mean somewhere along the line while we were improving quality,
the human picture of it got sacrificed.  Many MT companies in
Mumbai believe that if they pay you should deliver without giving
the slightest of thoughts to where you draw the line.  I mean if a
company was to provide me Rs. 10,000 for 1000 lines then it equates
to being able to do 3000 lines for 30,000/-, seems pretty simple
but don't they wonder if it is possible for the person to do so and
with no regard to timings and breaks or other such humane
conditions which are normally offered in other IT sectors??????
I've seen many places in Mumbai, which practically expect you to
sit "till the work is done," and yes they do pay (some definitely
don't) but is it truly possible and if so then for how long?
Putting in 8-10 hours 6 days a week I'm sure is definitely going to
catch up with you sometime, if not now, and the lack of trained
personnel is just another nail in the coffin, leaving the few to
take on the job of many.  I can find no solution and I don't quite
know if I'm just overly concerned or do you feel I have a point in
this.  Don't you think that we should be setting not only standards
of pay but working hours and schedules.  One company I know of only
provides you money for the lines you do and even if you complete 2
years of service it's the same, meaning loyalty to the company has
no value. No paid leaves, no PF, no medical, nothing, zilch!!!!!

I don't really quite know how it works in other cities, but this is
definitely the way it works in Mumbai.  Please let me know what you
think and if you have any suggestions as I'm trying to change some
of the conditions in the place I'm working, though its one tough
battle.  However, I would like my name confidential if you do
decide to get the MTIDers pulse on this.

Thanks so much.

Name witheld on request
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Vineet
Subject: Growth Issues

Hi All,

I have been a part of MTID for a while now but been a viewer more
than a participant.  I am part of a MT services company with a
center in Kolkata, India.  As we are approaching critical mass in
terms of revenues and team strength, a number of
issues relating to growth management and exceeding industry
standards have come forward.  To this extent, I am looking answers
to questions below and initiate a discussion as well on some of
these:

1. What steps should management take for employee retention (From
your experience, what has worked and what has not?)

2. What are/should be the key performance metrics for MT
Professional Services?

3. What % of revenue is typically paid to an agent who procures
orders for you (typically from USA?  Or is there some other
metric that is used?

4. Also, does anyone know what the industry average is for
utilization rates?  According to Gartner it is 65% and at Ernst and
Young the benchmark was 70%.  However, for SMEs in this sector,
what is a more realistic/practical utilization rate?

Thanks and looking forward to replies to as many questions as
possible.  I have some thoughts on these as well, and would be
interested in discussing these as well.

Regards,
Vineet

===========CONTINUING============
From: Edwin Thomas
Subject: MT Week celebration

Hi Amit,

The MT community in India should also have celebrated MT week.  MT
India should have taken the lead in the celebrations, like MTDaily
did in the US.

Edwin Thomas
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Edwin & All!

I am not sure if "MTDaily took the lead in the USA," nevertheless,
a brief History of the "National Medical Transcriptionist Week" is
warranted here. The then President of the United States of America,
Ronald Reagan, Proclaimed in 1985:

<Because of the work done by trained medical transcriptionists,
patients can be assured that the history of their medical care is
portrayed accurately and legibly. Medical transcriptionists have
therefore become a vital link between the physician and the
patient.

It is appropriate for our Nation to recognize the contributions of
medical transcriptionists. We should encourage hospitals, allied
health education programs, and community colleges to provide
appropriate courses of instruction recognizing the high standards
that must be met by medical transcriptionists and the vital
function they perform.

In recognition of the need for medical transcriptionists in today's
society, the Congress, by Public Law 98-609, has designated the
week beginning May 20, 1985, as "National Medical Transcriptionist
Week" and authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation in observance of this event.>

I am quoting from our newsletter dated 20 May 2001:

<We do hope their will be an International Medical Transcription
Week celebrations in the near future, to enable all MTs to share
the pride they have in their profession!>

The "National Medical Transcriptionist Week" declaration was a
tribute to USMTs from their nation, for their role in creating
health care records.  If a "World Medical Transcription Week" is to
be declared and celebrated, I do not see why we should usurp the US
MTs privilege and recognition, and insist on claiming it as our
own. Moreover it should have the concurrence of US MTs who are a
majority by any statistical count - otherwise it is relegated to
being "Indian" not "World". I am quoting a piece from the San
Francisco Chronicle:

<Last month, for example, India celebrated World Medical
Transcription Week. "India has become the favorite country for
outsourcing in the U.S.," Prasenjit Ganguly, vice president of Max
HealthScribe, told the Times of India.>

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2
003/06/08/BU133949.DTL&type=business

MTIndia would be more comfortable to celebrate an "Indian" Medical
Transcription Week or Day for that matter, with such dates being
derived from history of MT in India e.g. it could be the first
Indian MT company going into production OR the first set of Indian
MTs joining the workforce - which would be relevant to Indian MTs.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no such thing as "World
Medical Transcription Week" - yet. A matter of opinion, some might
say..:)

Enjoy!

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Amit Rao
Subject: Good work guyzz!!!

Hi Amit and all,

I am into MT for the last 7 years now, and I frequently get your
mails and I truly treasure those as it keeps me in time with
whatever is happening in the industry. One thing is for sure.. with
the help of the reviews and the amount of research that you guys
really do, it shows how well and eagerly your work has been
welcomed and accepted.

Though this is my first mail to you, the main intention is to let
you guys know that you all are doing a tremendous job and keep the
good work going!!!

Regards
Amit Rao
Bangalore
===========BILLBOARD==============

Subject: Virtual Phone number

Dear Amit,

I have attached a writeup on how MT companies who have a reasonably
good bandwidth can have an economic phone tariff and have a US
number so that thier clients can call directly (the call lands in
india into thier office).

World Phone combines domestic US local, long distance, and Canada
calls for one flat price because it runs over your high speed
Internet connection. Say goodbye to confusing bills and surprising
charges. With World Phone, you get unlimited local and long
distance calling, Canadian calling, plus great features like Caller
ID, Call waiting and Voicemail. Best of all you only pay one low
price!

WORLD PHONE PLATINUM (BEST OPTION)
. Monthly subscription of Rs 6,995 only
. Includes UNLIMITED calls to USA and Canada
. One-time setup fee of Rs 2000 only
. Save an additional Rs 0.50 per minute on all international calls

I can help companies get the connections - No charges from my side.

Rajesh
adssol@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999

=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
May 25, 2003         Digest #104
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=MT Week celebration=-

   ~Subhorup Dasgupta
"the feeling of being a part of a larger cause is perhaps diluted
if not lost by the distance of(f) the shores"

===========CONTINUING============

-=USMTs are pricing themselves out of the market?=-

    ~Gayla Bryant
"to get it outlawed that India can take American jobs away"

-=Work @ Home MT=-

    ~Ananth
"HBT rates seem to be stuck in the Rs. 0.95 slot with the eternal
goal of Rs. 1.25 in the distance"

    ~Delphine Swasbrook
"A person would need to invest a pretty good bit of money on the
"tools of his trade."

    ~Pranava Krishna VK
"settled in Trivandrum and I would like to take a home
transcription job."

-=Future of the MT industry=-

    ~Shahul Hameed
"Is it a business for the longer term. Quick money is not my
criteria."

*****************************************************
Are you a lead QA from Bangalore with:

* 4+ years of total MT experience (excluding training period)
* 2+ years as a QA/Proofer, in a reputed company

Excellent opportunities for career enhancement with stable MNCs at
Bangalore

Email Anusha at anusha@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Subhorup Dasgupta
Subject: MT week at Worldtech

Hi MTIDers!

Worldtech, Hyderabad observed MT week, a time taken out to
recognize the contribution made by the medical transcriptionist,
from May 19 to 24, 2003.  It was difficult to get the entire staff
of over 200 to come together in the middle of a production day for
a long stretch, so the programs were kept short and varied so that
everybody could be involved.  Short quizzes were arranged every day
of the week with instant cash prizes for the correct answers.  The
questions in the quiz, too, were not all limited to medicine or
transcription, since a large number of support staff were also
involved.

For a whole week, we all looked forward to 11.30 when we would all
come on to the main floor and scream and shout like kids for 30
minutes, hopefully win some prizes and go back to work happier and
surely richer.  Birthday MTs were felicitated during this time too,
and it was a great feeling to have 200 people sing "happy
birthday!"  Other parameters of performance were also recognized
such as newest MTs achieving high productivity levels, MTs handling
largest number of clients, MTs delivering highest volume of desk to
desk services, 100% attendance, etc.  Support staff were also
recognized for their contribution.

In India, where medical transcription is more a profession than a
vocation, where the feeling of being a part of a larger cause is
perhaps diluted if not lost by the distance of(f) the shores, it
becomes the responsibility of the MT companies to recognize and
reward the important role played by the medical transcriptionist
beyond the obvious one of commerce.

My pick from the quiz questions, Amit:

Q: The English uses the cheek, the Indian uses the forehead, and
the Italian uses the upper arm.  In medical terminology, what are
we referring to?

Answer:  A nose job or rhinoplasty.  The three places that skin
flaps are typically taken from give the names to the distinct types
of rhinoplasty.

Subhorup Dasgupta
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT_Week

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Subho!

Nice to have you share how you celebrated the "MT Week 2003." Hope
other MTs & MT Companies also come forward to share on what they
did and what they have planned ahead.

I have some strong personal opinions, as usual - on the concept of
the "World MT Week." However this digest is already too large to
take anything more of my ramblings...

See you all, next time around...

Regards,

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/

===========CONTINUING============
From: Gayla Bryant <gbryant@...>
Subject: USMTs

Why do you think you can take United States Jobs? I am trying to do
everything I can to get it outlawed that India can take American
jobs away from American people.

Gayla Bryant
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=USMTs_pricing
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Ananth
Subject: Home transcription - Myth or reality?

Hi MTIDers,

I actually am inclined to agree with Stella... the fact of US MTs
spending a lot of further educating themselves is very true... and
they understand the concept that if work is coming in at a lower
price, then it is not worth taking...  we are doing the
opposite and grabbing any work that comes at any price.

But i guess just based on the difference in cost of living we would
be running ahead.  But no, I do not see Indian MTs even coming
close to being a force to reckon with in the next 10 years.

Unfortunately though, the number of MTs seems to be decreasing at
an alarming rate.. Chennai sees a minimum of about 10 ads on any
given weekend asking for experienced MTs and QAs.. and the fact
that companies in Bangalore, Jaipur, Delhi, you name it, are
advertising on the internet and offering free accomodation for
"deserving candidates" does seem to give us a lot of food for
thought.  Going by the current trend, there are not enough
organizations that have an inhouse training program that actually
chooses good people and trains them as we had been.  So we are
still running the show with the same number of people we had a year
or two ago, or less.  Its just that the MTs have now become
"Editors" and "edit" 1000 lines a day which is more like
re-transcription.

I guess the US MTs don't have to wait for long or worry for long.
I
doubt that HBT or an HMT as Mr. Inamdar prefers to refer to them is
actually going to pose much of a threat to anyone, Indian companies
included.  There used to be a time when the prediction was that the
future of MT in India is going to actually be majorly home-based.
But going by the current trend, with companies working for 3.5
cents, "groups of MTs" working for 2.5, and "HMTs" at a little less
than 2 cents, it is doubtful as to which way we will head.  The HBT
rates seem to be stuck in the Rs. 0.95 slot with the eternal goal
of Rs. 1.25 in the distance.  But even at 1.25 if you do 1000 lines
a day, you will stand to net a max of about 20K, meaning about 12
hours of work for five days a week and 52 weeks a year.  How long
is the "HMT" going to do his 1000 lines?  I lasted six months.  I
now hear of a new concept in which companies offer Rs. 8000 a month
for doing 50 minutes of transcription a day.

I suspect the attrition ratio is evidence enough that HBT is not
going to be here to stay for long.

Ananth

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Ananth and All!

The term "HBT" has a very specific meaning that you can't change.
Even if you interpret it to mean "Small Office Home Office" (SOHO)
business, everyone else will think & treat you differently.

So what's the difference between the two?

An MT trades a fixed amount of time for a fixed amount of money. If
they want to increase their money, they have to increase the time
they work, or the value of their time. Either way, it's their BOSS
who says yes or no, not them. That applies to the HBT concept as
well.

A SOHO businessman/woman goes into business to sever all connection
between their time and their money. It's the ONLY thing you can
enjoy in business that you can't enjoy in a job.

HBT gives you some tangible advantage, over working at company
location:

1) Allows you to work flexible hours.
2) Allows you to save commuting time and money.
3) Allows you to work from home, hence manage concurrently other
work, not related to company work.
4) Allows you to continue with your job, if you have to relocate
(within the constraints of connectivity available at your new
location).

I'll summarize the disadvantages you brought out - these cannot be
generalized to the HBT concept, but are specific to the company you
are working for as an HBT:

1) You earn less, for the same time put in - or did I reach a wrong
conclusion?

As I understand the HBT is investing in infrastructure & resources,
which if working at company location would have been the employer's
investment. The company should be able to convert this into a
better
payment rate to the HBT.

2) No paid leave. Again that's a company policy - if you grant
leave to onsite MTs, there is no reason to deny leave to
telecommuting employees. On the flip side - the company might be
paying a rate high enough to not offer you this or other perks -
whether inhouse or at company. After all, in the end you are just a
"cost to company" in the annual balance sheet:)

Regards,

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Work@Home
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Delphine Swasbrook
Subject: Medical Transcription from Home

Dear Amit & MTIDers!

The most popular idea of transcription is "if you can hear it, you
can type it."  Few people seem to realize that English is a complex
language.  There are similar sounding words with totally different
meanings both in English and in medicine, hence the over
simplification of just hearing a word and transcribing it could
lead to disastrous results.

Then there is the myth that doctors automatically make better
transcriptionists than nondoctors.  Doctors have as much problems
transcribing because they, like the others, are hearing medical
terminology in an accent that is foreign to them.  So it would take
a doctor as long as anyone else to recognize a medical word.
English grammar is also another aspect that is not automatically a
gift given to doctors because they are medically qualified.

Another factor that needs to be looked at is the dream of "working
out of your home."  A person would need to invest a pretty good bit
of money on the "tools of his trade."  He would also need to update
his database and referencing material.  He would also need to
convince the US client that he is sufficiently trained and
efficient.  Downloading voice files takes a couple of hours and
reduces the TAT.  This limits the amount of work a person can take
in - in some cases making it economically unviable. Sufficient
thought should be given to these aspects before an MT can set up a
workstation at home.

Delphine
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Work@Home
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Pranava Krishna VK<pranav_ks2@...>
Subject: Home MT

Hello,

I have been working as a medical transcriptionist for the past
2-1/2 years in a Coimbatore based company. I like to know about
the companies providing home transcription facilities in India and
aboard. Now I am settled in Trivandrum and I would like to do a
home transcription job.

Kindly please inform me if there is any oppurtunity for me to
continue my medical transcription profession.

Pranava Krishna VK
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Work@Home
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Shahul Hameed <shahulhameeds@...>
Subject: The Future of MT outsourcing

Dear. Dr. Chatterjee & MTIDers,

I plan to setup a MT business, but would like clarification on the
future of MT outsourcing to India- given the protests in USA for
outsourcing to India and also the advent of many speech recognition
softwares in the market. Is it a business for the longer term.
Quick money is not my criteria.

Shahul Hameed
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Future_of_MT
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999
=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
May 12, 2003         Digest #103
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=USMTs are pricing themselves out of the market?=-

    ~Stella J. Olson, CMT, FAAMT

-=Is it safe to sign a Bond?=-

    ~Uma Ravi
"all of them require a bond of more than two years"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Work @ Home MT=-

    ~T.N. Raju, CMT
"Visit us at Focus"

-=MTs beyond borders=-

    ~R.Viswanathan
"try setting up a toll free dictation service"

    ~Mythili Ravi
"You can be our first person working from abroad :-)"

-=Future of the MT industry=-

    ~Tapobrata Das
"I am working in Infovision."

    ~Venkatraman Chettiar
"which transcription company in Pune is the best"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=You must be an Indian if...=-

*****************************************************
Are you a lead QA from Bangalore with:

* 4+ years of total MT experience (excluding training period)
* 2+ years as a QA/Proofer, in a reputable company
* Present gross salary between 18,000 to 22,000 pm

Excellent opportunities for career enhancement with stable MNCs at
Bangalore

Email Anusha at anusha@...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fellow MTIDer...

OK, OK. France is not very fashionable at the moment, but I
couldn't resist making the title of this post the old French
saying,  "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose" -- "The more
things change, the more they remain the same".

I say this with refence to two ongoing threads:

a) Work @ Home

Way back in 1998, during the boom days, every second person you met
on the street was training to be an MT, and wanted to Work @ Home.
This trend died out somewhere during the 2000/2001 crash, and you
could rest in peace left to your own devices. It appears Sohonet
has brought this back in vogue - for the wrong reasons.

Could someone stand out and spread the word please? In your local
community/town/city/country? That knowledge of
(a) English (b) Typing (c) Medical terminology,
does NOT make anyone eligible to be considered for a Work@Home MT
position. It does NOT even make anyone eligible to be considered
for in-house employment as an MT. Yes, if you have excellent skills
as in (a) above, and rudimentary skills in (b) and (c); a focussed
training curriculum should be able to make an MT out of you. These
are facts. If you reject them and succumb to false
promises - no one can help you recover your losses.

Oh, but then you are an experienced MT. I hope you have the right
reasons for wanting to shift to a Work @ Home MT position. I have
generally found MTs opting to work at home for all the wrong
reasons. And if your reasons are right, there can be benefits like
being able to work in your pyjamas. Believe me, at one point I
almost became an anaesthetist because I wanted to be in a
sterilized theatre in my pyjamas all day!

b) Associations

I actually spend the whole of my weekend rummaging through this
digest, the forum, newletters ..et all, trying to get a fix on how
many times this topic was raised and where it lead to . . . and
I am talking from the point of a professional MT. Businesses will
align themselves with market forces, as business interests dictate.
They are not meant to and cannot contribute to the profession. MTs
need to give something back to the profession to
nurture future growth. I am not saying that the spirit is not
willing - what I am saying is that the flesh is weak!

Let me tell you a fact - there are many organizations like MTIA
which started out just as internet communities, before going
offline. It is really difficult to find a net community where MTs
help each other, like on a word board. Now don't tell me one
doesn't exist... If it doesn't, it has to be built.

Now, let me tell you what I found lacking in our repeated
endeavors - action. In all the analysis that preceded it, the need
for action was overlooked. Well, now we can continue to dream, or
we can decide and act...

Many people believe an organization must be built from the top
down, to maintain cohesiveness and purpose. I disagree with that
mode a wee bit - I believe that those responsible for building an
organization from the top, must have reached there a rung at a
time. What we need now are those who will organize the first rung
in their cities. Will those of you who have hung in there, step out
of hibernation to form local chapters?

What I have been looking for years is to receive a single mail
which reads "we are a group of MTs from ___ and would like your
help in setting up an organization to support us professionally."
But what I get aplenty is: "we are a group of MTs from ____ and
want you to help us to get jobs, which we can do in our spare
time." And with all MTSOs recruiting, and no dearth of jobs, all I
can say is "Go, figure..!"

And do have a great MT Week.

Enjoy!

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Stella Olson
Subject: Re: MTIndia Newsletter - "Gosh, we didn't think you'd
actually read it."

Hi MTIDers!

It is noted in this recent Newsletter that Shrikant Inamdar the
executive director of Spryance believes that the U.S. MTs are
pricing themselves out of the market place.  It is most unfortunate
that Mr. Inamdar does not have the knowledge base to understand
that the real professional MT in the U.S. spends an enormous amount
of dollars to continue their education in order to meet the demand
of quality transcription. New procedures in the medical field are
abounding and the professional MT must continue to study just as
physicians must.

Education does not come "CHEAP" nor does the time of an
experienced, educated MT.

Stella J. Olson, CMT, FAAMT
Consultant
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=USMTs_pricing

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Stella and All!

I wish USMTs would - price themselves out of the market place!:-)
If Shrikant was correct, life would have been a lot easier for us..

But wishful thinking apart, I see a disturbing trend amongst new
wannabe ICs in the US, cutting rates to a phenomenally low margin
in an attempt to compete with perceived "offshore" rates. This
trend will definitely put some MTs out of the market. And this does
not auger well for professionals - especially the fresh blood -
whether in the US or the Subcontinent.

Regards,
Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=USMTs_pricing
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Uma Ravi
Subject: Your kind advice required.

Hello MTIDers,

I am a resident of Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.  I am a subscriber of
your mtjobs mail.  Sir, I am a housewife, and very much interested
to become an MT.  I have contacted our local MT companies and also
passed out initial english tests and interview reqd to become an
MT trainee, Sir, all of them require a bond of more than two years
to work with them.  Is it safe to sign such bonds?, moreover, I am
a married woman and in future I may face situations like
conceiving etc, in that case will they relieve me of my bond. When
I asked them they are not giving any assurance for this, Kindly,
advice me if there is any other alternative to work as an MT
without a bond or is it advisable to join the companies with bond.
As I am new to this field, I dont have a good guidance in this
matter,  kindly give me your advice in this regard.

Expecting your valuable reply,

Uma Ravi.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Safe

===========CONTINUING============
From: T.N. Raju
Subject: Home MT

Dear Manoj,

www.focusmt.com could be a solution.  Please go thru the same and
let me know if you need any clarifications.

Regards,

T.N. Raju, CMT
Focus Infosys
Bangalore

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: R.Viswanathan
Subject: MTs-beyond-borders

Hello,

You could try setting up a toll free dictation service. Doctors
find this very user friendly and convenient to use. We started off
our direct US operations with this service, and we have grown
multifold since the last 3 years.

Good luck

R. Viswanathan
Rapid Care IT Services Group
Chennai, India
Nashua, NH, US
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Mythili Ravi
Subject: Home MT

Hi Shan,

We do have MTs and Editors out of Mumbai working with us.  You can
be our first person working from abroad :-)  Please contact
mumbaihmt@... for any further details.

Regards,

Mythili
Spryance
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders
++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Tapobrata Das
Subject: MT industry's future in Calcutta

Dear. Dr. Chatterjee,

I am in the field of medical transcription as an MT
for the last 2 years in Kolkata.  In this period of
time a number of new companies started business here
and many of them are doing production though in a
small scale.  In Kolkata, the two big companies are
Infovision and Optimal.  I am working in Infovision.
I have heard that a few big players are coming in the
market of Kolkata but no definite news or how the
scope will be there is not known to me.  Do you have
any idea about this?  Can you please let me know the
future of the industry in Kolkata.

Yours Truly,

Tapobrata Das
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Future_of_MT

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Tapobrata,

If you are already with a stable and growing MT company, I don't
see why you should be bothered about your future.

As far as "big players" are concerned, I haven't an inkling.

Regards,

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Venkatraman Chettiar
Subject: Job Security

Hi MTIDers!

What are the chances of growth for transcription companies in Pune
and which transcription company in Pune is the best in assuring a
medical transcriptionist a 100% job security?

Venkatraman
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Future_of_MT

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Venkat,

I wouldn't go into good, better, best..

All three companies listed in our yellow pages are secure
companies. I am assuming that you plan to slog and earn your job
security.:)

Regards,

Amit
amit@...
http://www.mtindia.org/
===========BILLBOARD============
Good reading! Enjoy!!

Subject: You must be an Indian if...

1.  Everything you eat is smothered in garlic, onion and tomatoes.

2. You try and reuse gift wrappers, gift boxes, and of course
aluminum foil.

3. You try to eject food particles from between your teeth by
pressing your tongue against them and making a peculiar noise like,
tshick, tshick, tschick, tschick.

4. You are standing next to the two largest size suitcases at the
Airport.

5. You arrive two hours late to a party - and think its normal.

6.7. You recycle Wedding Gifts.

8. You name your children in rhythms (example Sita & Gita, Ram &
Shyam.)

9. All your children have pet names, which sound nowhere close to
their real names(example, Honey & Money).

10. You take Indian snacks anywhere it says "No Food Allowed"

to be continued...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999
=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
Apr 13, 2003         Digest #102
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Future of the MT industry=-

    ~Manoj Nag
"there is no training center operating"

   -=Work @ Home MT=-

    ~Abhijit Govande
"he disappeared"

    ~Manoj Kr. Singh
"Is there no place where a home based transcriptionist can earn his
bread?"

    ~Archana
"I have heard about cheating from the companies in this regard.
What should one do to safeguard his/her interests in this regard."

    ~Gigy Biju
"Is there some clause in the Income Tax act by which home
transcriptionists could get a relief"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Of Associations & Unions=-

    ~Subhorup Dasgupta
"I think the efforts of people who have hung on to the belief that
networking is possible and profitable in this business is finally
bearing fruit"

-=MTIndia Newsletter=-

    ~Tannaaz Irani
"Why are all your articles so cribby?"

   ~Deepa V. Bhagat
"it's great, the best I ever came across."

    ~Nayaki Achuthan
"while enlightening others, they themselves fall into the ditch"

-=MTs beyond borders=-

    ~Mathews
"US company searching for a partner to open a new production center
in Chennai."

    ~Gaye Martin
"any ideas how to get Australian doctors to use our company?"

   ~Shan
"any business opportunity for me to participate from Malaysia?"

*****************************************************
From: Manoj Nag
Subject: Future of MT industry

Dear Amit,

It is nice to get updated from your articles time to time about
development in MT industry. I am in this profession for the last
three years and have seen the ups and downs of this industry. At
times, I am a bit concerned about the future of this industry
because at present and from the past 1 to 1-1/2 years I see there
is no training center operating at least in Chandigarh; almost all
the training centers have closed down. So, there is no fresh supply
to the industry and through your emails I come to a conclusion
there is a lot of shortage of MTs in this industry all over India.
Even in my company we have a lot of shortage of MTs and
QAs.

Please throw some light to this problem especially about the future
of this industry and how to motivate the entrepreneurs that it is a
lucrative business and encouraging them to open training centers to
produce fresh MTs. Sir, normally I have seen the entrepreneurs in
India demand readymade guys. So, please throw some light to these
above problems.

Yours faithfully,

Manoj Nag
Chandigarh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Future_of_MT

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From : Abhijit Govande
Subject : Duped

Dear Amit:

I had posted my resume to the advertisement published in MT India
by Mr. Rajesh Pillai from Banglore.

I received an email from him and I started receiving work from him
in January.  He had given a mobile number also and he used to be
online in the morning till late evenings at forvenders@....
After one month he asked for the logsheet for the month, which I
sent immediately, but after February 15th he disappeared. I have
not received the payment yet, nor is he available online.

Please if someone could do something about it.

Thank you.

Abhijit
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Home_MT

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Manoj Kr. Singh
Subject: Fraud and only fraud

Hi MTIDers!

Where this industry is leading to? Sometimes it is the TransAm
people(who ask for one error per page irrespective of what type of
error it is) then the same is the case with Sohonet. Are only
cheats, on both end of the shore operating in MT? Is there no place
where a home based transcriptionist can earn his bread?

Manoj Kr. Singh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Home_MT

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Archana
Subject: Work form Home

Dear Amit,

I am a reguler reader of your magazine and appreciate your
pioneering efforts in this field. I have been working in a medical
transcription company at Faridabad, Haryana as quality analyst for
the last 2 years. I now intend to do home transcription due to
compelling reasons at home and would like to seek your advice as
regards to following:

1. Please inform addresses of some genuine companies interested in
outsourcing work from a Q.A.
2. What are the prevailing rates per line in Rs. I am at present
handling about 1500 lines per day.
3. What is the payment mode? I have heard about cheating from the
companies in this regard. What should one do to safeguard his/her
interests in this regard.

I will be obliged if you could reply my querries.

Regards,

Archana
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Home_MT

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Gigy Biju
Subject: MT from Home

Hello MTIDers,

I am Mrs. Gigy Biju.  I am a medical transcriptionist.  Could you
please give me information regarding home transcription
in India, which major companies are doing home transcription
program, their pay scale, and any other information that you think
might be of use?  I heard that HT companies do tax deduction at
source.  Could you please give me more information regarding that
also?  Is there some clause in the Income Tax act by which home
transcriptionists could get a relief or help in filing returns as
they definetely do not get as much as an inhouse transcriptionist
and also since their pay is highly variable, being based solely on
the amount of work they get and not a fixed structured salary?

I would be very grateful to you for the information.

Thanking you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Gigy Biju
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Home_MT

===========CONTINUING============

From: Subhorup Dasgupta
Subject: Associations & Unions

Hi Amit & MTIDers,

I think the efforts of people who have hung on to the belief that
networking is possible and profitable in this business is finally
bearing fruit.  I read more frequently these days of people coming
forward and wanting to share information, experience, and best
practices.  The medical transcription fraternity in Hyderabad has
been fairly successful in this regard.  What started out as an
informal networking between the major players in the late 90s, took
formal shape in 2002, when nearly all the main companies got
together and agreed to form what came to be known as the Indian
Association for Medical Records Services (IAMR).  This included a
few members from outside Hyderabad too.  (Amit will recall being a
key participant in the first formal and formative meeting of the
IAMR!!)  Today, there is a great deal of sharing of information
among the companies in Hyderabad.  The representatives of the
companies meet regularly in a spirit of camarederie and bonhomie.
The IAMR liasons with government bodies to further address and
shape areas such as training and policy making and incentives for
the industry.  The body also organizes brainstorming sessions from
time to time on topics relevant to the industry as a whole, such as
HIPAA.

Yes, a community such as MTIndia needs to have a deeper dimension.
We definitely need more than the virtual platform MT India offers.
Kunal's proposal to organize a 3 day workshop is an excellent one.
However, this will only be possible with whole -hearted support for
the event from the top levels of all the participating companies.
I remember such a gathering hosted in Bangalore last year where the
participation was disappointing.  But that was a year ago.  I am
certain there have been changes in the interim that will help top
managers view such a gathering today as one that will lead to
profit (even if not immediately seen in the bottomline).

Such an event will also require detailed planning, promotion, and
sponsorship.  It would be great to have people from all over the
country come together and help organize and host such a gathering.
It will also help in projecting MT as a viable and long term career
option, a lack that directly leads to a reduced resource pool for
potential recruits.  It will also send out a message to the US
outsourcing players that the Indian Industry is united and is
talking to each other, so occurences of fraud, defaulting on
payments, low rates can also be minimized.

Best Regards,

Subhorup Dasgupta
Medical Transcriptionist
Hyderabad
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Associations&Unions

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Subho, Manoj and all:

The point is that most of us have had it upto our necks in the
whole 'MT' post-mortem thing, whether it be by Nasscom or the
media. Fact is, after doing all that listening for the past couple
of years, I'm still inclined to think that the shakeout couldn't be
helped - not if the Tatas or GE or any of the 'economic geniuses'
had taken it upon themselves to make it work. For the simple reason
that web based MT service was a disruptive technology. A disruptive
phenomenon! And what happened was an essential part in the
development of this disruptive technology.

The same can be said for the "dot coms." But did anybody have any
idea where they were wrong? Heck! They worked for some. Look at
E-Bay, Yahoo! And I would like to mention here, that word of mouth
is big - dotcom or no dotcom - word of mouth should never be
underestimated. Just as I write this post, ICICI Bank is recovering
from the crisis of negative 'word of mouth'. The weekend was full
of news on a rumor that ICICI Bank was 'insolvent', which led to a
run-on its deposits in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi. How ICICI
countered the problem was amazing - logistical overdrive to ensure
availability of cash at vending points - ATMs and branches, honchos
going on air, getting the regulator (RBI) to vouch for the solvency
of the bank. Hats off to you and your team Mr. Kamath! But the
lesson from this crisis is important: Word of mouth is powerful,
powerful enough to destroy you. You should be in the position to
control the damage. And when the going is good, you must draw on
the undercurrent, from what's happening on the 'word of mouth'
front - and that is where we have failed, as the Indian MT
community.

Bad "word of mouth" - that is what has hit our industry! For
every satisfied MT I know, there are five others who trained and
couldn't shape up. In most cases language skills were inadequate.
In many cases the training was below par. The fact remains - a
whole lot of MTSOs went down. In style. In ways that made
strategists and employees and consultants shiver! But what if they
had to? What if the long term economic rationale depended on
quickly figuring out what the whole thing was about? Fact is, some
of them learnt from it and managed to dig out of the hole they had
got themselves into (HealthScribe for starters - it took them eight
years to come out of the red). Like the cliche goes - they learnt
the ropes. Burnt their fingers (and sometimes their entire hands)
in the process - but learnt. And we're still here - the MTIndia
community still stimulates us, as businessmen and strategists we're
figuring out the rules of the game, just as professionals and
organizations are getting more comfortable with it and are learning
how to use it to their advantage.

Too much hindsight, models, and yes... love, might kill us. But on
the flip side, how many of us can truthfully answer the question
"Why am I in this business/profession?" I am convinced we have all
the right answers today, but our path ahead will be determined by
whether we are ready to learn from the successes and failures of
the past.

It is nice to know that the IAMR is down to some serious business -
let us take it up from here!

Regards,

Your striving moderator,

Amit C.
www.mtindia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Associations&Unions

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Tannaaz Irani
Subject: MTIndia Newsletter

Amit:

Why are all your articles so cribby? Don't you have something nice
to say about your profession. Someone like me who is
seriously thinking of MT as a career option sometime in the future
can get very put off. Moreover all your stuff sounds
totally out of context.

Tannaaz
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Tannaaz!

I could not comprehend what you found to be "cribby". We try to
maintain equilibrium, while propagating facts and the truth.

I am sorry that you find my write-ups out of context. I strive to
keep it focussed - any suggestions on topics of interest are
welcome.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.mtindia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Deepa V. Bhagat
Subject: Great Job

Hello Amit:

I am one your subscribers.  All this time I have been regularly
getting and going through your newsletters- its great, the best I
ever came across.

Thanks.

Deepa V. Bhagat
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Nayaki Achuthan
Subject: MTIndia Newsletter - The Three Legs Test!

Dear Maj Chatterjee,

I am a victim of SOHONET INDIA.  When I lost my full time job as an
MT here in Pune, I got attracted to their ad in the newspaper and
drained my hard earned Rs. 6000/- towards them. They told that for
those who opt for MT training, they offer a free package of DATA
CONVERSION, which is a easy money-minting work.  Later on they said
that the time for submission of work is over / at least 80% of the
work has to be done / all sorts of clauses not to accept my work.
The officials to whom I phoned up during the time has not allowed
me to upload the work.  The option to upload the work is not
"activated" in their website also.  After that, till now there is
no touch with them.

This is only for information to all the MT friends that there will
be some bad time for every individual, during which while
enlightening others, they themselves fall into the ditch of someone
else.  Even I had read many articles about fraud home-based work
offers and was very cautious.  But this is my bad luck that I lost
Rs. 6000/- in a moment.

Take care.

Nayaki.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Mathews
Subject: Outsourcing to India

Dear MTIDers,

We are an US based MT company (in business for more than 9 years)
is searching for a partner to open a new production center in
Chennai. If interested, send your resume to our email address.

Mathews
7217 Grant Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
ZipCode   : 10591
Phone   : 6014672309
Email   : MTPartner@...
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Gaye Martin
Subject: MT in Australia

Dear MTIDers,

We are an Australian MT company, and wondered if you have any ideas
how to get Australian doctors to use our company. There are not
many home MTs in Australia and it is a very hard market to get into
here.

Gaye Martin
Cybersecretary Australia
0011 61 3 9305 2017
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Shan
Subject: MT from Malaysia

Hi Mythili,

I came across your messages on Sprayance at the forum, I would like
to know is there a way how I can participate in this business. I am
actually mailing u from Penang, Malaysia. Do you have any business
opportunity for me to participate from Malaysia? Appreaciate your
response.

Thanks & regards,
Shan
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999
=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                       www.mtindia.org

..................................................
Mar 30, 2003         Digest #101
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Of Associations & Unions=-

    ~Kunal Jain
"Can we think of organizing a 3 day workshop for MT industry
players at some convenient place like Delhi or Banglore"

    ~Shailendra Nivrutti Nehre
"An union not a like a labor union, but the union of MT's, PR's,
Editors, QA's"

-=MTIndia Newsletter=-

    ~Christopher Foley
"I know many that for whatever reason, cannot see the forest past
the trees"

    ~Radhika Sundar
"Your comparisons to Coke and Koke is remarkable and invoking"

    ~Subhor Khanna
"I find few people within our own industry capable of thinking on
similar lines"

-=MTs beyond borders=-

    ~Aviansh Soman
"Here in Malaysia, there is no MT company."

    ~Anil Sreenivas
"I am searching the internet like a maniac for MT companies in UK
but to no avail."

   ~Glory Fernades
"looking for an Indian partner to start a new production unit"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Government "Help"=-

    ~S Satish Kumar
"The Kerala Govt is planning to hold a Healthcare BPO workshop
shortly."

=MT salaries and perks!=-

    ~Troy Mathew
"many MTs are looking and worried about a job after getting the
training"

*****************************************************
From: Kunal Jain
Subject: Can the Government help?

Hi Amit & MTIDers,

MT India is a good virtual platform where most of the MTSOs
interact frequently. I propose that this industry also requires to
share a common physical platform for raising their issues. Can we
think of organizing a 3 day workshop for MT industry players at
some convenient place like Delhi or Banglore in India where we can
conduct an event where all major players can interact and share
there problems and expectations from the Govt. as well as each
other to enhance the business and productivity.

In this program we can invite the IT minister, NASSCOM officials
and  the other Govt officials to share their views and support.
These kind of events will also help in the overall promotion of the
industry. We can always invite some good speakers from US MT
industry to enlighten the session on MT services. We can also
involve TIE (www.tie.org ) in this endeavor, who has got very
important role in IT in silicon valley.

Your feedback suggestions welcome!

Kunal
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Associations&Unions

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Shailendra Nivrutti Nehre
Subject: About forming a union

Hello Amit & MTIDers!

Shailendra here, am a subscriber of mtindia and I regularly read
the messages. Thanks for updating us about this field.

This is my  first mail to you, regarding the subject of union, not
a like a labor union, but the union of MT's PR's Editors, QA's. If
you will take a initiative it is possible, because there are
severeal people working in this field all over India. It will be
benificial for all of us. We need a union not for strikes or all
that stuff, but for sharing our thoughts and security.

Sir, think about this and let me know about ur opinion about this
subject.

Thanks,

Shailendra Nivrutti Nehre
Kalyan, Thane
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Associations&Unions

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Satish, Kunal and all,

Welcome back to the challenges of another week with your shoulder
to the wheel, nose to the grindstone, eye on the ball, ear to the
ground, hand on the plough/rudder, finger on the pulse/in several
pies, head in the clouds, feet on the ground, head down and tail
up - then try to actually get anything done in that position! :-)

This thread is proving interesting. There seems to be a trend
toward familiar names, some of whom I view as being savvy
entrepreneurs/managers. Just goes to show, doesn't it? There are
reasons why successful people are successful... and one of them is
that they stay on top of the game. If there's something they
believe they need to know (or know better), they go
get it.

As for me, I firmly believe that a community such as MTIndia needs
to have a deeper dimension to complement the commercial aspects
that consume our time and energy. It gives us better balance.

I hope we can debate the various possibilities to create mutually
beneficial synergies between for- and non- profits.  Maybe, as a
community, we at MTIndia can put together a group of non-profits
we'd like to support, adopt one or more of them, and come up with a
business plan to execute it.

That would truly "give us better balance"

It's not optional.  It's not a choice.  It's also GOOD BUSINESS !

One of my old gurus had a saying that I always found helpful, too:

"Begin... the rest is easy!"

Let us take it from here, shall we?

Regards,
Amit C.
www.mtindia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Associations&Unions

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Christopher Foley
Subject: MTIndia Newsletter - The Bow and Arrow Principle

Dear Maj Chatterjee,

I am enlightened by your article in the recent post of MT India
newsletter, "The Bow and Arrow Principle!"

You have accurately assessed and brought to the forefront the real
problem with the business world today, the obsession with success
at any cost.  I, fortunately, am one of those who have always put
my family as my priority. However, I know many that for whatever
reason, cannot see the forest past the trees, and lack the true
understanding of the importance of the gift of their presence,
their time and their commitment to loved ones.  I am not suggesting
they don't care, but one has to wonder.....

I am a very committed businessman, committed to my company, my
partners, my staff, and to the industry.  And I am also there for
my loved ones, not just in physical presence, but in mind.  I will
admit however, your article has made me stop and think, "am I all
that they need me to be" or am I as I think they need me to be....

Regards,

Christopher Foley
Chief Executive Officer
Priam, LLC
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Mrs. Radhika Sundar
Subject: MTIndia Newsletter - Marketing "Offshore" Outsourcing

Dear Amit,

I have really enjoyed reading your newsletter and this one today is
exceptional.Your comparisons to Coke and Koke is remarkable and
invoking.You have a very good foresight and I appreciate your
effort to build in a site for MT business.

Best wishes for the LONG LIFE OF MT INDIA

Mrs. Radhika Sundar
Managing Director
RxTrans
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Subhor Khanna
Subject: MTIndia Newsletter - The Rocket Principle

Dear Amit,

I have been reading your articles for quite sometime, and have
always been thinking on complimenting you on them, especially for
the passion and the objectivity that you bring to them, as well as
for the fact I find few people within our own industry capable of
thinking on similar lines. We can certainly do with more such
guys...especially as we continue to be branded as poor second
cousins of other BPOs, the results being reflected in the fact that
even now we operate more as a cottage industry with diverse
practices and standards and with no long term plans. No wonder, we
find it so difficult now to attract good talent.

I find your current article most appropriate. Having gone through
similar dilemmas all through my life, I have come to realize that
decide we must. Decision and action are the only two things one
would ever need to get a good deal out of life. As someone said,
"Too much analysis causes paralysis!!"...and with no offense meant
for I have great admiration for our Sikh friends, it is indeed one
of the reasons why Punjab is one of the most prosperous states.

All strength to you. Just do it!

Regards,

Subhor Khanna
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=[MTIndia]-Newsletter

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Aviansh Soman
Subject: Regarding MT work in Malaysia

Dear MTIDers,

I'm an Indian. Just now I'm in Malaysia.

I have an experience of 3 years in this field as an editor. Here in
Malaysia, there is no MT company. I want to continue working in the
same field.

Can you please help me out. I'm ready to work from here. I tried my
best but couldn't get a single company over here.

Waiting for your reply.

Thank you,
Avinash Soman
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Anil Sreenivas
Subject: MT in UK

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

Thanks for the mails. I am presently in India and would be very
shortly shifting base to UK. I am searching the internet like a
maniac for MT companies in UK but to no avail. Please guide me as i
have very limited knowledge of MT work in UK and UK based MT
companies. My sister and brother-in-law are well known doctors in
the UK and it seems that even they could not make much headway into
my queries. I would be grateful if you could provide me with the
detailed info.

Regards

Anil Sreenivas
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Glory Fernades
Subject: Indian Partner

Dear MTIDers,

A US Based Medical Transcription company in  business over the past
9 years is looking for an Indian partner to start a new production
unit in Bangalore/Coimbatore. The partner must be an editor with
minimum  3 years of experience. Contact at
gloryfernades@...

Regards,
Glory Fernades
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MTs-beyond-borders

===========CONTINUING============
From: S Satish Kumar
Subject: Government "Help"

Dear Dr Chatterjee,

Your Newsletter is indeed very informative. The Kerala govt too is
thinking on similar lines as regards the ITES industry. The Kerala
Govt is planning to hold a Healthcare BPO workshop shortly. The
objective of this workshop is to develop a BPO vision for the state
of Kerala in the healthcare sector. At the end of the workshop, the
participating group should have answered questions such as:

· Where does Kerala want to be in the next 5/10 years in the BPO
industry?
· What are the most likely areas Kerala will actually focus on?
· What should Kerala do to achieve this vision?

Though the Kerala govt has woken up very late in this issue as
compared to its neighbours, I guess it's better late than never.

Satish
General Manager
Enter Technologies Private Ltd
244, Nila, Technopark, Trivandrum
Phone No: + 91 471 700106 / 700108
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Troy Mathew
Subject: Work timings and salaries

Dear Amit and friends,

I did understand that many MTs are looking and worried about a job
after getting the training.

Alpha Systems in Coimbatore is where I work as a QA.  Here we are
short of MTs and QAs.  We are getting the best pay in the industry.
If QA produce an average of 1200 lines per day, of course you can
take an amount not less than Rs. 15000.  Moreover, you can expect a
beautiful work atmosphere which gives you all the support from QA
leads and production manager in career growth, financially and of
course the important thing, knowledgewise.

Those who are interested can contact me at troysuni@....  I
am always there to help you.

With love and prayers,

Troy Mathew
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT-salaries-and-perks!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated MT Discussion List, Since 1999
=======================================
Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Mar 08, 2003         Digest #100
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Hundredth Edition!=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
"That's a century!!"

-=Six Sigma Initiative=-

    ~T.P. Prabhakaran
"The significant experience that we gained was our ability to
prioritize the work between the high volume and low volume
customers"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Government "Help"=-

    ~Rajesh Ragupathy
"The sword of quality has cut down the unaware and left behind the
tough ones, exposing the reality."

    ~Kunal Jain
"State govt can launch Diploma courses with the help of the
Industry in local Colleges and University"

=MT salaries and perks!=-

    ~Sureshkumar Purushothaman
"We can't have our cake and eat it too"

*****************************************************
Dear friends,

This list was started in June 1999, as an offshoot of the
www.mtindia.org website. It took us about four years and over four
thousand members to reach this centenary edition!

Networking is as old as time. Inherent is the idea that we need not
do everything ourselves and re-invent the wheel over and again. We
can all mutually benefit from the experiences and knowledge of
others. It is not a new practice to any of us. We network all the
time. The question is, "how far do you want to go with it?"

My own success in business has come to me largely through
networking and the good cooperation of other people, although, like
the cobbler's son who had no shoes, I sometimes fail to follow my
own advice. When I started my business I thought I was a genius.
After all, I had the education and degrees! I then proceeded to do
every bone-headed thing imaginable, wasting precious resources of
time and money until I began to practice what I preached and
reached out to others who were already successful in my field.

And I got the help that I needed because the number one topic of
conversation that most people enjoy is themselves. And when people
talk about themselves, they like to talk about their successes,
don't they? :)

I learned how to market and promote my business and how to
manage it effectively as well. Through the generous help of others,
I stopped spinning my wheels learning the errors that others had
already learned. I now spend a good amount of my time helping
newbies to succeed sharing the information that I have received,
adding to my own successes.

And that is the essence of networking because networking is not a
selfish technique, just drawing from the well. It is consistently
helping to fill the well. Not only taking but giving back. The more
help you offer others, the more you get in return.

Over the years, I have established many, many relationships with
MT India members. Relationships that resulted in new accounts
for Mediweb. Relationships that resulted in speaking engagements.
Relationships that resulted in friendships I will value for the
rest of my life. Relationships that resulted in the ability to have
a beer with an MTIDer anywhere in the world. The MTIndia community
made Mediweb -- and it has been the main driving force in the
success that I have enjoyed with my modest IT endeavors.

Communities work because people help each other. They work because
each member learns from other members. They work because of the
constant interaction, flow and development of ideas. Community
building, I believe, is the single best way to conduct business on
the Net!

This digest is a prime example of multiplying with networking! I
hope you all benefit, and contribute in turn. And unlike our
cricketers, let us do away with the rash shots, now that we have
hit a century.

Forward... there are some serious threads below!

Your Striving Moderator,

Amit Chatterjee, SM
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=That's-a-century!!

++++ new post - different topic ++++
From: T.P. Prabhakaran
Subject: Six Sigma Initiative - Our Experience

Hi Amit and all,

The initiative to consistently deliver on time and maintain
quality, started sometime in April 2002. One of our customers
indicated that they are employing a person exclusively for
coordinating with the transcripts.  The jobs was to pull down the
files, have them printed, distribute to various physicians, take
out their corrections and incorporate it or let us know and finally
have it filed in the respective medical records.  One can notice
that any delay from our side could result the whole cycle and that
was a common feature. The customer was not willing to bear the cost
of idle time of such person deployed.  Indirectly, I felt that we
might loose the client in case we don't set right this problem.

We were scouting for a cost effective solution and explore with few
institutes of repute but found that the cost of it prohibitive.
However, we were also approached at the same time by a consultant
from Bombay, with a different model in solving such problems
vis-à-vis being cost effective. Thus, our journey began on Six
Sigma sometime in July 2002.

The various steps on how we went about initiating this exercise, as
well as our achievements are best illustrated in the story that was
published (http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c030203a.asp ).
However, I would like to part with some of the experiences that
were not part of the story: -

a) Initially, the concept was thrust upon on our staff members.
Although, we formed a core group on initiating this exercise, many
felt that this is a wasteful exercise and money down the drain. The
main reasoning was that we were doing well and the delays occurred
only on the peak volume days and not a regular feature whereas, I
was letting them know that we need to change when the going is good
rather than wait for the worst to happen. It was explained that
productivity improvements would help us work smarter than working
longer hours. It was told that the primary objective was to reduce
fatigue arising out of work.

b) The sessions with our consultant in the initial stages were
painstakingly long and tested our patience.  Some went to the
extent of remarking that a total outsider to the industry can never
suggest measure to improve the process.

c) I realized that I had to take control of the situations. I spent
longer hours with the core group suggesting those ways and means
for improving the processes. I had to counsel every member who was
involved and counseled them on the problems that they encountered.
This paid rich dividends and the mind set changed. They were able
to see the results and thus started giving their best thereafter.

d) The significant experience that we gained was our ability to
prioritize the work between the high volume and low volume
customers, different time zones in the United States, formation of
groups to address different customer expectations, and above all
fixing responsibilities at the group level and made them
accountable for the deliverables.

e) We are also gradually shifting from our way of working, from "we
think" to "the data shows" attitude, thereby forcing everybody to
be specific about the thinking process.

f) Six Sigma through TQM has helped us arrive at various
measurement tools viz., arrival pattern and its variability, time
taken to transcribe or proof-read various classification of
physicians, manpower deployment in various shifts etc., these have
helped us to smoothen the operations and plan accordingly. We were
able to incorporate these into our workflow automation module and
generate reports periodically.

g) Last but not the least, one of our customers' expectations went
high as a result of our consistency in our delivery before the
deadline. We were questioned for a delay of about 15 minutes on one
day against early uploads on all occasions after the introduction
of this exercise. This goes to prove that customer expectations
always go up the moment standards are achieved. Our volume of work
has substantially increased since the time we began this exercise
but we have not faltered on delivering before the target time.

Best,

T.P. Prabhakaran
CEO
Pradot Technologies Private Limited
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Six-Sigma-Initiative

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Prabhakaran,

It is nice to have MTSOs discussing quality control techniques at
this forum for the benefit of all. I invite all to share successful
quality control methodologies they have implemented in their own
units.

Let us nurture this thread and keep the "source code" open, as a
step towards embracing best practices.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Six-Sigma-Initiative

===========CONTINUING============
From: Rajesh Ragupathy
Subject: Government "Help"

Dear Amit & MTIDers!

The day of realization has finally dawned.It is heartening to know
that the MT industry is in the stage of revival. The "quality
conscious" who have worked very hard to prove the credibility of
the Indian MT industry have finally succeeded. In an industry where
the standards are high we had players who were ignorant of
"QUALITY" entering the industry with just the DOLLARS in mind. The
sword of quality has cut down the unaware and left behind the tough
ones, exposing the reality.

Rnd Softech (P) Ltd at Coimbatore, India realized the importance &
the need for quality systems;  the outcome being that we were the
FIRST MT unit  to be ISO certified. The outcome of this has been
tremendously positive & encouraging both in the US as well as in
India. The same time last year we had 4 clients and today we have
15 clients and many more in the pipe line. The most interesting
fact about this is that every customer has been added on through a
customer reference & this has been achieved with NO front end in
the US, whatsoever.

Recently we had an enquiry from a hospital, the result of a highly
satisfied clientele. The CEO and Director are in the process of
finalizing the contract with us. I will not be surprised if I get
to know that we are first in India to sign a contract with a
hospital under the name of a company incorporated in India.

At home we find a big difference in the following areas:
1. The employees who thought their jobs were at stake, now feel
more secure and the attitude towards the job has changed in a big
way.
2. We have had more people walking in seeking employment.

When we look at the number of walk-ins that we had last year and
the same time this year it reaffirms the fact that the industry is
picking up.

The time has come for companies like ours to get together and
form a forum which will regularize the working of this industry. If
this could be achieved I am sure there will be no stopping the
growth of this industry. I am already in the process of trying to
coordinate the units in our city towards this. When I have been
trying this in our city, I happen to attend a meeting convened by a
group of MT unit CEOs in Bangalore where the same feeling was
pronounced by all. If we are going to do it in pockets I am sure we
will continue to be an unorganized sector. To put an end somebody,
probably MT India should make an effort to become more
authoritative and spell out norms. This could help us form a
organization like that of AHIMA in the US.

Rajesh Ragupathy
GM, Rndsoft.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"

++++ new post - same topic ++++
From: Kunal Jain
Subject: Can the Government help?

This is a great startup. We all can support the Andhra Chief
Executive for this endeavor. What is important to promote a career
option is to have the authenticity and credibility stamped by the
Govt. If you look into the other career options scenario in India,
you will find Govt has given enough support in opening up various
different courses through AICTE or other autonomous Universities.
You will find many MBA colleges, paramedical courses, and lot of
vocational courses under their approval and recognition.

I would like to quote that 30-40 % of the alumnus of these
professional courses are sitting unemployed but nobody wants to
enter into this field because of the insecurity and unawareness.
Govt can definitely frame up some policies under AICTE and
recognize the courses for ITES.

State govt can launch the Diploma courses with the help of Industry
in local Colleges and University. These initiatives will definitely
help this Industry. Thanks Amit, for broadcasting this message to
likeminded people.

Your suggestions?

Kunal
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Rajesh, Kunal and all,

I agree that consolidation of SMEs will gives us all tremendous
leverage.

I have seen two such efforts in Bangalore (IAMT & AITES) and the
present one from Hyderabad (IAMR). The two greatest hurdles such
organizations face are:

1) A "perceived" conflict of interest amongst members.
2) Impatience to reap, without spending time and money in nurturing
the freshly sowed sapling.

As the first is just perception and not reality, it is easier to
address. The second is vital. Like a wood burning stove, many stand
at the cold stove and demand its heat without recognizing that you
have to put the wood in first, start the flame, and wait a while
for heat to radiate.

<probably MT India should make an effort to become more
authoritative and spell out norms. This could help us form a
organization like that of AHIMA in the US.>

Rajesh, MT India is a networking medium, and a web publication. But
basically it is a medium, and the media can spread the word - not
spell out norms. To do that we need a "brick and mortar"
organization, and a salaried executive. Voluntry/elected Board of
Directors will not be able to execute such an organization, without
a dedicated executive on the Board. Corporates should be willing to
invest in the organization initially, to reap benefits in the long
run.

Kunal, I agree that Govt. bodies can help to spread the word, but I
feel it is mandatory to have your own organization in place before
lobbying for Govt. help. Otherwise, we will run the risk of
bureaucratic/political interference from vested parties. MT is not
a profession in demand in India for the local market, and
unfortunately to those outside the industry - it still is
comprehended as a remote stenotypist job - the glorified
'babu.com!" Unless education standards are defined and enforced by
the Industry - the Govt. help can turn out to be counterproductive
to the both the Industry and the Profession.

I welcome you to share your thoughts.

Regards,
Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"

++++ new post - different topic ++++
From: Sureshkumar Purushothaman
Subject: Work timings and salaries

Hi Sadhana

We need to understand that the MT business specifically and IT
enabled services in general are driven by time zones. This answers
your query in whole and in substance. We can't have our cake and
eat it too. This is one of the prerequisites of getting into this
business.

Nevertheless, this industry would also be moving over to a on-line
model.God forsake this should happen. Many more those tiny ones
with about 15-20 systems or even upto fifty have to close down
considering the resources to be employed for driving your
businesses.

Let's not complain.Our brethren in call centers ( voice mode)
dedicated to the US market have to work only in the nights that is
their days( US time).

Let's make the best out of the opportunity rather than cribbing out
to our dads and mums to sing a lullaby.

THIS IS UNIVERSALLY TRUE OF ALL COMPANIES EXCEPT HBTs'

Wishes,

Suresh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT-salaries-and-perks!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

============================================
MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
Moderated Discussion List
"Community of MT Professionals, Since 1999"
============================================

Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Mar 01, 2003         Digest #099
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Government "Help"=-

    ~Kunal Jain
"unavailability of good manpower as well as the lack of good
training institutes"

===========CONTINUING============

-=MT salaries and perks!=-

    ~Sadhana Perti
"Why is the time schedule and incentives so discouraging?"

    ~Manoj Nag
"why there is such big gap in salary in Chandigarh, when compared
to someone working in Delhi."

-=IPR laws in India=-

    ~K. Varun
"lot of community is breaking up the law and I just do not want to
be a spectator."

*****************************************************************

From: Kunal Jain
Subject: An important issue in MT industry

Hi Amit,

I would like to share some important issue in MT industry with
other members of your site. We are a 3 year old company in this
field and catering to few well managed Clinics in US.

As we all are aware that Quality manpower is the key of success in
this business. But because of many fly by night players of this
industry during 2001-2002 lot of good quality people left this
field and changed their stream. Now what left is the unavailability
of good manpower as well as the lack of good training institutes
and the most important lack of desire amongst the career oriented
youth to adopt this as a career choice. Can we as an industry
platform push this matter to the govt to help and promote the MT
industry.

Govt can support in terms of creating awareness and giving income
tax rebate to the MT employees for some period of time which can
definite attract youth to adopt MT as a serious career choice. This
is just an idea. I know it is really tough to raise this issue
infront of govt. But what I want to see more and more good people
to chose MT industry as a lucrative career option.

This will not only help to MT companies grow but also to find
quality manpower.

Your comments, Suggestions Welcome!

Kunal
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"
[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Kunal and all,

This is a frequent question I hear at MT business seminars and
workshops.

Because there are very few swinging votes in small business (that's
what most of MTSOs are) - and because we're so pre-occupied with
the idea of our own independence (and so frantically busy being
frantically busy being frantically busy) - small business has no
political clout at all. Not in real terms. So it presents no threat
to either side of politics. They can safely treat us with barely
concealed contempt.

They're forever going to do all those wonderful things that,
somehow, never quite seem to happen. Then we scratch our heads and
wonder why all we seem to get from our politicians are more
legislation, more taxes and charges, more restrictive regulations,
more extensive (and expensive) compliance, more stretching of our
limited resources, more time-consuming paperwork. and more
bureaucrats!

Bureaucrats, who need small business like fleas need dogs, have a
life-and-death interest in controlling the direction and growth of
small business in India. But bureaucrats are a resource. Their
proper role is to provide reliable information, advice and
logistical support. They are not meant to be in control of those
they serve.

Working closely with many motivated, talented, courageous,
entrepreneurial individuals within that system in recent years, I'
ve watched too many of them become disillusioned and disheartened
when their results became too threatening to the perceived security
of some career bureaucrat higher up in the same system. They soon
found themselves inexplicably sidelined, or buried in red tape.
Some gave up and resigned. Others played safe. They became
bureaucrats, too.

From where I stand on the outside looking in, those who manage to
survive and prosper seem to be those who learn to work the system
to achieve what they want and become, in the process, politicians
rather than bureaucrats.

The Govt. offers very limited help in the two key aspects of being
in business that are the most critical. being productive and
creating profit. Even when they do provide training in these
aspects, it tends to be the "safe", stale old stuff from BIG
business that doesn't have much real relevance for small business.

The question we should be asking ourselves is this:
"Are control driven, activity focused, problem oriented, risk
fearing, security obsessed, emotionally dependent, empire building
bureaucrats the right people to be teaching anyone to operate
productive, profit driven, results focused, solutions oriented,
independent, risk taking, free enterprise small businesses?"
Small business people are so permanently busy just surviving that
we don't recognize or understand what's being done to us.
If we're at all serious about free enterprise, independence and
personal freedom, we should be prepared to stand on our own feet
and seek our own training and support from people qualified to
deliver it, not expect governments to provide it all for us.
Otherwise, we risk getting the "help" we deserve.

That's just my 2 paise, based on my perception of Governments -
remember, I was once part of them:).  This might not be true
across the board, especially in states like Andhra, where the
leadership is trying to run the Govt. like a corporate entity, but
that's the exception, rather than the rule.

Personally speaking, I don't see why any Govt. should give IT
rebates to Indian MTs, or cricketers for that matter. MTs should be
thankful for an opportunity to earn a good income in a pleasant
environment, and fulfill their social obligations as everyone else.

That the industry has not been able to consolidate and define
standards both as business establishments as well as towards
education even after eight years, should be a wake up call for all
of us. If we expect MTIA or AAMT to do that for us, would be
talking a step back!

If we are unable to consolidate and speak on a common organized
platform, fragmented lobbying is unlikely to bear fruit.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Government-"Help"

===========CONTINUING============
From: Sadhana Perti
Subject: MT as a career

One hears of so many MT companies and also of persons who have
trained as MTs and yet there seems to be a gap in the requirement.
Why is this so? Why is the time schedule and incentives so
discouraging? I have trained and worked as an MT but almost all my
colleagues and I were frustrated due to the tremendous stress of
the job. To make matters worse even the management seemed
unaffected by the pleas of its MTs. I had to leave due to
unavoidable reasons but I find that whichever company I approach
has a time schedule that I feel will put me in the same boat as I
was in my earlier company. Is this universally true of all MT
companies?

Sadhana Perti
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT-salaries-and-perks!

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Manoj Nag
Subject: Salary in Medical Transcription

Dear Amit,

It is worth reading your mails containing MT India Digest, as it
keeps me update about the latest developments in Medical
Transcription field.

Sir, I would like to clear one of my doubts regarding the salary
part. I have noted that in places like Delhi and Bangalore an MT is
paid a salary in the range of Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 15,000 per month,
where as the same counterpart in Chandigarh is paid salary from Rs.
4000 to Rs. 8000. I would like to know why there is such big gap in
salary when compared to someone working in Delhi as against in
Chandigarh.

I have residence in both cities and I hardly find or I find only a
marginal difference in living cost between Delhi and Chandigarh.
Sir, please let me know the real reasons for it.

Awaiting your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Manoj Nag
Chandigarh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT-salaries-and-perks!
[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi all!

Just wanted a comment on the posts above from "satisfied" MTs; or
is that an oxymoron, like a "vegetarian" Bengali? I do believe
there will be a few out there who can cope with this profession,
and are happy at the end of the day! Anyway, by 2 paise, FWIW...

Sadhana: MT never was, and is unlikely to be a routine 10 to 5 job.
Healthcare works 365x7x24, and all supporting services have to work
similarly. As far as incentives are concerned, genuine companies
are paying substantial remuneration. If I contrast an MTs take home
to one of an intensive care nurse or an operation theatre
assistant, it compares very favorably.

You didn't talk specifics, so it is difficult to comment. MT is
hard work, but stress is what you create. I don't know of any job
where you can take home a decent paycheck, and doesn't require hard
work - day in and out.

Manoj: I do not think the figures you quote are correct, though
local demand and supply does define pay and perks. It does happen
that there are more MTs in a city than there are functional
companies, and that disrupts equilibrium. The same holds true the
other way around. Anyone has a differing opinion on the figures?

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=MT-salaries-and-perks!

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: K. Varun
Subject: Copyright Laws...

Dear Maj Amit,

Thanks for that reply.  Anyway, nice to hear that you can volenteer
for this cause.  I actually raised this issue because a whole lot
of community is breaking up the law and I just do not want to be a
spectator.  At least I thought of raising this issue is some sort
of forums, thats what I did by putting this issue into the eyes and
ears of MTIDers.

I will do all my best and put in my best efforts to stop this
nonsense if I am supported.

Thanks a lot.

Varun. K
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Copyright-Laws
[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Varun,

<I will do all my best and put in my best efforts to stop this
nonsense if I am supported.>

That's exactly what I said last time around. Publishers are into
this as a business, and must cover the expenses to protect IPR, in
India as elsewhere. If I invest my time looking after their
interests, they must pick up the bill, not me.

I do not support piracy in any form, but policing is not a charity
that is anywhere near the top, on my list of priorities.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com?Subject=Copyright-Laws

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
============================================

Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Feb 15, 2003         Digest #098
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=IPR laws in India=-

    ~K. Varun
"all these companies work using photocopied books."

===========CONTINUING============

-=Fraud by US MTSOs!=-

    ~Junaid Riaz
"like to know whether AMA Trans-Am is a fraud"

     ~Deepak Kapoor
"Another 'fraud' company is Digitizer and the people involved are
Sergey (US based) & Asad (Pune based)"

-=MT salaries and perks!=-

    ~Jay
"For accommodation, they are promising luxurious flats, but there
is no water or electricity."

    ~Jayesh
"paying me Rs 8500 for 500 lines per day"

-=US India Political Action Committee=-

    ~Sanjay Puri
"Adil Zanulbhai, Director, McKinsey and Co., and a USINPAC
delegate, expressed concerns about the recently passed New Jersey
law that bans state government IT outsourcing to offshore
companies"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=Final Regulations on Security and Modifications to Transactions
Standards=-

    ~Stanley Nachimson

*****************************************************************
From: K. Varun <gentlemaan@...>
Subject: Copyright Laws

Dear Dr. Chatterjee & MTIDers,

I am Varun K. and I had been in the field of medical transcription
for over four years.  I have visited a lot and lot of medical
transcription companies and also worked in lot of companies.  There
is one thing common in almost all Medical Transcription Companies
(Except Heartland and Healthscribe), and that is all these
companies work using PHOTOCOPIES/XEROXED books.

Is this not a violation of all national and international copyright
laws?  Why is this unchecked?  What if Stedmans sues all these
companies (for the simple reason that they lose millions every
year)?

Awaiting for a reply as early as possible.

Yours truly,

K. Varun

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Varun and all,

<Is this not a violation of all national and international
copyright laws?>

Yes, it is.

<Why is this unchecked?>

Who is going it do it? If the publisher or aggrieved people like
you are ready to pick up my tabs, I volunteer:)

<What if Stedmans sues all these companies>

The company who indulges in such nefarious activities would be
legally responsible and punishable, neither me nor you.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Junaid Riaz <ladkani77@...>
Subject: Need Help!!!

Dear Maj Chatterjee & MTIDers,

I, Dr. Junaid Riaz Al Hassan, have signed a contract with AMA
Trans-Am Medical transcription firm in the state of Florida.  I
would like to know whether this firm is a fraud or not because it
is not interested in giving me LIVE work even though I have passed
all their conditions for LIVE work.

I need your help in this and if it turns out to be a fraud then I
want you to warn every person who reads your esteemed newsletter
about this firm.

Kindly waiting for your reply as soon as possible.

Dr. Junaid Riaz Al Hassan, B.D.S., B.H.M.S.,
[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Junaid,

Since I have seen this company use the same modus operandi
since 1999, with US MTs as well, I suggest conferring on them the
title of "Masters of the Game." Their methodology is time tested -
they will offer you a test which you pass and thereafter have to
give them a couple of hundred USD for hardware(footpedal), software
(footpedal driver) and initial "mentoring." You are supposed to
start getting live work as soon as your error rates is less than
one error per page. The catch is, I have yet to hear from an MT who
has achieved these "standards" and gone on to do live work - or for
that matter got paid, or received a refund.

Has this methodology changed now? I am talking from memory and
could be slightly off on their present methods.:)

Fraud?? I am weak on legal parlance, so I am not sure if that would
be the correct terminology applicable here. Do a Google search and
you will find the BBs loaded with info on AMA Tran-scam.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Deepak Kapoor <dk_iiml@...>
Subject: Another Company to be beware of..

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I wanted to point out another 'fraud' company. This is a company
called Digitizer and the people involved are Sergey (US based),
Asad (Pune based). They have 2-3 vendors in Pune. We were also a
vendor of theirs based in Delhi. We were not doing much work with
them because of (1) Not very attractive pricing (2) Their
non-willingness to sign a contract.

We worked with them for 8 months, with the plan that we'll increase
work if pricing improves, as contracts are formalized. In the
meantime we got 2 payments from them. Post that, all other payments
(6 months) have still not come and they have always cited some
reasons or other for non-payment (the latest one being that our
quality  for one of their accounts transcribed 4 months ago wasn't
good!)

Anyway we've no hope of getting money from them. But we just wanted
to share this with you all so that if you have a list of such
companies, you can add them, so that other vendors don't run into
such issues.

Regards,

Deepak Kapoor
MTPORTAL
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: [Details withheld on request]
Subject: Gregory Wells

Dear Amit:

I used to provide the file census to Mr. Greg and get paid at $0.03
per line. Still I have attached a rough sketch on the due amounts
which totals to $2376. I have no records on the invoices and
payments.

I had a contract with Mr. Gregory Wells, but that was signed by
only us and not from him. Still if you need those contracts, please
let me know.

Regards

Name withheld on request

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear MTIDers,

I am quoting a mail I received regarding the above - it should be
food for thought, for those who persist:
---------------------------------
"The head count continues to rise.

I don't know which I find more appalling -- Professional Medical
Transcription's ongoing fraud or someone who does business for 3
cpl and doesn't keep track of payments or invoices! I suppose with
all the higher level services in India "in the loop" (so to speak),
this is what PMT is reduced to?"
--------------------------------
Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From:  Jay <jaytej@...>
Subject: Beware of MT companies in Pune

Dear MTIDers,

I am an MT from Agra.  Some of the companies in Pune are luring
people from other states for money and accommodation.  I was also
lured by such company in Pune.  Please beware of such companies.
At the start, they are promising to pay 8000 or more but after that
as usual they will show you your accuracy. Like me some other
people from Jaipur, Calcutta, Delhi and even Bangalore were cheated
by these companies.  For accommodation, they are promising
luxurious flats, but when actually we get the flats, there is no
water, as well as electricity problems. So friends please beware of
these companies.  My expected salary was around 9500 Rs, and they
promised to pay me after one month, but after that they were not
interested to even talk to me.

Regards,
Jay
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From:  Jayesh < jayesh_123pa@... >
Subject: Want to know about the exact incentive what MT should get

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I have been working in a company of well repute in Pune as a MT for
last two years that is paying me Rs 8500 for 500 lines per day and
above 500 lines, then per line they are paying me 60 paise per
line.  Are these incentives just?

Regards,
Jayesh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Sanjay Puri <spuri@...>
Subject: USINPAC organizes first-ever India Caucus Day

Dear Dr. Chatterjee & MTIDers,

The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) strongly urged
the 143 members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian
Americans, the largest Caucus in the House, to proactively engage
with the Indian American community in resolving its concerns.

USINPAC, continuing with its assertive outreach and articulation of
the issues facing the Indian American community, shared its
objectives and petitioned lawmakers on behalf of the community.
These objectives covered business, national and international
security issues.

The future role of the Caucus, issues facing the community, and
India's role on the global stage featured in these discussions.
Rep. Ed Royce, speaking unequivocally, stated, "India is an
emerging superpower, and a key ally of the US in the fight against
terrorism." Rep. Joe Wilson told USINPAC that he would urge the
Congress to build strong defense ties with India, adding that the
past divisions due to the Cold War were long over and that the time
was ripe to enhance strategic and defense cooperation with India.

Adil Zanulbhai, Director, McKinsey and Co., and a USINPAC delegate,
expressed concerns about the recently passed New Jersey law that
bans state government IT outsourcing to offshore companies. Rep.
Crowley expressed his grave disappointment with the passage of the
law, and strongly urged members of the community to actively
petition their elected officials and members of the India Caucus to
stop such laws from being enacted.

USINPAC delegates also urged lawmakers to honor the memory of Dr.
Kalpana Chawla, the Indian American astronaut who was killed along
with her colleagues in the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.

Sanjay Puri
Executive Director
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: Stanley Nachimson <SNachimson@...>
Subject: Final Regulations on Security and Modifications to
Transactions Standards

Dear All:

Two HIPAA final regulations, those for Security Standards, and for
Modifications to the Transactions Standards, went on display today
at the Office of the Federal Register.  They will be published in
the February 20 edition of the Federal Register.

Copies of the rules can be viewed at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa2/default.asp

These are the versions that were sent to the Office of the Federal
Register.  The Federal Register versions will be made available,
via links, from this same web site.

Stanley Nachimson
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

© Copyright 1998-2003 Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID
============================================

Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Feb 01, 2003         Digest #097
..................................................

ADVERTISEMENT
--------------------------
US MT company for sale
--------------------------

Turnover of $50,000/month with 600 doctors on board. Owner is
unable to manage as he has other business. Expected price of
$600,000 which would include all technical equipment and business.
Based in NJ.

Contact: Maj (Dr) Amit Chatterjee, SM <amit@...> within 15
days

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Think BEFORE you "Buy yourself a Job!"=-

    ~Soumya Mukherjee
"cowboys" have sprung with less-than-ethical deals to exploit
nervous, naive people"

-=US India Political Action Committee=-

    ~Sanjay Puri
"India's positive economic growth makes it an attractive partner"

===========CONTINUING============

-=HIPAA=-

   ~Mayukh Kumar
" The HIPAA law applies only to covered entities (CE), however CEs
must have a business associate contracts with all nonemployees"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=Updated Information on DHHS Privacy Conferences=-

    ~Stanley Nachimson

*****************************************************************
From: Soumya Mukherjee <itssm@...>
Subject: Think BEFORE you "Buy yourself a Job!"

Dear friends,

A franchise work at home opportunity, can be an effective solution.
or a total disaster. Like any business, it's ultimately a question
of motives - why you decided to "buy a job" in the first place.

When you cut through all the hype and emotional appeal, what a
franchise work at home opportunity really offers is a solution to
the three biggest failures of small business:

1. Lack of business know-how - Most people attempting to run a
small business simply don't know how to run a business - and won't
admit it. A franchise offers business expertise and proven
solutions.

2. Insufficient start-up capital - The initial cost of the
franchise includes the amount the franchisor knows will be needed
to do the job properly.

3. Inadequate cashflow - The franchise system is geared to create
cashflow and optimize profits through branding, marketing,
administration, etc.

Done properly, a franchise system offers as high as a 90% plus
chance of survival - the exact opposite of the survival rate of
small business.

Sadly, in recent years, "cowboys" have sprung with
less-than-ethical deals to exploit nervous, naive people who see
franchising as the heaven-sent answer to their fears about
security. The concern is, always, whether the franchisor is
ethical, and whether the figures supporting his claims are
legitimate. Too many aren't! For some franchisors, the main source
of ongoing profit is to regularly terminate and resell existing
franchises.

Their victims tend to be former bureaucrats (from both public and
private organizations) who've been retrenched or taken early
retirement, housewives and the unemployed or poorly compensated.
They're afraid of the failings of small business, so they rush
headlong into deals that sound great, but with inadequate domain
knowledge or skill to distinguish between the good, the bad and the
downright ugly! So lack of business know-how still sinks them.

What they don't realize is that, "buying yourself a job" offers no
guarantee of prosperity - or even survival. The truth tends to be
that, just like a job, "buy yourself a job" means exchanging your
personal freedom for an illusion of security. The REAL choice is
limited to either staying in or getting out. Many end up feeling
trapped and frustrated, but are unwilling to leave for fear of
losing everything they've invested.

No matter how good a particular franchise system may be, when you
sign the franchise agreement and hand over your money, you
effectively take on a new boss who calls the shots and pulls the
strings while you put your money (and your hard work) on the line.
You're really just a branch manager of the franchisor's
organization who takes all the risks in order to build the
franchisor's security.

Talk to ex-franchisees about their experiences. Horror stories
abound about kick-backs to franchisors from suppliers (over whom
you have no choice - you're simply told who'll supply you and at
what prices), inability to extract payment for your work from
franchisors, misrepresentation of facts and figures, arbitrary
extensions of working hours and conditions and lots, lots more.

It all comes down to motives - Are you considering buying a
franchise because you're motivated by fear? In other words, is
security the main criterion on which your choice will be based. If
so, beware! Fear is the worst possible motive for going into
business, because it's not a motive at all. It's pure emotion.

Fear prevents you making rational, objective, unemotional business
decisions. Don't lose the plot. Don't run so fast and hard from
what you think are the risks in small business that you run
straight into the waiting arms of a franchisor who may, in reality,
represent an even bigger risk once the deal is done.

Here's a final, food for thought:

If the real reason we go into business is to minimize our time and
effort and maximize our income, who do you think achieves this most
successfully in franchising?

Is it the franchisee?

Or is it the franchisor?

Remember S. Kumars.com? You shall see the light!:)

Regards,

Soumya Mukherjee
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Sanjay Puri <spuri@...>
Subject: US India Political Action Committee

Dear Dr. Chatterjee & MTIDers,

The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) held a series of
meetings, on January 28, with key US Congressional leaders on
security, trade, and issues of concern to the Indian American
community.  The USINPAC delegation comprised of leading Indian
Americans from across the country representing diverse backgrounds,
including aerospace, financial, pharmaceutical, medical, IT, and
policy analysis.

The delegation first met with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN),
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a meeting
lasting over 90 minutes as part of its "Breakfast on the Hill"
initiative, followed by meetings with Senator John Warner (R-VA),
Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative
Tom Davis (R-VA), Chairman of Government Reform Committee.

USINPAC shared the concerns of the Indian American community
regarding emerging threats to US security with Senator Lugar, and
proposed an expansion of US-India strategic ties at a time when
United States' military is stretched globally due to obligations in
the Balkans, Persian Gulf, East Asia and Afghanistan.  Given the
fact that the US and India share values of democracy, secularism
and pluralism, it is critical that these two countries work
together to promote global stability.

Senator Lugar noted that the United States seeks to further engage
India in addressing global problems such as Iraq.  Recognizing the
growing ties between US and India, Senator Lugar emphasized that
shared democratic values contributed to the formation of close
relationships.  India's positive GNP growth, at a time when most
economies are in recession, and continued market reforms, make it
an attractive partner.  Commenting on India's bid for a permanent
seat on the UN Security Council, the Senator stated that the US
realizes that the world order had changed dramatically since the
end of the Second World War, and therefore it is appropriate to
examine the future governance of the United Nations.

While preventing weapons of mass destruction from falling in hands
of terrorists remains a top US priority, Senator Lugar informed
USINPAC that he would soon hold hearings on exporting dual-use
technologies to friendly countries such as India.  In response to a
question regarding the lack of protection for intellectual property
rights in pharmaceutical research and development, the Senator
mentioned that settling such issues would require tough bilateral
negotiations.

The USINPAC delegation also met with Senator John Warner (R-VA) and
apprised him of the community's deep interest in expanding US
defense ties with India to foster a long-term alliance to address
the joint threats facing both countries.  Senator Warner lauded the
role of the community in fostering closer ties between the United
States and India.

The meeting with Representative Tom Davis focused on the small
business and government procurement policies.  Representative Davis
briefed the USINPAC delegation on his efforts to ensure that
government procurement rules are streamlined to ensure that
taxpayers' dollars are efficiently utilized to minimize waste,
fraud and abuse.  Recognizing the entrepreneurship exhibited by the
Indian American community, particularly in information technology,
Representative Davis urged the community to suggest mechanisms for
furthering his efforts to streamline procurement rules.

USINPAC is continuing to expand its Capitol Hill outreach to senior
Congressional leaders.   USINPAC has already met with Senator Orrin
Hatch (R-UT), Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), and Representative
Robert Wexler (D-FL).  USINPAC's agenda for February includes
celebrating the India Caucus Day on February 13, 2003.  The India
Caucus Day will feature meetings with the current and past,
Chairmen of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, followed by
an evening reception for Congressional staffers.

The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is a bipartisan,
national political action committee (PAC) of the Indian American
community.  Based in Washington, DC, USINPAC is a strong and clear
voice on Capitol Hill. USINPAC's mission is to impact policy on
issues of concern to the Indian American community

Sanjay Puri
Executive Director
703.488.6880
http://www.usinpac.com
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
===========CONTINUING============

From: Mayukh <mayukh_11@...>
Subject: What exactly HIPAA is ...

Dear Anul Shelke & MTIDers,

<I would like to know what exactly HIPAA is. Why is that the US
Department of Health and Human services feel it would not be safe
to out source work to people who work from home?>(MTID #096)

Your statement is not quite correct. The HIPAA law applies only to
covered entities (CE), i.e. health plans, health care clearing
houses and health care providers.

A CE must also have business associate (BA) contracts with all
nonemployees (MTSOs, independent contractors (ICs) including MTs
working from home) that contractually hold the BA responsible for
having policies and procedures in place that safeguard the PHI
(protected health information) that they have access to while
performing its job duties for the covered entity.

Since HIPAA requires CEs to do business only with BAs who can help
the CE be compliant, BAs need to have policies and procedures in
place so that a client is reassured that HIPAA protocols are
understood and applied by the BA.

Here are some aspects that need to be addressed under HIPAA, by
Indian MTSOs or ICs (the BAs):

1) Policies and procedures need to be documented and adhered to,
something similar to ISO protocols.

2) Work areas, need to be physically separate, so that only those
who "need to know" have access to PHI. Physical and access security
measures like locked doors, drawers are mandatory. Data on
disks/paper/fax need to be physically protected and destroyed after
use.

3) The PC/LAN should be ID, password, virus and firewall protected.
LANs need double/multiple firewall & password protection - one at
the server, the other at the workstation.

4) Encryption software/server/client protocols are mandatory during
electronic transfers, both when sending audio and text files over
the www.

5) Datawarehousing of reports for clients should be only on the
CE's requirements, and security measures as above strictly
followed.

6) Business associate contract elements:

a. The (PHI) will be held strictly confidential and shall not be
used or disclosed except as specifically provided for in the
contract or as required by law.

b. All appropriate safeguards will be implemented and maintained to
prevent use or disclosure except as permitted by the agreement.

c. Within a specific period of time after discovery, the BA would
report to the CE any and all disclosures not permitted in
this agreement.

d. Ensure that all employees, agents, subcontractors agree and
adhere to the same conditions and restrictions as the BA.

e. Upon termination of the contract, all PHI must be destroyed or
returned.

7. BAs should screen employees or subcontractors before hiring with
background checks (police verification), and ensure adequate
training in privacy and security procedures as above, and have
separate confidentiality agreements with them.

The HIPAA rules and guidance material can be downloaded free of
charge.

References and learning materials can be obtained from web sites of
AAMT, MTIA, AHIMA etc.

Regards,

Mayukh Kumar
Production Manager
TranscriptAsia
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: Stanley Nachimson <SNachimson@...>
Subject: Updated Information on DHHS Privacy Conferences

Dear All:

Below is the latest information on HHS' National HIPAA
conferences - note the Chicago and NY links are now available, and
we set up a special mail box for ADA related requests.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be
convening four National Conferences on the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
These one-day conferences will be held in San Diego, Atlanta, New
York, and Chicago. The conferences are designed to provide an
unprecedented opportunity to hear from and interact with officials
who developed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and will be responsible for interpreting
and enforcing the rule. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will
provide an expert faculty who will answer questions from attendees
during question and answer sessions following their presentations.

What you will learn:
* The principles underlying the Privacy Rule.
* How the Privacy Rule creates a national floor of privacy
protections
* Who is a covered health care provider
* The implications of being an affiliated covered entity, a hybrid,
or in an organized health care arrangement
* "Business associate" issues
* What type of information is protected under the HIPAA Privacy
Rule and what is meant by the terms "use", "disclosure", "minimum
necessary", and "incidental disclosures"
* The Notice of Privacy Practices requirement
* When it is necessary to obtain an authorization to use or
disclose PHI
* The right of patient to access, amend, and obtain an accounting
of disclosures of patient health information
* When to use an authorization for research and when research may
be conducted without an authorization
* How research authorizations pre-dating the compliance date are
treated
* Appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards
* The requirements to train the workforce on covered entity
policies and procedures
* The OCR compliant investigation and compliance review authority

REGISTRATION:
Information on registration, including registration fees, for the
individual conferences can be found below:

San Diego, California - Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Co-sponsored with the University of California
To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.cvent.com/EventManagement/Summary/Summary.asp?code=&eCod
e=iktlikbilrdiieqlihiiloviikrlik&type

(Please paste the entire link (both lines) into your browser to
insure that you reach the site correctly)

Or for registration questions, contact Jill Collier at 858-822-4770
or e-mail at jcollier@...

Atlanta, Georgia - Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Co-sponsored with Emory Healthcare at Emory University and The
Morehouse School of Medicine

To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.gynob.emory.edu/rtc/conferences_hipaa.html
Or for registration questions, contact 404-523-1996 ext 102, or
e-mail jbsurre@...

Brooklyn, NY - Saturday, March 1, 2003
Co-sponsored with SUNY Downstate Medical Center

To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.downstate.edu/hipaa.
Or for registration questions, contact 718-270-2422, or e-mail
ocme@...

Chicago, Illinois - Sunday, March 2, 2003
Co-sponsored with WEDI and Finch University of Health Sciences-The
Chicago Medical School
To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.wedi.org/snip/public/articles/details%7E57.htm
Or for registration questions, contact Lisa Berretta at
703-391-2743, or e-mail lberretta@...

Stanley Nachimson
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Please DO NOT reply to this mail id to unsubscribe.

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================

Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Jan 15, 2003         Digest #096
..................................................

ANNOUNCEMENT
----------------------
We have created a separate MT Jobs Newsletter for job vacancies. To
subscribe, send an email to:
MTIndia-Jobs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Also, the Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down.
Please use the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

The MTIndia Team

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Three Simple Objectives for 2003!=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
"Make money; if you don't, you don't do anything else."

-=HIPAA=-

   ~Anul Shelke
"Why would any one leak out the personal information of any
individual whom he has not even seen?"

-=Credibility of a Company=-

    ~Paras Parekh
"I want to ascertain whether the company and/or its promoters are
genuine and good paymasters or not."

    ~Maj Prabhakar Murlidhar Bhagat
"fighting for the cause of about 500 medical transcriptionists
rendered jobless by Medical Transcription Institutes in Nasik."

===========CONTINUING============

-=Fraud by US MTSOs!=-

    ~Name witheld on request
"Warn fellow Indian MT Companies about the activities of Greg Wells
of Professional Medical Transcription LLC based at Las Vegas"

-=Sohonet and others=-

    ~Jyoti Matri
"This company is promoted by SGP RAJ, who had a company in the name
of ORBIT INFOCOM, he is a big fraud, duped people in the past
also."

===========BILLBOARD============

-=DHHS Privacy Rule Conferences=-

    ~Stanley Nachimson

*****************************************************************
THREE SIMPLE OBJECTIVES

Dear friends,

For many businesses, January and February are quiet times, as work
slows while key clients are on vacation.

It is an opportune time, then, to reflect back on the highs and
lows of the previous year, divine any lessons to be learnt and
devise strategies for the year ahead.

In addition to doing the "big picture" thinking - detecting
business and market trends and the opportunities they create - it
is also a great opportunity to look internally and assess whether
there are any aspects of your business that you could be doing
better.

(Ideally, we'd have the time to do this on an on-going basis, but
alas...)

A simple phrase - IT BECAME FASTEST - offers a handy mental "cheat
sheet" for doing internal reviews:

(I)mprove basic efficiency - all the time.
(T)hink as simply and directly as possible about what you're doing
and why.
(B)ehave towards others as you wish them to behave towards you.
(E)valuate each business and business opportunity with all the
objective facts and logic you can muster.
(C)oncentrate on what you do well.
(A)sk questions ceaselessly about your performance, your markets,
your objectives.
(M)ake money; if you don't, you don't do anything else.
(E)conomize, because doing the most with the least is the name of
the game.
(F)latten the company, so authority is spread over many people.
(A)dmit to your failings and shortcomings, because only then will
you be able to improve on them.
(S)hare the benefits of success widely amongst those who helped you
to achieve it.
(T)ighten up the organization whenever you can - because success
tends to breed slackness.
(E)nable everybody in the business to use their individual powers
to the fullest possible extent.
(S)erve your customers with all their requirements and desires to
standards of perceived excellence in quality.
(T)ransform performance by constantly innovating in products and
processes - including the ways in which the business is managed.

(Source: Goldfinger: How Entrepreneurs Grow Rich by Starting
Small, R. Heller)

Some entrepreneurs eschew such "cutesy" lists, figuring that if the
process of creating wealth can be reduced to a handful of simple
rules, then there'd be a lot more wealthy individuals than there
currently is today.

They're wrong. Running a successful business is not "rocket
science". Most of the time it requires little more than common
sense. As I've mentioned in past issues, however, common sense is
somewhat uncommon!:)

Making your business more successful in 2003 requires that you
focus on three simple objectives:

1. Increase sales.
2. Decrease overheads (by reducing costs and improving efficiency).
3. Increase profit margins.

Forget fads. Ignore the utterings of charismatic CEOs and
I-Will-Make-You-Rich evangelists. Before each and every decision
you make, or action you carry out, ask yourself which of these
three objectives it meets. If it doesn't meet any of them, don't
waste your time - do something that does.

The three objectives sound simple enough.:) Do you have any
additional comments?

Regards,

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Anul Shelke <a_shelke@...>
Subject: HIPAA

Dear Dr. Chatterjee & MTIDers,

I am Anulkumar Shelke who works from home as a medical
transcriptionist. I have been doing this work since a year. I have
come to know from some sources that Home Based Work is totally
going to be shut down, due to the insecurity felt about the
patient's privacy and confidentiality by the US Health Department.

I would like to know what exactly HIPAA is. Why is that the US
Department of Health and Human services feel it would not be safe
to out source work to people who work from home? Why would any one
leak out the personal information of any individual whom he has not
even seen?

It will be very nice of you if you could provide me with the
information regarding HIPAA, the rules, and what will happen about
the MTs who work from home. What measures can be taken to get rid
of this.

Awaiting for a reply as early as possible

Yours truly,

Anulkumar Shelke

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Anulkumar:

If you search the archives of this digest, you will get the
required information. Also it is available on the net from both
AAMT and MTIA, on payment.

<Why would any one leak out the personal information of any
individual whom he has not even seen?>

Two reasons come to the mind:
1) Ignorance
2) Greed

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Paras Parekh <paras_parekh@...>
Subject: A US Company's Credibility

Dear Sir,

I am into MT industry since more than 3 years now and have been
doing home based MT since over 4 months now.

Recently, I came across a US-based company, which, after taking my
test is now ready to provide me home based work.

Their tems are: The rate agreed upon is 5 cents per line (WITHOUT
spaces) and it would be halved in cases wherein my accuracy would
be <95%. The pay check would be given out once a month on 15th of
the month for work done in previous month.

I want to ascertain whether the company and/or its promoters are
genuine and good paymasters or not. This is very important because
now-a-days I read a couple of articles in your newsletter about
scamsters.

Here are the details which would be helpful to you in getting to
their roots.

COMPANY NAME: Beckman Typing Medical Transcription, Inc.
ADDRESS:            12142 157th Street North, Suite 7
                              Jupiter, FL  33478

                              Toll-free:  1-877-551-1298
                               Fax:  1-561-828-2348

website: www.beckmantyping.com

I have had all the correspondence with : Susan Clum, MT QA
Supervisor of this company.
NOTE:The contract I received from them did not even carry their
address. I got the above details upon specifically requesting them.

I would proceed only after hearing from you in this connection.

Yours Sincerely,

Paras Parekh

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Paras,

We have no knowledge about this company - good or bad. Maybe others
on this list can enlighten you.

However, I cannot see a contract not having an address. It may be
an oversight, but be sure it is included before you sign up.

As you have ventured out on your own, these will be just the sort
of business decisions you will have to take. Risks are an inherent
part of business, and until the money is in your bank you can never
be sure:)

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Maj Prabhakar Murlidhar Bhagat <majpmbhagat@...>
Subject: Medical Transcription

Dear Sir,

I am a soldier and fighting for the cause of about 500 medical
transcriptionists rendered jobless by Medical Transcription
Institutes in Nasik (Maharashtra). The lured the public by promises
of 100% job opportunities, recovered the fees for the
training from 15000 to 30000/-, gave the most inferior type of
training, and then without entering into the production, just
closed down their institution.

I am fighting a case in the consumer court. Major Amit Sir, I wish
you can help me answering some questions.

Will you please help me? These institutes have brought a bad name
to the sacred profession of Medical Transcription, which I cannot
tolerate and I wish to expose them in the society.

A soldier is requesting for help to a soldier personally.  Army
oficers do reply the communications immediately. I shall wait for
a response from you.

Sincerely yours,

Major PM Bhagat

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Major,

We have been using our ezines/forums to spread the word, and we are
ready to help you in any way. Firstly, make them proove that they
had furnished the required books, software, hardware in its full
complement. Then make them proove if they had qualified staff. If
either, or both were not made available, that is enough evidence of
malafide intention, with a view to dupe the public.

As far as the "job gurantee" is concerned - watch out for the small
print in "conditions apply." Are there any production centers
functioning at Nasik or near about?  They might be interested in
fresh entrants, but it may happen that you will have to start from
scratch.

One thing is clear to many of us, regarding a training schedule of
4-6 months. You cannot train a fresh MT in English, in that period
of time. In most cases I have seen, the candidate was not suitable
because of poor English skills, and the career prognosis will be
guarded in such cases. A genuine institute will have a selection
procedure; but the same cannot be expected from fly-by-night
operators. Believe me, there are similar problems in the US.

Best regards, and let us know how we can help

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: [Details witheld on request]
Subject: Beware of Greg Wells of Promed  Las Vegas

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

We write this to warn fellow Indian MT Companies about the
activities of Greg Wells of Professional Medical Transcription LLC
based at Las Vegas.

We had been doing transcription for a company with a duly signed
contract.

Professional Medical Transcribing LLC
Suite 469  , 8635 West Sahara Ave
Las Vegas Nevada
USA 89117

This belongs to Greg Wells or at least he is the person dealing
with us

This has been going on since April 2002 and he had been steadily
increasing the volumes and paying about a month or so late , He had
been steadily and rather smoothly building up the dues to us and as
on 15 Dec 2003 we found that the dues from him was :

Total Due $ US 13,403.84

When we were regularly following up the payments he was giving
various reasons such as he was travelling abroad, he will be
sending sums next week  and that our track record has been
impeccable and that he is sorry for the delay etc etc

In Dec when we finally started insisting we pay he stopped
responding to mails and his telephone is perpetually on voice mail.

His modus operandi is simple - he keeps increasing volumes while
praising the service providers work, gives inoccuous excuses for
delaying payments , kids you along and before you know it have 3
months receivables  soon after which he stops answering your mails,
his phone goes on voicemail and you are left to take vicious steps!

As of date he owes us $ US  13,404 /- for which we have launched
unusual collections proceedings.

We would rather our name be not published on MT India but a general
warning may be issued in the interests of other service providers.

Regards

Name witheld on request

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear fellow MTSOs,

We had printed a caution notice in our newsletter dated 14 Sep
2002, after similar reports coming in from two other Indian
companies. It is amazing how this company is talking one Indian
company after another, for a merry ride.  It also hurts us as this
individual used the free services of MTIndia, to contact Indian
companies. It is unlikely that he wants to stay in this business,
and in all probability I can see him filing for bankruptcy soon;
and just walking away.

Let us try to consolidate and fight jointly on this, and maybe we
shall get justice.

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Jyoti Matri <jyoti_matri@...>
Subject: Regarding Sohonet India

Hi all!

This company is promoted by SGP RAJ, who had a company in the name
of ORBIT INFOCOM, he is a big fraud, duped people in the past also.

Very dangerous proposition, plz forward this mail to as many people
to help stop this man in making frauds.

Just visit his office in Chennai, u will understand his capacity

Regards,
Jyoti
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: Stanley Nachimson <SNachimson@...>
Subject: DHHS Privacy Rule Conferences

Dear Friends:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be
convening four National Conferences on the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
These one-day conferences will be held in San Diego, Atlanta, New
York, and Chicago.  The conferences are designed to provide an
unprecedented opportunity to hear from and interact with officials
who developed the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and will be
responsible for interpreting and enforcing the rule. The HHS Office
for Civil Rights (OCR) will provide an expert faculty who will
answer questions from attendees during question and answer sessions
following their presentations.

  What you will learn:
* The principles underlying the Privacy Rule.
* How the preemption rules create a national floor of privacy
protections
* Who is a covered health care provider
* The implications of being an affiliated covered entity, a hybrid,
or in an organized health care arrangement
* "Business associate" issues
* What type of information is protected under the HIPAA Privacy
Rule and what is meant by the terms "use", "disclosure", "minimum
necessary", and "incidental disclosures"
* The Notice of Privacy Practices requirement
* When it is necessary to obtain an authorization to use or
disclose PHI and what constitutes a valid authorization
* The right of patient to access, amend, and obtain an accounting
of disclosures of patient health information
* When to use an authorization for research and when research may
be conducted without an authorization
* How research authorizations pre-dating the compliance date are
treated
* Appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards
* The requirements to train the workforce on covered entity
policies and procedures
* The OCR compliant investigation and compliance review authority

REGISTRATION:

San Diego, California - February 5, 2003
Co-sponsored with the University of California
To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.cvent.com/EventManagement/Summary/Summary.asp?code=&eCod
e=iktlikbilrdiieqlihiiloviikrlik&type
Or for registration questions, contact Jill Collier at 858-822-4770
or e-mail at jcollier@...

Atlanta, Georgia - February 18, 2003
Co-sponsored with Emory Healthcare at Emory University and The
Morehouse School of Medicine

To register online, please click on the link below:
http://www.gynob.emory.edu/rtc/conferences_hipaa.html

Or for registration questions, contact 404-523-1996 ext 102, or
email jbsurre@...

New York, NY - March 1, 2003
Chicago, Illinois - March 2, 2003

(registration and location details TBA)

Stanley Nachimson
-----------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================

Moderated by:                           Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Dec 29, 2002         Digest #095
..................................................

ANNOUNCEMENT
----------------------
In an attempt to keep the noise to signal ratio low, routine job
ads will NOT be carried in either the MT India Newsletter or the
MTID, henceforth. We have created a separate MT Jobs Newsletter for
job vacancies:

To subscribe to this newsletter, send an email to:
MTIndia-Jobs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

MTs & HR Managers who want to keep a tab on the Job Mart are
invited to subscribe to this weekly newsletter.

Also, the Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down.
Please use the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

A Happy & Prosperous New Year 2003 to all!

The MTIndia Team

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Fraud by US MTSOs!=-

    ~Dijjotam "DG" Raina
"We thought we had excellent relationship with them. However, they
just tricked all vendors by reorganizing and offering only 9c to a
$1..."

    ~Vivek Singh
"They had been postponing our payments time and again on one
pretext or the other. Finally, they simply do not respond to our
emails."

-=New Jersey BPO bill=-

   ~Vaithilingam Venkatesh
"Our fears are if this could affect the Medical Transcription and
other US health care related jobs in India like medical records
maintainence and medical coding and billing jobs."

-=Work at Home=-

    ~Puru
"Everywhere I apply, I get the message "US resident only".

    ~Surekha Ghosh
"Please let me know about the companies other than Acusis India
offering home based transcription work."

===========CONTINUING============

-=Sohonet and others=-

    ~Ravi
"I wanted to know about Sohonet as it is quite in news nowadays."

    ~Uday
"allotting the job of medical transcriptions and paying the Rs.2/-
per line. Is it true?"

-=Statements made regarding Heartland=-

    ~Peter Morris
"There is panic in the ranks of this company, so much so that the
so called production manager is seeking a new job"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=US India Political Action Committee=-

    ~Pradeep Bhatia

*****************************************************************

From: Dijjotam Raina <draina@...>
Subject: Scribe.com

Dear Amit,

Do you have a program where you can black list US companies that
fail to pay Indian companies for work done?  If so, please let me
know. Our company in India, Chinar Software Exports, is a member of
MTIndia.

We did work for Scribe.com in 2001 and they have failed to pay us
an outstanding balance of approximately $3,000 despite repeated
reminders. We thought we had excellent relationship with them.
However, they just tricked all vendors by reorganizing and offering
only 9c to a $1...which we refused. They sold their company to new
investors and essentially duped the vendors into believing they
were bankrupt. They have done it once and they will do it again.
Mr. Rama Jager their Chairman and Mr. Dan Miers their VP Business
Development are people behind this scam. Just warn other vendors
about working with them.

Regards,

Dijjotam "DG" Raina
Co-founder and CEO
E-Dictate, LLC
1627 Colonial Parkway
Suite 206
Palatine, IL 60067
Tel: +1 866-510-1111
www.edictate.com
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Vivek Singh < virsol@... >
Subject: Fraud

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I am writing to you guys just to make you aware of a US company
which is fraud.

This company is named Jobasik and it has its presence on the Net
in the name of Jobasik.com

It is owned/managed by one Bonnie Chaplin.

We had been working for this company since August 26, 2002. They
had been postponing our payments time and again on one pretext or
the other. Finally, they stopped sending us work from November 21,
2002. Since then, we have been constantly trying to get in touch
with them. But they simply do not respond to our emails. We do not
have their contact numbers.

Our outstanding dues are around 1.25 lakh INR.

If anyone of you have their contact numbers or if anyone are in
touch with them, do let us know and also be cautious.

Thanks and regards,

Vivek Singh
Virgin Solutions
OT-II, Odeon Plaza I
Central Market, Sector 6
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110045
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Dijjotam/Vivek,

We have been using our ezines/forums to blacklist unscrupulous US
MTSOs until now. However, considering that this phenomena is
reaching endemic proportions, and also it is the same group of
people who keep on changing business names, we will make this a
permanent feature at MTIndia.org

It is of grave concern that mature and established companies like
Chinar, Seyyone and Medsoft, with incorporated establishments in
the US are unable to deal with such scamsters. They problem as it
appears, is that the US principals siphon off the money, declare
the company bankrupt, and start operating under a new business
name.

One solution I can suggest is using the services of a company
called PRN Funding. The other option, is for us to create a group
fund and employ a national collection agency in the US on a
permanent basis.

I would welcome your comments.

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Vaithilingam Venkatesh <vaithi007@...>
Subject: Questions about New Jersey BPO bill

Dear Dr. Chatterjee,

I am working for a medical transcription company as an quality
manager.  I must thank you for your mails and must admit that your
mails are of immense use in terms of giving an indepth insight into
the industries current trends and also keeps me updated with the
latest happenings.

There has always been an air of fear and sceptism about the Medical
transcription industry in India being exposed to risk of being
stopped altogether at any point if the US congress passes a rule or
bill against this.

I believe that you are aware of the new BPO bill that the state of
New Jersey has passed.  I believe it stands a fair chance that it
could turn into a law.  Our fears are if this could affect the
Medical Transcription and other US health care related jobs in
India like medical records maintainence and medical coding and
billing jobs.

We would be very greatful if you could throw some light on this
issue and clear all those questions ringing in our minds.

I thank you for your time and effort in this regard

With regards

Vaithilingam Venkatesh
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Vaithi,

The New Jersey Senate has approved a bill to ban companies that
take government contracts to move their call centres abroad for
cheap labor. The Bill has yet to go the Legislative Assembly to
become a law.

However, the total government business from the US is about two
percent to three percent and the Bill has been approved in one
state only.

Kiran Karnik, President, Nasscom says, "This Bill in particular is
not going to impact Indian BPO industry in any way. But we also
cannot afford to sit back and relax. We have to act and do it in a
diplomatic manner since there is an emotional issue involved."
"Even then, if the outcome is not favorable, we shall approach the
WTO, although we would prefer not to do that," added Karnik.
Banning outsourcing would be a clear violation of WTO principles,
which stands for free movement of goods and services in order to
have the best economic benefit.

We cannot expect the US industry to come out in the open to
advocate outsourcing, although it is a matter of grave concern for
American companies as their bottom line is directly affected. I
personally believe that the value offshore companies deliver to the
US industry will determine our survival or otherwise, and not acts
of legislation.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Puru <vizioon@...>
Subject: How do we get jobs!!

Hi all MTIDers!

I am really amazed that how do we get MT Home Transcription job. I
have three years experience with more than 80 wpm providing 96%+
accuracy, still I can't find any jobs. Everywhere I apply, I get
the message "US resident only".

Any help regarding this will be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Puru
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Surekha Ghosh <surekha_ghosh@...>
Subject: Home based transcription

Dear all,

I am a housewife and would like to utilise my spare time in home
based transcribing work oppurtunities. I like this site and have
joined as a member. I would like to start with the home based
transcribing work soon. My family members are willing to lend me a
helping hand in this regard. Please let me know about the companies
other than Acusis India offering home based transcription work. I
stay at Kolkata. Looking forward to your response.

Thanks & Regards,
Mrs. Surekha Ghosh.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Ravi <ravikaushal00@...>
Subject: Sohonet

Sir:

Thanks for the greetings and I wish you the same for the new year
ahead and always.

I am a medical transcriptionist employed with a reputed company at
New Delhi. Well! There was some internet error, so my real message
did not reach you earlier. Actually, I wanted to know about Sohonet
as it is quite in news nowadays. Is it a genuine company? Do they
provide home-based jobs? I am interested in doing home-based jobs.
Can you provide me some information about it? What about data entry
job? Please do mail me. Thanks.

Ravi
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Uday < udaysnet@... >
Subject: Regarding sohonet india

Hi all!

I know that the sohonet india is allotting the job of medical
transcriptions and paying the Rs.2/- per line. Is it true? Also
they are paying 3000 per mb for data conversion job. Please give me
the details of this company or otherwise.

Regards,
Uday
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Hi Ravi/Uday,

I suggest you read the answers given by Jayant regarding SOHONET
INDIA in MTID # 91:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Peter Morris <petermorris567@...>
Subject: Let us call a spade a spade...

Hi MTIDers!

Well, it is said you can fool all the people some of the time, some
of the people all the time, but not all of the people all of the
time!

I do not understand why Vishal Babu has found it uncomfortable to
accept the facts exposed by Amit.

Maybe if Vishal's idea is to please someone, I am sorry it is too
late.

There is panic in the ranks of that company talked about, so much
so that the so called production manager is seeking out jobs in
other companies but the reality is that he does not qualify to be
considered even as a basic medical transcriptionist.

Did somebody speak of quality? It speaks for itself.

Peter Morris
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: Pradeep Bhatia <pradeep_bhatia@...>
Subject: US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC)

Dear Friends:

This is Pradeep Bhatia writing from the San Francisco Bay Area.
I have recently become a volunteer for an organization called, US
India Political Action Committee or USINPAC.

The USINPAC mission is to impact policy on issues of concern to the
Indian American community in the United States.

USINPAC provides bipartisan support to candidates for federal,
state and local office who address the issues that are important to
the Indian American community. Issues promoted by USINPAC reflect
the concerns voiced by the Indian American community. Some such
issues of current concern are:

- India Relations:  Building strong economic, strategic, and
cultural ties between the two countries

- Business: Ensuring that policies on business provide
opportunities and access for Indian American entrepreneurs

- Immigration:  Promoting a fair and balanced policy on immigration
as it relates to the Indian American community

I have two immediate needs for volunteers in the following area:

1.  We want to identify high profile Indian Americans in several
industry sectors.  The most immediate priority is to identify
Indian Americans in the financial services and healthcare sectors .

2.  We need volunteers to develop the Website for the India Caucus
on the Hill.

Please share this with all Indian-Americans you know and urge them
to join USINPAC at http://www.usinpac.com/.  I also encourage each
of you to contact me if you would like to become a volunteer for
USINPAC in your respective cities.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,

Pradeep Bhatia
650-544-5328
-----------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================

Moderated by:                        Published by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                  MT India
amit@...                     www.MTIndia.org

..................................................
Dec 15, 2002         Digest #094
..................................................

Job Center: FREE SERVICE for Job Seekers!

The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW=================

-=Bidding Wars!=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
"old saying about the art of negotiation: "He who throws the first
punch is the first to admit he's run out of ideas".

-=Unreasonable dismissal from HealthScribe=-

   ~Aldrin Joseph
"There was no professional ethics involved"

-=Hot Zone & Tighten Up America=-

   ~Ceb
"Shades of the Middle Ages, indeed, let me pull my forelock.  Do
you recall that load of trash?"

    ~Venkatesh
"Who has the time to even look at the patient's name twice after
assuring that we have keyed in correct name, address, etc."

-=Statements made regarding Heartland=-

    ~Vishal Babu
"would never ever like to listen anything said wrong about
Heartland,  just imagine the anger of those who are currently
working in Heartland"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=English might kill you!=-

    ~Udit Sawhney

*****************************************************************
ADVERTISEMENT
------------------------------
1) Focus Infosys, Bangalore
------------------------------

Virtually free MT training offered

· 100% job assured in our production center
· Just pay Rs. 3000/- towards stationery charges

For further details and other job opportunities, please visit
www.focusmt.com

------------------------------
2) Ascent Transcription Services, Nagpur
------------------------------

Currently executing approx.20,000 lpd. To touch the 30,000 lpd mark
in the next quarter.

Wanted: 15 MT's plus 3 editors. Accomodation is provided for all
outstation candidates within 1 km from the office.
Salary: Par with Industry standards
mail to : hrd@...

*****************************************************************

Dear friends,

Let me offer some perspectives on this topic of "bidding wars":

1. The words "bid" and "quote" have a fixed meaning that a seller
can never change (don't even THINK of trying): "Give me your lowest
price so I can shop you around".

2. Bidding (or quoting) is a game played on the buyer's playing
field, where they move the goalposts every few minutes and make the
rules up as they go. They're also the referee and scorer, and they
hold all the concessions, including admission to the game.

It's a no-win for the seller, so don't get into a lose-lose game.
(There's no such thing as win-lose or lose-win -- they're just
lose-lose posing as a win until the loser wakes up to reality and
pulls the plug on the 'relationship' and any possible result.)

In bidding or quoting, the real competition (win-lose by
definition, so really lose-lose) is ultimately between you and the
buyer, not between you and the other bidders -- that's just the
first battle in the bidding war. The endgame only begins once your
bid or quote "wins".

Up to that point, you've just shaved off your hair, drawn a dotted
line with the words "cut here" across the back of your neck and
handed the buyer the blade. Now that you've "won", you get to kneel
and put your head on the chopping block. Nice win.:)

The problem is, that blade you gave them wasn't an axe... it was a
blunt hacksaw blade. It's about to become l-o-n-g, messy and
painful.:(

3. When you're the seller, the ONLY thing dumber than allowing
price to be the deciding factor is MAKING it the deciding factor.
Advertising "free bids/quotes" is the surest way to make price the
issue and get into this no-win game.

Typically, the ONLY reason to buy offered by the bidder is price.
No other meaningful information is provided.

4. The Law of Success says "Do ONLY the right things, for ONLY the
right reasons. Then you can't make a mistake."

Fear of loss is the worst possible reason for doing anything. Not
only does it encourage you to do the wrong things, it invariably
means that you can't succeed because, no matter what you do, right
or wrong, it's for the wrong reason, despite any illusory short
gains.

In bidding/quoting, fear of loss is the reason for BOTH the buyer's
and bidder's behaviour.

5. The Three Criteria of Fulfillment (the all-powerful emotional
pay-off from satisfying a need that impels the beneficiary to share
how they feel with others, thus turning your buyers into your most
productive, profitable sellers) are:

a. SAFETY -- there's no risk involved, on any level of the
transaction.

b. EFFICACY -- the product/service, the seller and their business
all do what they say they'll do. They keep their promises. They
work.

c. VALUE -- the benefits outweigh ALL of the conditions needed to
be
met in order to obtain them, including the price, which is only the
first condition.

Note that nowhere does it say CHEAPEST or LOWEST.

7. There's an old saying about the art of negotiation: "He who
throws the first punch is the first to admit he's run out of
ideas".

In selling, "He who makes the first price cut is the first to admit
-- and pay good money to advertise the fact *doh!* -- that he's
totally ignorant and incompetent when it comes to negotiating a
sale". Advertising "free bids/quotes" pre-empts any real
negotiation. You don't even wait for the win-lose urgers and
cheapskates to find you... you send for them!

8. US astronaut Alan Shepherd, when asked how he felt, seated alone
atop the launch rocket, waiting to become the first American in
space, remarked: "How would YOU feel, knowing that every item
beneath you was supplied by the lowest bidder?"

I don't need to answer that one, do I?

Regards,

Your Striving Moderator,

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Aldrin Joseph < aldrinjoseph777@... >
Subject: Unreasonable dismissal from HSIL

Respected Sir,

                I hereby inform you that I was unfairly treated and
unjustly dismissed as a trainee from Healthscribe India in
Bangalore about 15 days back, on 30th November 2002. When other
trainees are stagnating there for eight to nine! months, I was just
given one month and that one month was the initial month in which I
was beset with teething troubles and it took
time to get used to the software and other procedures. Moreover, I
told them that I am an old person and a slow learner and requested
them to give me atleast one more month, but they just wanted to
oust me, as if it was a hire and fire basis. There was no
professional ethics involved and without giving me an opportunity
to perform they have preclusively concluded that I am
not good enough for Healthscribe.  Being an Ex-Serviceman, I am
disciplined and forthright and these people don't like honest and
outspoken individuals.  During their pompous induction program,
they exhorted us to be open and honest and I was
rudely expelled for doing the same and voicing my genuine
grievances.  I had kept my valuable headphone in the company locker
and when the next day, I came back it was stolen from the locker
and they didn't like my complaint about this.  Since, I was poor
and helpless, I was no match for the formidable might of the
Healthscribe administration and management out to
get me, besides they have gravely underestimated my potential as a
medical transcriptionist within just one month of training instead
of the customary six months which we are entitled to have.

As I had joined HSIL, as per your advise, so please let me know if
your goodself can do anything about this and whether I can be
reinstated etc.

Awaiting your valuable reply at the earliest.
Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Aldrin Joseph
(Ex-LWTR)
Indian Navy
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Aldrin,

Two things I can make out objectively from your mail, (correct me
if I am wrong):

1) You did not like the way HSIL treated you.

2) HSIL did not like your performance/behaviour.

Under such circumstances, don't you feel it would be fruitless to
try to patchup at this stage. What has happened maybe a blessing in
disguise and might probably give you a better option in the future.
A good man will always find his level.

If your terms of appointment as a trainee have been not adhered to,
you do have a legal course of redressal. However the hire and fire
policy is an acceptable term of employment in the non-govt sector -
you either accept it, or go out on your own.

Let me know of any other way I can be help of to you or others in
similar predicaments - but you and me are both regulated by legal
constraints - which I definitely have to follow. Within those, let
us see what can be done.

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Ceb <anon@...>
Subject: HotZone

Dear Amit,

Xenophobia anyone?

Your posts are a breath of fresh air.  I just had to take a break
from a long weekend of filling in for MTs who exercised their right
not to work on Thanksgiving, and came across the latest blahblah on
the HotZone.

  I myself personally rushed home between games and opted out of our
curling banquet to tackle an endless amount of lines assigned this
weekend; here I sit, butt-sore and bleary-eyed, doing my Canadian
best to make sure the reports are turned out in a timely and
grammatically correct manner.  Will I work on Christmas and New
Year's--MY holidays, too, as it happens?  Of course I will, always
have.  Victoria day as well, of course, but that doesn't count as a
holiday in certain parts.

What a bunch of whiners those [posters] are--and then blaming
offshore (and sometimes Canucks) for their lack of MT jobs.  MY
mtso advertises and advertises and can't find anyone to hire--or if
she does, they don't last very long, they exercise their right not
to work holidays, not to research, not to correct grammar, not to
format properly, etc.  So here I sit, endlessly, taking up the
slack.  And I'm taking somebody's job away?  What a crock.  Their
concerns are more economical than securitarial (if that's a word--I
have caught the dr/mt neologism craze, it seems).

I guess from time to time the isolationist attitude has to hit
HZ--the last time I remember was when that Jay Gould or whatever
his name is formed the Medical Transcriptionist GUILD--shades of
the Middle Ages, indeed, let me pull my forelock.  Do you recall
that load of trash?  I actually wrote a response, I was so fed up
reading the ethnic slurs.  He wrote back something
to the effect that he surely didn't mean we Canadians couldn't
speak or understand the English language. Of course, American
doctors' idiosyncratic turns of phrases are another thing entirely;
aspirinize me, please, my ears hurt.  How patronizing of him. Some
things never change, especially with his evangelistic nature.
Drum-banging, arm-waving redneck thinly disguised as intellectual.
What a hoot.  I love being the devil's advocate from time to time.
I, too, can speak in words of more than one syllable.  Hardehar.

Keep up the 'voice crying in the wilderness' Somebody has to.
bwhahahahahahaha

Ceb
A Canadian MT
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

For those who are lost about what is being discussed - please go to
a thread known as Hot Zone, at the Message Center at www.mtchat.com
and search for a discussion on "Stopping Overseas Outsourcing
Initiative"

http://www.mtchat.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?
ubb=get_topic&f=10&t=002043&p=

I am quoting the URL above, but it tends to keep on getting
changed. If so, this time, please use the search features, for the
above topic - it might yield some food for thought:).

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Venkatesh <sahana_venky@...>
Subject: Tighten Up America

Dear Tighten Up America:

Who has the time to even look at the patient's name
twice after assuring that we have keyed in correct
name, address, etc.

With the high expectations from our employers in terms
of accuracies, line count, attendance, etc., one
patient would be just another document for our line
count.

By the end of the day, we would be like!!!! Wow, I am
going back home at last.

I believe, when you concentrate on getting accuracies
such as AT LEAST 98.5% which includes; medical words,
english, correlation, even spaces, can make you forget
even the gender of the patient after starting on the
second document.

Regards

Venkatesh
One more Indian Medical Transcriptionist.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Vishal Babu V <vishalbabuv@...>
Subject: Statements made regarding Heartland

Dear Amit:

It was good enough to read people praising you, don't know for what
benefits, but here is a bad one for you...... :(

All went fine when I was reading your posting but one thing just
irritated me and that was your statement regarding Heartland.

Your statement goes like this....   "MTs in Heartland are one of
the most disgruntled lots by their own admission, due to
"non-existent management." Now don't grudge them their bonus - they
deserve something at least!:)"

Now you are the so called "the only lighthouse for otherwise
completely unorganized Indian medical transcription industry."  How
could you ever make a statement on any company without even knowing
the facts about the it????

I am an ex-employee of Heartland myself and would never ever like
to listen anything said wrong about Heartland,  just imagine the
anger of those who are currently working in Heartland!!!  Anybody
in Heartland are made to feel that they are all of one family,
which is not the case in any other company in my knowledge (maybe
my knowledge is limited).

If it was for "non-existent management" how do you think that
Heartland today is know throughout the world for its excellence in
the work?? No one in Heartland Management has ever been wrong in
its daily chore and I just don't understand what made you tell this
in any case.  Nobody has to grudge about anybody in Heartland
getting a bonus of what he has worked for.  Do they??

Heartland has kept their employees at their very best spirits while
working and has never ever stepped back on seeing its employees
getting what they deserve.  I had been with Heartland as an MT for
nearly 2 years, and believe me, your statements just irritate and
hurt me to the maximum.  There are people who are working with
Heartland for more than 6 years and maybe even more.  Do you think
anyone would work in any organization for so long unless they are
happy with the organization and its management???

Whatever an MT earns in Heartland is the reward for his or her hard
work.  Tell me who wouldn't be happy to take home the reward of
their true effort.

Anyway, I would appreciate you if you could take back your
statements made on Heartland in particular as early as possibe.
Any clarifications in this regard from your side is always welcome.

I hope you would not make any further statement pointing out on any
company in particular without knowing the fact.

Thanking you in anticipation.

With Regards,

Vishal
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Vishal,

I am not clear about yout true identity - HICS or otherwise.
Nonetheless, I have given you a complete response on the forum at:
http://www.mtindia.org/forum/display.cfm?mesgno=2363&tid=606&frompa
ge=1

I do not think it needs to be repeated again here. You are most
welcome to read it and comment further.

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: Udit Sawhney <udit78@...>
Subject: A good one ......English might kill you!

It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical
studies:

The Japanese eat relatively little fat and suffer fewer heart
attacks than the British or Americans.

The French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks
than the British or Americans.

The Japanese drink relatively little red wine and suffer fewer
heart attacks than the British or Americans.

The Italians drink generous amounts of red wine and also suffer
fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and other
fatty foods and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or
Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is
apparently what kills you. So better BEWARE ITEnablers - maybe you
should shift to Japanese, German, Italian or whatever else
required, to be on the safer side:)

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Many are taught, few are educated.*

============================================
                         Published by:
MT India                                     www.MTIndia.org

                         Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                   amit@...

..................................................
Nov 30, 2002         Digest #093
..................................................

Job Center: FREE SERVICE for Job Seekers!

The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

===========CONTINUING============

-=Of associations and certification=-

     ~Alok Jha
"I am sure there are others like me who would give you total
support and cooperation if you take initiative."

    ~Ann C. (Tina) Barton, CMT
"new and more efficient CMT examination, one which can be taken
electronically and scored immediately at the testing site."

-=MT salary levels!=-

    ~A. Sundararaman
"I find there is a huge disparity in the levels of MT staff
(including Proofers/Editors) salaries"

    ~Dr. Sadhna Bharadwaj
"Companies like Heartland are giving cash bonus etc. in the range
of Rs. 15,000- Rs. 20,000"

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Arundhati Sengupta
"let me know about CMT in detail"

*****************************************************************
ADVERTISEMENT
------------------------------
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------------------------------

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------------------------------
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------------------------------

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- 35 MTs
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If you fit the above description, you are the person we are looking
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Date : 01-12-2002 & 02-12-2002
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email: santhosh@...

------------------------------
3) Ascent Transcription Services, Nagpur
------------------------------

Currently executing approx.20,000 lpd. To touch the 30,000 lpd mark
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Wanted: 15 MT's plus 3 editors. Accomodation is provided for all
outstation candidates within 1 km from the office.
Salary: Par with Industry standards
mail to : hrd@...

===========CONTINUING============

From: Alok Jha < alok_jha_2000@...>
Subject: Re: Of associations and certification

Dear Amit,

You have been acting for long as the only lighthouse
for otherwise completely unorganized Indian medical
transcription industry. Long back we had floated this
idea of IAMT working as the voluntary organization,
slowly gaining reputation and recognition among the MT
industry as MT India has gained in India and AAMT in
USA, and setting standards for all the fields related
to transcription in India. I fail to understand why it
has not gained momentum as yet. I am sure there are
others like me who would give you total support and
cooperation if you take initiative.

Regarding Rina's query, I am willing to help any way I
can.

Thanks.

Alok Jha
Co-author
Medical Transcription made easy
A MacMillan Publication
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Alok,

You have actually spelled out the problem: I am not looking for
support - I am looking for the go getters who will implement it:) I
have been offering our support in anyway I can.

Inspite of Indian business owners drawing all the flak whenever
anything goes wrong in the Industry, the Indian MT has to share the
blame equally. With this industry > 8 years old now, it is time
that the professionals rear their heads and volunteer to contribute
to the profession as a non-profit motive. Sadly today, I find many
MTs who are skeptical about the future of the profession and
industry per se.

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM is not an MT by profession - he is a
businessman. By that defination alone I consider myself not
qualified to lead such an endeavor. The professional MT has to
stand up and volunteer to contribute quality time and money for the
success of the organization.

You ask me for support and I'll throw my weight behind you, FWIW.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Ann C. Barton <tinab98@...>
Subject: MTCC dissolution

Hi Amit

In reading what you wrote about MTCC
dissolution, that is true. However, this has
taken place in order that there will be a new
and more efficient CMT examination, one which
can be taken electronically and scored
immediately at the testing site. So as you may
be aware by now, this is a really positive
thing. Sometimes the old things have to be
dissolved in order to make way for the new. I am
really looking forward to seeing this exam made
available to more people.

Your friend,

Ann C. (Tina) Barton, CMT
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Ann,

My best wishes to AAMT, and I hope the CMT exam can be taken by
more people globally in the near future.

However in the meantime, I see no harm in trying to organize
ourselves.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Best regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Sundar <sundar@...>
Subject: Standards for MT Industry

Hi Major and all:

This refers to Dr Bharadwaj's querry relating to salary levels in
Delhi. While we are it I would request the same study can be done
for Bangalore too.

I find there is a huge disparity in the levels of MT Staff
(including Proofers/Editors) salaries from company to company and
there seems to be no standard for reference. Same way for
productivity too. I often hear that the industry standard for an MT
is 500 lines per 8 hours of work but I dont know how this figure
has been arrived at. I read in American MT Magazine the
productivity is 10840 characters per hour for an MT there.

Can someone enlighten me on this?

Thanks

A. Sundararaman
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Dr. Sadhna Bharadwaj <odyin@...>
Subject: MT salaries in DELHI

Dear Amit,

I learnt from some people that companies like Heartland are giving
cash bonus etc. in the range of Rs. 15,000- Rs. 20,000; every
quarter, in order to retain and motivate thier staff  of MTs and
QAs.

Is it true? If so can you please throw some light on this.

Regards,

Dr. Sadhna Bharadwaj
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Sundar,

I am guessing that you have not been in the Industry too long:)

Companies in India get work at 3 to 22 cents per line. That is a
variable which will affect salaries. Also work done/capabilities
are quite variable. The fact is that there is no animal known as
the "average MT" whether in India or the US.

Sadhna, MTs in Heartland are one of the most disgruntled lots by
their own admission, due to "non-existent management." Now don't
grudge them their bonus - they deserve something at least!:)

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Arundhati Sengupta <arundhatisg@...>
Subject: To enquire about CMT exam

Hello!

I am a C-bay certified MT currently working as a proof reader and
would very much like to appear for the CMT exam, so kindly let me
know about CMT in details and also where can I find the course
material or books required for the said exam.

Thanks,
Arundhati Sengupta
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Many are taught, few are educated.*

============================================
                         Published by:
MT India                                     www.MTIndia.org

                         Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                   amit@...

..................................................
Nov 23, 2002         Digest #092
..................................................

Job Center: FREE SERVICE for Job Seekers!

The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=Of associations and certification=-

     ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

-=MT salary levels!=-

    ~Dr. Akshay Bharadwaj
"wanted to have a comparative overview of the salaries"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Sohonet and others=-

    ~Rhona P.A. Pereira
"This world is full of scamsters... may this tribe suffer all sorts
of agony!"

    ~Ranbir Chhillar
""typing ads while working from home work."

-=Save the ITES industry!=-

    ~Nitin Singhal
"very unorganized & secretive segment/players, who pitch business
opportunities to one and all - there is low or no transparency"

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Rina Vivekanandan
"introduce me to other people who have done CMT exam"

===========BILLBOARD============

-=Freeware transcription software=-

    ~V. Subhash

*****************************************************************
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-------------------------------------
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-------------------------------------

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------------------------------
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------------------------------

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c) Proofers/editors (15)
Capable of delivering 1100 lines with client-deliverable accuracy
and at least 95% of the work sent directly to the client without
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d) Executive Medical Transcriptionists (50)
Capable of delivering 800 lines with client-deliverable accuracy
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------------------------------
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------------------------------

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mail to: spectrawhiz@...

=============NEW===============

Dear Friends,

It is heartening to see the MT Industry pull up after a depressing
low last year. When times get tough, the tough get going:). Let us
celebrate this Thanksgiving - the American way!

There are probably a few lessons to be learned from this, in order
to prepare for the future. Here's my 2 paise, FWIW!

With the serious players hanging in there - we do have some
"serious" problems which might be beneficial  to all, to address
jointly.

First, we must think differently from the US model. In the US, MT
started as inhouse or "mom & pop" outfits, which grew with time,
reaped the benefits of outsourcing and gave birth to giants like
MedQuist. This growth was IMHO, supported by a few valiant ladies
who saw this as an honourable profession, leading to the formation
of AAMT and CMT certification in an effort to bring about entry
level standards. Today, with the AAMT practitioner membership base
representing about 2.5% of what AAMT estimates to be the total
number of practitioners in the US, and with the dissolution of the
MTCC, the certification committee, things need to be seen from a
different perspective.

Speaking for myself, I have always held the opinion that the CMT
certification was not an appropriate evaluation platform for
offshore MTs - it was not designed for them in the first place.
Added on were the difficulties/costs related to appearing for the
same. This led to HealthScribe, Heartland and CBay (with a lot of
others) declaring their own certifications, but that did not yield
the much required stability to the industry or profession, per se.
I have personally seen a lot of incompetent MTs churned out of
these companies, which raises the question whether the evaluation
system was transparent and fair. Just compare the difference in
internal assessment as compared to board/univ assessment for any
exam in any institution in India, and the reasons will be quite
apparent. The point I am trying to make is any certification has to
be conducted by an external, impartial body following uniform and
transparent methodologies to be of any value and acceptable across
the board. The one up-manship demeanour that some of the "big
establishments" hold is one of the worst stumbling blocks in this
industry in India.

What the industry needs today is a process which will draw in fresh
talent into the profession. While the serious contenders were
slogging it out last year, the 'fly-by-night" operators made hay
while the sun shone! The Indian media (including us) is
notorious for sensalization and "scoops." The result today is that
it has become almost impossible to convince freshers that this is a
vibrant industry with the potential for growth and their secured
future prospects. OTOH, we get at least five queries a day from
wannabe MTs, looking towards a career in MT and genuine training
establishments. I am at a loss in which direction to point...

While there have been discussions about forming an Indian
regulatory body as far back as '98; and some efforts were made at
regional levels - the effort did not sustain long enough to bear
fruit. What we need today is a consortium of our corporate members
to define:

1) Training & entry level standards
2) Define quality standards
3) Set remuneration standards depending on quality and
productivity.

The objections I have got till date regarding this are:
1) Difference in cost of living in different locations.
2) Company to company variations on remuneration for managers &
benefits in lieu of loyality and length of service.

I submit that no business or profession can attempt to define
values for the above two criteria on a uniform platform -
especially the second - that is where market economics will take
over- let us welcome the free market. The first however, might be
addressed on a more regional footing. I also accept that even after
eight years, practitioner MTs in India do not have the financial or
organizational strength to walk the AAMT path today; and for the
furtherance of the profession corporates have to step in. "United
we stand, divided we ...."

We have over 120 small & medium sized corporate members today -
including those in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Rather than
waiting for the big guys to call the shots, let us form an informal
consortium to:

1) Define job roles and quality standards for practicing MTs.
2) Fix salary and perks linked to the same.
3) Actively pitch to the media to educate them about our profession
and business.

I understand I am walking on thin ice - flame away - I would
appreciate it!:)

And to all our American friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I
am back in good old Calcutta and the stuffed turkeys here are a
treat to the palate!:)

Your Striving Moderator,

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Strategist / Founder ~ mailto:amit@...
MT India ~ www.MTIndia.org

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Dr. Akshay Bharadwaj <odyin@...>
Subject: MT salaries in DELHI

Dear MTIDers,

We just wanted to have a comparative overview of the salaries of
the following mt levels existing in the city of Delhi and NCR.

The levels are as follows:

1. MT's with one year of experience .
2. MTs' with 2 years of experience
3. QA's with one and a half years of expeience.
4. QA's with over three years of experience.

Will appreciate your inputs on the same.

Regards
Dr. Akshay Bharadwaj
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Rhona P.A. Pereira <rhonapap@...>
Subject: Sohonetindia

Dear all,

Many thanks and much appreciation to Jayant who was so prompt in
answering
my query regarding www.sohonetindia.com.

I also thank Maj.(Dr) Amit Chatterjee for keeping this lively forum
open.

This world is full of scamsters... may this tribe suffer all sorts
of agony!

Rhona P.A. Pereira
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Ranbir Chhillar ranbirsc@...
Subject: Re: [MTIndia] Newsletter

Hi Major and all:

Thanks for such a good job.

I have a query regarding such work-from-home opportunity cos:

1. Do you have any idea about the SOHONET INDIA operating from
Chennai, whether they are good paymasters, regularly providing
work?
2. Recently I have got to know of something like "typing ads while
working from home" work. What kind of work is that and is it real?

I would appreciate if you could inform me about these things and
also include these things in the next newsletter.

Thanks.
Ranbir Chhillar

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Ranbir,

I suggest you read the answers given by Jayant regarding SOHONET
INDIA in the last issue of this digest (#91):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

As for "typing ads while working from home" work OR stuffing
envelops, home mailers, home typists, staple booklets etc.... - my
impression is that they are classic scams. Just introduce me to
someone who has made money in this "business" more than what you
paid intially as training/deposit and I'll take back my words. This
does not make sense to any legitimate business - the logistics of
such a business.

And while on this topic I would request the MTIndia community to
refrain from attempting to post these ads in our classifieds, forum
etc, even if you want to pay for it. I am getting over 10 posts a
day since the last four months and it is a waste of time at both
our ends. We don't believe in this and we will not allow such to be
posted.

Regards,

Amit C.
www.MTIndia.org
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Nitin Singhal <nitin_s16@...>
Subject: Good days are here again?

Dear Amit and Friends,

One's name is Nitin Singhal. After a long search for an "Authentic
Effort" on "Developing a Platform for Professionals", one is quite
motivated to be a part of MTIDers. One is working for Ch'ien Vision
Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. (CVSIPL)as Promoter Director.

We currently assist some Enterprises from Far East Asia (Mainly
China), Belgium, Italy, Turkey and U.A.E to set up their operations
in India (mostly related to market research, devising/suggesting
entry strategy, locating/qualifying channel partners, opening
offices, hiring personnel, facilitating induction training and
finally providing external support as Functional Auditors). All the
above vide the Network of Professionals specializing in different
facets of business model.

Off late, we have been associated with some ITES who had
contributed in automating business processes for our clientele. Our
associates have been quite upbeat about the "BPO Boom" and some are
doing well and some have burnt their fingers in over rush.

One is looking for some answers from this platform so as to learn
more and implement better, the thought process driving this
business model. At one hand we have very huge and organized players
who outsource to giants in the field and/or set up their 100%
subsidiary in India.  At the other hand we have equally huge, very
unorganized & secretive segment/players, who pitch business
opportunities to one and all. In this segment there is low or no
transparency as to from where the work is actually being offloaded,
the call centers who aren't performing bow down to the pressures,
invest upfront facilitation money and start the work without much
clarity of where they are headed. Can the co-mtiders throw some
light on why there is no structured approach to the whole business.

This is also going unchecked and promises similar dreams that dot
com had promised.

We can't afford to have another burst due to vested interests of
few. The result will be that we would loose the faith of the
serious investors from old economy and our competitors in other
countries will get benefited.

One applauds the efforts of the moderator and all the fellow
participants for their sincere approach on such a critical juncture
of the most promising industry of our nation. Also there is
definitely a silver lining in form of good and genuine projects
finding their way to India. The industry by its nature is
graduating at a fast pace and soon we will see some real action at
grass root level.

Hope to hear from all soon..
Best regards,

Nitin Singhal
J.U.I.C.E.....
Join Us In Creating Excitement !!!!
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Rina Vivekanandan <rinavivek@...>
Subject: CMT Exam

Hello!

I plan to write my CMT exam in June 2003. Please confirm the
formalities and introduce me to other people who have done this
exam.

Thanks
Rina
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========BILLBOARD============

From: V. Subhash <vsubhash@...>
Subject: Freeware transcription software

Dear Sirs,

I had created a freeware software called Subhash VCDPlayer, which
is actually a full-fledged media player. The reason why I am
pitching it to you is that, apart from playing audio and video
files, it has numerous features that make it an ideal transcription
aid. The software is wholly free and does not require any
registration, gifts, or postcards.

Download link: http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?12500000037994
Info url is at: http://www.geocities.com/vsubhash2000/downloads.htm

The following are features that will appeal to a transcriptionist.
1. Some functions keys can be mapped to some commands in the
program so that these are available inside other programs or when
the program is minimized. (F7 - Previous, F8 - Next, F9 -
Play/Pause, F10 - Skip Backward, F11 - Skip backward).
2. Users can create a custom restart lag for resume operations.
3. Can be made to stay on top of all other windows.
4. Playback speed can be increased or decreased in 10% decrements
or increments from 10% to 220% of original playback speed.
5. Does not show up on the taskbar and is accessible from a system
tray icon.
6. The program plays both audio and video files in a single window.
So, people who do video transcription need not use a separate
software.
7. Ideal for transcriptionists who consider them more as keyboard
warriors rather than as mousemen.

The program was originally meant to play VCDs or Video CDs (which
are actually movies on CDs). The program was extended to be a
full-fledged media player and combines some useful features found
in IrfanView (file browsing), CyberLink PowerPlayer (keyboard
shortcuts and still-image capture) and Winamp (system tray icon
capabilities) with some unique features of its own.

The program, in its second version, has been getting 100 downloads
per day on Winsite.com. Typing "subhash vcdplayer" in the address
bar of your internet browser will provide you with links to the
software.

Thank you and bye,

V. Subhash
6, Devi Street, Elango Nagar,
Ambattur, Madras 600053
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Many are taught, few are educated.*

============================================
Published by:
MT India                                     www.MTIndia.org

Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                   amit@...

..................................................
Nov 16, 2002         Digest #091
..................................................

Job Center: FREE SERVICE for Job Seekers!

The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=Sohonet and others=-

    ~Rhona P.A. Pereira
"Is this a trustworthy organisation?"

    ~Jayant
"I know 50 people who are cheated by Sohonet"

    ~Vall
"DHS Infosystems, in Mumbai"

-=Save the ITES industry!=-

    ~Sibtain Zaheer
"the basic problems with which India is inflicted may cause a
setback to the industry"

-=Call Centers!=-

    ~Sunaina
"If you thought call centers are fun - think again!"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Bipin Sharma
"HeartlandDelhi  woes!"

*****************************************************************
ADVERTISEMENT
-------------------------------------
1) Looking for long term service providers
-------------------------------------

We are looking for long term service providers for our MT business.
Companies residing in Delhi and NCR , email us your profile.

ONLY MTIndia.org Corporate members need apply.

Pradip
mail to: redirect@...

------------------------------
2) Focus Infosys, Bangalore
------------------------------

a) Project leader - MT training (1)
Minimum 2 years in MT profession + prior experience in MT training.
Preferably below 35 years.

b) Team Leader for MT profession (5)
1 year as MT + 1 year as PR + prior experience as a team leader.
Capable of motivating the team and meet the client requirements of
quality and quantity along with TAT.

c) Proofers/editors (15)
Capable of delivering 1100 lines with client-deliverable accuracy
and at least 95% of the work sent directly to the client without
any further intervention required.

d) Executive Medical Transcriptionists (50)
Capable of delivering 800 lines with client-deliverable accuracy
and at least 90% of the work sent directly to the client without
any further intervention required.

mail to : recruit@...
For further details and other job opportunities, please visit
www.focusmt.com

=============NEW===============

From: Rhona P.A. Pereira rhonapap@...
Subject: Sohonetindia

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

Recently, here was an advt. in the newspaper for
www.sohonetindia.com
for transcription work from home.

Is this a trustworthy organisation? Does anyone know?

Yours sincerely,

Rhona P.A. Pereira
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Rhona,

I suggest you read the answers given by Jayant below.

Amit

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Jayant <cbrwld_jal@...>
Subject: Sohonetindia

Dear Amit,

This refers to our email communication regarding Sohonetindia.

1. Your professional background

I have worked in FMCG Company for 17 years in the upper management
level. Now since last 3 years I am in the field of computer
training for kids of age (4 to 14 ) at Jalgaon. We provide the
latest computer education pertaining the multimedia &

Web designing to prepare kids for facing the challenges of
tomorrow.

2. What made you take this decision of partnering with Sohonetindia
(brief promises, assurances, proposal forwarded to you by them to
help you take a decision).

I saw the advertisement of Sohonetindia in Times of India nearly
1.5 years back (March 2001 to be precise).I responded them by
sending a DD of Rs.500 & requested for offering me the work at home
jobs like Data conversion, Portal Support, Medical Transcription
etc.

I received a Project Plan from Sohonetindia about their activities
regarding home employment with a data sheet form. Sohonetindia is
the group unit of ORBIT INFOCOM LIMITED. This project plan carries
photographs of the Managing Director Mr.S.G.P.Raj, with eminent
political personalities, Government letters to Orbit Infocom for
computerisation of State Acts etc.

I filled up the Data sheet form & selected the option of becoming
co-ordinator. The condition for becoming the co-ordinator is to
make 50 RBA's (Resident Business Associates) or members who will
pay Rs.500 each to Sohonetindia.

3. Your obligations to the contract.

Sohonet India assured me that if I make 50 members, they will send
the bulk work to me as a coordinator which I have to get it done
through the RBA's. According to that, I took the sincere efforts by
preparing the presentations, showing the web sites to the members &
made 50 members who paid Rs.500 X 50 = Rs.25, 000 to Sohonet India.

I have records of the members still with me with the DD Nos. drawn
in favor of Sohonet India.

4. Any disputes from either sides on quality of work, delivery of
work (both from sohonetindia and yours)any other grey area which
wasn't mentioned in the contract and was communicated to you later.

The Data conversion work was never given to any of the members in
our area. All the time the web site posted the message that till
the time Data conversion work is made available, the members can
take up QBANK survey work.(Immediate revenue opportunity)

This is another example of fooling people. When I opted for this
work, I was told that Sohonet would send 500-survey form, which I
have to fill it up & then with the help of software (to be given
free form Sohonet) the information in survey form needs to be
digitised.

I received only 229 forms instead of 500.

When followed up for rest of the form, there was no response for
one month.

Subsequently the web announcement was that RBA's should print the
forms on their own & Sohonetindia will compensate the expenditure.

Naturally, I did not get any further because of earlier ill
experience. The 229 forms are still lying with me duly filled.

Again there was announcement saying that unless 700 forms are
filled up , one should not ask for software.

This reveals the changing strategies & inconsistency.

5. How was the handling of the grievance from Sohonetindia. In your
opinion: What should they/ or any other company outsourcing work,
improve on to ensure better satisfaction of the franchisee.

First of all , Sohonet has never made any person accountable where
we can address the communication. The communication email ID was
info@... .But there were never any responses to the
queries asked unless stressed for minimum 5 to 6 times. The replies
were never to the point.

Only the work assurances were given but no physical work was given
any time to any of the RBAs I know. However the web site posted
photographs of happy people from Banglore, Mumbai without any
reference email Ids for cross checking.

Meanwhile when I took up strongly with Mr.S.G. P. Raj of Orbit
Infocom, he said he will come back & subsequently he never came
back.

Suddenly, my access to the web site was denied for the reason that
"As a co-ordinator I have not made 50 RBAs & hence the access is
denied" Luckily in one of the Sohonet Communication, they had
informed me that since I have given 50 RBAs, they have appointed me
as Co-Ordinator. When I gave this reference to them. they allowed
me to access the web site.

Meanwhile the data conversion work issue had crossed my
registration number & I had to wait for the next cycle for getting
the work.

I do not know if anyone has really received the work from them.
Around June 2002, they started online query replies. When I
communicated with them through online queries, they insisted for
waiting till the time my registration number is scheduled for
issuing the work.

Till date I have not received any work after waiting for 1.5 years.

6. Did you loose money with them?

Yes, Sohonet had promised to return the Rs.500 if I give them 10
members. But even after giving 50 members, Rs.500 was never
returned to me. However I was sent a small gift of a clock mounted
on a CD.

I feel sorry for the 50 people who paid Rs.500 to Sohonet because
of my counseling Hence collectively 51 people of Jalgaon lost
Rs.25, 500 because of Sohonet India.

7. What made you quit the partnership / franchisee of Sohonetindia.

Sohonet India team does not act as per their commitments. They keep
on changing the promises, schemes for their own benefit. Hence
there is no point in wasting time, efforts & money.

Meanwhile the joining fees were raised from Rs.500 to Rs.6000.So in
order to get the work I am now supposed to pay the difference
amount of Rs.5500.

Taking into account the earlier experience, I can not even think of
paying this amount to Sohonet India.

8. Why will you not recommend anyone to work with them.

Four reasons;

- I know 50 people who are cheated by Sohonet.
- There is no Quality working & honoring of commitments.
- There is no consistency in any of their approaches.
- Lack of long term vision.

PS: Some days ago, there was advertisement of Sohonetindia in the
leading newspaper Times of India on the first page for inviting
people for dealership.

MAY GOD SAVE THOSE POOR SOULS WHO RESPOND.

Jayant
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Vall <vall1@...>
Subject: Clarification regarding homebased org

Hi all!

I'm thinking of starting home-based transcription and got myself in
touch with an organization, DHS Infosystems, in Mumbai.  Just want
to know more about the organization in terms of payment schedules
and promising work returns.  Thank you.

Vall
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Sibtain Zaheer <sz786@...>
Subject: Save the ITES industry !

Hello ITenablers,

ITES sector has seen a phenomenal growth and has opened up
tremendous career opportunities for the educated indian youth and
business opportunites for the business houses and new economy
companies. However, the call center industry is saddled with lot of
misconceptions & hype.

The same happened with Dot Com and Medical Transcription boom
earlier. Everyone from the business giants to the local grocery
store man was running for a slice. Fancy job profiles and fat pay
packets were all for grabs. But it was shortlived and the shakeout
happened and everything went off in the air.

Since last 2 years, India is successful in diverting lot of call
centre & BPO traffic from traditional strongholds of US, UK,
Australia, Philipines etc. but the basic problems with which India
is inflicted may cause a setback to the industry.

In this direction (to avoid the ITES bubble from bursting),
ITenablers is doing a comprehensive research on the issues that may
cause serious setback to the industry.

In my personal opinion, the following factors may go against the
ITES industry !

1. Babu-dom : NASSCOM has urged the Indian Department of Telecoms
to review licensing procedures in order to remove 'procedural
bottlenecks' - it seems that "The licensing conditions for call
centres are being compared to countries such as the Philippines,"
said Kiran Karnik, President of NASSCOM. "India ranks above the
Philippines in terms of manpower availability. However, telecom
links and licensing requirements for call centres can be a
stumbling block for proposed investment in India."

Approval for setting up call centres should not be customer-
specific because each time an outsourcing call centre wins
a new client it is required to approach the Department of Telecoms
for approval to connect. Instead the licence for connectivity
should be specific to a place of presence, or installed capacity at
the place of termination.

2. English language skills : While English is extensively used in
India, it is an acquired language, which we learn in the classroom.
So, we tend to use the phonetic patterns of our mother tongue or
regional language when we speak English. The English spoken by
Indians is a very heavy dialect and on top of that the regional
accent like south indian, punjabi, bengali etc.

3. Unreliable Electricity infrastructure :  4-5 blacouts in a day
is common in metros like delhi etc.

4. Unprofessional management: Add to this a  lack of a ITES
Industry and very few people with ITES experience which
makes it very hard to recruit ITES professionals with a
proven track record.

Your views are very important and all the members are requested to
raise any major or minor point to save the IT enabled services
industry.

Regards

Sibtain Zaheer
Moderator
IT enablers <itenablers@yahoogroups.com>
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Sunaina Chakraborty <gentlegem2001@...>
Subject: Call Centers

Hi all,

These are actually what you receive at call centers. It might not
be funny at 3 am:(
--------------------------------------
To: Samsung Electronics

Caller: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?".
Operator: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking
about".
Caller: "On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states
that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and
telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for
Jack?".
Operator: "I think you mean the telephone point on the wall".

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in
France):

"If I register my car in France, do I have to change the steering
wheel to the other side of the car?".  (What about the pedals???)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Directory Enquiries

Caller: "I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff,
please".
Operator: "I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling
correct?".
Caller: "Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the
B'fell off".

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in
Woven.
Operator: "Woven? Are you sure?".
Caller: "Yes. That's what it says on the label - Woven in
Scotland".

-------------------------------------------------------------------

On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a
phone box told a worried operator: "I haven't got a pen, so I'm
steaming up the window to write the number on".

Computer Capers
Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop".
Customer: "OK".
Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?".
Customer: "No".
Tech Support: "OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"
Customer: "No".
Tech Support: "OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until
this point?".
Customer: "Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'".
Tech Support: "OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can
you see the 'OK' button displayed?"
Customer: "Wow. How can you see my screen from there?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller: "I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just
realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks
will I have my file back again?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------

British Rail
Customer: "How much does it cost to Bath on the train?".
Operator: "If you can get your feet in the sink, then it's free".

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Customer: "I've been ringing 0700 2300 for two days and can't get
through to enquiries, can you help?".
Operator: "Where did you get that number from, sir?".
Customer: "It was on the door to the Travel Centre".
Operator: "Sir, they are our opening hours".

------------------------------------------------------------------

Sleep well:)

Sunaina Chakraborty
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Bipin Sharma <gentlegem2001@...>
Subject: Future of MT

Hi all,

I want to know if anyone's there from HeartlandDelhi. I have worked
there for 3 years and my woes and worries are very much similar to
that of my friends.

I also want to know if there is someone who is doing online
transcription.

Please do contact me or mail me.

Bipin Sharma
HeartlandDelhi
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*We learn from history that we do not learn from history.*

============================================
Published by:
MT India                                     www.MTIndia.org

Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                   amit@...

..................................................
Nov 10, 2002         Digest #090
..................................................

Job Center: FREE SERVICE for Job Seekers!

The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
http://www.mtindia.org/JobCenter/default.cfm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=RFP! In a lighter vein:)=-

    ~Amit C.
"back up plans in case of earth quake, flood, war etc)?"

-=Prosecution by MTIndia!!=-

    ~ProfMedicalTrans
"Why are we so heavily prosecuted by MTIndia.org?"

    ~Elaine
"How long have you been running a business, PMT?"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Cbay=-

    ~Troy Mathew
"C'Bay were not prompt in providing the work, and I really spoiled
my career there for 2 years"

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Kishore JS
"Anger is a form of hidden love"

*****************************************************************
ADVERTISEMENT
-----------------------------
Wanted experienced Editors
-----------------------------

Speech2Text Medical Solutions Pvt Ltd is a USA based Company. We
have hospitals, clinics and Doctor's Offices on our contract and
assured of regular work flow. With the recent signing of Contract
with another group of hospitals we are poised for steep growth and
we are looking for experienced Editors who would like to grow with
the Company at Bangalore.

Contact: sundar@...
Phone: 080-2351872

=============NEW===============

Hi MTIDers,

Back in 1998, before MTIndia took off, there used to be a site
dedicated to posting solicitations from offshore companies.
Unfortunately the site owners got bored of the whole game, because
I am sure there is enough ammo floating around even today. On the
flip side, we generally don't tout some of the queries that come
from the US. Well, here's breaking tradition then:)
---------------------------
Dear MT Company,

My name is Chung Hu. I am interested in starting a MT company here
in the US. I would like to find a Transcription company in India
where I can contract out local jobs. I have came across your
company's information through MTIndia.org. The information listed
is very impressive, but I have a few more questions regarding your
services that I hope you could share with me.

Where are you located?
How many years of experience does your company have?
What are your working/production hours?
What is the current capacity?
Can you meet higher demands? If so, how many more lines/month?
What software do you use for transcription?
Will I be able to provide feedback to the MT in order to improve on
the quality of the reports?
How are your MT's trained?
What are the experience levels of the MT's?
What are the work environments of the MT's?
Do you have a preference on the type of medical transcription?
What is the typical turn around time?
What is the Accuracy of the Transcription?
How much do you charge per line?
Do you provide a trial period for the clients?
What type of Internet connection do you provide for voice file
download?
What is your connection bandwidth?
Please tell me more about measures that you have taken to provide
patient confidentiality and security (Encryptions,
physical/software server security, work station security, etc).
Do you have back up plans in case of a major disaster (for example,
lost of power, earth quake, flood, war etc)?

I apologize for the lengthy questions, but I really would like to
learn more about your operations. Please don't hesitate to contact
me.

Best wishes,

Chung Hu
oilfighter@...

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Chung,

It is nice to see that you have done extensive research on the
web even before venturing to start your own MT Company. It is truly
demonstrative of the US spirit of doing business.

I am confident that our corporate members will be able to give you
satisfactory contingency plans on mundane matters like earth
quakes, floods, wars etc.

I would however like to make you privy to the latest in security
measures taken by the powers that be especially in MT units
employing over 500 people. The air conditioning vents have now
been fitted with gas dispensers, which will spring to action the
moment the managers can identify >10 unidentified/masked men/women
barge in with suspicous looking packages strapped onto
their bodies. These gases are safe mixtures routinely used to
induce general anaesthesia. Unconfirmed reports say that there
are traces of nerve agents added, which cause instantaneous
motor paralysis such that in no event shall private medical
records fall into wrong hands.

The scientists however could not reach a consensus, as to when
MTs who had been exposed to such agents would be fit enough to
transcribe again. But as it goes "ours not to reason why, ours
but to do or..."

I hope with this latest insight into Indian MT Companies security
policies you have a good nights sleep!

At your service, as always!

Amit C.
---------------------------------------

Ok friends, here is another one...
---------------------------------------

Company Name          : Advanced Medical Transcribing
Contact Person   : Dr. Edmound Pasimio
Address   : 801 S Charleston
City   : Las Vegas
State   : NV
ZipCode   : 89106
Country   : USA
Phone   : 7025551212
Email   : AdvancedMedtrans@...

Dear Sir:

We are currently looking to establish a working relationship with a
select few medical transcribing companies in India.

I am confident by considering this proposal we can effectively
reduce down you overhead and by doing so increase your net profits.

Please do not call at this point, I have worked with some companies
before and was swamped with calls.  Would like the option to
qualify prospects. Thank You for your understanding.

Dr. Edward Pasimio, M.D.
--------------------------------
And here is the response from one of our corporate members:)....
-------------------------------

Hi Amit..and dear all those who respond..

Lets not debase ourselves and entertain such requests.

I do not understand why we entertain such folks. They do not have
the courtesy to provide the right information and expect companies
from India to sell their souls to these unscrupulous so called
docs..

The number listed below for your information, is 555 1212, any
simpleton knows that this is a tel enquiry listing phone
number..for the local areas.

Lets please entertain only serious folks and not just people who
are fishing for information..and have the audacity to mention that
they are swarmed with calls..maybe this "doctor" works at the
telephone company???.
----------------------------
I am reserving a few of these howlers for next time:)

Cheers,

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: ProfMedicalTrans <ProfMedicalTrans@...>
Subject: In response to ProfMedicalTrans

Esteemed: Major Amit Chatterjee:

Why are we so heavily prosecuted by MTIndia.org?  Does not every
coin have two sides?

It was once said by a not so famous American poet that greed is the
enemy of reason in man. So is the case of the wrongful claims of
the accusers presented against myself and the company I am
associated with. I am writing to you in response to these
accusations within the forum by which they were levied so that the
truth may prevail. I submit for your review and consideration and
the members of the transcription industry of India words and
actions filled with deceit and lies by individuals of a select few,
possibly many more. Yes, it is true we have legitimate disputes
with one or two companies but we are a very large corporation
dealing with many companies.

As a medical transcription company in the USA, I placed my trust,
financial resources, time, reputation on the line with out-sourcing
companies in India to provide medical transcription services,
companies which promised Quality, Accuracy TAT like many other
companies in my position have and continue to do so. In fact in
time, this was not the case with the ones that cried the loudest
with their comments against us.  These where the companies
proclaiming in writing 99% accuracy and 24 turn around times but
returned work well below these levels. We placed our trust and
pronounced our loyalty only to be misled.   I have grown to learn
first hand this is not an isolated case. are my words of truth or
lies.  It is a fact that many out-sourcing companies in your
country make false claims intentionally and I believe in some case
unintentionally to try very hard to get up to standards to keep a
lucrative business relationship that can make the difference of
staying in business or failing. Allow me to explain what happens to
US companies when work that was promised is not delivered,
contracts are lost, amounts representing sums in some case
exceeding $100,000.00 US dollars or more. In addition, most
importantly, one's reputation. Customers become disgruntle and
"begin to slow pay" and than dispute their bill and stop paying all
together.  In particular of one company's service, the work was so
bad it was quoted by one doctor in the US of Indian decent as" it
looks like a school child did the work" When a company claims on
thing to their product and deliveries something very different in
America this is called fraud, what is it called in your country?
What recourse do we have? How do we go back to that company and say
please give us the value of the contracts lost due to your
deficiencies, false promises and excuses?  Do you believe that this
has not happened before to MANY US companies as well? We continue
to have business relationships with several companies in India from
the time of our inception, with no payments in arranges, ones that
delivered what was promised.

The truth of the situation is of equal disappointment in terms of
not only dollars but also trust and the harsh reality that some
companies just should not be in the transcribing industry at all.
There is a flaw in the system between US based transcribing
companies and India based out-sourcing companies of which continues
to this day expand in a most regrettable way.

ProfMedicalTrans

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear ProfMedicalTrans,

We are a neutral media and stick to facts. Your methods of doing
business are unprofessional, to say the least. The fact of the case
is that you were doing business without a signed contract, and you
are taking advantage of this to raise ambiguous issues which have
got nothing to do with the contended dispute regarding non-payment
for services rendered.

Also, I suggest you refer to your lawyers about what is fraud as
per US laws.

The case is subjudice, and our only interest is in seeing justice
done.

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Strategist/Founder ~ mailto:MTIndia@...
MT India ~ http://mtindia.org

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Elaine < docsmt@... >
Subject  : Business Owner Responsibility

How long have you been running a business, PMT?

It is your responsibility as the BO to test the company, check
references and maintain quality assurance and to do so on an
ongoing basis. If the subcontractor doesn't meet standards or
consistently fails to meet the standards, it's your repsonsibility
to cut them loose or renegotiate the contract.

There is also a saying here in America: "Let the buyer beware."
Anyone who trusts promises and takes them at face value is a fool.
I don't care where my contractors and subcontractors are located --
I check their work because the client only knows who I am.

I'd be embarrassed to admit to the poor business practices you've
detailed in this letter.

Elaine
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Troy Mathew <troysuni@...>
Subject: C'Bay

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

This is in response to Sanal Kumar's enquiry about C'Bay Systems.

I got trained from one of the C'Bay's center in Trivandrum, Kerala.
The training was fantastic, but they were not prompt in providing
the work, and I really spoiled my career there for 2 years, because
we were having a bond.  Now, I am working with Alpha Systems,
coimbatore for the last one year with real job satisfaction and
good money.

One thing, the training they gave us made me capable to get the job
at 4 companies, including Alpha Systems, which I ultimately chose
for work.

I know 2 other friends who were working at different centers of
C'Bay and now working with me.  They also had the same experience.

So please think about it,

With Love

Troy Mathew

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Kishore <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Future of MT

Dear Amit,

This is to all depressed MTs:

Usually people who give the brickbats, in any industry, are bad for
people when actually they are those who love them. Anger is a form
of hidden love. You understand this and see where you land up in
your company. You may not be promoted. You will definitely get at
least a part of what you deserved.

Any company provides service and it does not matter to the owner/s
of the company from whom in the company the work gets done until it
is getting done. So if you have contributed, be loud and clear to
speak what you have contributed (even if the manager gets angry at
you initially and thinks that you think that he has not cared for
you). Then go home and sleep. Probably the very next day or after a
few days you will see the reverse swing.

Kishore JS
MT
HeartlandBangalore

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*We learn from history that we do not learn from history.*

============================================
Published by:
MT India                                     www.MTIndia.org

Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                   amit@...

..................................................
Oct 26, 2002         Digest #089
..................................................

Job Center Upgrade: FREE for Job Seekers!

MTIndia resume builder has been designed to protect the privacy and
security of job seekers' personal information. You can choose the
level of confidentiality that best suits you.

- Active Non Confidential Resume - Allows recruiters and employers
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The Job Section in the Classifieds has been taken down. Please use
the Job Center:
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Thanks and regards,

Amit C.
www.mtindia.org

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=Cbay & Others!=-

   ~Sanal Kumar
"not prompt in providing business as well as payments"

    ~Paras Parekh
"there is no sort of sum to be deposited (like the one AMA
Transam scam!!)"

-=Distance Education for MT=-

    ~Kishore
"Alagappa university in Tamil Nadu is offering the above one course
post graduate diploma'

    ~Susan Thomas
"online course of medical transcription from Career Step, LLC, USA"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Sudip Bohidar
"in Hyderabad, most of the companies require MTs"

    ~David. Raj Minz
"Believe me there is no other place like Healthscribe in this
business in India."

    ~Shane Rebello
"I am a trained MT but with no practical work experience as the
company closed"

    ~Roushan Ali
"Which cities have better prospects for MT business"

-=HIPAA =-

    ~Derrick Smith
"I have heard that it is a violation to use medical transcription
services outside the USA."

========== BILLBOARD =============

-=Conman?=-

    ~Kishore Ganguly

=============NEW===============

From: oyster infocom <oysterinfocom@...>
Subject: CBay's deliverables and credibility

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

We are engaged in MT business at Bangalore.  Recently I approached
CBay systems for job.  They offered me 50000 lines per day. They
told that they charging 12 lakhs for consultation charge.

I would like to know about Cbay.  Are they prompt in providing
business as well as payments.  One of my friends told me that they
are not prompt in both cases.  So I thought it better to enquire
before signing up.

I request an early reply for my above query.

Thanking you,

Sanal Kumar
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: <paras_parekh@...>
Subject: Info about a company in Florida

Hi Amit and all!

I am a member of MTIndia and into MT industry since 3 years. I am
based at Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

Currently, I have started home based work as an IC. I wanted some
help in confirming the credibility of a US company.

Company Details: The backsuite corporation, 6515 Grazing lane,
Odessa, FL 33556. Tel. (813) 926-9588. Their website claims they
are into transcription business since 14 years.

They did answer to my query regarding work from home and sent me
three audios as test files. Upon submission of the transcribed
versions, I heard from them that I have been selected by them to
work as an IC.

Furthermore, their email stated that initially they would be giving
me say 100 lpd, 5 days a week and work would increase gradually
depending on the quality of my work. Regarding payment, they would
be grading my files in 3 grades--- A, B, and C and I would be
receiving payment according to the grade, viz 90paise, 70 paise,
and 50 paise per 65 character line.

What baffles me is that if this is a company based in the USA, how
can they offer me a check from their Tampa, FL office in Indian
rates? Also, their website does not list anything in connection to
Indian operations like indian office, etc.

Of course, there is no sort of sum to be deposited (like the one
AMA Transam!!) and hence there apparently does not seem any risk
involved.

Kindly let me know what is your opinion in this regard.

I have to email them now if I am in accordance with their terms and
then they would in turn email me additional details that would
include their grading procedure, etc.

Thanks,

Paras
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Kishore <cpkishore@...>
Subject: Medcial Transcription through distance education

Dear Amit,

It is well know that MTIndia is doing good services for MTs in
India.

I am graduate and diploma in pharmacy and do medical transcription
through distance education.

The Alagappa university in Tamil Nadu is offering the above one
course post graduate diploma through distance eduation.

My question if I do the above course the same university it is
recognised and also if I do through distance education the industry
will accept it or not.

Your early reply is highly appreciated.

Thanks.

Kishore
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Susan Thomas <susyohannan@...>
Subject: Job for medical transcription

Dear MTIDers,

I have done my online course of medical transcription from Career
Step, LLC, USA under Utah post secondary education act.

Please help me in finding out a job in Medical Transcription.

Thanks,

Susan Thomas
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear MTIDers,

Sanal:  The only way to check credibility of a company is to ask
for past references. Almost all CBay production partners are on
this list, I request them to come forward to give you the true
picture. Also, why don't you talk to some vendor's in Bangalore
itself?

Paras:  Though you might not have to pay upfront - will you be ever
paid for the work you do? You need to get some assurance on this. I
guess you are not intending to work as a charity.:)

About distance education in MT, I am frankly quite sceptical.  In
fact I can't identify a proper training institution in the country
which is today churning out good MTs.  US courses are structured
for Americans - not Indians.  Also I cannot see universities
contributing in any way unless they start partnering with the MT
Industry to understand training requirements.  Presently the better
training options are MT companies training for inhouse absorption.
Maybe we will see some changes in this direction soon.

Regards,

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Sudip Bohidar <sudip_sandeep@...>
Subject: Re: Future of MT

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

The reply that you have given to Ms. Claire is very encouraging for
me. I have taken this course in 2000. Currently, I am working in a
company in Hyderabad. What Ms. Claire is saying is true about
closing of company. Companies are closing down in Orissa, from
where I have come. But, as you recommend, she should try and go to
other cities. Here also in Hyderabad, most of the companies require
MTs. Everday there are vacancy news in paper. But as she is staying
in Goa, so it will be suitable for her to try in either Maharashtra
or Gujrat.

One thing I want to be very clear is that of voice recognition or
speech recognition. If you could please help me in this regard in
detail, it would be very nice of you. Waiting for your reply.

Sudip
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Sudip,

Sound is processed in the auditory cortex, right above your ear.
The memory of sound is stored in the auditory association area,
which occupies most of the sides of your head. It's here that words
and sounds are stored. (Just read on....this gets interesting!)

Strategically located where auditory association meets visual
association is Wernicke's area, the spot where objects are named.
When you hear of a patient with "polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia",
with hyperglycemia, and the doctor mumbles s/l **di....
..ourpathy**, it's Wernicke that whispers, "Diabetic Neuropathy,
stupid." Wernicke is the king of nouns.

At the other end of auditory association lies Broca's area, a
powerful extension of auditory association into the motor
association cortex. The motor association the is the center of all
physical action and Broca's area the center of action words.
Broca energetically generates verbs, enthusiastically constructs
sentences, and anxiously anticipates what others are about to say.
Vision and "vision words" happen at the back of the skull, action
and action words happen at the front, in Broca's area, right next
to the prefrontal cortex. The ear is right in the middle, the key
to everything.

An electronic ear, or a microphone as some nerds call it, can
never ever be as sensitive as a human ear. Whatever be the
speed of software development, WERNICKE AND BROCA
areas are unlikely to be electronically replaced in this century!

The human MT is here to stay for some time:)

I do not blame you for your fears, I had the same reservations
before I had really entered this field! I will quote a friend:

"As a practicing radiologist, I and my colleagues have seriously
studied the options. MedSpeak, IBM ViaVoice, and Dragon Systems
Naturally Speaking are the major packages. I personally own
ViaVoice and Dragon. They are pretty good, reaching up to 95-98%
accuracy at normal speaking speeds, but that 2% error rate kills
you! In practice, I am slamming out my dictations way too fast for
the system to work, and the American transcriptionist, even though
she (mostly females) makes more than the Indian, she makes a lot
less than the American physician, so her time spent transcribing is
less expensive to the group than my time spent meticulously
correcting the small errors the speech recognition systems make.
Also, I can use "meta-language" like "Start with a normal standard
CT Chest and add that there is a 2cm nodule in the lateral segment
of the middle lobe." and she will produce the whole report
properly. Or, "go back to where I said left subclavian and change
it to right" and she figures it out. The key to making Indian
transcription work is to make it thoroughly responsive. The
American transcriptionist does a lot of "back-office" work in
addition to just turning speech into text. Sometimes the charge
codes are wrong. They take care of all that for me, so I can just
interpret scans at full speed. They format and deliver the work.
They call me if they don't understand a word, or if a transcription
gets cut off. A good American agent, and tight telecommunications
is key. BTW The Indian grammer and word choice is sometimes very
strange to the American ear. Watch lots of American TV! Contact
Address: Chris Woodhouse, MD, MSEE Staff Radiologist, Baptist
Health Systems of Florida Research Associate, Mount Sinai Hospital
of Miami Beach, 1324 Euclid Avenue, Suite 6, Miami Beach, FL 33139"

Regards,

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: "David Raj Minz" <davidminz@...>
Subject: Claire Rocha Melo

Dear Amit,

This is in response to Claire Rocha Melo's letter where she has
given you the full details of the trouble that she has gone
through to become an MT and you have likewise advised her.  I also
think it is a good idea for her to migrate to a different city if
she wants to get into transcription. I myself am from a small place
like Bhubaneswar and I have gone through the same problems that she
has faced. I migrated to Bangalore and now I am working with
Healthscribe, which I think is the only company in India which
sends files directly from the MT after the MT has met a certain
accuracy criteria.

As far as getting adequate training is concerned, one cannot say if
it is good or bad till you move out to a different company and
start work.  The best part about Healthscribe is that when you join
you join in training. So even if you have gone through training in
some company, here you again go through it so that you can cope
with the kind of work that Healthscribe does.  Believe me there is
no other place like Healthscribe in this business in India.

Regards

David Raj Minz

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

<Believe me there is no other place like Healthscribe in this
business in India.>

Hmmmmm.......

I really don't need to comment on this one - do I? ;)

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Shane Rebello <janinerebello@...>
Subject: Future of MT

Dear Amit,

Many thanks for your newsletter dated October 4, 2002. It was
indeed, highly informative and thought provoking!

Can you help me, please?  I am a trained MT but with no practical
work experience as the company that employed me closed down due to
financial litigation, immediately after my nine months of MT
training course was completed. Currently, there are no MT companies
stationed in Goa.

I would be very grateful to you or anyone on on this list if you
can offer me any information or suggestions that could help me in
pursuing a career in MT.

Thanking you, for all your help in advance.

Sincerely,

Shane
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Roushan Ali <roushanali02@...>
Subject: Which cities have better prospects for MT business

Dear Sir,

Peace be upon you. May you be successful in your mission.
I am related to MT industry for almost 2 years, but I with my some
friends are interested to open an MT training institute with the
production house. Can you give me the name of some Cities which are
lacking in this field but do have great prospects for MT business,
except Kolkata, Bombay, Delhi, and Chennai. I will be grateful to
you.

Thanking you,

Roushan Ali
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: <ProfMedicalTrans@...>
Subject: Question/HIPAA/INDIA

Hi Amit & all in India!

Under HIPAA, will US medical facilities who desire to maintain
their transcription services in India be in compliance.  I have
heard that it is a violation to use medical transcription services
outside the USA. Any comments or input to this question?

Derrick Smith
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Dear Derrick,

Under HIPAA, A medical transcription service provider would be
classified under the definition of a Business Associate.

Civil and criminal penalties can be imposed for non-compliance with
HIPAA. The imposition of these penalties are against Covered
Entities (e.g. healthcare provider) but not directed directly
against Business Associates (e.g. medical transcription service
organization).

US Healthcare providers should ask their transcription company
about their privacy and security regulations and ensure that they
are contractually obligated to comply with these regulations.

MTSOs must be able to support two requirements. Ensure the security
and confidentiality of the patient's Protected Health Information
(PHI) and maintain an audit trail of all individuals who have had
access to a PHI. This means that transcription service providers
must implement technology and business processes in their operation
to support these two key requirements.

These obligations remain the same, whether the transcription is
done within the US or outside its borders. Many nationals are using
the internet to deliver in the US - the same security protocols are
needed for a business based out of India. Under no circumstances,
can HIPAA be interpreted to read "it is a violation to use medical
transcription services outside the USA."

Regards,

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

========== BILLBOARD =============

From: Kishore Ramkumar Ganguly <kr_ganguly@...>
Subject: Re: Arti's article on conman...

Dear Maj Amit Chatterjee,

I must say you are doing an excellent job for MTIndia which serves
as a platform for people to exchange their opinions and
suggestions, thereby making people more aware about this profession
and letting them think in a wider perspective.

This is regarding the article by Arti(MTIndia Digest #87) on Apurva
Patel, Proprietor of Zenvision Infoworks, Mumbai. I totally endorse
Arti's views on Apurva Patel's crookedness. He has cheated many
people by making them as his associates, getting his work done, and
when his associates asked for the payment after some months, he
came up with stupid complaints like the accuracy is very poor, etc.
which he could not prove. Thus he had his work done free of cost!
He, along with one Harshad Dholakia (Proprietor of Compusys Systems
Ltd., Mumbai) and one Pankaj Mehta are into this dirty racket.
Moreover, Apurva & Co. have not returned the security deposit of
25, 000/- that they had taken from the MTs even after more than 1.5
years since completion of the one year contract. These people are
just fooling around with other people's money and careers.

I have got immense respect for this profession and it is very sad
to note that due to people like Apurva Patel, a honorable
profession like medical transcription has not really picked up in
India, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai, where there
are lots of highly skilled MTs who are leaving the MT field due to
frustration and disappointment of being cheated in some way or the
other.

I am sure that this is not an isolated case and there are many
Apurva Patels in India cheating thousands of MT aspirants, and I
request people to come forward and expose such unscrupulous people.
Unless and until such people are blacklisted, this industry will
not prosper in India.

Thank you for allowing me to present my case.

Regards,

Kishore Ganguly
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Sep 21, 2002         Digest #088
..................................................

Job Center Upgrade: FREE service for Job Seekers!

MTIndia resume builder has been designed to protect the privacy and
security of job seekers' personal information. You can choose the
level of confidentiality that best suits you.

-  Active Non Confidential Resume - Allows recruiters and employers
to view your contact information, as well as your resume.
- Active Confidential Resume - In this option, all of your contact
information will remain hidden. Employers can initially only
contact you through our secure email security system.
- Inactive Resume - This is stored in our database, but cannot be
viewed by employers. These resumes can be used to apply online for
positions that are posted on the site, or to receive job vacancies
that match your profile   through MTIndia.org periodic mails only.

With this the job section in the classifieds has been taken down!
Do give me a feedback, if you would like some additional features,
as we are trying to fix the model by coming Wednesday.

Thanks and regards,

Amit C.
www.mtindia.org

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=Future of MT=-

    ~Claire Rocha Melo
"people are afraid to step into this field again with fear of the
company closing down"

-=Payments from US=-

    ~Joe Johnson
"paid one cheque but it got returned"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Advertisements, promotions, jobs, dual employment and everything
else :)=-

    ~Stella Olson
"JUST PLAIN INFORMATION"

-=HIPAA =-

    ~Mustafa Bhatti
"I have encountered requests where the client did not want the work
to go offshore."

    ~Global Transcripts
"what does she know about MT and HIPPA, or as usual has she heard
it from someone"

=============NEW===============

From: clairerocha melo <clairerocha@...>
Subject: Future of MT

Dear Amit,

Thank you for your MT newsletter every month. I like to update
myself of this line which I had once taken up.

I should say that I was a Medical Transcriptionist for some time.
I underwent a so to be six months training in 2000 which was
extended to almost 9 months. After the training was over we were
promised a stipend of 3,500 for the first 3 months and then would
be confirmed thereafter.

But the boss was not able to pay us the required amount. This then
lead us 120 employees to fight back and thereafter to quit our jobs
hence remaining unemployed because there was no other MT company in
Goa. Our company was one of the 2 companies which opened in full
swing in Goa and then had to shut down throwing many unemployed.

There are many self motivated and skilled MT's out here. Many have
tried to get into home transcription but that too turned out to be
a failure.

On the other hand, not only in Goa but I heard that across the
state, many companies have closed down due to lack of funds to pay
the employees.

With the Voice Recognition Software coming up will Medical
Transcription last for long? I would like to know the benefits in
acquiring such a job and the career prospective in this current
situation.

One is left totally confused in life when such situations occur.
Where is one's future? I know this line is really rewarding but not
rewarding to the Goans who are unable to work in other places as
MT's.

Many people are afraid to step into this field again with fear of
the company closing down or unable to pay the salaries.

I know this letter won't be of help to you, but I would be glad if
you could advice me on this career and if possible be of assistance
in providing a helping hand in home transcription.

Awaiting your reply at the earliest.

Thanking you

Claire Rocha Melo

[MODERATOR COMMENT]
Dear Claire,

This has been talked of so many times, so I would try to be brief
and candid.

Whatever be the reason the company closed down, I have reservations
about the quality of training you received. I might be wrong, but
if your basic training was not upto the mark - your are still at
first
base.

There are ENOUGH job opportunities all over India in MT. Goa might
have one someday, but if you want to encash on the time and effort
already invested in - it would be advisable to temporarily migrate
to cities where MT units are thriving.

Home transcription is not an option at the entry level in India - I
doubt if it is viable even in the US today for newbies. Depending
on your basic skills it will take you 1-2 years working in a
standard company to come upto an acceptable level of accuracy.

If your skills are going to stay at entry level  i.e. about 90% by
about 2005, I strongly suspect software will be a strong
competitor!:) Just another clarification - speech recognition and
voice recognition are different things altogether. VR is not a
technology used in MT - MTSOs use that acronym to mean voluntary
retirement!

I hope this helps. Probably senior members on this list might be
able to give you better career guidance, and more specific to your
case. But believe me, there are good companies in both Maharashtra
and Gujrat who are doing well.

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Joseph Johnson <jjfi@...>
Subject: Help!!!!!

Dear Dr. Chatterjee,

Hi!  I am Joseph Johnson and I am an MT having six years of
experience in this particular field.  I would like to take few
suggestions from you.

Recently I have been working for an American Company.  I have
worked for them for 3 months and they owe me around 3000 dollers
and they have not paid up till now.  They had paid one cheque but
it got returned.  I have all the backup of the work I did for them,
their correspondence mails,  and a returned cheque.  Is there any
law through which I can sue them.

Can I do something to get my money back.  Please guide me.

(I am enclosing their mail as reference)
Thanks

Joe

{From: Andrea Caporale (Scribes NW) <andreac@...>
To: Joe Johnson - MT jjfi@...
Sent: Friday, January 25, 2002 3:19 AM
Subject: Line Pay Rate

Joe:

I am in the processing of updating everyones contract as advised by
my attorney for the new year.  We are incorporating the business
this month so he has made a suggestion to send out new contracts
reflecting this new change to the business.  Just a bit of
information on some changes taking place here with us.

I am setting you up on a per line rate of 0.7 cents per 65
character line.  You can add this to your MPCount.

At this time, I am just letting you know that we are updating
everyones contracts for this year and I will get you the updated
version so you can sign it and mail this to me.  My attorney has
not finished the details of this new contract yet, but I will send
it to you as soon as I get it.

Just wanted to give you what I am setting up as your per line rate
of pay.

Could you also send me your address so I will have this on record
when mailing out your pay check each month?

Thanks,
Andrea}

[MODERATOR COMMENT]
You can definitely sue - but do add up your costs. Collection
agencies will typically charge at least 30% of the monies owed.
Since your amount is small, going through small claims court would
be a better option and less costly proposition. What was the reason
given for the check being returned by the bank? Also are they
communicating by mail/phone now? Is the address below correct - I
got it from their website:

Scribes Northwest
Tualatin, Oregon 97062
Toll-Free Voicemail/Fax#: 1-888-522-6507
info@... <info@...>

Also, this entity does not appear to be incorporated yet - that
could make it more difficult for them to declare the company
bankrupt and walk away! I would welcome list members suggestions.
This is an issue we must joint and aggressively address.

Amit C.

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: Stella Olson <solson4444@...>
Subject: News

Just keep sending news like you always have.  I have found that
your newsletter is most interesting and keeps individuals informed.
That's what news is all about;  INFORMATION.

Sounds to me like someone spewing "Sour Grapes" and that's
unfortunate. I have never found your news to be hawking any
particular service or company.  JUST PLAIN INFORMATION.

Thank you for keeping me updated.

Stella Olson, CMT, FAMT

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Mustafa Bhatti <tranzkriptor@...>
Subject: HIPAA

Hi all!

I read your request regarding information on HIPAA, this is the
link where you can find it.

http://aspe.hhs.gov/admnsimp/

I have also been trying to find out what are the issues regarding
offshore transcription, which vary from complete restriction on
offshore transcription to more security. In my personal opinion the
later is more valid. However, I have encountered requests where the
client did not want the work to go offshore. The reason for this
however, was not clear as to whether it is because of HIPAA or
other issues like quality.

Regards,

Mustafa Bhatti
BDM
www.digitalaxes.com

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Global Transcripts <globaltranscripts@...>
Subject: Meera Sankriti about HIPPA

Hello MTIDers!

I read a line said by Meera Sankriti about HIPPA, I
would like to ask her what does she know about MT and
HIPPA, or as usual has she heard it from someone, is
she still trying to learn about it or is she still in
the same business of looting companies in the name of
training and getting them work.

Mr Amit if you are in any way associated with this
lady I would like to warn you seriously that this lady
is a crook, be-aware of her. I would also like to warn
all the readers of MTIndia about her, we have burnt
our fingers for the sum of rupees three lacs with this
lady, and if you have any doubts about this you can
contact me and I can prove it out to you. We have also
filed a legal case against her.

I think MT India is for helping MT companies and for
giving the companies the current info in the market
and save them from frauds, so please let your readers
know about this.

Regards,

Vishal Gupta
Global Transcripts

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Vishal - I don't see how you can draw an "association" between
MTIndia and anyone participating on this list.  List members are
independent entities by themselves, and posting, or being a member
doesn't create an association beyond just that.

In a similar vein, I am not associated with you, and posting your
message does not imply that we are validating the correctness or
otherwise, of your statement.

This is an open forum - and individuals are responsible for their
actions - on or off this list.

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Sep 14, 2002         Digest #087
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=Advertisements, promotions, jobs, dual employment and everything
else :)=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

===========CONTINUING============

-=HIPAA =-

    ~Meera Sankriti
"It is to build firewalls so no one can intercept, and maintain
confidentiality."

-=Dual employment=-

    ~Anish Lahiri
"Loyalty and Trust are very important for an employer-employee
relationship"

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Conman's idea about forming an apex body of ITES=-

   ~Arti

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

Dear MTIDers,

Just before I forget, let me clarify that MTIndia is not related to
any other website, especially NOT MTStars! We didn't give them your
email id and I have no control over them. Their list is now on
Yahoo, so I guess unsubscribe requests will be honored!:)

I am addressing the mail below, and a few related issues which have
cropped up lately. I removed the senders name because it was a
personal mail, but the issue is definitely open to public debate.

Quote:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
MT India should primarily focus on MT related issues in general and
also achievements which are unique in nature. At no point of time
it should so happen that some one uses this as an advertisement
platform. The news about Healthscribe using a handheld recorder is
something like this. Almost all are using equipment's of this
kind. Somewhere the product and the company is getting a mileage
which they do not deserve. It is so ordinary a thing to find a
mention.

Also I am not very much in favor of job related ads in MT India
which encourages a trend we are trying to fight out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll take up a point at a time:

1. MTIndia is primarily focussed towards MT. But lately we are also
trying to bring to your notice other BPO opportunities in the US
Healthcare Industry. I thought that would be a value add - if
members are not happy, we can shift these issues to a different
list. My opinion is that as of now, this would be immature.

2. Coverage of events - I don't think myself or MTIndia have ever
endorsed anything on this medium. Sometimes nothing is happening -
so should we stop publishing? Also the news we generally carry are
clips from what has already been released and published by the
media.  If someone is making a mundane, run-of-the-mill statement,
as a reader I would logically conclude that they don't have
anything better to say :). Nevertheless, we will always strive to
give you the most relevant and interesting information. Just a
point, I hope you will agree with me here - we don't make news -
we just cover it! And there are those dull days:(

3. Advertising and promotions - This is allowed by all rules of the
game. Our only promise to you is an advertisement will be spelt
out to you in Black & White. We will never allow content and
advertisement to be confused in any area - and this policy shall
prevail. (BTW - another fact - HealthScribe has NOT YET contributed
a single penny to MTIndia's efforts - so we don't
even have a motive angle:)

4. And now, I guess I am playing with fire - but I am entitled to
my opinions I guess.

a) Job Ads - They have always been there and they are going to
stay. This is a service to both employers and employees. I don't
see why this targeted niche medium should ban job ads related to
placements in this sector. If a prospective employer wants to offer
more than he should - that is his problem - we can't correct that!
Same goes for an employee - a dissatisfied employee will always
find a way out. Just because this medium is facilitating the
placement market - I do not qualify as a poacher. There has to be a
rational comprehension of the term "poaching" when it comes to
recruitment.

b) Dual Employment - It works in some sectors, doesn't work in
others. The market tells me that it is already happening for some
time in MT, and MTSOs can't find a way to stop it. I am not talking
ethics here - just facts. The simple rule that shall control this
phenomena is an MTSO's capability of satisfying an employees
needs - financial, intellectual and emotional - completely. If you
are offering a half package, expect a half commitment. On the flip
side, there always will be people who are just plain greedy - why
do you want them anyway? Just weed them out.

In conclusion, I want to state a simple fact. If MTIndia does not
facilitate a job center, somebody else will - placement is a basic
requirement. We consider ourselves to have the best reach and
domain knowledge. And we will deal with it as ethically as any
placement center deals with such issues in any Industry. At least
we openly say what we do and vice versa, and that shall remain.

Ethics I find is a bit like religion - very difficult to define and
much harder to follow.

<Ability - Knowing what you can not do is more important than
knowing what you can do. In fact, that's good taste.
Lucille Ball (1911-1989)>

I didn't make the rules out there. Wish I could, but I can't change
them either! So here we go...

Regards,

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
amit@...
http://mtindia.org  - not non-profit on purpose....

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

Subject: From: Meera Sankriti <sankritimn@...>
Subject: HIPAA

Discussion about HIPAA has been going on for almost a
year-and-a-half now.  It is to build firewalls so no one can
intercept and maintain confidentiality.  When I visited the US last
year I was told that even MTs doing work from work need to be HIPAA
compliant no matter from where they are transcribing.  There are
lots of info.available on the web site.

Meera Sankriti
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

Meera, I have been studying the intricacies for the last two years
now. If it was that simple, believe me, I would have been a HIPAA
consultant today:)

<Consulting - If you are not a part of the solution - there's good
money to be made in prolonging the problem.>

Best,
Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Anish Lahiri <anishlahiri@...>
Subject: Dual employment

Hi Joshua:

I understand your viewpoint regarding dual employment. But no,
absolutely no company where you are in for full-time would agree
with this. There are 2 things behind this.

First, a company wants an employee to be loyal to them, this is
nothing to do with master-servant relationship, but this should
come out automatically from an employee who is working in a
company of repute and that too full-time. And let me tell you this
that few companies (and yes, in this MT industry even) pays an
incentive for being "loyal" to all of their employee(I think the
company/companies acknowledges loyalty as something extra and vital
it gets from its employee other than the  work). Secondly, tell me
as a businessman won't you be interested to know what is going on
in the other company if you do have such an employee (or should I
call an "informer") and also be apprehensive in keeping such an
employee (for the vice-versa to happen to your business).

All of the above definitely pertains to somebody going for dual
employment in the same field of work.

Hence, I strongly feel that being loyal to one's company makes you
a very good team player and become a vital member of the company
family. Loyalty and Trust are very important for an
employer-employee relationship. I would call them also an
essential tool which helps both (employee and employer) progress
and move ahead to achieve their respective goals. You do not have
to play a dual role.

Just think about it!!

Regards,

Anish
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============BILLBOARD==================

From: Arti <mt_arti@...>
Subject: Conman!

Dear Amit and all!

As I was going through the MTIndia Newsletter I came across one
gentleman named Apurva Patel's (proprietor of Zenvision Infoworks,
Mumbai), idea about forming an apex body of ITES. I doubt and fear
he would try to form an apex body of conmen like him.  I am sorry
to use that term, but the fact is that Apurva Patel cheated more
than 100s of MT aspirants by the name of training and security
deposit.

He has been actively involved in different organizations like
Compusys, Indus, Tricom, Zenith, Zenvision, etc. Though the
companies were different but the key role was played by Apurva to
setup an MT unit and charge hefty amount as Training Fees on an
refundable basis, but never kept his words.

Not long back he made many companies as his associates and promised
to provide 1000's of lines in a day and started with trial files.
But the trials lasted for months and months without any sign of any
live jobs, thus getting his job done without paying to his
associates.

Being a member of MT India I feel responsible to warn all the
people before they associate with Apurva Patel in anyway.

Thanks.
Arti

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Aug 31, 2002         Digest #086
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=============NEW===============

-=HIPAA =-

    ~Pramod Karankar
"impact of HIPAA on our buisnesses"

    ~Navdeep Gupta
"confidentiality is the area where we Indians are lacking"

-=EMR=-

    ~Keith Stafford, MD
"why more physicians are not getting into EMR"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Dual employment=-

    ~Joshua
"employers who are against dual employment prefer an
master-servant relationship with their employees"

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Danielsoft=-

   ~Sangeeta Mundhra

=============NEW===============

From: Pramod Karankar <pramodk_2001@...>
Subject: HIPAA

Hi all:

Can you all please share with me the details of the
HIPAA act. I will be greatful if any of you could send
me in detail about the same or where I can have access
to the same.

Best regards,

Pramod Karankar
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Navdeep Gupta <jt_imt@...>
Subject: Confidentiality

Hello friends,

I want to discuss MT confidentiality with you all
because this is the area where we Indians are lacking
most. Anyone who can suggest any new methodology to
keep confidentiality is welcome.

Thanks
Navdeep Gupta
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[MODERATOR COMMENT]

The following is an effective checklist for HIPAA:
http://www.ahima.org/journal/pb/01.06.1.html

Also see these links:
http://www.mtindia.org/article/default.cfm
http://cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/
http://www.hipaacomply.com/
http://www.hipaadvisory.com/
www.cpri-host.org
http://www.hipaa.org/
http://www.hipaa-iq.com/

We are in the process of putting up an FAQ regarding HIPAA -
questions and suggestions are welcome. AAMT and MTIA have both come
out with guides on this - do network and use the same.

I totally disagree with Navdeep's observation - "confidentiality -
this is the area where we Indians are lacking." Navdeep, I am not
aware which organization you represent and what policies are
followed there, but your observation is not based on hard facts. Do
you have an inkling about prevailing systems in the US? Most Indian
companies have a better security protocol compared to those in the
US for the simple reason that they came into existence at a time
HIPAA was "in the air"! They didn't have legacy systems which
required to be overhauled, and being an offshore service provider
you tend to take greater cognizance of security/confidentiality
requirements if you want to stay in business.

I am not stating that Indian MTSOs are HIPAA compliant today, but
then neither are HMOs in the US. Here is an example:

*** VA Toughens Security After PC Disposal Blunders ***

Federal Computer Week reports the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) is tightening its policy on the disposal of old computers
following disclosures that 139 computers containing sensitive
personal information about veterans, including their medical
records, were given away. Although the VA has had security rules
since 1997 on purging sensitive data before disposing of old
computers, the policy was breached by the Indianapolis VA Medical
Center. The facility failed to erase personal information before
giving away the computers to educational institutions, the state of
Indiana or private individuals. A local TV news team's
investigation found patient records on the used computers bought
for $10 each at a thrift store.

Read more: http://www.hipaadvisory.com/news/index.cfm#0826fcw

Contrary to what many reflect on this and other forums, there are a
significant percentage of MTSOs in India who have staked all their
money as well as credibility in this business - and some more! If
Indians were lacking in confidentiality, you wouldn't have seen the
software giants or all the BPOs rushing into India!

Best,

Amit C.
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Keith Stafford, MD <drwks@...>
Subject: Why the vast majority of physicians have failed to find
value in EMR.

EMR vendors do not understand how things work in the medical world.
When they start claiming JCAHO and HIPAA are beneficial entities, t

hey clearly have no idea of what they are speaking.  I do not think
physicians are opposed to something new.  Laparoscopic surgery was
widely adopted quite rapidly.  PDAs are being used quite routinely.
We use new drugs probably too easily.  There is more to the
problem.

Rather than demanding the government legislate physicians into
buying their product, computer companies need to look at why more
physicians are not getting into EMR and the reasons are not the
ones they think.  These are my thoughts on the subject:

1)  Cost:  This is a major obstacle.  Many have accused physicians
who have not purchased EMR's of being cheap and greedy.  This view
totally disregards the realities of modern medical practice.  All
of us, including those of us with "paperless offices" have seen our
incomes shrink significantly in the last couple years.  This trend
is not going to get better anytime soon.  Very few physicians,
especially primary care physicians are making the kind of money the
computer people think they are making.  It is certainly
understandable why someone whose income is declining under current
circumstances would not want to commit themselves to thousands of
dollars per month of increased spending. All of these Return on
Investment predictions produced by the computer companies are way
off.  They all assume one will lay off employees after one
computerizes, but it did not happen in my office and I doubt it
happens in other offices either.  The employees just end up doing
something different.  Instead of filing charts, they are scanning
documents into the computer.  My office manager now spends a
significant amount of her time trouble shooting various computer
problems, instead of doing assorted paper office activities.  The
ROI predictions also do not take into account the cost of
continually updating ones computer system. Microsoft changes their
operating system at least every other year. Computers and servers
have to be replaced on average every three to four years.  It has
been advocated that one use an ASP to decrease costs, but one still
has to develop a network within the office, which is extremely
expensive.  These costs are all in addition to the thousands being
spent on the EMR software itself, which also requires never ending
support costs.  Paper charts have a cost associated with them, but
they are fixed and finite.  One can hardly make this claim with a
computer network.  Even though I am paperless and cannot imagine
going back to paper, I know given my current financial situation I
would be unable to purchase an EMR if I had to do it today.  It is
wrong to take the position that cost is not a legitimate
obstruction to physicians going paperless.

As part of the cost issue, the EMR industry has to start allowing
physicians to actually use their software before purchasing it.
The standard sales technique is for the sales person to demonstrate
and then walk out the door, without the physicians ever getting to
"play" with the software.  I think  the EMR industry is afraid to
allow physicians to do this.  It is a legitimate fear of physicians
to spend all of this money and then when the system arrives they
find out it does not do what they thought it could.

2)  Technical Difficulties:  To read all of the articles one would
think that all there is to becoming paperless is spend a lot of
money, have the computers and software installed and that is it.
After the installation everything runs smoothly with no problems at
all.  My experience has been quite different.  On an almost daily
and certainly weekly basis we have some computer problem or
another.  The complexity of these only increases as we get newer
computers and more software.

These problems are annoyances to us computer geeks (the majority of
physicians who have taken the leap), but to the non-computer geek
these problems will stop the offices in their tracks.  Paper charts
may be at times hard to read and sometimes hard to find, but they
are physically accessible.  This is not true when computer systems
go down and this happens quite routinely.  Until the computer world
can come up with ways to make computers and the networks function
without constant technical snafus the transition to EMR, especially
among small practices, will be very limited. Most practices now
have computerized practice management systems and I believe
physicians experiences with these systems make them very wary of
putting their entire operation on a computer. One can still provide
patient care if the billing system goes down, but it is very hard
to take care of patients when the EMR goes down.

3)  Functionality:  Each software package has assorted functions
built into it.  All of them however, are basically means of
producing a SOAP note.  That is something which physicians do each
day with their pen and paper in a much faster time than computers
can generate.  One can argue that the computer generated SOAP note
is far more detailed than the note physicians write on their own.
This is certainly true, but most physicians know these details are
all fluff, required to meet coding requirements and to try and keep
the attorneys happy when you are sued. They are not essential to
the quality care of patients.  It is hard to spend lots of your own
money on something that is not essential to what you do.

I believe for EMR software to be widely accepted it needs to do
more than produce multi-page progress notes.  This functionality
should include the following:

E/M coding.  Most systems now have this, but again I have found
them of very limited use.  The only way they work is to generate
your note entirely from data items.  I think this is a lousy way to
generate a note (I free hand type the HPI) so the E/M coding does
not work for me. It is also a constant reminder to me that our
medical system is totally messed up.  When we need a computer
program to tell us how to bill for an office visit there is
something seriously wrong.  Do we need computers to take better
care of patients or just to make this crazy system we have created
work?  Computers need to help us take better care of patients to be
worth buying.

Drug Interactions are often sited as a benefit of the EMR.  I
cannot speak for all software packages, but I have found in my EMR
the allergy and drug interaction function totally worthless.  It
lights up for almost  every drug I prescribe.  Therefore, I ignore
it.  If I want to find out about drug interactions I use my
Epocrates.  Epocrates is actually quite good, but it is not part of
my EMR.  It is also extremely annoying to have a new drug come on
the market, but not be able to document it using the EMR since it
takes several months for it to show up in the EMR database.

Health Maintenance and other protocol driven medical practices has
great potential for computers, but it must be difficult to program
as I know of very few software programs which have this capability.
This should be a standard part of every EMR.

The ability to create knowledge databases need to be a part of
every EMR, but to the best of my knowledge it is not a part of any
EMR. For example, the moment new recommendations for cholesterol
management come out, one should be able to put an easily accessible
memo in the EMR that can then be easily referenced.  Even better
would be when the patient's lab result electronically returns with
a cholesterol of 240 that memo along with the patient's other risk
factors are automatically sent to the physician for action.  Now
that is how computers can help us take better care of patients, but
we are a long ways from that happening.

Communication functionality also needs to be enhanced.  It has to
allow communication among the primary office staff, with the easy
attachment of that communication to the patient's chart.  The
patient's entire chart has to be easily printed to printer or fax
or e-mail.  It should allow the receipt and routing of faxes, since
the rest of the world is not yet paperless.   The EMR needs to be
tightly integrated with the internet.  It has to allow e-mail
communication with  physicians and patients, again with the ability
to easily capture this communication. If one puts a patient's
e-mail address in the demographic portion of the chart, that
address should then be able to be pulled in Outlook, or some other
e-mail software package, without having to be retyped.  Of
course, all of the HIPAA silliness now has to be integrated for
another increase in the cost.  Fully functioning word processing
integrated with all of the chart elements should be part of the EMR
as well.

4)  Time:  Those advocating EMRs claim they are major time savers.
They may save a little time once implemented, but no one talks
about the huge amount of time required to implement them.  Time is
something few physicians have in excess.  It takes tons of time to
research all of the software packages and various network
requirements.  Then once purchased it takes a huge amount of time
to input all of the data required. One has to design templates (the
ones which come with the systems are rarely useable), set up
protocols, enter the data for the hundreds of drugs one uses.  This
all takes a huge amount of time and requires ongoing maintenance to
keep it current.

I am sure there are other impediments to EMRs, but these are the
main ones which come to my mind.

Keith Stafford, MD
Flemington, NJ
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===========CONTINUING============

From: joshuapeter harry <joshuapeterharry@...>
Subject: Dual employment

Dear Amit,

I recently went through your news letter asking for
Moderators/Editors/Educators, which I wrongly assumed was an work
at home position and in the very next news letter you clarified
that it was not an dual employment and you sound rather apologetic
being misunderstood by all.

From the content of your letter I understand there are many people
who are dead against dual employment.  I just cannot understand
what is wrong in dual employment.  Even though we work for US
clients I think our mindset is typically Indian.  I personally feel
that employers who are against dual employment prefers an
master-servant relationship with their employees, never
acknowledging their employees sincerity, dedication and service but
always wants them to be faithful as a servant.  It is true, a
servant cannot serve two masters, but he can be faithful with two
friends.

Best regards,

Joshua (Editor)
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============BILLBOARD==================

From: Sangeeta Mundhra <sangmun@...>
Subject: Seeking information about an MT unit Danielsoft

Hello,

I am seeking info. about the MT company Danielsoft based in
Rourkela, Orissa. They had registered me as an HMT Trainee with
them and were supposed to send me trial work. This company was
supposedly off work for a short duration, but was supposed to have
resumed work from 5th July. Since then, I have sent numerous
e-mails to them, but have not received any reply to date.

I had mailed to you earlier inquiring about the credibility of this
company, when I was told that they were a franchisee of Iridium,
which was a HealthScribe business partner - hence above board. If
possible, could you kindly help me to find out whether the company
has resumed work and is still in operation or not.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Sangeeta
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Aug 12, 2002         Digest #085
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=MT India & part timers=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

=============NEW===============

-=Cease-fire is brought to you by?=-

    ~Saurabh Sinha
"influence of General Electric, not General Powell, that did the
trick."

-=HIPAA =-

    ~Murali Krishnan
"impact of HIPAA on our buisnesses"

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Part timers?=-

    ~Asokan
------------------------------------------------------
ADVERTISEMENT:
------------------------------------------------------

Quality Control Manager - Bangalore

Position to be closed in 21 days.

Compensation :
4 to 5 years of experience with a reputed organisation:Rs.22,000/-
per month.
More than 5 years of Experience Rs. 25,000/- per month.
CMT with more than 5 years of experience Rs.28,000/- per month.

Position specification:
http://www.mtindia.org/acusis.htm

Send your CV to: hrdacusis@...

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

Dear MTIDers,

As usual, I guess I have started something... :)

Please let me clarify, clarify, and clarify...

MTIndia or Mediweb are not MT service providers - we DO NOT have a
"work at home" position for you to do MT work from home. If our
advertisement sounded such, I apologize.

MTIndia is a vertical portal, catering to a niche segment - MT in
the Indian subcontinent. We do need professionals to create
content, advise, administer, educate. My experience tells me no
professional would devote to such endeavors full time - or else
he/she might stop being a professional! We are asking you to devote
your spare time towards such - and be reasonably compensated for
it - if our members are paying, I consider it fair that such
collections go to those who directly provide the service. Your
support could be at weekends, or say even an hour a day. But as I
have said earlier - I would need explicit clearance from your
employer.

I will also answer to Ashokan's post below in public, though I
answered him in private, for the benefit of all:

1) This is unlike any employment - we are just trying to reasonably
compensate anyone who is ready to devote personal time towards
community welfare, towards which the community is contributing.

2) This not MT work, more like a club - a place to talk, interact,
give and take. I don't think anybody doing such will be handicapped
by also doing regular MT work. In fact I would consider anybody not
involved in the actual transcription process to be incompetent to
handle this.

3) I don't think this is dual employment at all! If you have good
people, flaunt them in front of the world, and bill us! :)

I would appreciate your feedback and answer your apprehensions, if
any!

"Ability is of little account without opportunity ~ Napoleon
Bonaparte"

Best regards,

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
http://mtindia.org  - not non-profit on purpose....

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

=============NEW===============

From: "Saurabh Sinha" <saurabh@...>
Subject: NY Times editorial article

Hi all!

This article gives a perspective of how India's leading IT and
backoffice services industry had a deterring effect on the nuclear
war tension escalation across its border. Its an interesting
perspective. Friedman is a very famous international journalist.

--------------------------------------------------
India, Pakistan and G.E.
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

BANGALORE, India - Two months ago India and Pakistan appeared
headed for a nuclear war. Colin Powell, the U.S. secretary of state
and a former general, played a key role in talking the two parties
back from the brink. But here in India, I've discovered that there
was another new, and fascinating, set of pressures that restrained
the Indian government and made nuclear war, from its side,
unthinkable. Quite simply, India's huge software and information
technology industry, which has emerged over the last decade and
made India the back-room and research hub of many of the world's
largest corporations, essentially told the nationalist Indian
government to cool it.

And the government here got the message and has sought to
de-escalate ever since. That's right - in the crunch, it was the
influence of General Electric, not General Powell, that did the
trick.

This story starts with the fact that, thanks to the Internet and
satellites, India has been able to connect its millions of
educated, English-speaking, low-wage, tech-savvy young people to
the world's largest corporations. They live in India, but they
design and run the software and systems that now support the
world's biggest companies, earning India an unprecedented $60
billion in foreign reserves - which doubled in just the last three
years. But this has made the world more dependent on India, and
India on the world, than ever before.

If you lose your luggage on British Airways, the techies who track
it down are here in India. If your Dell computer has a problem, the
techie who walks you through it is in Bangalore, India's Silicon
Valley. Ernst & Young may be doing your company's tax returns here
with Indian accountants. Indian software giants in Bangalore, like
Wipro, Infosys and MindTree, now manage back-room operations -
accounting, inventory management, billing, accounts receivable,
payrolls, credit card approvals - for global firms like Nortel
Networks, Reebok, Sony, American Express, HSBC and GE Capital.

You go to the Bangalore campuses of these Indian companies and they
point out: "That's G.E.'s back room over here. That's American
Express's back office over there." G.E.'s biggest research center
outside the U.S. is in Bangalore, with 1,700 Indian engineers and
scientists. The brain chip for every Nokia cellphone is designed in
Bangalore. Renting a car from Avis online? It's managed here.

So it was no wonder that when the State Department issued a travel
advisory on May 31 warning Americans to leave India because the war
prospects had risen to "serious levels," all these global firms who
had moved their back rooms to Bangalore went nuts.

"That day," said Vivek Paul, vice chairman of Wipro, "I had a
C.I.O. [chief information officer] from one of our big American
clients send me an e-mail saying: `I am now spending a lot of time
looking for alternative sources to India. I don't think you want me
doing that, and I don't want to be doing it.' I immediately
forwarded his letter to the Indian ambassador in Washington and
told him to get it to the right person."

No wonder. For many global companies, "the main heart of their
business is now supported here," said N. Krishnakumar, president of
MindTree. "It can cause chaos if there is a disruption." While not
trying to meddle in foreign affairs, he added, "what we explained
to our government, through the Confederation of Indian Industry, is
that providing a stable, predictable operating environment is now
the key to India's development."

This was a real education for India's elderly leaders in New Delhi,
but, officials conceded, they got the message: loose talk about war
or nukes could be disastrous for India. This was reinforced by
another new lobby: the information technology ministers who now
exist in every Indian state to drum up business.

"We don't get involved in politics," said Vivek Kulkarni, the
information technology secretary for Bangalore, "but we did bring
to the government's attention the problems the Indian I.T. industry
might face if there were a war. . . . Ten years ago [a lobby of
I.T. ministers] never existed."

To be sure, none of this guarantees there will be no war. Tomorrow,
Pakistani militants could easily do something so outrageous and
provocative that India would have to retaliate. But it does
guarantee that India's leaders will now think 10 times about how
they respond, and if war is inevitable, that India will pay 10
times the price it would have paid a decade ago.

In the meantime, this cease-fire is brought to you by G.E. - and
all its friends here in Bangalore.
--------------------------------------------------------

Comments?

Saurabh Sinha
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Murali Krishnan <dailycharts@...>
Subject   : HIPAA

Dear Amit,

I am Murali Krishnan of Cyberservices, Bangalore. We met in our
office in Bangalore a couple of years ago. We are doing reasonable
well in MT. I would like to know about the impact of HIPAA on our
buisnesses. Any special precaution the Indian MT companies are
undertaking. Even a post on the forum did not evoke any response,
but HIPAA definitely applies to MT and what steps are Indian
companies undertaking and should undertake. Could you throw some
light on this.

Best Regards,

Murali
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

[Moderator comment - see:
http://www.mtindia.org/article/default.cfm
We will bring out more soon]

===============BILLBOARD==================

From: Asokan<asokanssa@...>
Subject: Part timers?

Dear Amit

I was surprised that MT India has asked for part-timers. This is
against the spirit of the game. You are encouraging double
employment when all of us are talking against that.

I hope you will not go ahead with that and if necessary publish
this too.

Regards
Asokan
TSPL
www.alpsinfosys.com
Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Aug 03, 2002         Digest #084
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=Networking & beyond=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

=============NEW===============

-=If Peanuts, then Monkey=-

    ~R.P.Lalaji
"there is one group that seem to thrive in this troubled situation"

===========BILLBOARD==============

-=Flow management software=-
    ~Megha Rani

-=SMS Solution=-
    ~Joe Thompson

ADVERTISEMENT:
------------------------------------------------------

1) Quality Control Manager - Bangalore

Position to be closed in 30 days.

Compensation :
4 to 5 years of experience with a reputed organisation:Rs.22,000/-
per month.
More than 5 years of Experience Rs. 25,000/- per month.
CMT with more than 5 years of experience Rs.28,000/- per month.

Position specification:
http://www.mtindia.org/acusis.htm

Send your CV to: hrdacusis@...

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

Dear MTIDers,

On Wednesday, MTDaily announced its intention of going paid. I
quote "The site will be free until September 1, 2002, at which time a
subscription will be required.  MTDaily will cost $36 for a 6-month
subscription and $60 for one year. We are looking forward with
excitement to spending more time developing many parts of MTDaily,
beginning with the Sample Documents and moving on to refining the
Word Search engines.  Great things are ahead for the profession and
the MTDaily community." The resulting discussions on the boards were
far from ....... well, I can't find a word. Freedom, it appears,
does corrupt some - and absolute freedom .....

I was just going through a new book called Make Your Contacts Count:
Networking Know-How for Cash, Clients, and Career Success, by Anne
Baber and Lynne Waymon.  It gives detailed strategies for networking.
Many of the skills required are essentially the same basic social
graces that apply in any other situation, and definitely on the net,
where body language and tone are replaced by your choice of words.
Here's the authors' list of the "top 15 turn-offs" to avoid at all
costs:

1. Don't tell all the details. The classic definition of a bore:
someone who, when you ask him how he is, tells you. And tells you.
And tells you. Keep it brief.

2. Don't do monologues. If other people don't jump into the
conversation, ask them a question and wait for their answer.

3. Don't interrogate people. Persistence is usually a virtue but,
when someone you're talking with has lost interest in a topic, know
when to stop probing and back off.

4. Don't insist on one-upmanship. If you've always got to tell the
best story or brag about the biggest deal, people--including some who
could help you--will soon run when they see you coming.

5. Don't seek free advice. Some folks "want something for nothing"
and will "corner doctors to ask about physical symptoms or lawyers to
ask about setting up an estate," note Baber and Waymon. If you want
someone's professional services, make an appointment--and bring your
checkbook.

6. Don't interrupt. This is a simple rule, but most often honored in
the breach.

7. Don't make people pry information out of you. Before you bring up
a topic, make sure it's one you're comfortable discussing.

8. Don't be dogmatic. "People want to be comfortable as they
network," the authors observe. "They don't want to be harangued by
someone who is trying to change their mind or force opinions down
their throat."

9. Don't give unsolicited advice. If you feel that your experience
might be helpful to someone else, ask permission: "Would you like to
hear about what I did in that kind of situation?"

10. Don't be a bigot. Enough said.

11. Don't whine. "Whiners go on about their health (dreadful!), the
economy (dreadful!), today's teenagers (dreadful!)," say the
authors. "Boring!"

12. Don't do hard sells. Contrary to what many people think, a
networking event is not a place to sell. It's a chance to make
contact with people so that you can arrange to meet them later to do
business.

13. Don't assume that you will be paid a finder's fee for business
that results from a networking contact. "It's okay to charge a
finder's fee only if that arrangement is made up front," say Baber
and Waymon. "But most expert networkers consider such arrangements to
be self-defeating because they terminate the exchange abruptly and
don't necessarily develop any relationship."

14. Don't confuse contacts with friends. "It's possible to have many
warm business contacts without turning them into friendships," the
authors note. "Women are more likely than men to be confused about
the invisible line that separates contacts from confidants.

15. Don't expect to get without giving: "Absolutely the worst thing
you can do is take repeatedly from a person without reciprocating by
sending information, referrals, or opportunities her way." We all
know people who are all take and no give--but, if we're lucky, we
don't know them for long.

Friends, what say you? What networking do's and don'ts would you add
to Baber and Waymon's list? Happy networking online, as offline!

Cheers!!! :)

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
amit@...
http://mtindia.org  - not non-profit on purpose....

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

=============NEW===============

From: R.P.Lalaji <lalaji@...>
Subject: Cheats and Charlatans

The annual global conference of the captains of the medical
transcription industry was going on in Seattle. At one of the forum
the natives decided to go on the offensive against alien intruders.
They said, the alien MT entrepreneurs undercut rates, over state
accuracy level, irrationally exaggerate capabilities, under disclosed
the unreliability of their communication links and promise impossible
turnaround times. Most of them send quotations by e-mail even before
they put up their infrastructure, the
natives accused.

Some of us definitely didn't deserve these criticisms. But we had to
sit there and suffer because everything that was being said were true
in the case of a good majority of new entrants in to the Indian
Medical Transcription Industry. Most of them are lured in to it by
the promise of instant Crorepathi status by unscrupulous middlemen.
Medical Transcription Industry is a good teleworking opportunity for
India and it is a good industry to be in. But, it is not another
maanchium or goats scheme. To set up an MT unit will cost at least
thrice as much as that of a software development unit. You need all
the equipment and more. You need very expensive high bandwidth
communication links and very expensive software. And what is more,
you may need to recruit people of the right caliber and train and re-
train them for at least 15 months before they can be counted as
productive man power. When all this is taken in to consideration very
low rates is not possible at all. The other danger in quoting
incredibly low rates is that those who want only peanuts as reward
may be considered as monkeys by rational thinking industrialists and
treated as such. That is exactly what is happening now.

The Indian IT scene has already been hurt and humbled even before
Sept 11th due to the Dotcom bust. We in the IT industry was trying to
absorb the shock ourselves so that the public wont feel the pinch and
lose their new found enthusiasm for IT. However, now everyone knows
that everything is wrong with everything. IT, tourism, travel
industry, hospitality sector, massage parlors, marriage market, real
estate, consultancy and all other sectors are hit.

But there is one group that seem to thrive in this troubled
situation. That is the group of cheats and charlatans who claim they
can fix a job in the US for just three lakhs, or broker a call center
contract with an MNC for just 50 lakhs , or channel 1 million lines
of medical transcription work to you for free, but on the strength of
a security deposit of just $25,000. The sad part is that the average
Malayali with all his professed erudition, education, political
omniscience and celebrated cynicism is the most gullible among all
Indians. When a couple of NRI's of North Indian origin decided to run
a money chain racket selling, of all things memory space on Internet,
they chose Kerala as their are of operation, not Punjab or Delhi.
According to the police they siphoned off dollars worth more than 6.5
crores of rupees from the very intelligent guys here. Among them are
engineers in our space stations,professors and policemen. All this is
happening while newspapers are reporting the plight of the thugs who
promoted the virtual plantation schemes in Kerala. The supreme court
has denied bail to these promoters who lured thousands of Malloos
into buying shares in non-existent teak, maanchium and tamarind
plantations.

Now it is IT jobs in Seattle and Palo Alto or in Boston or Washington
D.C. Or Medical dictation from New York.

R.P.Lalaji
www.svw.com

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============BILLBOARD==================

From: Megha Rani<megha@...>
Subject: Flow management software

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I have worked as a Software Consultant in DCM Data system and then
with HICS (Heartland Information and Consultancy Services) as a
Software Engineer. I want to share the basics of a flow management
software, and brainstorm on what other features might be implemented
for MT's and the client's benefit. Your views would be welcome.

The project of Heartland Information Services, Inc. Toledo (HIS)
consists of three phases. The entire system is built on three-layered
ODBC architecture and uses OLE features. It uses Visual Basic 6.0 as
front end, SQL Server 7.0 as back end, and Windows NT 4.0 as
operating system. The application has three major modules:

- Transcription software (TC)
- Management software (TCM)
- Central Management System (CMS)

Transcription Grading Assistant (TGA):

TGA is a subsystem of training version of transcription software. It
compares the transcripts typed by the MT with the answer key and
generates the productivity reports. The system is developed on Visual
Basic 6.0 and SQL server 7.0 and uses Crystal Reports 7.0 as
reporting tool. It helps the TC supervisor to calculate the
productivity of various users.

Transcription software

First phase of the Medical transcription System (TC Management
Software) monitors and manages day-to-day operations at Transcription
Center (TC).

The functionality includes the following features:

- Receive GSM voice file(s) from USA and supply voice and header file
(s) to
Transcription Workstation PC.
- Register and maintains user.
- Assign and unassign job to particular user
- Changes the priority as well as status of job.
- Deletes or marks a job inactive so that it cannot be assigned to
any user.
- Generates various reports like Productivity by User ID,
Productivity by job, Inactivity by User ID, and Failed login report
depending on search criterion.
- Maintains system security, Access privileges.
- Purges the voice/header files based on the fixed schedule.

Central Management System

CMS is developed for the central office of the organization. It
interfaces with the various TC's spread across India.

The functionality includes the following features.
- CMS assigns job to various TC's based on certain criteria and
manage their functionality from US (Toledo).
- Transfers the dictation file, header file, and job file using the
RPC (Remote Procedure Call) technology.
- Data is synchronized between the remote servers using the
transactional replication technology.
- Calculates the TC's free time against committed time by job
scheduling and sends the job to TC.
- CMS-DB server and all OTC DB servers are remotely connected to one
network through WAN for simultaneous update of the database.

Tracker Plus and Tracker

Tracker Plus and Tracker are subsystems of CMS. Final transcriptions
are transferred to Tracker Plus through replication and to Tracker
using dial up modem. Tracker Plus and Tracker are installed at
different hospitals to provide current status of the job.

The functionality includes the following features
- Accepting dictation data from IDR (Independent Dictation Recorder).
- Copying data to CMS.
- Receiving status of jobs periodically.
- Receiving completed jobs from CMS.
- Providing job status reports for jobs of the client.

Logsheet Software

Logsheet system is a subsystem of CMS and is basically responsible
for generating the reports using the Crystal report (7.0) as
reporting tool and applies a necessary conversion to final transcript
before sending it to the clients. It converts the word transcript
into the required client format (txt format, ASCII format) with the
help of word macros.

Distribution and File Server

CMS was a combination of file server, data server and distribution of
data to various Tracker plus. A distributor server is needed to get
the data and send to various tracker Plus machines at the client
sites. The distribution server hosts the schedulers to send the data
to various Tracker Plus Client thus reducing the workload on the CMS.

The distributor server hosts the schedulers for multiple clients,
which causes the CMS load to be distributed across various
distribution servers. In the Current system there are multiple
storage locations of various files this can be avoided by installing
a new file server in the system which will server as a single storage
location thus reducing the multiple file transfer among various sub
systems.

Bundled FTP

In the current scenario FTP Formida Serv -U Server was utilized to
copy the files from the CMS to various OTC's and vice versa but it
lead to the ineffective use of the current bandwidth because only a
single file was being copied in single open session of the FTP. In
order to utilize the bandwidth effectively Bundled FTP project was
brought into picture. This
project uses the Formida Serv U Server to copy the ZIP files instead
of a single file(word,header,GSM,template,Routines) from the source
to destination in one go thus utilizing the bandwidth.

This project consists of three major modules namely Bundler, Shipper
and Unpacker.All the EXE's are implemented in form of window NT
sevices running on the user defined timer inteval.

Bundler Module is responsible for designing and creating the ZIP
files on the user defined criteria. Shipper Module copies the ZIP
files from a given source to destination using the third party
softwars Formida Serv -U FTP server. Unpacker Module which is
implemented in form ActiveX DLL Unzips the files(Word,Header,GSM) at
the destination and copies it to the respective folders to be used by
the TC/CMS server and sends the respective Feedback to the bundler.
Bundler and Unpacker are implemented in pairs. Any number of Bundler
and Unpacker pairs can be installed on a single machine.

My primary role was to design the module, which provides input to the
Bundler and Unpacker in form of DAT/TXT files,which was one of the
files to be zipped in the package. The DAT files consist of the job
records to be shipped for the jobs selected in the package. The
various DAT files were created using the Data Transformation Services
(DTS) of the MS SQL SERVER. The DTS was implemented in the VB using
the DTS COM library. The file format of the output file was user
defined. The bundler make calls to the DTS packages to generate the
DAT files to be shipped to destination for the list of jobs as per
the user defined criteria. The DTS packages designed at the Unpacker
offloads the job records in form of DAT file into the destination
database and updates the job status respectively Unpacker also make
calls to DTS package to generate the control file(.CTR) which contain
the list of jobs processed in the current package and also sends the
corresponding feedback for the processed package to the corresponding
bundler. All the packages are identified by a unique packageID. I was
also involved in database designing, coding and preparing test plans
for the DTS Module. The VB interface for the DTS module was
implemented using the ADO 2.5 data access method. The Implementation
of the current project took place at the client site (Heartland
Information Services, Toledo, OHIO (U.S.A).

I would love to hear from those who are working on similar solutions.

Regards,

Megha Rani

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: "Joe Thompson" <joe@...>
Subject: SMS Solution

Hello.

I'm Joe Thompson from txtgateway.com an SMS Solution Provider. We're
developing an SMS Text Messaging solution that can be linked into any
ODBC compliant database (i.e. almost any) and we're looking for
doctors practises or hospital departments that would like to take
part in a trial of this system.

The system is intended to be used as an appointment reminder system
to try and reduce the number of patients who don't turn up for
appointments. In many cases the patient has simply forgotten that
they had an appointment and, as mobile phones are so commonplace
these days, a reminder text message sent a day before an appointment
was due could dramatically reduce the
number who don't turn up.

The trial we would like to run would is expected to last for three
months. There would be no cost at all to participating surgeries -
all text messaging costs and custom programming would be borne by us.
We hope to be able to show that the use of such a system dramatically
cuts non attendance figures and, if the trial is successful, we will
release the system commercially towards the end of the year.

Our sister company - Eclipse Translations Ltd (www.eclipse-
translation.co.uk )- has offered to supply translated templates
in up to three additional languages for use with the system at no
charge which may help to address the DNA problem with ethnic
minorities.

The participating practises and hospitals would need to be able to
demonstrate that they have the following equipment and information
before taking part in the trial:

1) A patient database on a machine with an internet connection. - The
internet connection is needed as this is how the information is sent
to our computers which then resend it as an SMS message.

2) Full statistics for the last two years on appointment non-
attendance.

I would be grateful if you could pass on the details of ANYBODY who
you feel may be interested in this trial. I must emphasise again that
this trial will be totally free.

Please help us to find participants in this trial as , according to
data supplied by the DPP, every missed appointment can cost the NHS
up to £65.

Regards

Joe Thompson - http://www.txtgateway.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1665 606111 - Work
Mobile +44 (0) 7812 956154

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
July 18, 2002         Digest #083
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=Offline Networking - MTIndia & beyond=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

=============NEW===============

-=Poaching=-

    ~Seema
"A new approach... "

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

Dear MTIDers,

Sometimes it is of essence to interact offline, and that's what
MTIndia has been doing for the last two months. This needs to be an
ongoing process, in the meantime let me bring you to date. We are
interacting with both business owners and MTs,  here is the
perception:

Contrary to what I keep "getting told", there are MT companies who
are satisfying clients, making money and retaining a happy work
force. There is an MT company who is crossing 75,000 lpd with 110 MTs
in one shift! They have clients who paid them over 8 cpl.
Surprisingly, non of these MTs are extraordinary people. They are all
average, normal people like you and me - ones you meet in corner tea
stall. No, they are not paid in dollars.  No, they do not aspire to
migrate to the US.  They are happy churning out their work day in and
out in an ambient workplace, and getting paid for it.  There is
another company crossing 25,000 lpd with 28 MTs. And no, this is not
a yarn I have woven - like I said, there are times when you need to
see to believe.

A flash in the pan - I don't think so! Besides some high performers,
there are those who would like to earn, but not loose sleep - there
are at least 40 companies in Bangalore and Hyderabad alone, who are
churning out more than 20,000 lpd with 40-50 employees. I would say
they are all viable business models, slow and steady, and are here to
stay and grow. And I have just covered two cities!

What is the one point of difference between these companies and the
others who collapsed? Management - that's it. Period. The other
variables were even for all. As I talk to those who made it, I see a
common understanding - they all believed that progress in life is
accomplished by doing the basics right - the "little chores day by
day". Success is never instantaneous - in any field of endeavor.
This whole business has been one long learning curve for us over the
past four years - seeing what works and what doesn't... like the
lessons of life itself.

What did the business owners perceive? Firstly, we need to
differentiate between two types of businesses - those that are making
money on transcribing, and those that are comprehending how to. It is
logical to conclude that any business needs to go through an
incubation period to start making money - but there is difference
between someone who has figured out how to go about it and sticks to
his guns, and one who is still trying to figure out. Here, I am
talking of those in the first category.

Firstly, concerns:

1) Underbidding, especially when price is known to be a key component
in building perceived brand value (btw, Julianne has written an
excellent piece on this in the launch edition of MT TIMES).

2) Poaching - believe me, some flaunt it as an HR policy!

3) Marketing - it is SO difficult to change the clients perception,
when you have already, I would say bravely, tried to sell your
services as "poor quality at a cheap price."

4) Developing and retaining HR - with all the training scandals, try
convincing fresh blood that MT is a profession. And there are those
call centers who are recruiting MTs at a premium.

The solution? Let us brainstorm some - offline and online and see
where we end up. My first Commandant used to say "Do you have a
solution, or are you part of the problem." I have to concede,that
till we can get something going, we will all remain a part of the
problem. Let us see what the leaders think.

Adieu for now. Just to let you know we are back to our normal
publishing schedule. And as always, all opinions expressed are
mine... Unless otherwise stated or REALLY stupid!

Cheers!!! :)

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
amit@...
http://mtindia.org  - not non-profit on purpose....

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============NEW===================

From: Seema Naik <seema@...>
Subject: Wanted to share

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

We have recently had an experience with a Medical Transcription
company located in Bangalore, Shivaji Nagar.  They had first
approached us offering us work.  We had a meeting with them.  Upon
follow up we were told that they had found other companies who were
charging a lower amount.  We thought that it had ended there.

Subsequently, we found that they had recruited some of our
employees.  Furthermore, they had convinced our employees to stay on
here until they were able to influence others to join them as well.
We found about it in time, so "the recruiters" beat a hasty retreat.

The details of this company are as follows:
T. U. Mediscript (India) Private Limited
Subsidiary Transcriptions Unlimited, Inc. USA
Post Box# 5252, 101-C, 1st Floor, Farah Winsford, 133 Infantry Road,
Bangalore - 560 001. INDIA
PH: +91 80- 286 3611/2/3, 2865208
Fax:  +91 80- 286 5203
E-mail:  emjaycompany@..., tumedscript@...
Managing Director:  Dr. M. A. Jowhar.

I just wanted all to be aware of this latest method in poaching so
that we can support each other in protecting ourselves from such
unscrupulous behavior by some MTSOs who are hurting the industry and
obviously require some education on the long-term effects.

Regards,

Seema
DIGIMETRIX

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and
astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India
www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee, SM                amit@...

..................................................
Jun 11, 2002         Digest #082
..................................................
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
---------------------------------------------
1) Professional Writing Award - 2002
---------------------------------------------
Results declared. For details see:
http://www.mtindia.org/awards.htm

---------------------------------------------
2) MT TIMES - quarterly print journal!
---------------------------------------------

The journal is out - await your copy

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 8=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"We nodded a few times.  Nothing was said in English.
We nodded
some more!"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Are we a bunch of losers?=-

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
"companies have understood that profits cannot and
will not come
within one, two, three or even five years"

====================================
ADVERTISEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Urgently wanted MT/QA2 by a leading company of
Gujarat
--------------------------------------------------------------
BVS Trans Tech, a company doing live work for more
than 15 months
and with an existing work force of 40, is now
recruiting.
Applicants should have atleast 1 years experience on
live files.

Rajat Singhania <rajat@...>
Vadodara

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 8 - Where the DMV Learned the Art of
Bureaucracy

Continued from MTID #81...........

Where the DMV Learned the Art of Bureaucracy

We need residency permits, you say?  Sorry, the small
print on the
visa was so small that we didn't see it.  Okay, so
let's get 'em.
The ensuing adventure was, bar-none, the grandmother
of all DMV
like experiences.

Okay, a little background, here.  Written in minuscule
print on the
bottom of our Indian visas reads a paragraph that
states that we
must register with the police department of the city
we'll be
residing in within 14 days of arrival.  Unfortunately,
we didn't
find out about it until we'd been here approximately 6
weeks due
solely to a travel agents request when booking plane
tickets.
Gotta start reading the fine print, although I'm not
so sure it
wouldn't have taken at least that long to obtain them
if we'd begun
on time.

We'd still be waiting for the blasted things if we
weren't guided
through the process by Deepak. We thank him publicly.
We were in
bureaucratic purgatory.  I've never seen so many steps
involved for
such a relatively simple thing.  So, you think the DMV
has made you
jump through hoops?  Got a Civil Service job?  You
haven't
experienced the Bangalore Police Department.  Sit
tight and hang
on.

The Bangalore Police Department grounds look like a
military
installation.  In the center of the compound on the
main road was a
young sentry.  He was dressed in what must be the
equivalent of
"dress blues".  He was surely decked out in the most
spectacular
uniform I've ever seen.  His headgear sported a
brush-like fan of
blended primary colors.  He remained at attention.  He
did not
move, except to salute (a different salute, but quite
formal and
respectful) passing dignitaries.  There was a red
carpet on the
road.  We'll have to go back and ask if we can
photograph him.  The
entire area is shaded by the most beautiful trees that
tower over
everything.  Hanging from nearly every branch, in huge
multitudes,
are very large bats at rest.  Lots and lots of
sleeping bats.
Hoping that umbrellas were unnecesary we walked over
to the office
that handles the residency permits.  Airline gate and
train
platform luck holding true, it was located at the
farthest place it
could have been from the parking space.

We go to an office and see a man in a uniform.  I know
that look.
I've seen it in the eyes of a clerk at the DMV.  I've
also seen it
in the eyes of my supervisor at the Marine Base.drunk
with power.
My life is in this person's hands, and he knows it.
In the room is
a woman in tears, begging for some exception to the
rules for
admission to Bangalore.  We're next.  This is
beginning to feel
weird.  He turns his gaze to us.  Hear the "Jaws"
theme in the
distance?  He gives a cursory glance towards our
paperwork and then
proceeds to rip his assistant a new one.  He didn't
create the
files properly.  I have a feeling this is not going to
be as easy
as I first though.  He dismissed his shamefaced
assistant and
turned his gaze to us.  The kids are looking nervous.
I'm nervous.
It's hot.   He told us that we needed to do a few
things before we
got started.  A few things.lets define the word few.

First, we've got to document our entry into India,
flight
information and dates.  That part's easy.  Then, we've
got to fill
out some more forms, relatively easy.just don't forget
to put the
date in this format.dd/mm/yy - no mm/dd/yy here.  I
messed up every
time I had to put the date.  The white-out lived at
the table while
I filled out this paperwork.  Thank heaven there were
no carbons.
Now comes the exercise..  Make 5 copies of your
passport and visa,
5 copies of this form, 8 copies of these photographs,
5 copies of
this other form, but only 3 for each child, all
cryptically written
on the back of the one form that we lost.  Then, write
a letter to
the Commissioner in very formal language, explaining
precisely why
the delay in making the application.  Do this for each
application,
2 copies please.   Oh, the adults have to show a
recent HIV test.
Funny no one at the Indian Embassy had mentioned that
requirement.
If you don't have one, you get to go to a government
hospital and
have the test taken there.  First you need to pick up
the kit from
the pharmacy.  We didn't want to go to the government
hospital,
having heard not too nice things about places like
this.but we don'
t have much to say about that.  We want to choose the
hospital we
get to go to.  No way.  Our hospital or no residency
permit.
Yassah.

The next thing we have to do is find THE GUY.the only
guy that can
process this stuff.  We went there once.not there.
Went there
twice.not there.  Three times a charm?  Arrangements
were made
through Deepak, who knew someone, who knew someone.

Joe adds this missing piece:  Deepak fortunately
believed that a
visit with an old school chum of his who is the
Assistant
Commissioner of Police would clarify and expedite this
process.  I
(Joe) was all for anything that would speed things up.
We went back
the next day, but to no avail, Assist. Commissioner
Reddy was not
available.  No problem, we made an appointment and
went back a
third time.

  The protocol involved with getting admission to the
office was
very formal.  After standing and sitting around
outside of his
office for a short time, we were allowed entry.  I
imagine it was
not unlike having an audience with the Pope.  An
assistant stood at
the ready outside the door in anticipation of
admitting approved
visitors.  The Assistant Chief would push a buzzer
under his desk
and the Assistant to the Assistant Chief would just
about jump out
of his skin and leap through the door seemingly in an
attempt to
land on the floor at attention in front of
Commissioner Reddy's
desk before the Commissioner's hand could leave the
button.

Our business was stated and we were allowed entry.  We
sat silently
as our paperwork was handed from the Application clerk
to the
Assistant to the Assistant Commissioner.  He looked it
over briefly
and talked with Deepak like an old friend he was then
asked the
clerk what was needed to complete our application.
The HIV test?
Oh no, that is only necessary if you are going to be
here for 12
consecutive months or longer.  Strange, a couple of
days ago that
was mandatory.  As we are planning a trip home
sometime this year,
it won't be necessary.

I of course had brought my CHP flat badge so I could
establish some
common ground with the Commissioner and share a tale
or two.  He
was quite adamant about his plan to straighten out the
traffic
situation here in Bangalore.     Implementation has
already begun
with a two-year time frame to completely change the
driving habits
of the local citizenry.   Fighting off convulsions of
incredulity,
I politely observed that he had his work cut out for
him.

We then returned to the office of bureaucrat number
two in order to
complete what could be completed at this time.  We
left with a
clear understanding to return with multitudes of
passport photos
and completed forms and no need for an HIV test.  We
were
encouraged that the end of the process was in sight.

Our next appointment (as close as you can call an
appointment here)
was for a Saturday morning.  We arrived on time.  Same
place as
before.  Where's the guy?  Oh, he's not here.  We had
an
appointment for today, we say.  Civil servant says,
for today?
Saturday?  We nod.  Today is the second Saturday, a
holiday.
Holiday?  What holiday?  Second Saturday holiday.
Apparently after
a few tries, he finally got the point across to us
that every
second Saturday of every month is a day off, aka
"holiday".  But we
had an appointment.  Oh well, better luck next time.

As we were leaving, we caught the eye of another
clerk-type.  The
old school chum had left word with someone after all.
We're gonna
get it done!  But first, we need to organize the
paperwork.  A
civil servant in a saree starts to give us some
trouble about the
untimely nature of our application, but a look from
the co-worker
who knew we were coming squelches that notion.  Look,
we have 4
letters explaining our lateness.  She was the epitome
of petty
bureaucracy.  She demands to know where the HIV
certificate is.  We
don't need one.  Yes you do.  No, we don't.  She made
several
attempts at denying our application, from us not
having enough
photographs to having too many photographs.  We
foolishly neglected
to cut our photographs into individual single photos
and left them
still on the contact sheet.  Just about tilted the
whole dang
machine!  We painstakingly folded and creased the
photos and tore
them apart.  Whew!  For lack of a pair of scissors,
the whole thing
could have been rejected.

After "ahem-ing" a few more times, she admitted defeat
and put her
little stamp of approval on it.  One more hoop jumped
through
successfully.  She announced, "You must now be
presented to the
Deputy Commissioner.  He will decide if he wants to
see you.  If he
wants to see you, you will be presented to him.  If he
does not
want to see you, we'll process your papers.   You wait
here.  She
vanished.  She came back a while later and said the
Deputy
Commissioner was in a meeting, but that we must still
wait.  Almost
2 hours passed.  She rustled into our waiting area and
motioned
that we should go to the Deputy Commissioner's office.
  Guess he
wanted to inspect us personally.

So, we trot back to the Assistant Deputy Director's
office, where
the Deputy Assistant Deputy Director is anticipating
his superior's
every move.  A little bell rang.  We quietly filed
into the man's
office.  I was afraid I might have to curtsy, but I
don't remember
how.  No curtsy necessary, he looked Joe and I in the
eye and then
promptly ignored and dismissed us.  We waited 2 hours
for the man
to barely look at us, though he did inspect each of
the approx. 8
stamps and signatures adorning the piece of brown
paper serving as
a folder for our papers.

Home stretch.only one more thing to do, right?  We
were ushered
into another office.  We stood in the back of the
room.  They
crammed every person who put their hands on our papers
into that
room.  Saree lady, and 4 other civil servant types.
We nodded a
few times.  Nothing was said in English.  We nodded
some more.  The
man warmed up his signature at least 3 times on each
page, top,
bottom and sideways.  Looks like we're really legal.
It only took
about five more minutes and we left with the papers in
our hands.
What an experience!

Reminds me of the time at the DMV that, well, never
mind.

........to be continued.

(c) Cheryl and Joe Blake
39685 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 205
Yermo, CA 92398-0205

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============CONTINUING===================

From: rukmani raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: The Medical Transcription scene in India

Hi all!

The Medical Transcription scene in India, I believe,
is now getting
a new lease of life. What commenced here in the 1990s
as a motley
group of inexperienced, but ambitious and often
unscrupulous,
self-styled entrepreneurs and consultants, (barring
the exceptions,
of course) is now emerging as a healthy, competitive
industry.
After the successful elimination of most of the bogus
units, the MT
industry is all geared to perform better. There are
still some
victims whose unhappy voices can be heard on the
message boards,
but I hope they will die down, once the MT industry
starts
functioning in right earnest, with its refurbished
image and in its
new avtaar. This MT 'experiment' has several useful
lessons for
those who failed in their venture and for those who
wish to start
anew. I have endeavored to list them below, briefly,
with the
earnest hope that it will act as a check-list for the
uninitiated.
It will also be a 'caveat emptor' of sorts, ensuring
that they too
do not become victims like many of

1) When setting up a new business venture, a company
or an
entrepreneur needs to do a thorough research on the
product or
service that he/she intends to offer. An intensive and
extensive
study of all that goes into ensuring a qualitatively
superior
product/service, is a must. A cursory study will not
suffice - it
has to be an in-depth one, covering every aspect of
the new
business. It is evident, that a few million rupees,
some hundred
computers and several thousand sq.ft. of posh office
space, does
not a business, make. In the early stages of the
Medical
transcription industry in India, there was much chaos,
little
knowledge and a lot of avarice. We saw the disastrous
consequences
of this short sighted approach to making a fast buck.

2) A proper 'employee policy' has to be worked out
before
commencing operations. It   is necessary to bear in
mind that
employees are the backbone of an organization. No
amount of
financial capital and computers can create an enduring
business
model, without the backing of an efficient and
committed work
force. We also witnessed what a poor wage structure
can do to the
morale of employees. Many transcriptionists who were
promised
fabulous salaries and broad avenues for promotion,
quit, when they
found employers did not   keep their word.

3) Excessive dependence on self-styled consultants,
whose only
purpose was to make a quick killing, was yet another
cause for many
units to close down. A sterling lesson to be learned
here is that
either one relies on one's own resources or one does a
proper
'research' before hiring a good consultant. When a
consultant
claims that he has set up six units, it is necessary
to visit those
units and physically verify his statements. Most
companies took
these so-called consultants on their word and later
realized their
mistake. These "consultants" were also instrumental in
painting a
poor image of India and thereby driving away many
American clients
who were eager to do business here.

4) Most institutes that set out to train had the
vaguest idea of
Medical Transcription. Training is not only essential,
but has to
be continuing. Companies devised abridged training
programs, with
no refresher courses, but with the expectation of
excellent
performance from their transcriptionists. Again,
training implies a
rigorous, carefully planned program, keeping in mind
the specific
requirements of Indian MTs, laying special emphasis on
American
English, spelling, grammar and idiomatic expressions.
In actuality,
however, training was a poor mix of medical
terminology, a small
dose of English grammar and typing tests for enhancing
keyboard
skills. Some didn't even include American English
lessons in their
program. The grading system was poorly designed.
Assessing student
performance on the high marks they procured in their
tests, without
stress being laid on actual transcription of different
kinds of
medical reports, was a grave error that showed up much
later in
their poor performance. To my

5) While garnering the necessary skills and building
infrastructure, companies should have started making
contacts with
American companies for work. The two activities had to
run
concurrently, so that by the time the company was
ready to take up
work they would have identified their client/s.
Provision for
adequate financial reserves were/are necessary, since
clients would
certainly insist on free trials, and earnings could
not be
expected, until some measure of client-confidence was
built up..
Using Indian intermediaries without proven credentials
was yet
another blunder that could have been and should be
avoided.

6) Another grave error was the mistaken assumption
that profits
would simply flow in within a year of commencing
operations, and
then they would sort out "other" problems like
employee incentives,
wage increases, better facilities for staff, whether
in ergonomics
or air-conditioning, or leave packages. It is only
now, that
companies have understood that profits cannot and will
not come
within one, two, three or even five years, and there
has to be some
cushioning in the shape of extra finance to sustain
the
organization until the break-even period, which would
later lead to
profit.

I  think the writing on the wall is clear - if only
people will
take the time to look at it. No half-hearted measures
or half-baked
knowledge can make Medical transcription work the way
it really
should. It needs capital, infrastructure, excellent
training
program, qualified manpower, marketing skills and the
sustained
efforts of owners and companies, along with medical
transcriptionists, editors and managers, to create a
viable unit.
Above all, a business needs a stated mission and a
belief in the
ethical conduct of its affairs. If one is building
one's business
on a "quick profit" philosophy then, I am afraid,
neither will the
profits come quickly nor can the business succeed

Rukmani Raghavan

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect
the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the
moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India
Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------
Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our
website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm


__________________________________________________
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*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
May 25, 2002         Digest #081
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=A Happy MT Week=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 7=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"Sunday is a free drive day!"

===========CONTINUING============

-=What they actually mean, when they say...=-

    ~R. Viswanathan
"Must be result oriented... "

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

Hi everyone!

We are celebrating MT Week here, and hence a "lite" edition -
something to read over the morning cuppa... whatever your stimulant
is!

Thanks for participating in the Professional Writing Award - 2002 @
MTIndia.org. The judges are also talking a well deserved break, so
results next week :).

MT TIMES, our quarterly print journal is rolling out - await your
copy!

I will be in Bangalore, from June 5th. All who would like to
connect, are welcome! Just mail me!

And once again, a Happy MT Week!

Cheers!!! :)

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Strategist/Founder ~ mailto:MTIndia@...
MT India ~ http://mtindia.org

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 6 - Joe's "This is India, My friend."

Continued from MTID #79...........

I have written several individual letters explaining the origins of
this term, but since it has become part of the lexicon of, "The
Blakes in India" I must explain to all readers that ," This is
India my friend" is not just an expression, it's a state of mind, a
life philosophy. The origin rests with our landlord and owner of
our flat.

When we first moved in the apartment had not been occupied for some
number of years (the exact number is unclear as he has said from 5
to 8 years) and there were many small things to be made
serviceable. Things like stopping all the "geezers" from leaking
(no pun), likewise the toilets, installation of the air
conditioner, cable for the TV, the TV's themselves, shower curtain
(still waiting), towel racks, a plugged drain, plumbing for washer,
working telephone, etc..  Whenever I would ask our landlord for an
update for example on the phone installation, he would begin by
saying, "this is India my friend, I must bribe the telephone
company again.".  Also when the plumber showed up without any
tools, showed up again two days later with a helper with no tools,
showed up several days after that with a helper and one crescent
wrench (spanner) to take apart one fitting to announce that it
needed a washer.  This I knew.  The plumber had no washer, and I
never saw them again.  I did see another plumber who showed up with
a helper and a nylon bag of tools.  He turned on the faucet and
announced that it probably needed a washer.  He took the fitting
apart and had his helper try to massage the washer into being water
tight. After about 15 minutes and several test fittings later, this
effort failed.  They had no washers.  The landlord announced ,
"This is India my friend, washers are too expensive for these
fellows to carry around".  They did return with a washer, problem
solved.

Now we use the expression to describe and explain away any
unfathomable situation.  I do not exaggerate.  Things like the
traffic signals being turned off on Sunday.  "This is India my
friend, Sunday is a free drive day." Of course they deserve that
because the rest of the week Indians are paragons of roadway
discipline.

Are they really building a three story building out of concrete
mixed on the street with a shovel and lifted one bucket at a time
by a guy with a rope standing on bamboo scaffolding 30 feet off the
ground ? " This is India, my friend.  Labor is cheap,  machines are
not".  I have seen concrete pumps and proper scaffolding but
apparently it depends on the financial resources of the individual
builder.   Don't miss the postscript in future editions properly
titled, (as if you couldn't guess) "This is India my friend".

THIS IS INDIA MY FRIEND: (After each sentence say to yourself, this
is India my friend)

A technician from Whirlpool shows up unannounced to instruct me on
how to operate the washing machine that we have been using for two
weeks. He insists on showing me how the controls work, and verifies
that the faucet that supplies water is turned on.

Five, yes 5,  guys show up at once to stop the air conditioner from
making noise; the guy in charge who has a cell phone and his
helper, who calls a guy with tools, who calls 2 more helpers.
Three hours later the AC is fixed. Twenty-four hours later, the
noise returns.

The woman who washes the floors will not use the mop with a handle
but insists on squatting with a rag in hand to wash the floor of
the entire aptartment.

The milk comes in plastic bags which say things like healthy,
nutritious, contains vitamins, and then 5 times, "Boil
Immediately".

There is no glue on stamps or envelopes, but there is a plastic
tub-o-paste on a counter at the post office.

There is a diesel generator to provide power to the building during
outages but it is not wired to power anything in the kitchen, i.e.,
no water purifier, no lights, no refrigerator, no microwave, no
geezers; but the phone works.  If the power is off for more than an
hour or two, the generator turns off.

........to be continued.

(c) Cheryl and Joe Blake
39685 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 205
Yermo, CA 92398-0205

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============CONTINUING===================

From: R Viswanathan <paramont@...>
Subject: Some more advt captions !!

Hello Amit,

I thoroughly enjoyed your latest interpretation of the catchy
headlines of the many MT ads ! I laughed my stomach out and
forwarded that portion to some of my friends. Here are some more!

1.   "ABC requires for its expansion in operations ..."

The Company has a huge turnover; 6 senior-most MTs/Editors of the
unit have just left together ; frequent advertisements may give
rise to doubts in the mind of candidates, hence this dignified
caption !

2.   "We pay the best salary in the industry ... "

If at all, and as and when the Company decides to pay !!

3.   "Candidates must be able to give 99% accuracy ..."

The unit never ever did 99% ; several clients have pulled out and
the Company wants someone to tell them what the hell this 99%
accuracy means !!

4.   "Must be result oriented... "

The unit has a definite system of deducting money from salary for
errors !!

5.   "Those with good contacts in the MT industry will be given
preference ... "

The unit wants the applicant to get some e-mail IDs of the existing
clients in his present Company, so that they can poach on them!!

6.   "We are looking for committed professionals ... "

Sure the Company has a service Bond for a minimum of 3 years !!

And here are some of the responses from candidates :

1.   "I have over 3 years experience in the MT field ... "

that includes 4 months of searching for and researching on the
right MT company, 6 months of training - of course with the wrong
Company, 6 months of free trials the Company did and the fight for
salary payment in as-and-when possible installments, 3 months of
searching for a new job since the earlier company did not pay the
salaries at all, 3 months of retraining and trials with the new
Company, 4 months of undefined probation and just about 9 months in
live MT production !!!

2.   "I do MT work, editing, proof reading and support services .."


This is the case of a junior MT who, the Director said would be
considered for sub-editor's job is he does extremely well in his MT
work for the next 24 months !! His cousin is the systems
administrator in the same unit from whom he plans to learn that job
too!!

3.   " My present salary is : Rs.12K .. expected Rs.16K .."

Present salary includes 6k that is the correct salary, 2 k that the
Manager promised since the last 2 years which was not granted and
the 2 k the Director has indicated as a flat increase, if the unit
does 20k lines a day, their present capacity being 6000 lines a day
and 2K being the notional equivalent value of the benefits the
Company promised (PF, medical, insurance, free food and educational
assistance), but never gave ..

4.   "My last drawn salary : Rs12K ..."

The guy is not employed now .. be careful to find out why he was
fired by the earlier company.

5.  "I have several years of rich experience in MT units in
Sholapur, Asansol, Rajkot, Bidar and Silvasa ... "

Rest assured, MT units in such obscure places could hardly exist ;
the assumption is that you will never be able to make a reference
check !!

Thanks  & Regards,

R. Viswanathan
Rapid Care Transcription Ltd
Chennai

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
May 11, 2002         Digest #080
..................................................
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
---------------------------------------------
1) Professional Writing Award - 2002
---------------------------------------------
FOUR DAYS TO GO!!
LAST DATE for submission - May 15th.

Attractive cash prizes - for details see:
http://www.mtindia.org/awards.htm
Do you have it in you?

---------------------------------------------
2) MT TIMES - quarterly print journal!
---------------------------------------------

Excellent opportunities for
ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:
http://www.mtindia.org/policies/AdsMTTimes.htm

PREVIEW articles @ MT TIMES, now:
http://www.mtindia.org/mttimes/default.htm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=The Sound of Silence=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

========== BILLBOARD =============

-=You live in Y2K2=-

=========MODERATOR COMMENT ============

Hi everyone!

Believe it or not, one of the guiding principles I try to live by
is a contemporary beatitude taught to me by my late friend, mentor,
and guide (who shall remain anonymous): "Blessed is he who has
nothing to say, and cannot be persuaded to say it."

I've have actually nothing to say this week, hopefully worth
saying; so just take a back seat today in favour of my
ramblings.... these are the sparks which ignite new discussions:)

For starters, just a short Buddhist outlook on life, which are
quite pertinent to this list as any other community.

1. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others and
     Responsibility for all your actions.

2. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

3. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality!

4. Don't let a little dispute injure a great community.

5. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

6. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
    correct it.

7. Learn the rules so you know how  to break them properly!

See how adept I have become in implementing rule seven :)

And while the Blakes have taken a break, let my try to wedge in my
foot through the door ....

Legend: American English - AE
              British English - BE

Strangely in AE tap water comes out of the faucet unless you're in
Pennsylvanis, where, apparently, its the register. So I am not
surprised at Cheryl's "It is called a geyser, even though the water
flows downward, not upwards like Old Faithful.", though my BE
dictationary gives the meaning to be"apparatus for heating water",
when pronounced the right way. Cultural differences......

"Oh, I forgot to say that in case any of you were thinking I could
just turn on the geyser the night before, so I could shower as soon
as my eyes were focused, think again.  You can't leave those
suckers on all night, or they may potentially explode.  They don't
have thermostats, you see."

Dear Cheryl, you have been taken for a merry ride - I haven't seen
one in my lifetime in India which didn't have a thermostat. And we
DO switch it on at night. For those who are in Bangalore, you might
like to call on a gentleman by the name of Ramesh Salvi. You'll
find him at Ahuja Palace, Richmond Road, Bangalore.  He needs to be
given the Darwinian Award, for projecting Indian homes so uniquely,
and well.....er.... homely (as in AE), Internationally!

"The train was on time, our seats were easy to find and the coach
was air conditioned and much roomier than any plane.  The next
pleasant surprise was that we were served a very good amount of
food for lunch and a liter of bottled water each.  The food was a
little on the hot side, but tasty.  A couple of hours later we got
more food, a snack of breadsticks, cookie and a juice box.  An hour
later another tasty meal, drink, coffee, water, and dessert.  Good
thing we brought all that food and drink with us."

It was nice to hear that the Shatabdi Express is delivering.:)

"One of the fun things about being a stranger in a strange land is
trying new foods.  The fun thing about doing this in India is that
to us gringos the food is not only new, it's unidentifiable."

To be candid, Joe, there is no such thing as "Indian food"
(believe me, I am an exponent of this subject). There is no such
thing as "North Indian food", "South Indian food" etc, either. What
you are talking about is the Indian version of fast food, though
they don't call it such. Real "Indian food" is hard to find in
urban India, even at home - nobody has the time, and arts that are
not practiced tend to die out. But when you have made your lucre,
and really want to see India - it's my advice that you stick to 80%
of the real India - rural; where they practice arts handed down
through the geneations - including culinary skills:)

And on an ending note, here's Help for you to figure out those
slick and glossy ads from companies recruiting, here is what they
actually mean when they say -

"JOIN OUR INCORPORATED, US BASED COMPANY"
We have no time to train or talk to you; you'll have to introduce
yourself to your co-workers - if there are any!

"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY"
We have actually no work at present; however we work overtime in
looking for work.

"IMMEDIATE OPENING"
The MT who used to have this job walked out a month ago. We're
just running the ad now!

"COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT"
We have a lot of turnover - in fact, we change our MTs and clients
every month!

"EXCITING AND PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT"
Guys in grey suits will bore you with tales of midnight binges and
their weekends on the golf greens. And of course, they are all US
returned! Ask them what's black ice, and they will be floored!

"MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED"
You'll be presented with six weeks of backlog on your first day -
and be expected to clear it in a week!

"FLEXIBLE HOURS"
Three shifts; 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Work 72 hours a week and get paid for 42.:)

"DUTIES WILL VARY"
Anyone in the office can boss you around, including the system
administrator and the janitor.

"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL"
We have no quality control systems or procedures! You have to be
client ready!!

"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE"
You'll need it to replace three people who just left, and were
dealing with different specialties and ESL dictators!

"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST"
You're walking into a company in perpetual chaos. Do not try to
tell the management your troubles - you have to swim in this!

"REQUIRES TEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS"
You'll have the responsibilities of an account manager, without the
pay, perks, respect or even the credit!

"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS"
Management communicates in something vaguely resembling Greek; you
listen, try to figure out what they mean and want done. Greek and
Latin were part of your MT training - right?

"ABILITY TO HANDLE A HEAVY WORKLOAD"
You whine, you're fired without dues owed!

Cheers!!! :)

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Strategist/Founder ~ mailto:MTIndia@...
MT India ~ http://mtindia.org


============== BILLBOARD =================

From: Unknown
Subject: YOU KNOW YOU LIVE IN THE YEAR 2002, when....

1. You get an extra phone line so you can get phone calls.

2. You SMS your significant other to ask her out for dinner.

3. You daily chat with your brother but have not heard his voice
for last 6 months.

4. Your parents asks you to send them a JPEG file of your family so
they can see you.

5. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see
if anyone is home.

6. Your excuse for not staying in touch with old school buddies is
that they don't have e-mail addresses.

7. You get up in the morning and go on-line before going for the
newspaper.

8. You hear most of your jokes via e-mail instead of in person.

9. Y2K phobia is out - now you are a HIPAACRAT!

10. This space is reserved for the 99 other things you & I would
like to cough out in future publications!

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm


MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
May 11, 2002         Digest #080
..................................................
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
---------------------------------------------
1) Professional Writing Award - 2002
---------------------------------------------
FOUR DAYS TO GO!!
LAST DATE for submission - May 15th.

Attractive cash prizes - for details see:
http://www.mtindia.org/awards.htm
Do you have it in you?

---------------------------------------------
2) MT TIMES - quarterly print journal!
---------------------------------------------

Excellent opportunities for
ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:
http://www.mtindia.org/policies/AdsMTTimes.htm

PREVIEW articles @ MT TIMES, now:
http://www.mtindia.org/mttimes/default.htm

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-=The Sound of Silence=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM

========== BILLBOARD =============

-=You live in Y2K2=-

=========MODERATOR COMMENT ============

Hi everyone!

Believe it or not, one of the guiding principles I try to live by
is a contemporary beatitude taught to me by my late friend, mentor,
and guide (who shall remain anonymous): "Blessed is he who has
nothing to say, and cannot be persuaded to say it."

I've have actually nothing to say this week, hopefully worth
saying; so just take a back seat today in favour of my
ramblings.... these are the sparks which ignite new discussions:)

For starters, just a short Buddhist outlook on life, which are
quite pertinent to this list as any other community.

1. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others and
     Responsibility for all your actions.

2. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

3. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality!

4. Don't let a little dispute injure a great community.

5. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

6. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
    correct it.

7. Learn the rules so you know how  to break them properly!

See how adept I have become in implementing rule seven :)

And while the Blakes have taken a break, let my try to wedge in my
foot through the door ....

Legend: American English - AE
              British English - BE

Strangely in AE tap water comes out of the faucet unless you're in
Pennsylvanis, where, apparently, its the register. So I am not
surprised at Cheryl's "It is called a geyser, even though the water
flows downward, not upwards like Old Faithful.", though my BE
dictationary gives the meaning to be"apparatus for heating water",
when pronounced the right way. Cultural differences......

"Oh, I forgot to say that in case any of you were thinking I could
just turn on the geyser the night before, so I could shower as soon
as my eyes were focused, think again.  You can't leave those
suckers on all night, or they may potentially explode.  They don't
have thermostats, you see."

Dear Cheryl, you have been taken for a merry ride - I haven't seen
one in my lifetime in India which didn't have a thermostat. And we
DO switch it on at night. For those who are in Bangalore, you might
like to call on a gentleman by the name of Ramesh Salvi. You'll
find him at Ahuja Palace, Richmond Road, Bangalore.  He needs to be
given the Darwinian Award, for projecting Indian homes so uniquely,
and well.....er.... homely (as in AE), Internationally!

"The train was on time, our seats were easy to find and the coach
was air conditioned and much roomier than any plane.  The next
pleasant surprise was that we were served a very good amount of
food for lunch and a liter of bottled water each.  The food was a
little on the hot side, but tasty.  A couple of hours later we got
more food, a snack of breadsticks, cookie and a juice box.  An hour
later another tasty meal, drink, coffee, water, and dessert.  Good
thing we brought all that food and drink with us."

It was nice to hear that the Shatabdi Express is delivering.:)

"One of the fun things about being a stranger in a strange land is
trying new foods.  The fun thing about doing this in India is that
to us gringos the food is not only new, it's unidentifiable."

To be candid, Joe, there is no such thing as "Indian food"
(believe me, I am an exponent of this subject). There is no such
thing as "North Indian food", "South Indian food" etc, either. What
you are talking about is the Indian version of fast food, though
they don't call it such. Real "Indian food" is hard to find in
urban India, even at home - nobody has the time, and arts that are
not practiced tend to die out. But when you have made your lucre,
and really want to see India - it's my advice that you stick to 80%
of the real India - rural; where they practice arts handed down
through the geneations - including culinary skills:)

And on an ending note, here's Help for you to figure out those
slick and glossy ads from companies recruiting, here is what they
actually mean when they say -

"JOIN OUR INCORPORATED, US BASED COMPANY"
We have no time to train or talk to you; you'll have to introduce
yourself to your co-workers - if there are any!

"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY"
We have actually no work at present; however we work overtime in
looking for work.

"IMMEDIATE OPENING"
The MT who used to have this job walked out a month ago. We're
just running the ad now!

"COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT"
We have a lot of turnover - in fact, we change our MTs and clients
every month!

"EXCITING AND PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT"
Guys in grey suits will bore you with tales of midnight binges and
their weekends on the golf greens. And of course, they are all US
returned! Ask them what's black ice, and they will be floored!

"MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED"
You'll be presented with six weeks of backlog on your first day -
and be expected to clear it in a week!

"FLEXIBLE HOURS"
Three shifts; 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Work 72 hours a week and get paid for 42.:)

"DUTIES WILL VARY"
Anyone in the office can boss you around, including the system
administrator and the janitor.

"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL"
We have no quality control systems or procedures! You have to be
client ready!!

"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE"
You'll need it to replace three people who just left, and were
dealing with different specialties and ESL dictators!

"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST"
You're walking into a company in perpetual chaos. Do not try to
tell the management your troubles - you have to swim in this!

"REQUIRES TEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS"
You'll have the responsibilities of an account manager, without the
pay, perks, respect or even the credit!

"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS"
Management communicates in something vaguely resembling Greek; you
listen, try to figure out what they mean and want done. Greek and
Latin were part of your MT training - right?

"ABILITY TO HANDLE A HEAVY WORKLOAD"
You whine, you're fired without dues owed!

Cheers!!! :)

Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
Strategist/Founder ~ mailto:MTIndia@...
MT India ~ http://mtindia.org


============== BILLBOARD =================

From: Unknown
Subject: YOU KNOW YOU LIVE IN THE YEAR 2002, when....

1. You get an extra phone line so you can get phone calls.

2. You SMS your significant other to ask her out for dinner.

3. You daily chat with your brother but have not heard his voice
for last 6 months.

4. Your parents asks you to send them a JPEG file of your family so
they can see you.

5. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see
if anyone is home.

6. Your excuse for not staying in touch with old school buddies is
that they don't have e-mail addresses.

7. You get up in the morning and go on-line before going for the
newspaper.

8. You hear most of your jokes via e-mail instead of in person.

9. Y2K phobia is out - now you are a HIPAACRAT!

10. This space is reserved for the 99 other things you & I would
like to cough out in future publications!

----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

*Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest..... Mark Twain*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Apr 27, 2002         Digest #079
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 6=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"I will never look at water the same again!"

============ NEW =================

-=Management and Human Resources=-

    ~Manoj Senapati
"Management people do not really know what problems the MTs face"

    ~Debaleena Mitra
"If it's really a rush job, run in and interrupt me every 10
minutes, please......!"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Are we a bunch of losers?=-

    ~Aditya Margam
"Optimism for those that have resolutely "hung in there"

    ~Kshitij Kansal
"Is there anybody feeling any sort of humiliation?"

========== BILLBOARD =============

-=Alternative ITES fields? =-

    ~Deb Payne

-=Inurance cover=-

    ~Dr Zain
====================================
ADVERTISEMENT
---------------------------
1. Want experienced MTs
---------------------------
We are a well established MT production unit since 2 years. We
require experienced MTs (minimum 6 months) with excellent American
English from the Hyderabad/Secunderabad area only. Please e-mail
your bio-data.

UNI-SCRIP Services
uniscrip@...

-----------------------------------
2. MT service business opportunity
-----------------------------------
If you hold a CMT certification, have had previous experience in
providing transcription service in Internal Medicine, Family
Medicine and Flight Medicine, and if you have arrangements to
communicate with encrypted e-mail, contact me at your earliest,
preferably by Monday A.M.

Ajit Hirani <hiraniaw@...>
Tele: (407) 694-8682.
DreamFind, Inc.

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 6 - It is called a geyser......

Continued from MTID #78...........

I really wanted to call this installment, "Why We Say 'This is
India, My Friend'", but my darling Joe has appropriated that title
for HIS next literary foray.  Oh well...we have compromised...we'll
just call this one my version.

Living in India is like nothing I could have ever imagined.
NOTHING is the same.  It truly is like living on another planet.
Think of it this way...Rod Serling could have narrated our lives
these past weeks.

Take something basic, like water.  I will never look at water the
same again.  Water here is anti-water.  In India I look at the
water faucet and I see a skull and crossbones.  We don't drink it.
We don't brush our teeth with it.  We don't wash our dishes in it.
We don't rinse vegetables or fruit in it.  If we use it, we rinse
with purified water afterward.  We have a water purifier installed
in our kitchen, called an  "Aqua Guard".  It is a charcoal
filter-type gizmo that sings "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is
Coming to Town" in that annoying electronic way those new Christmas
cards do...while the water is flowing.  Joe is sure it's singing,
"It's a Long Way to Tipperary"...but I'm not convinced.  Regardless
of what it's singing, it is positively annoying.  There's no volume
control on the contraption.  I can't get that song out of my head.
I can just imagine the neighbors shaking their heads and
saying...it's that weird American lady in apartment 204 using the
water again.   ....you better watch out...you better not cry....dum
dee dum dum da da ......to town.

On a related tangent, take something just as basic...hot water.
This is surely something we took for granted in the U.S.  Turn on
the hot water faucet and voila...like magic...hot water.   The only
condition to receiving hot water back home was how many showers we
had taken or whether we had just used the dishwasher.  Now, hot
water is something I have to plan for.  Each bathroom has it's own
hot water heater.  It works on the principle of an immersion
heater.  It is a tank above the toilet.  It is called a geyser,
even though the water flows downward, not upwards like Old
Faithful.  It uses some sort of electric coil inside of it, and
gets the water hot after about 15 minutes.  Showers are not
spontaneous acts anymore.  The kitchen sink doesn't even have hot
water.  You can buy something called an "Instant Geyser"...geyser
is pronounced geezer, by the way...which sounds like instant old
man to me...but I digress.  The instant geyser is some kind of
doodad that makes the useless hot water faucet spit out hot water.
Rather than shell out the rupees for one of those contraptions, I
just fire up the geyser in the guest bathroom and transport the hot
water to the sink in a bucket.  I'm still possessed about rinsing
the dishes in the Jingle Bells water,  ...he sees you when you're
sleeping - he knows when you're awake... which is how it is fondly
called at Chateau Blake these days.  Oh, I forgot to say that in
case any of you were thinking I could just turn on the geyser the
night before, so I could shower as soon as my eyes were focused,
think again.  You can't leave those suckers on all night, or they
may potentially explode.  They don't have thermostats, you see.
The water just keeps getting hotter and hotter.  There is a pull
valve on the underside of every one of the geysers, for pressure
relief.  We had to use it once, because the stupid thing
vapor-locked on us.   He knows if you've been bad or good...so be
good for goodness' sake.

I'll expound on the basic bathroom differences in the next
installment.  It's bedtime.  Remember this, everyone...life here
may be different, and mildly inconvenient to the average American,
but I wouldn't call it a negative experience.  We're just camping
rather elegantly.

Bye for now...

........to be continued.

(c) Cheryl and Joe Blake
39685 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 205
Yermo, CA 92398-0205

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

============ NEW =================

From: Manoj Senapati <mannu_s23@...>
Subject: Management and Human Resources

Dear Amit:

Your article regarding the Management and Human Resources in the
MTTimes ezine was of really great significance and I think that the
Medical Transcription companies should ponder over these points
when it comes to handling people of their own company.

The main reason being that the management people do not really know
what problems the MTs face or what pressures they have to handle
during their work; the solution being that at least one person from
MT should be made a representative and forward their points when it
comes to a proper management..

As everybody now knows that this field is totally different, though
there is lot of money.  This field is totally manpower oriented.
The quality of the manpower, dictates the progress of the company,
as in the case of Healthscribe.

So whenever the management is being set up the company should look
it into these matters and then after proper planning, they should
progress in that way.

I have been a constant reader of your articles and I appreciate the
work that you people are doing in this field and I hope that this
process is helping a lot of people to make their careers. Wish you
all the best.

Regards to all.

Manoj Senapati

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Debaleena Mitra <debaleenam@...>>
Subject: Helpful Tips for the Production Manager

Dear MTIDers:

Here are some tips, which I would like to share with all Managers:

Never give me work in the morning. Always wait until 4:00 and then
bring it to me. The challenge of a deadline is refreshing.

If it's really a rush job, run in and interrupt me every 10 minutes
to inquire how it's going. That helps. Or even better, hover behind
me, advising me at every keystroke.

If you give me more than one job to do, don't tell me which is the
priority.

Always leave without telling anyone where you're going. It gives me
a chance to be creative when I have a query, or someone asks where
you are.

Do your best to keep me late. I adore this office and really have
no where to go or anything else to do. I have no life beyond work.

A tired MT!

Debaleena Mitra

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============CONTINUING===================

From: aditya margam <amargam@...>
Subject: Those that have resolutely "hung in there"

Dear Subho & MTIDers:

Thanks for this thread. CNN did a story on Medical Transcription
and it was aired last year, feature show. As a representative of
one of those who "hung in there" Indus Networks was featured on it
and I spoke on behalf of the company. I am not sure how many of our
community got to see the program. I strongly feel that  the cloud
of suspiscion - created by undercutting prices and failing to
deliver - is gradually bur certainly wearing off on the US side,
and that on the Indian side, the misconception that MT is "easy
money" has been laid to rest. Some of our inadequately informed -
but well intentioned, I am sure - bretheren have learned their
lessons. The fact that Technology and Relationship Management  call
for professional skills and cost good money has been realized the
hard way. Quoting a low charge may be an easy way to attract
attention but certainly not the best way to hold it!!

I have optimism for those that have resolutely "hung in there" .

The surviving Indian MTSOs now are gradually being accepted for
what all of us should have been gunning for, from the very
beginning.,  i.e a source of service that is competitive (not dirt
cheap!) and can be relied upon to deliver just as well as the next
guy, so to speak. That they can prove to be valuable allies to
existing service providers back there in the US, is also dawning on
many of them.

I see a strong reason for a shift from the conventional model where
the near-at-hand MT achieved 100% compliance of the clients'
requirements, to a contemporary model where the remote MT achieves
98% accuracy and the finishing touches are given by a new layer of
Q/A specialists - the more experienced MTs nearer to the client.
This way the locals can do the final Q/A, Relationship Management
and of course Marketing. I think it is an opportunity for a win-win
situation for all...

We need to work methodically to achieve that synchronism and we
will have a good thing going..

Does anyone share my optimism?

Cheers

Aditya Margam
INDUS NETWORKS LTD

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Kshitij Kansal <eicsindia@...>
Subject: My 2 cents for 2 cents...

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

This is in continuation to my earlier message wherein I have tried
to bring your kind attention towards the quoting of low rates by
the Indian entrepreneur for MT services in the international
market.

Now, I would like to draw your kind attention to the humble request
of the low-rated workers been heard and accepted by a very
kind-hearted lady Annabel who has invited home based MTs to give a
try to the MT work offered at the rate of Rs.1 per line.

Is there anybody feeling any sort of humiliation?  I hope each and
every individual involved in MT in India who has toiled into this
profession to make some recognition in the
market/profession/industry should feel humiliated with such an
instance.  I was astonished by the fact that how much money can
anybody make working from home at this rate.  Provided the fellow
is using his own resources and minimum infrastructure for this
activity, the net income that anybody can generate in a month will
be much lesser than what one can still earn working in any MT
company with the employment benefits, paid leaves, etc. which has
no provision in such a work-at-home arrangement.  Besides this, I
would be surprised to learn where does all objections go which an
MT entrepreneur faces from US MTSOs while approaching them for
outsourcing.  I will be surprised to learn if all this is not just
for the sake of saving a few dollars, exploiting the cheap manpower
at much cheaper rates.

I would strongly suggest my fellow MTs who are getting in this trap
to be very careful because if they are confident about their
performance, they can definitely earn much better working with an
MT company then what they can earn from such an activity and if
they are so confident and talented, then they should not hesitate
asking for higher rates.  Because it is not only in their
short-term loss and long-term benefit, but is applicable to the
whole Indian MT industry.

So, dear fellow MTs, please think twice before taking a leap into
the waters.

Also, if such of my fellow MTs want to have a better job
opportunity, they can send me their resume at the e-mail mentioned
below.  It will be a pleasure should I be of some help to them.

Happy Transcribing!

Kshitij Kansal
Elite Information and Consultancy Services

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

============== BILLBOARD =================

From: Deb Payne <debbpayne@...>
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 12:21 PM

Hello Amit and all,

I have been on this list for some time but as you all know, work
can consume you at times and there is just not a moment to spend
emailing even. Anyway, I am an American Editor/Manager of Quality
Assurance and I have been living and working here in Bangalore for
a year now. I know that several other aspects of the transcription
business are infiltrating India these days and I was just wondering
how many people out there have looked into any of these alternative
fields? (Ex. Coding and billing, stock market data entry, insurance
claims, etc.)

Thanks,
Deb Payne

++++ new post - different topic ++++

From: Syedzain Raza <drzain@...>
Subject: Insurance against sues

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

Can you please give me some names of American
insurance companies who provide insurance cover to
offshore outsourcing and what are their rates?

Regards
Dr Zain
----------------------------------------------------
The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the moderator.
MT India or Mediweb Infotech Pvt. Ltd. make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the
truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

Please send suggestions and comments to:
mailto:amit@...

FAQ, Information & Archives at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/mtdigest/default.htm

Send your posts to:
mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:
http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

MT India Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MTID

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Mar 13, 2002         Digest #078
..................................................

.....IN THIS DIGEST.....

======MODERATOR COMMENT =======

-="I've Learned So Much....from YOU"=-

    ~Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM
"Once young and beautiful, now old and wise!"

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 5=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"The first thing we noticed about Chennai was that the traffic
actually moved!"

===========CONTINUING============

-=Are we a bunch of losers?=-

    ~George J. Ollapally
"Confessions of a Transcription Man"

    ~Debra Beal, CMT
"Stand Up and Be Counted!"

    ~Kshitij Kansal
"Irony of the Indian MT Industry"

=========MODERATOR COMMENT===========

Dear fellow MTIDer....

I've learned so much....from YOU!!! This discussion list completes
three years tomorrow. Those early days before MTIndia.org was
conceptualized were something else, and of the original six on this
list, I appear to be the only survivor - I would love to be
corrected on that!

"Data -> Information -> Knowledge -> Wisdom"; we have turned a full
circle, with your help. The most exciting thing about being part of
this online community is watching others, seeing them succeed and
emulating their success. It's really been fun, education and
privilege being moderator of this list. I hope the experience has
been mutual.

With due regards to all, I am laying a wreath on the thread -
"Frauds in MT". This is not due to any extraneous compulsions, our
editorial integrity remains - and I am open as always to answer
anything in this forum. For aggrieved people, MTs and businessmen,
we are opening a new section in this list -=ROG=- "Redressal of
Grievance", but facts as claimed have to be reasonably supported.

I'll let you get back to the Blake's travels, and ahead. Just to
remind you, there are attractive cash prizes and accolades waiting
for the hidden writer in you! For details see:
http://www.mtindia.org/awards.htm

Let us usher in the Spring, and a Happy New Year to all!

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit Chatterjee, SM amit@...

"Once young and beautiful, now old and wise!"

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 4 - Trip to Chennai

Continued from MTID #77...........

February 25, 2000

So, Joe called the last installment to our India saga, "Feast or
Famine". Confused?  You'll have to read his next episode. Stay
tuned, y'all.

Okay, we've just arrived in Chennai (Madras).  It's 9:30 at night.
We've just stepped off an air-conditioned train into..a blast
furnace..a sauna, a steam bath.  It's at least 20 degrees hotter
than Bangalore.  It's at least 90% humidity, with no rain in sight.
Ron led us through the throngs of people to his car, got us settled
in and we set off for their house.  The first thing we noticed
about Chennai was that the traffic actually moved! We were actually
exceeding speeds of 30 mph something we hadn't done in a car since
arriving in India.

We arrived at Casa Straatsma at about 10:30 p.m.  Their little ones
were already asleep.  Ours were buzzing from the excitement of
being somewhere new.  They found Legos to play with.'nuff said.
They were right at home. The grownups relaxed around the dining
room table, had some fruit and cheese and the company of our
gracious hosts.  We dined on the food that we didn't need to take
on the train with us.  Coincidentally, we brought Gouda cheese with
us, a Dutch cheese that the Straatsma family was missing mightily.
We had great bread.  We had beer.  We settled in and enjoyed our
meal.  We calmed down and cooled off.  Ron and Pam are the proud
owners of TWO air conditioners.  This is not a luxury in Chennai,
it is a necessity.  They made us comfy and let us sleep in their
bedroom, and they camped out in the kids' room.  We slept for the
first time in mosquito netting.an adventure. Johnny thinks sleeping
in the tents is "cool".  We promised him he could have a tent of
his own when we got back to Bangalore.

Pam and I continue to marvel at the similarities in our characters,
likes and dislikes, parenting styles and favorite colors.  It's
difficult to find things we don't share the same passion for.guess
that's why we chose similar life paths.  After a while, we stopped
being surprised, and just accepted the fact that we were somehow
joined at the brain.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast of Bombay toast
(that's what they call French toast here), we piled the 8 of us
into 2 cars and headed off down the coast highway to Mammalapuram,
a mouthful that I haven't quite got the hang of saying yet, which I
henceforth called "M'puram" because I mangle it way too badly to
keep torturing everyone with it.  What we saw there was rural
India, all by the side of the road.  We saw shops and stands and
carts and stalls and blankets, all of which served as the biggest
open-air market ever.  The highway was the most alive place I've
ever experienced.  It was alive with color. The bougainvillea was
in full bloom, in nearly every color imaginable. It was alive with
LIFE!  There were many people.  There were people walking, waiting
at bus stops, and sitting on blankets selling little fish that
shone silvery in the sun.  We think they were anchovies, but
perhaps they were sardines. We saw pushcarts and wheelbarrows and
bicycles.  There were temples every place we looked.  There was new
construction, old construction, under construction and under
destruction.   There was animal life, just coexisting with the
people, doing what they do in the wild.  There were all kinds of
birds, pigeons and swallows, chickens, roosters, geese and a
turkey, I think.  Surprisingly, I saw no seagulls, even through we
were at the seashore.  There were all manner of four-legged
creatures.  There were oxen, horses, mules, cows, calves, sheep,
and goats, There was something that was buried up to its nostrils
in a swampy looking place that could have been a hippopotamus, but
was probably a cow just cooling herself off. There were dogs
everywhere. There are dogs all over India, living wild.  Since
we've been here, I believe I have seen only one cat.

Chennai is on the east coast of South India on the Bay of Bengal on
the Indian Ocean. . Looking out to sea, there is nothing.
Somewhere out there, a long way from this place, the next land is
Thailand.  On we drove.  We passed schools and farms and mansions
and huts and a drive-in movie!  Yup, you read that right, a
drive-in.  Complete with big box office Indian movies
and a drive in restaurant.  It's a happenin' place, I'm told.  We
passed something called "Dizzy Land", an amusement park. We passed
an alligator farm.  We passed idyllic resorts with bazillion dollar
views.  We passed salt farms, where they evaporate sea water to
make mineral-rich salt.

Pam and Ron booked us all reservations at a resort, the "Silver
Sands".  The place was past its prime, but was still quite
beautiful.  There was a swimming pool and a wading pool and a
Jacuzzi.  There were gardens, all manicured and perfect.  There
were trees that looked for all the world like athol trees, just
like in the Mojave desert.  There were date palms and
coconut palms. The rooms were all like separate cottages, set up
like duplexes, upstairs and down.  The cottages had seen better
days, but the place had "character".

Our room was upstairs.  It had a front porch, a back porch and a
main room. Most importantly, it had an air conditioner and mosquito
netting.  It also had ants.  The bathroom was alive with tiny ants.
I went to housekeeping and asked them to do something about the
ants.  Joe took the boys to the pool, and I set about depopulating
our room of any non-human lifeforms. When the janitor came to see
what I was complaining about, he brought a rag and a broom.  After
he saw how many ants there were, he came back with another man, and
the BAYGON.  I am sure that this stuff is illegal in the States.  I
had to convince the two men to take breathing breaks between
fumigations.  They were undaunted. They sprayed and scooped, yes, I
did say scooped, buckets full of ants from behind the mirror in the
bathroom.  I tipped them and thanked them, and we saw no more ants.
That delightful experience over with, I proceeded to go on with
enjoying the weekend.and enjoy we did.

Our children found their fun zone in the form of the kiddie pool.
Duly sunscreened and swimsuited, they frolicked and romped and
leaped in the water, which was knee deep for them.  It was perfect!
Actually, it was even more perfect than that.  The place was full
of children, from everywhere. Most of the foreigners (that's US,
y'all) were here in India on business. There was the French family
who are staying in Bombay; Dad's a banker there. They had one child
Robbie's age.  Another French family who were visiting from Delhi,
where Dad did some software kind of thing had 3 children, one who
was the same age as Johnny and Mikaila, and 2 younger ones.  We
were in kid heaven!

Imagine this, we had been at the seashore for nearly 2 hours and
still hadn't seen the ocean.  Unheard of!  Pam and I took a stroll
over a little bridge, less than a block away from the pool, and
there ... was a shop.  The ocean would wait.  Without hesitation,
we both were drawn to the same Kashmiri tapestries and colors and
patterns and chose the same items.  Weird, huh? Leaving
empty-handed, we headed off for the beach, another 50 steps away.
It was beautiful.  The ocean water was a different color than I'd
ever seen.blue-er, I think.  The beach was clean, and deserted,
something I'd never seen in the daylight before.  For all of my
life, the beach was such a crowded place, unpleasantly so that I
usually wanted to go to the beach at night, when no one else was
there.  Here we were, in this faraway place, alone on the beach.

The rest of the day was a blur of water and happy children.  You'd
think that was enough to make this weekend a success.  More wonders
awaited us, however.  There was a restaurant on the beach, in a
screened tent.  Of course, the kids just saw the restaurant as a
huge, shady sandbox with tables.  They played contentedly for the
longest time - finding "treasure" in the sand.  The high point of
the entire weekend came when night fell. Sitting in our sandbox cum
restaurant, the full moon rose over the ocean, casting a silver
beam onto the water.  It was spectacular!  As this restaurant was a
screened in tent, with room for about 50 people, and there were
only two other couples in there, we stayed there drinking coffee
and listening to our children play, watching the moon until way too
late.  It was the most relaxed we'd been in months.  Time felt like
it stood still. This was the crowning conclusion to an idyllic day.
With happy children, good company, full tummies and the moonlight
over a foreign sea, we said good night and went off to our cottage
for a good night's sleep.

........to be continued.

(c) Cheryl and Joe Blake
39685 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 205
Yermo, CA 92398-0205

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

===============CONTINUING===================

From: George J. Ollapally <gjo@...>
Subject: Confessions of a Transcription Man

Dear MTIDers:

Having discussed the possibility of entering this new field in Feb
1995, I was given the task, by DTS America Inc., Nashville of
getting a team together and funding in place for an India startup
based at Bangalore. I roped in my friend and neighbour, Mahidhar
Reddy later of CBay fame), to look for a funder who would be
willing to join hands with us. Reddy found such a person, and we
started up our company with him as wholetime Managing Director, me
as a Director, and our VC as chairman. As an MBA from XLRI, with
nearly 20 years industrial experience this was something right up
my alley!

Early days in transcription were, to put it mildly, challenging.
Healthscribe and Selectronics were the two players in the field,
and our company, Qualiscribe, was the third entrant, to the best of
my knowledge. We got a set of training tapes from the AAMT, and
started out to invent the wheel here. Footpedals were not used, nor
were transcription headphones. Today we are light years ahead of
those early "stone age" days.

Many innovations were developed by us, including writing software
to use the keyboard instead of footpedals, using professors from
local medical colleges to conduct classes, and the like. Dell 486
computers, with 8 MB of RAM and 14 inch colour monitors were
imported from the US at around $1500 each. Sadly 2 years into its
life Qualiscribe folded up, because the company was not breaking
even, Reddy having got disillusioned and leaving  6 months prior to
its closing up.

The beginnings though, were promising enough for DTS to decide to
start its own  wholly owned subsidiary here in Bangalore, and a CMT
from DTS was sent to assist in starting up the operation. Its just
under five years now, and today DTS has broken even (though it will
take some more time for us to start making real money), and the way
has been pretty interesting. Subho Dasgupta's, email last week
asking whether anyone who has been in this business, and was on our
team in Bangalore, for an eventful year, before moving to
Hyderabad, is the reason for my sharing some experiences with the
others on this newletter.  (Hope you're doing well Subho!)

Having been in this business now for about 7 years, and having
visited and seen this industry from the US end ( going there three
times in the past 3 years), I can modestly claim to be one of the
pioneers in India.

What are the lessons that I have drawn? Some of them, in brief, are
as follows:

1. This is a business that is not for the fainthearted or those
without the necessary resources. Unless one has enough funding, to
meet development costs and start up expenses, one is better off
giving this a pass. Unlike tradtional industries, one cannot see
returns coming in quickly.

2. Funding agencies will avoid you. Computer hardware and software
are not easily fundd by funding agencies-unless one gives
collateral security. Consequently equity funding is the way to
fund, and that is easier said than done.

3. Training is the key, along with a good quality monitoring
programme.

4. The market is growing, especially on account of HIPAA. There is
a shortage of transcriptionists in the US, and good Indian
transcriptionsts can deliver work equal to or better than American
transcriptionists. Indian companies will have to go into the US
marketplace and pound pavements to get trial orders, prove their
abilities and then the market will gradually open up. Expecting to
develop business over the net is neither realistic, nor smart.

5. Many American intermediaries even now assume that we are ready
to work for sweat shop rates. I remember one gentleman, who is now
well known in the industry,(and who shall remain nameless) telling
me in 1995 that he would be willing to buy whatever we could sell
him-at 2 cents a line! This was when the $ traded for Rs 31.40.
Unless the rate per line is a decent rate, it just isnt worth it. A
"decent rate" is not a  fixed one-a low cost operator may have one
rate, a home based transcriptionist may have another.

6. No speech recognition software package is going to wipe this
business out overnight. In 1995 when I first asked about speech
recognition I was told that it was perhaps 5 years away. In 1999,
when I asked the same question, I was given the same answer. This
year I was told that there were some signs of speech recognition
making some headway, but that it was still some way away.
Physicians in the US don't find it worth their while to spend time
getting the software ready to recognise their speech patterns, and
until a super product comes as a result of a major breakthough I
suspect things will remain as they are for the foreseable future.

In late 1999, when KP Shetty of City Info Services decided to run a
series of seminars on medical transcription at major cities in
India, he asked me if I would be interested in being a speaker.
While business engagements prevented me from being present at
Chennai, Hyderabad and New Delhi, I was able to be present at some
other cities. Later on I also got an opportunity to speak in
Bangladesh.

My purpose in taking time off from work and speaking at all these
seminars was simple. I wanted to share my experiences, and
forcefully tell people that there was more to medical transcription
than met the eye, that this was not "software", and there were many
pitfalls. I also warned people to avoid consultants, because inmy
view there was no one with a credible track record. Despite this I
find that many people have flocked into this industry and burnt
their fingers, because of lack of preparation, lack of research and
often lack of funds. Maybe this is a better time for people to
organise a workshop to discuss our experiences.

The market is so huge and the share of Indian companies so minute
that we really don't need to view each other as threats in sharing
our experiences! Even today, a stock question I am asked by most
people I meet in the industry is "How many lines per day are you
doing"? My rejoinder to this is "Enough volume"! I suggest that
instead of looking at what others are doing, focus energies on
one's own operation. Asking this question, is in my view, like
asking " How much did you eat today (or yesterday)"? Is it all
relevant?

The scenario today is a bit different from earlier times, because
call centres and various other back office activities have grown
larger than medical transcription, and the manpower pool is not
very much larger, so competition for people has become acute.
Despite that, a well prepared and well funded entity, can in my
view still make decent returns from this business, given adequate
time to gestate. The pool of experienced people has grown to a
large level, the pool of people who can manage is much bigger, and
acceptance by the market place is also much more than in 1995. All
these are key factors that will help India increase its revenues
from this industry.

George J Ollapally
Director, DTS Information Systems Private Limited
Bangalore.

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Debra Beal <DebraBeal@...>
Subject: "Stand Up and Be Counted!"

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

When I was approached a few months ago regarding my interest in
helping to establish an "Indian Association for Medical
Transcription (IAMT)" based on the standards and ethics demanded by
our American equivalent (AAMT), I was initially a bit nervous in
beginning this venture.  One of the reasons for my reticence was
the question which always crops up, "How will I benefit from
membership in such an organization." Since the benefits are not
always of a tangible nature, let me share some of the long-term
advantages.

One assumption presumed by many American hospitals and physicians
associated with Indian transcriptionists is that the quality of
work from India is of a lesser quality than that of American
transcriptionists.  This belief is caused by the poor standards
which were adopted by a few Indian transcription companies over the
past few years. It is not fair that we should all bear the burden
in this regard, but there is only one way that we can combat it.
That is with development of an association which sets standards by
which we all should operate. Consistency and accuracy are the keys
to keeping our customers satisfied by ensuring that only documents
of the highest quality are relayed to our clients.

Another benefit would be the opportunity to voice our concerns,
complaints, and questions, and share our knowledge by means of a
central forum.  We can all speak out individually, but only when
our combined voices are heard will we actually see the desired
results.  For instance, why is the CMT examination not conducted in
India, and how many of you are keen to acquire this credential???
The current scenario is not favorable, but our collective force may
be just what is needed to tip the scales in our direction.

Lastly, an association solely for Indian MTs and created by Indian
MTs would give us an arena to provide professional enrichment
through continuing education by means of annual meetings and
conferences.

I would suggest that we all give our time and efforts to
development and establishment of an Indian Association for Medical
Transcription to help us cultivate the high standards required of
our industry.  Let the rest of the world recognize that India and
Indian transcriptionists are equal to their American  counterparts
in dedication and hard work.

Regards to all,

Debra A. Beal, CMT
Manager, Professional Development, Training
HealthScribe India Ltd.
www.healthscribeindia.com

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

++++ new post - same topic ++++

From: Kshitij Kansal <eicsindia@...>
Subject: Irony of the Indian MT Industry

Dear Amit and MTIDers:

I have been a frequent visitor of MTIndia.org for a long time now
and appreciate the efforts of Amit and the MT India Team for
achieving so much popularity in the MT community both in India and
abroad.

I have been a keen observer of the views of the fellow community
members who have been sharing their views on almost all the
problems being faced by them while into this business/profession
sooner or later.  Of late, more and more entrepreneurs have come up
complaining about being cheated by renowned companies and/or
consultants.  As per my experience of about 5 years into the
industry, having exposure of working with big and small companies
as an employee as well as consultant and lately an independent
contractor, the irony that I have come across is the strange
mentality of the Indian entrepreneur of MT industry who does want
to earn Dollars in the least possible time, but does not mind to
bother much about the standards and prerequisites of the
trade/industry.

I do have an example of one of my prospective client, who consulted
me for the project of an MT unit on turn-key basis and after
getting the details of the course-of-action finalized, turned up to
a personal contact who assured him of getting the project done in
about half of the cost.  But I felt pity for that client when I
came to know that his personal contact charged him the same amount
of fees and lead him to land up nowhere, not even to the completion
of basic infrastructure and walked out just 2-3 months later.

Another irony of the industry is the rates being quoted by the
entrepreneurs for the MT services.  I have come across postings of
Indian MT companies on international boards quoting about 4-5 cents
per line (even lower) for 98.5% accuracy and for TAT lesser than 12
hours, which only represents the sorry state of industry in India
both in terms of procuring business as well as performance.  But
more ironic is the fact that when subcontracting comes to be with
another Indian company, the same people raise a question about the
feasibility of the rates at 4-5 cents per line.

I would request Amit to highlight such deficits of the Indian MT
industry and to introduce a few more articles regarding
standardization of the units and the services provided by them in
order to educate the Indian entrepreneur to be worth consideration
on international boards.

Hoping for a better Indian MT community!

Happy Transcribing!

Kshitij Kansal,
Elite Information and Consultancy Services

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com
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