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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truth or accuracy of the contents of the MT India Digest.

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============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Mar 30, 2002         Digest #077
..................................................

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

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 4=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"Suddenly Bangalore looked positively Mediterranean."

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

-=Are we a bunch of losers?=-

    ~Subhorup Dasgupta
"Where are the people who have been in the business for years?"

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~B.Thomas Swamy
"A word of caution to fellow MT's"

    ~George J Ollapally
"Iridium, HealthScribe & MTIndia"

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

-=Medical, pharma and biotech abbreviations=-

    ~Christian Nordqvist

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 4 - Trip to Chennai
---------------------------------------------------
Dear fellow MTIDer....

There are quite a  few relevant topics being raised in the last few
issues at MTID, and I am waiting for the dust to settle before
putting forth my views. Also, give me some time to metabolize the
toxins imbibed over Holi! :)

The Blake's memoirs are being followed eagerly by a lot of you, and
it would be criminal to interupt!  Enjoy! I also invite Indian MTs
to come up and share their experiences of traveling and working in
the US and with USMTs. OR do I take it, non of you went to the US??

A Happy Easter to all!!

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...
----------------------------------------------------
Continued from MTID #76...........

Our first road-trip, Chennai.  Due to an as yet unexplained
penchant for changing the names of cities,  Chennai is the city
formerly known as Madras, just as Mumbai is the city formerly known
as Bombay.   Go figure. It was a train trip, which was a first for
us.  The kids had only ridden the Metrolink in L.A. prior to this
trip, and as for me it has been since.well, let's just say it was a
long time ago in a land far far away that I was last on a train,
indentured servitude with Southern Pacific notwithstanding.

We have learned to be prepared here, or at least you'd think we'd
have learned, and so we left home packed up with 3 liters of water,
4 sodas, a loaf of the best bread this side of Paris, cheese and
lunch meat, and some candy.  Cheryl made arrangements to leave work
a couple of hours early and we were off.  The train station in
Bangalore is a 15 or 20 minute ride, so you know that the adventure
really began before we got on the train.  Our driver, Raghu, helped
us neophytes figure out which platform to head for and it looked
good as we were headed for platform 1.  Our luck held as we found
that to get to platform 1, we had to walk 50 yards to a bridge,
climb 2 stories, go 50 yards on the bridge over a bunch of tracks,
and down the stairs.  Then another 100 yards to the correct spot on
the platform where our
coach would stop.

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.

This was a great way to see the countryside, which was almost
nonstop farms the entire way.  They were far different than the
farms we are used to of course; most fields were approximately a
half acre and worked by hand.  In the 4-1/2 hour ride, I saw
exactly one bus and one car of any type. There were lots of herds
of goats and some ox carts, people on bikes and on foot. I have
been told that what I could see of the wells from the train was
only half of the picture.  It seemed every quarter mile that there
was a 50-ft. diameter hole in the ground lined with stone looking
sort of like a cistern. Raghu tells me that these are hand-dug
wells between 150 and 200 feet deep. Some were filled with water to
within 15 feet or so of ground level and had small gasoline engines
pumping water into the fields.   I plan to visit a few of these
wells and take a picture or two.  Stay tuned.

We passed all types of homes and buildings on the way.  Like the
traffic in Bangalore, the variety of housing accommodations is
huge, everything from thatch roofed/woven palm frond walled one
room huts, to two story marbled estates with a satellite dish on
the roof.  Lots of oxen in the fields, goats and sheep, and farmers
doing what farmers have done with hoes and buckets for a very long
time.

The kids were pretty well occupied on the train since they could
run around a little.  Johnny made a friend of course and played a
little too rough.  He was restrained before any blood was shed.
The batteries held up in Johnny's cassette player (note to parents,
best $5 ever spent at Wal-Mart) and in Robbie's portable CD player
(best $25).

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.
Unlike Mexican food for example where experience can be put to use
to identify beans in many forms, or Italian food (if it's red, it's
tomato, if it's not it's pasta) we have no experience to help
identify food groups, let alone a particular dish.   It goes
something like this; the food is served on an attractive tray or
plate, it looks good, it smells good, and I say,"MMMM smells good,
what is it?"  To which Cheryl responds, "I don't know.  You taste
the brown one, I'll taste the green one."  Then we go through a
process of elimination. Animal, vegetable, or mineral?  Sweet,
sour, bitter, or salty?  A meat product? Chicken, beef (very
unlikely), mutton, pork?  Is it made from beans, chickpeas, rice,
potatoes?  Is this to eat, or is it a flower for garnish? (Imagine
what you would think if you saw a tourist plucking the petals off a
flower on the table and eating them in their soup.)   Are these
carrots, radishes, beets, or something else we've never heard of?
The good news is that almost everything is good although even when
we're done eating we often wonder, what was that?  Then we'll try
to explain to an Indian friend how good the yellow stuff was,
looked like cornmeal, and tasted sort of like sweet potatoes, to
which we get a look that says, "What is cornmeal?  In America
potatoes are sweet?"  We reserve judgment on how good the food
REALLY is until 24 hours later, for indelicate reasons which I
shall not errrr, express, here.

Our train arrived in Chennai a little ahead of schedule and Ron
Straatsma, husband of Cheryl's friend and fellow editor Pam, met
us.  There was no question that Ron would be easy to find even
though we'd never met him because Ron is 6'3" and blond; a rare
combination in India, he was literally head and shoulders above the
crowd.  We were hit by the 20-degree hotter temperature and what
felt like 99% humidity.  Suddenly Bangalore looked positively
Mediterranean.  The train station was not a pleasant place to spend
any time at all so, we made our way directly to the car, lugging
all of our food, drinks, and two more bottles of water than we
started with. It was another interesting auto experience, new city,
crazy drivers, congested, and crowded. If possible, it seemed even
more crowded than Bangalore.

After a short ride we got to their apartment where we shared our
treasure of unopened Gouda and the loaf of excellent French bread.
We marveled at their TWO air conditioners and 5 gallon bottled
water dispenser; Pam waxed poetic about her favorite cheese.  The
kids were punchy, and two 650 ml beers later so were we, it was
time to retire under the snazzy canopied bed. OK, so it was a
mosquito net, we chose to use our imagination at times like this.

Joe Blake

........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: Subhorup Dasgupta <subho65@...>
Subject: Are we a bunch of losers?

Dear Amit and fellow MTIDers,

We hear so much on the boards about companies that are out to fraud
us all, companies that outsource but do not pay, train but do not
place, place but have no work, work but have no class -- yet, we
have the industry cheerleaders constantly tell us how much the
industry has grown in volume and how much more it still is to.

Where are the people who have been in the business for years and
have done well, keeping the business, adding premises and floors
and campuses to their operations?  Why do we not see them on MTID
anymore?  The earlier posts had their voices, but as MT has grown,
they seem to have taken a back seat.

If the leaders of the industry do not come forward and share their
experience and hope, it is only natural for potential future MTs to
come by, read the posts on MTID and conclude that the industry as a
whole is comprised of Fs&Bs (frauds and bankrupts).

In the listings on the yellow pages at mtidia.org, the majors are
not to be found (I remember seeing their names before mtindia went
pay though).  To the best of my knowledge, MTIndia is the only
networking platform for MT in India that I have come across.  Are
the majors so busy counting their cpls or is it beneath them to
stand and be counted at least, if for nothing else, to assure the
despairing trainee that there are jobs for the skilled?  It would
be nice to hear the leaders of the business share with us the path
they have walked, the pitfalls they avoided or foresee.

The other explanation, however, is that there are no big timers.
What we hear on these boards is the truth.  We are a bunch of
losers, some of whom are cons, the rest just too ashamed to come
out and play.

Subhorup Dasgupta

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: B.Thomas Swamy <tvenka_ap@...>
Subject: Please give a word of caution to fellow MT's!

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I am a proofreader in Vishwa Infosys, a company into medical
transcription but this company hiers good hands from out of the
state, pay them for a couple of months then harass them for the
rest of their salary. I came here in July 2001, got my salary for
2 months and since then I am being given only dates and dates till
date to get my full salary. Recently they had given an
advertisment in your prestegious site for wantings of MT's and
proofreaders.  Please alert my fellow collegaues that they do not
fall into a trap with this company.

I would say that your good work cannot go a blind eye in India,
keep up this good work of yours.

Thanking you,

B.Thomas Swamy

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: George J. Ollapally <gjo@...>
Subject: Iridium, HealthScribe & MTIndia

Dear Amit and MTIDers,

Let me set the record straight about Kiran Bakshi's statements
about DTS and me. DTS has never offered any consultancy or turnkey
services for any transcription company in India. Bracketing our
company with others is baseless and totally at variance with the
facts, and I dont know what is the basis for his allegation that I
offered him consultancy.

I met Kiran once, at his request, along with a classmate over
breakfast at Calcutta in October 2000, but neither promised him
anything, nor made any claims. It looks as if, having burnt his
fingers, he wants to lash out at all those whom he met, instead of
doing his homework properly, and persevering.

Having returned from the US recently, I can assure readers of this
newsletter that there still are opportunities in transcription, in
the US, but, as I have emphasised in all my talks at various
seminars all over the country, this is not a business that the
fainthearted should venture into.

Regards

George J Ollapally
Director
DTS Information Systems Private Limited
Bangalore

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: cnordqvist2000 <cnordqvist2000@...>
Subject: Medical, pharma and biotech abbreviations

Dear Members

I have compiled the world's largest database of medical, pharma,
and biotech abbreviations and their meanings - 53,000.
www.pharma-lexicon.com

I would love to hear from you if you come across an abbreviation we
may have missed out.

Best regards

Christian Nordqvist

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@...

..................................................
Mar 16, 2002         Digest #076
..................................................

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

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India - Part 3=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"a strange juxtaposition between the Flintstones and the Jetsons."

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~Surg Lt Bhargava
"Those who have suffered like me should also come forward and ask
for a refund"

    ~Kiran P. Bakshi
"Iridium, HealthScribe & MTIndia"

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 3 - A month since we left Wrightwood
---------------------------------------------------
Dear fellow MTIDer....

During the year 2000, Ms. Cheryl J. Blake spent a nine-month stint
in Bangalore, India. She and her family lived and worked directly
with Indian transcriptionists.

We are publishing a series on their experiences, as a regular
feature. Enjoy! I also invite Indian MTs to come up and share their
experiences of traveling and working in the US and with USMTs.

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...
----------------------------------------------------
Continued from MTID #75...........

It has now been over a month since we left Wrightwood. One month
ago we were looking forward to the great unknown.  In the past
month we have seen things that would have been commonplace in the
year One.  We live in a strange juxtaposition between the
Flintstones and the Jetsons.  As they would say on Star Trek, we
are in some kind of temporal anomaly...a hole in the time/space
continuum.  Construction work is still in the stone-age, but
medical care here is space-age, state-of-the-art.

The day after we arrived in Bangalore, Johnny starting complaining
that he wasn't feeling well.  It was clear that he had a problem
that needed a doctor's attention.  We went to a friend's
pediatrician, Dr. Kumar, who diagnosed Johnny with a possible
bladder infection.  After fearing the useof airplane toilets for
nearly 2 full days, and going only when he REALLY HAD TO, poor
Johnny 's bladder began to rebel painfully.  Dr. Kumar felt that
Johnny needed to have a urinalysis.  We paid Dr. Kumar 100 rupees
for his examination (about $2.25).

We were sent over to Wockhardt Hospital here in Bangalore.  When we
walked into the front door of the hospital, we suddenly departed
the stone-age and were instantly transported to something like Loma
Linda!  Armed only with a slip from Dr. Kumar saying Johnny was to
have some labwork; I gave the slip to a cashier, who charged me 180
rupees (about $4.00).  Five minutes later we were at the lab and
Johnny had his test.   After waiting about an hour, we had the
results.  Johnny was started on antibiotics that did not need a
prescription, although we had a prescription anyway.

Dr. Kumar felt it was necessary for Johnny to have an abdominal
ultrasound, just to see what was going on.  This time, he just told
me to go to Wockhardt and tell them we wanted Johnny to have an
abdominal ultrasound. No lab slip.  No red tape.  No copay.  No
preauthorization.  No B.S...just go there and get it done.  I
called ahead and made sure that I could in fact "order" an
ultrasound just like that, and I was given a time to show up as
well as pre-test instructions.  We were charged another 180 rupees
for the ultrasound.

We arrived on time and were ushered upstairs to the Cardiology
Department (where the ultrasound equipment lives).  We waited in
the waiting room for our turn.  As we stepped into the examining
room, we again were pleasantly surprised by the state-of-the-art
color flow Doppler equipment.  The technician (who also did all
echocardiography) was pleased that I asked a lot of questions and
answered them fully and articulately.  He gave me details about the
results of the ultrasound, which were basically normal. Johnny is
just fine now.  We paid less than $15.00 for diagnostic testing and
treatment which would have cost $500 or more in the U.S., with much
less hassle and much less waiting.  Our first Indian medical
experience was an eye-opener.  The experience was a positive one
for all of us.  We have confidence in the medical system here. Now
we know that if we need it, we will receive first-rate medical
care.

Getting around in Bangalore our first week was made much easier by
the fact that we had a car and driver.  Our driver's name is
Shanmugam.  I'm not sure if it is his first name or his last
name...he is just Shanmugam.  He is employed by a taxi company and
we were his "assignment".   He really took care of us.  He brought
us to the hospital when we needed it.  He "escorted" me to the
bazaar when I had to buy Johnny's medicine.  He pushed the cart in
the grocery store.

Shanmugam is very friendly, talkative and great with the kids.  He
always wears a white cotton uniform.  He would pick me up in the
morning and take me to work, then take Joe and the boys for
haircuts or to the park.  Every morning Shanmugam would bless his
car and burn incense in it.   He took good care of us.  He made
sure to tell us to lock the door when he left us at night.  He
would be sure to remind me to count my change and check the
register tape for any purchases we made.  He opened every door for
me and never let me carry anything.  He would suggest restaurants
to us, which were all good. He introduced us to life in India.  He
really became like part of the family, playing with the boys and
telling stories to them.  It really didn't matter what language the
stories were in - they were always full of laughs and smiles.  In
fact, Shanmugam talked to us a lot...some of which we understood,
and some...well...not.  He would keep repeating a phrase, as if by
repetition we'd finally understand.  Most times, one of us would
catch on, usually by the process of elimination.  We've been
without Shanmugam now for over a week.  His 92-year-old father
passed away and he has been away in Madras for the funeral.  We
miss him.

In Shanmugam's absence, I have been taking auto-rickshaws to and
from work every day.  An auto-rickshaw is a motorcycle 3-wheeler
with a covered passenger compartment.  They have meters in them,
just like taxis.  Infokey is only about 5 minutes from our
apartment, so I could walk there - but there is a really BIG street
to cross.  It may sound silly, but I'm afraid to cross the street.
When I look to the left I should be looking to the right and
vice-versa.  Everything is reversed, traffic-wise.  In the morning,
I walk to the end of the driveway and hail an "auto", which is what
the auto-rickshaws are called, just like hailing a taxi.  The
problem is that the rickshaw drivers will rarely take me where I
want to go.  They usually refuse me.  It is too short a distance
for them, and they won't make any money. The trip is not worth the
drivers' time, effort and gasoline. One morning after 5 rickshaw
drivers turned me down, I changed my destination to another office,
which is much farther away than where I wanted to go...just so I
could get somewhere and perhaps get a ride from someone there.   It
was the long way to get there, but the only way to get from here to
there on that particular day.

Okay, enough already!  Everyone wants to know about the camera.  I
didn't mean to write a cliffhanger...sorry folks!  We found the
digital camera. Here's what happened.  During the last week in
Annapolis, the modem connection for the laptop broke.  It was
broken and could not be replaced or repaired.  We were leaving too
soon.  No one could find a Toshiba modem connection.  We packed the
computer in its case and it stayed there unused. I had no need to
look in the laptop case for anything.  We had been living in the
apartment for over a week when I was looking for some paperwork I
needed.  I decided to check in the laptop case.   While rooting
around in the case, I felt a bump.  There it was!  Just sitting
there in the case, waiting to be found.   Apparently some concerned
airline security employee placed it in the case so we wouldn't lose
it.  I felt so guilty for distrusting them.

On that happy note, I'll sign off for now - it's 11:30 p.m. and I
have to work in the morning.  There is a huge wedding going on
outside our bedroom window at the Baldwin Girl's High School,
complete with generator-powered lights and loud engine noises.  It
looks as if it will continue all night long.  Bye for now.

Cheryl J. Blake

........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: Dr Ravi <amarvilla301@...>
Subject: Training fiasco at United Transcription

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

I would like to bring to the notice of your subscribers, the effect
of neglect of training in MT business. How it is more difficult for
Drs to train and then ultimately resort to unfair means to get out
of obligations.

We have read about lots of schools who were forced to refund money
when they  did not provide quality training to students. The UNITED
TRANSCRIPTION is also the member of that elite club. In addition
they have not paid their staff who trained the students for more
that two years.

Regards,
Surg Lt Bhargava

-------------------------------------------------------------------

WOMAN FORCES MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION FIRM TO REFUND FEES

A medical transcription firm was forced to partial refund of fees
to one of the trainees when the firm sacked the trainee just two
months after her absorption into service.

According to a complaint filed with the Mira Road police, one Ms.
Chandra Fernandes joined the medical transcription course on July
15, 2000 at United Transcription (India) Pvt. Ltd. near Vijay Park
in Mira Road. Chandra, who paid a total of Rs. 12,000 as fees for
the course was assured absorption in the Company if the she passed
the course with 50% marks.

However,after the students paid their fees, the doctors who taught
the course were not punctual in the lectures. "We were told that
the lecture timings would be from 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.  However,
Dr. Dilip Kulkarni and Dr. Manoj Mazumdar would come at 6.00 p.m.
and take lectures till 8.00 p.m. This continued for three months
after which examination was held and only 8 students out of 25 from
the batch managed to get through the exam. Chandra got 65% and was
absorbed alongwith other successful students. However the travails
and her batchmates began from hereonwards. "Dr. Mazumdar and Dr.
Shailesh Matkar would keep taunting us that we were doing a bad job
and were not fit to work with them." Chandra alleged adding that "
they humiliated us in front of clerks and peons in the hope that we
would feel disgusted and leave". On April 7, 2001 Chandra was told
by one of the junior staff that her services were terminated.
Aggrieved, Chandra confronted Dr. Matkar who allegedly abused her
and told her to speak to Dr. Mazumdar who for some reason, avoided
meeting her for the next few days.  Finally, she asked Dr. Kulkarni
to refund her fees or face legal action, to which Dr. Kulkarni
reportedly countered by saying " How will you prove anything, we
have not given you anything in writing.

Chandra then approached social worker and Thane Dist. Congress
President (women's cell) Ms. Helen D'souza who took her to the
Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress President Muzaffar Hussain, who
directed them to meet the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kiran
Gosavi at the Mira Road Police Station. Accordingly , Chandra
(alongwith with Helen D'Souza) met Gosavi, who asked her to lodge a
complaint against the doctors at the Mira Road police station.

Acting on the complaint, Gosavi summoned the doctors and directed
them to refund her fees.  As a compromise the doctors agreed to a
partial refund of Rs. 5000/- which was paid to Chandra by a
post-dated cheque on January 22. "Those who have suffered like me
should also come forward and ask for a refund," said a beaming
Chandra.

(Excerpt taken from the Mira Road Bulletin issue dated January 30 -
February 12)
------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Kiran P. Bakshi <mcc@...>
Subject: Iridium, HealthScribe & MTIndia

Dear Amit,

In furtherance to Shekhar's post in MTID #75, I am quoting from
your newsletter of 08th Dec., 1999:

<Gala event at STP Kerela: An international workshop on MT.
See details / info on registration at our homepage www.mtindia.org:
" An opportunity for investment in IT! An International workshop on
Teleworking & MT"  Dec 16-19, Trivandrum, Kerela.>

Thereafter MTIndia, along with HealthScribe sponsored an MT seminar
at Calcutta on 9th Jan, 2000. Organized by City Infosys; RamDas
Khalsa, Pradeep.V.S, George Ollapally etc. were the speakers.

Following the Seminar, we found proposals for setting up an MT
unit, from Pradeep.V.S, George Ollapally and K.P. Shetty, on a
consultancy basis. It was only RamDas Khalsa who tried to stress on
the pitfalls and appeared to be looking for experienced partners.

Considering George was primarily interested in booing CBay (at that
time Innovex) and trying to sell his DTS "Fleet Footer" foot-pedals,
and also Shetty who was basically organizing the seminar, in other
words an "event manager", we homed onto Pradeep for genuine
consultancy to set up business at Calcutta.

We opted for a turnaround consultancy to go into production,
visited Trivandrum to inspect the setup, closed down existing
profit making businesses to fund this venture! The end result was
that after we finished the training phase, Iridium turned around
and said they had no work to outsource!

My query is why was MTIndia or for that matter HealthScribe,
sharing the platform with such unscrupulous parties. We associated
names, and fell into a classic trap!!

Regards,

Kiran P. Bakshi
Director
MCC Software Pvt. Ltd.
www.msplindia.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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                     Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                     Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Mar 02, 2002 Digest #075
..................................................

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

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India=-

    ~Cheryl and Joe Blake
"Part 2 - Bangalore and Beyond."

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~A. Jabbar
"Believe me, home transcription is not a workable proposition. "

    ~Shekhar Wankhede
"Iridium - Usurping money given UPFRONT!!"

====================================
ADVERTISEMENT
---------------------------
QA's wanted at Kolkata!
---------------------------

Requirements: > 3 years experience. Must be able to proof 1,200
lines and deliver "client ready" multispecialty work in an eight
hour shift.

Remuneration will be the best in the industry.  Bachelor
accomodation can be provided to outstation candidates.

Manoj Jain
CEO
medi-SCRIBE ( A division of Destiny Infotek Ltd.)
destiny@...

Please APPLY BEFORE 07th March.

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: Part 2 - Bangalore and Beyond
---------------------------------------------------
Dear fellow MTIDer....

During the year 2000, Ms. Cheryl J. Blake spent a nine-month stint
in Bangalore, India. She and her family lived and worked directly
with Indian transcriptionists.

We are publishing a series on their experiences, as a regular
feature. Enjoy! I also invite Indian MTs to come up and share their
experiences of traveling and working in the US and with USMTs.

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...
----------------------------------------------------
Continued from MTID #74...........

Holding my flower, I scanned the crowd at the airport for a card
with my name. We were met outside by the Indian branch manager, and
the two men that I'd be working with at the production center.
There were three cars to meet us, as I'd e-mailed ahead to let them
know we were traveling with 14 pieces of luggage. We piled into all
three vehicles, marveling at the right-side drive and feeling just
a little funny sitting in the left front seat with no steering
wheel or pedals. Robbie was so excited to be sitting in the
"driver's seat" and pretend he was driving. It was an interesting
experience for each of us, and I'm sure Joe has some additional
comments about the traffic.

THE TRAFFIC!!! Special analysis by me, Joe. My
credentials....former CHP Officer, Class A Vehicle/hazmat-endorsed
license holder, approximately one million miles driven without an
accident. My detached and professional analysis has led me to
conclude without prejudice only one thing: Indians are CRAZY.
Period. Whether you are reading this letter on the East
Coast or the West Coast, you have no idea of what traffic is until
you've seen traffic in India. The idea of traffic law enforcement
is not a valid concept. The western word "traffic" does not
translate to what amounts to every type of vehicle being on either
side of the street at the same time. When I say every type, I
really mean that. Buses, cars, trucks, tractors, vans, motorcycles,
motor scooters, ox carts, pony carts, auto rickshaws, carts pulled
by people, and bicycles (the kind you pedal). These regular
two-wheeled bicycles are ridden right with the traffic.
Occasionally there are lines on the road, most times not. When
there are lines, they are completely disregarded.

The size of the vehicle determines the right of way. Buses are at
the top of the food chain; pedestrians are chum. The motorbikes are
ridden by women in sarees. There are small Vespa scooters with
families of 4 perched upon them. Imagine one scooter with Mom
sitting sidesaddle on the back with a baby in her lap, and a
toddler standing in front of Dad, who is doing the driving.
Seatbelts are optional, that is if the vehicle comes equipped with
them. If seatbelts are in the vehicle, they rarely work. Driving on
the left side of the road is not too strictly adhered to. If, for
instance, you are entering a roadway it may be that you decide to
simply drive against the flow of traffic, weaving between rickshaws
and cars until the opportunity to merge with traffic going in your
general direction presents itself. The horn is sounded
approximately every 100 feet in order to announce your presence. A
subtle system of head movements and hand gestures signals
acknowledgement of the horns of other vehicles around you.

What makes driving here such a difficult concept for a westerner
like me is that all assumptions about other drivers actions that
are so ingrained as to be instinct are useless here. No one stops
at an intersection. All vehicles move through simultaneously in all
directions at once, honking and waving as they go. The vehicles
around you will not stop or slow down for pedestrians. They will
honk. The bus coming at you head on, on the wrong side of
the road will not stop or slow or move over as it approaches you,
but it will honk. If it is a scooter, you will honk and maintain
your heading and the scooter moves over. It will pass you on either
side, but that is no concern of yours. You must always pull out
into traffic when there is no space to do so. The other drivers
will slow or veer slightly to avoid a collision while honking. They
have already assumed that you were headed straight into their path
and have anticipated which way to swerve to avoid you. In the US,
you would obviously have assumed that they would not stop and you
would never knowingly pull into traffic with no regard to oncoming
traffic. I have observed many times that our driver as well as
other drivers do not even look towards the oncoming traffic, They
sound the horn and look towards where they are headed to see whom
they should honk at.

We saw our first cows by the side of the road as we left the
airport. Yes, there really are cows on the streets of Bangalore. It
was explained to us that they don't just wander the streets as
sacred and protected creatures. They belong to someone who set them
loose on the street to graze upon the free grass, refuse, or hand
out. It was quite amusing to think that we crazy Americans thougth
that homeless cows just wandered around aimlessly. By some
mysterious mechanism unclear to me at this time, owners somehow
keeps track of their own cows and haul them home for occasional
milking.

Our lodging immediately after arrival was at the Bangalore Club,
built by the British in the 1870s. Our suite was a one-bedroom
cottage with a sitting room of Victorian origins. It was filled
with antique furnishings, had a terra cotta tile roof that created
an open beam 20-foot ceiling, interesting bathroom fixtures, and on
at least one occasion, a troop of monkeys in the trees outside of
our door. The club itself was a reflection of fading Imperial
British splendor. Beautiful gardens, flowers, grass, swimming pool,
clubhouse, restaurant, children's playground, and grocery store all
staffed to excess by western standards. The pool, for example, had
an attendant who had two assistants who would further summon
helpers to fetch drinks or food. The pool had a Deco diving
platform arrangement with built in fountain. The clubhouse
contained the restaurant painted in powder blue with floor to
20-foot open beam ceiling columns about 4 feet in diameter. The
foyer contained a collection of mounted buffalo heads, an entire
stuffed panther, a mongoose, various elk, assorted antique swords,
guns, and other weapons mounted on the walls. There were also oil
paintings of past club presidents, members posed with their trophy
kills, and landscapes of countryside long ago engulfed by the
sprawl of the city.

With no cooking facilities, we were obliged to eat our meals out.
Johnny declared the scrambled eggs at the club restaurant better
than Grandma's. Sorry Mom! He'd never had his eggs undercooked and
served with the sweetest ketchup ever made. This is where we began
to discover in earnest how quirky the customs of India are to
otherworlders. One morning Cheryl asked for a menu. We were advised
that a menu would not be available for about another 20 minutes, as
the person who handles menus was out at that moment. Hmmmm.....I
guess it's a good thing he was not out sick or we never would have
had one. We think the same thing happened when we asked for glasses
of water. "Sorry sir, no water." We had water given to us on
previous days. I observed that 3 or 4 other tables had glasses of
water on them. "Sorry sir. No water." One can only wonder if the
person whose job it is to fill glasses of water was also on break.
We overcame this by returning to our room and bringing our own
bottle of water and a canteen back to the restaurant. This is just
one example of a continuing multitude of minor mysteries neither
resolved nor fully understood, but merely sidestepped for the time
being. And that my friend, is the secret to living in India.

........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: Jabbar. A <ajabbar@...>
Subject: Home Transcription

Dear MTIDers,

If your assets are only the skills acquired at KITS, better forget
about home transcription. If you still persist, MSquare of
Trivandrum used to be offering this. Many of your friends had paid
Rs 10,000 each. Believe me, home transcription is not a workable
proposition. It is not worthwhile throwing away good money after
MT. I learnt it after spending Rs 15 lakhs!

Regards,

A. Jabbar

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Shekhar Wankhede <neo_vista@...>
Subject: Usurping money given UPFRONT!!

Hi Amit and MTIDers,

We are a small MT unit at Nagpur.  What I want to tell other
MTIDers, is that there is a major racket going on in the name of
outsourcing work in India. We paid a significant upfront "fees" to
Mr. Pradeep.V.S, MD of Iridium Technologies India Ltd. We did a
background check and found out that they were in this business for
over 3 years, and were also production partners of HealthScribe
India Ltd., Bangalore.

We did trial work for them for three months, with regular feedback,
to bring our quality upto production standards. We have further
been working for them "live" for a further period of three months!
Till date we have not received any payments, and we are
apprehensive of the future.

When we started to do some digging we found some interesting facts,
especially regarding an account which is originally being outourced
by Healthscribe to Iridium. What we found was that the same
client's work(i.e. exactly the same files) was being sent to five
different MT companies by Iridium, on similar terms as worked out
with us.

My contention is that we concede that it is possible, considering
we are a relatively new unit, that our quality might not have been
to the mark as stipulated under our contract with Iridium, however
there arises a question of intentions on Iridium's part. If Iridium
had any intention to outsource work to us or the other units, why
would they be subletting the same work to us all. This clearly
demonstrates malafide intentions on Iridium's part. They never
intended to give us the work, but to pocket the upfront fees! It is
shocking that HealthScribe should be outsourcing to such dubious
partners.

I implore all other MTSOs who have been or are potential candidates
for being taken on a ride on such terms, to come out and put
forward their case in this forum. Unless such companies are
blacklisted and weaned out, this industry cannot stabilize in this
country.

Anyone who has suggestions on how to go about tackling this, please
come forth.

Thanks for allowing me to present my case.

Regards to all,

Shekhar Wankhede
Director
NEOVISTA
www.neovistatranscriptions.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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
Published by:
MT India www.mtindia.org

Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM amit@...

..................................................
Feb 16, 2001 Digest #074
..................................................

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

=========FEATURED POST===========

-=The Blakes Go to India=-

    ~Cheryl J. Blake
"familiar and oft-repeated refrain of "this is India, my friend"."


=======MODERATOR COMMENT======

-=Effective communication!=-

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~Mohit Sinha
"making me work for free (sometimes for more than regular 8 hours)
in the name of training "

    ~Shobana Jacob
"are there any companies which do offer home transcription which
does prove profitable for the client?"

    ~Surendra Pal Singh
"one of those several candidates, who got trapped because of an
attractive advertisement published in the local news papers"

    ~Sachin. S. Saple
"They charged us a security deposit of Rs. 1,50,000 and gave us
the trails"
________________________________________

Are you a member of MT India?

Eligibility criteria and membership details at our website:

http://www.mtindia.org/registration/membership.htm

=========FEATURED POST===========

From: Cheryl J. Blake <blakemama2@...>
Subject: "The Blakes Go to India"
---------------------------------------------------
Dear fellow MTIDer....

A brief introduction is warranted, I think. During the year 2000,
Ms. Cheryl J. Blake spent a nine-month stint in Bangalore, India.
She and her family lived and worked directly with Indian
transcriptionists. This gives her a unique insight into the
cultural similarities and differences, and enhances her
communication abilities with Indian MTs and MTSO's.

We will be publishing a series on their experiences, as a regular
feature. Enjoy! I also invite Indian MTs to come up and share their
experiences of traveling and working in the US and with USMTs.

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...
----------------------------------------------------
*February 5, 2000*

Well, here we are! We arrived in India about three weeks ago, and
this is the first time I have had a chance to even think of
composing a letter about our travel experiences. The main reason
for my lack of communication, which will become obvious to all
quite soon - is the familiar and oft-repeated refrain of "this is
India, my friend".

We left Annapolis on a cold winter evening, off for parts unknown.
The first thing we encountered was the security check at the Dulles
International Terminal. You all know the drill - turn on the
computer, turn on the video camera, open the digital camera case.
Joe was carrying a laser pointer, which prompted the security agent
to frisk him quite thoroughly. While Joe was occupied, I was busy
rounding up bags (all 14 of them), kids and electronic equipment.
We finally finished this exercise and began to make our way through
the airport to our gate, which couldn't have been farther away. I
don't know why, but whenever we have a plane to catch, the gate is
always the last one.

We boarded our KLM/Northwest DC-10 bound for Amsterdam. Before we
took our seats, Joe checked to see where the digital camera was.
He was holding an empty case. I don't have it. Joe doesn't have
it. Robbie hasn't got it, and Johnny never had it - so we didn't
ask. THE SECURITY CHECK! While Joe was being frisked and Robbie
was disposing of the laser pointer, I was being distracted turning
on and demonstrating the electronic gadgets - someone took the
camera! (This story has a happy ending, but at the time we were
heartbroken that my wonderful Christmas present had been stolen,
along with the photographs stored in the memory.) We reported the
missing camera to the flight attendant, who had me fill out a
missing item report, busy work for me so I wouldn't panic, no
doubt, as it was simply an exercise in writing our address (we
don't have one - we're between homes right now). No refund, no
replacement, no anything - but if it happens to show up, we'll
find you. Yeah, right.

With our hearts heavier after the loss of the camera, we settled in
for our 7-1/2 hour flight to Amsterdam. I'll spare all of you the
details of the Chinese fire drill we played throughout the flight.
You will all understand when I say there was ONE window seat and
TWO children, as well as one good seat to watch to movie and one
good seat to hear the movie, the permutations
boggle the mind. Luckily, the flight was not full.

We arrived in Amsterdam in the dark. The sun didn't rise until
nearly 8 a.m.! With wide eyes and open ears, we saw signs and
heard announcements in languages other than English and Spanish, or
French even - these were truly foreign. We had a 2-hour layover in
Amsterdam, so there was no time to leave the airport. We staked
out a bench near the commercial area and took turns getting food
and finding bathrooms. The challenge was that we had no Dutch
currency. I saw a bank/money changer, but the line was long.
Robbie and I went to a deli, hoping for the best. It is a
frightening feeling to have money in your pocket and still be
broke. The deli cashier assured me she would accept American
dollars, but our change would be in Kroners or Guilders, I'm still
not sure which. I didn't care what currency our change was in, as
long as we could eat. We found salami, crackers and cheese and
Cokes, paid our American money and got back some coins. I breathed
another sigh of relief.

While Robbie and I were exploring the airport deli, Johnny and Joe
were maintaining home base at the bench. Johnny made friends with
a boy his age, who was from Denmark. In the wonderful way children
do, they communicated with each other - each using their own
language, playing and talking animatedly.

Boarding call for KLM flight to Mumbai (Bombay) - that's us! Here
we go! India, next stop. We squeezed into our seats and prepared
for the long flight. It was interminable, longer than long. The
flight was totally full and somehow it seemed that they managed to
cram even more seats onto this DC-10 than the last one. They
served us Indian food, and gave us a choice of vegetarian or
non-veg. I chose veg, and was pleasantly surprised. The food was
good. That was the high point. The low point was that there was
this fat lady behind me who refused to allow me to recline my seat.
She kept punching the seat and pushing it back up. When she fell
asleep, I finally reclined a small bit. We had some immigration
papers to fill out, stating our business in India. These were
handed to us as we boarded the plane - for customs purposes.

Nothing could have prepared me for Mumbai. The moment we landed, I
knew we were in a "developing country". Everything looked
different.older, dirtier. We put Johnny on his "leash", lest he get
lost in the crowds of people, all pushing towards the same place.
Joe and Robbie went off to locate all the luggage and some
trolleys, while Johnny and I people-watched. We made our way
through customs, showed our passports, handed in our
immigration forms and entered India.

I was apprehensive about this part of the trip, because greeting
parties are forbidden to enter the airport. We were on our own.
We were to be met at the outside doors of the airport by someone
holding a sign with my name on it. I anxiously scanned the crowd
for a friendly face, and I found one - another sigh of relief. We
were met outside the airport by the nephew of an investor in the
company I worked for.

After being warmly greeted by our new friend and two helpers, they
grabbed our luggage and herded us towards the bus that would take
us to the domestic airport. I was so grateful that his uncle had
arranged this for us, as Bombay is a very overwhelming and
frightening place. We had to change from the international airport
to the domestic airport for the next and final leg of the
trip.Bombay to Bangalore.

Bombay is a filthy, smoky, crowded and hot place. This was our
first exposure to beggar children, who hold their hands out and
look at you with wide eyes. One asked Johnny for "dollar", and he
pulled out the lining of his pockets to show her he had no
dollars - instinctively using universal language. The child was
not dissuaded and kept on, now asking for "chocolate", with an
endearing smile. The thing about panhandlers here is that they
don't go away when you say no, they keep on. The same is
true for street vendors. If you say no, they lower the price.
There is no discreet or nice way to end this relationship; other
than to turn your back or close the car window. Even then, they
don't stop trying.

We piled our luggage into the cargo hold of the bus and climbed
into it from the wrong (left) side. Thankfully, the bus was
air-conditioned. Next stop, the domestic airport in Bombay. We got
to the airport and were unloading and keeping track of all of our
baggage, shooing away beggars and other "helpers".

We were shepherded into the airport by two personable men, who
apparently worked at the airport. They got us to the waiting area,
where we were to spend the next 6 hours, which felt like 6 days. We
had now been awake for an entire day, our body clocks completely
out of synch. We didn't know what day it was or what time it was.
Our helpful "shepherds" turned into wolves when they demanded $20
American for their tip. We were prepared to tip them, but
certainly not that much. When we refused, they walked away. They
both came back several times, but when they were offered a more
reasonable amount of money they would not accept it. Their ploy
didn't work - they walked away empty-handed.

So we waited and waited, and on and on - the longest six hours
ever. There was wrestling on the TV at our waiting area, but the
narration was in Hindi. Robbie watched it anyway. It was hot. We
were thirsty. We didn't have any bottled water with us. We didn't
have any Indian money yet. There was a moneychanger, but he was
asleep in his booth. He wouldn't wake up. We yoo-hooed and
yo-there'd and knocked on the glass - he snored on and didn't even
flinch. Others tried to wake him, but he was down for the count.
So much for getting some Indian money. Unlike in Amsterdam, the
concessionaires in the Mumbai airport do not accept
American money. A nice Indian man overheard me ask the cashier
whether she could change any American money so we might buy some
sodas. We told him that the moneychanger was asleep. He took
pity on us and gave us Rs 100 (=2 USD), and we bought two cans of
soda. We thankfully accepted. More waiting.

Eventually I had a need to use the bathroom. Since we hadn't
departed planet Earth to our knowledge, we couldn't possibly expect
that those facilities would be any different. I made my way to the
ladies lounge. Two women who were apparently the bathroom monitors
greeted me. I opened the door to one of the stalls, fully
expecting to see a toilet. Nope! No toilet here! Bewildered as to
how I was to use this porcelain hole in the floor, I cast a lost
look towards one of the ladies standing there. She pointed to the
first stall and said, "English toilet". Like an old friend, there
it was - something I had always taken for granted. Another sigh of
relief. As I washed my hands, one lady put the soap in my hand
while the other offered me a paper towel. Of course, this service
deserves a tip, and they held out their hands. I didn't go to the
bathroom with my purse, so all I had in my pocket were a few Dutch
coins. So, I tipped them with that. I have no idea how much, but I
gave the bigger coin to the lady who pointed out the "English
toilet".

After the time finally passed, we went through another security
check and into a larger waiting room. These were the departure
gates. We had no idea what gate to go to. Our airline, Jet
Airways, had no sign up anywhere. No one knew where we were
supposed to go to catch the next flight. We waited for
announcements. Finally, they started announcing other
departing flights for Jet Airways. There were 3 doors to choose
from. The crew would call the next flight and change the city on
the sign. They all departed from the same 3 gates. Finally it was
our turn.

The last leg had begun. Next stop, Bangalore! Home for the next
year. The airplane was brand new. After a short delay, we were on
our way. We were served breakfast on this one hour flight. We were
given cold, jasmine-scented towels to freshen up with. Heavenly.

Robbie, Johnny and I ordered vegetarian breakfasts. Joe had
non-veg. We were hungry and the food was good. We were offered
something called "fresh lime juice". It sounded refreshing, so
Robbie and I accepted some. Surprisingly, it was salty! It is
limeade with salt in it. Robbie has been on a quest for it since.
He loved it!

There was just enough time for us to eat breakfast and for the crew
to clear the dishes away and we had finally arrived, 28 plus hours
since departing Dulles, 42 plus since any of us last slept. The
Bangalore airport was much cleaner and newer. Someone handed me a
rose and welcomed me to Bangalore. Another sigh of relief.

........to be continued.

(c) Cheryl J. Blake
46250 Mendocino Road
Newberry Springs, CA 92365

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

=========MODERATOR COMMENT=====

Dear fellow MTIDer....

I always make it a point to explain that I have only two
commodities: my knowledge and my time (some of you have heard this
and know where it's going). I treasure both.

One problem I have found in a significant population of Indian
MTSO's and their managers is extremely poor communication skills -
and inability to follow instructions! Last Saturday, as some of you

might know - I unwittingly attempted hara-kiri - I think now I must
have lost my wits that day! :( So my mobile is retired as of now,
and I have applied for a fresh number.

But to get back to inability to follow instructions, here is a
classic example:

13th of Feb, and I thought I was out of deep waters......
ring..ring..ring! With a sigh I switch it on " I am responding to
the adv that appeared in the MTTimes. I am from transindiadotcom".
"Yes ma'am, but you see the adv was till yesterday. However, you
can please send your proposal to my email id and we can take it
from there. Thank you". That was quite precise and reasonable,
but the lady kept calling throughout the whole day and I kept
cutting off the call. By early evening, I was quite tired of the
game, so I thought what the hell - let us get over this, I might be
able to sleep tonight after all!:)

So I picked up on the next ring: "You said to send you email?"
"You got it right, ma'am"
" But your adv says NOT to send email"
" Yes, it was a mistake on my part ma'am, but please mail me now."
" But it specifically says NOT to send email"
For a moment I was back in the services, where every order is
suffixed with a standard sentence - THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL
PREVIOUS ONES ON THIS SUBJECT! Anyway, I proceeded to tell her so
in a curt business like fashion, but not in so many words. She
wouldn't relent "... but my secretary says..." By which time I was
flapped enough to retort "Ma'am, does your secretary dictate your
business communications? I think I have enlightened you as much as
was possible - please have a nice day."

Weary eyed, back from office, I find this mail:

Kind Attention: Dr. Amit

Thanks for the mail I received regarding MT work. It was infact
nice talking to you.

I am sorry to tell you that we are not interested in your MT work.
We are presently handling direct clients and I Have never faced any
problem with them as far as any clarifications from my side is
concerned.

I think if a person wants a clarification due attention should be
given to him.

Thanks a lot

Regards
Heena B.K.
------------------------------------------------

I promptly asked for contact address so that I could respond. Her
reply:

"Kindly have a look at our site www.transindiadotcom.com for
company profile and other details."

Well you need not waste your time going there - the site does have
a single contact name or address! Yes, I did look up "who is" to
find the administrative contact. This is what we got from INTERNIC:

Transindiadotcom
Thomas George (transindia007@...)
91484360462
FAX: 91484396201
Mayoor Business centre,chittoor road
Cochin, Kerala 682035
IN

I then decided it would be a waste of prime time to communicate
further, with someone who can't (or refuses to). I rest my case.

Moral of the story, friends, is that MT managers should have an
ability to communicate in a short and sweet manner - I do not see
this company going anywhere with their comprehension skills and
inability to follow instructions, with any US client.

And I think I am politically correct in pointing out that I can be
either Amit or Dr. Chatterjee, and NOT Dr. Amit. That is basic
protocol both in India and the US, and I hope there are no
"queries" on this.

And now, let us get back on the long road ahead.....

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: mohit sinha <ms_jsr@...>
Subject: Problem in getting a job/ training with stipend

Dear MTIDers,

I have done a diploma course in medical transcription from IIMT New
Delhi. In my certificate, I have been given C grade with accuracy
less than 60% which was not my accuracy but the overall
performance, as the institute says based on viva, attendance
tc.( it is surprising that we were not signing any attendance sheet
as such ). Any way, after that I had done one month full time
training at the institute after which my accuracy came to 85%, but
I have not been given any certificate for the training as I had
some problems with the institute. They were making me work for free
(sometimes for more than regular 8 hours) in the name of training
insisting that the course is not yet finished. Anyway, I left the
so called training as I had to look for my future prospects. The
problem now is that I am not getting any job. I am in the 3rd year
of my graduation at IGNOU( through correspondence ). I sincerely
like this profession and want to develop my career in this, but i
am started getting frustrated. Could anyone please guide me in this
matter.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Mohit Sinha

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Shobana Jacob <reuben@...>
Subject: Are there companies offering medical transcription to be
done from home

Hi Amit and MTIDers,

I am a resident of Palakkad. My name is Shobana Jacob, I am a
housewife. Seeing advertisements of this new job opportunity of
doing medical transcription from home, I paid Rs. 30,000 to an
institute that was opened in Palakkad called the Kochin Institute
Of Medical Transcription. After successfully completing the course,
and given job assurances, with a monthly income of 4500-5000 per
month, I was totally devastated to find out that the company did
not start and neither did he return the money, and has closed out
now.

So my basic query is to know how far this industry is doing really
well in India, and are there any companies which do offer home
transcription which does prove profitable for the client?

How far is it feasible to work on your own and are there people
doing this work from home and could you give me any contact
addresses for me to pursue doing this work from home?

Thanks.

Shobana Jacob

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Surendra Pal Singh<jny1@...>
Subject: Needing help!

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

My self Surendra Pal Singh am a subscriber of your news letters. I
recently have joined an institute named Global Institute of
Medical Transcription, (Gwalior) offering six months training in
medical transcription.

I was also one of those several candidates, who got trapped because
of an attractive advertisement published in the local news papers
offering golden opportunities, for earning more than eight thousand
rupees/month. The institute also has its branches at Bhopal,
Jhansi, Jabalpur, Lalitpur, Urai and Sagar.

After giving two months training, and collecting Rs. 20,000 per
candidate the institute has winded up their branches at Gwalior,
Lalitpur and Urai. While the branches at Bhopal, Jabalpur and
Jhansi, seems to be waiting for the second and the last
installments of payments from the candidates.

I would like to know that is there any legal way to stop such type
of institutes from betraying the people, how could we get our money
back. And is there any way to inform the students at the other
branches of the institute, made aware of of the facts, so that at
least they could save themselves from wasting their precious time
and money.

Sincerely,

Surendra Pal Singh

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Samarsingh Saple <sachinsaple@...>
Subject: Usurping money given UPFRONT!!

Hi Amit:

We are a company into MT training and production based at Kolhapur.
Presently we have a well qualified team with 15 MT's, 3 proof
readers, and 3 QA's and Doctor's.

We came across an adv in your classified section which said MT work
available, and we approached the company by the name Softcom based
at Mumbai. They charged us a security deposit of Rs. 1,50,000 and
gave us the trails, in which we did very well and got the job.
Softcom started sending us the work and by the end of the first
month they started coming up with stupid complains like your
accuracy is not good, its only 85 % and all such stuff. Finally
they told us that they cannot send us the work, giving us the
reason of accuracy and terminated the contract, the deposit also
was not refunded, nor we got paid for the job we did.

I can guarantee you that the team working with me is the best one
can have, with a minimum experience of 1.5 to 2 years. Softcom just
cheated us. Why this cheating? Is there no way to stop this?

Please save this industry as it's reputation is worst. Majority of
the population, don't know about MT, but those all who know or just
heard about it, know it as a field where there's a lot of cheating
going on.

I even have a training institute and am without a job when I have
assured those people jobs. What should I do with these people,
tell them to leave and cheat them. This is the worst situation,
even after having the best.

Thanking you,

Sincrely,

Sachin. S. Saple

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 -----------

Interested in sponsoring the MT India Digest
Please send your request to:
mailto:amit@...

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

"It's very powerful to be motivated by forces other than money --
passion, interest, knowledge. It gives you awesome tenacity that
those chasing money don't have. It gives you the discipline to
give up a quick buck today in return for furthering a
relationship that will yield greater rewards over the long-term."
    ~John Audette~

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                    Published by:
MT India                                  www.mtindia.org

                   Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Dec 12, 2001     Digest #073
..................................................

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

=======MODERATOR COMMENT======

-=Ideas Are Only Sparks!=-

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

-=MT in India=-

    ~Joane
"to be able to succeed in the turf of medical transcription
is to recognize its essence as a profession.... then as a
vocation"

    ~Prasenjit Mukherjee
"The work at home funda and the normal earning potential was
mis-projected so far by majority of the institutions"

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~Ravi Shankar
"There are many MTs in Bangalore who have lost Rs.2000/- each and
have not bothered to go to Madras to check him out"

    ~Manpreet Singh
"Till date I have not even got a single penny from their side!!"

=========MODERATOR COMMENT=====

Dear fellow MTIDer....

"... a good idea *is* a spark, a place to get started. But that's
it. The value is all in the implementation, the thousands of
little things that when done properly add up to a significant
cumulative result."

The action plan I put forward in the last issue of the digest was
simplicity personified. We will now have to work towards our
goals!:)

I just want put in my 2 cents about Rukmini's last post - the one
she quoted Mr. George Heymont. I would like to make two
observations on writings by Mr. Heymont. Firstly, he is a scribe
who became an MT and thereafter an MT sevice owner. Whatsoever
else said, he is a good scribe and can write to stimulate strong
opinions and emotions - notwithstanding the correctness of his
views. Secondly, he is culturally and I suspect egoistically,
biased towards India and "other third world" countries. We will
hear arguments from him to the effect that as Indian's do not eat
beef and have not savored the taste of a beef steak, hence they
can't transcribe for Americans. I profess I do eat beef. I also
profess that it has not brought me any closer to the American
culture than skiing or playing baseball or even smoking a cigar
has. The bottom line is that Mr. Heymont's observations are
always centered around his basic conviction that American work
and the dollars should not be sent abroad. Every other point is
subservant to achieving this basic goal and he will use any and
every argument to raise public opinion to support this basic
cause. Hence leaving him to his mission, let us get back to ours!

One step at a time, that's the way to climb a mountain.

Professional certification I believe is the first step. Though MT
service providers have their own yardsticks to evaluate MTs and
QAs, they are not necessarily uniform or transparent. What ths
IAMT ( in formation) needs to do is aim to set professional
standards and objective methods to evaluate professionals
periodically. We have some volunteers, but we need more
professionals who will volunteer to work towards setting up a
body for professional development. We are looking towards CMTs,
doctors and experienced MTs who are working in the quality
assurance/professional development/training departments of  MT
service organizations.

We are also looking towards corporate sponsorship for an offline
meeting. Let us take the first step.

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Joane <joane.rodrigo@...>
Subject: The same dilemma

Dear MTIDers,

I was scanning MTID and some excerpts caught my attention.  We
share the same cryptogram in the Philippines.  Many have started
up and failed.  Many are still hopeful and trying their luck.  I
guess they have seen medical transcription as a lucrative
business to go into, failing however to recognize that there is
more to it than just being a commerce.  One thought though, I
think to be able to succeed in the turf of medical transcription
is to recognize its essence as a profession.... then as a
vocation.  If you have true love for the craft, then business
will never be the same again.

Our biggest dream is to be able to have the chance to try and be
recognized by AAMT by having certification.  The thing is, it
would cost us a lot. In time we hope that there will be an
alliance that would help medical transciption in other countries,
that instead of being threathened by counterparts, there will be
an organization coordinating to every part of the earth where
there is medical transcription.  A farflung dream you think?  :)
Still it is something to hope for.

Sincerely,

Joane
(an MT from the Philippines)

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Prasenjit Mukherjee<prasenjit_mukherjee@...>
Subject: So many illusions

Hi Amit and MTIDers,

I was an avid reader of this digest and did follow
the advancement of the profiles of the generation of MT's in
India. I did with my background of being in the para-medical
field for the last 10 years decide to make a head way in this
field, but unfortunately there were so many obstacles and hype
beyond the normal means of being in USA  and comparing with India
and the work circumstances and most of the people except in the
metros, unable to decide the earning and the pay structure and
further lowering of prices of being an Indian and affording
dollars ($$) that so many institutions taking people for a ride
and naming big time institutions of USA under their belt,
I can safely say that except for the metros and big institutions
in India most of the other places, matter has been killed for the
MT industry which actually could have been a flourishing industry
given the normal information and its shortcomings operating in
India.

The work at home funda and the normal earning potential was
mis-projected so far by majority of the institutions and later
denied, has to my knowledge bonsaid the growth of this, probably
one of the most profitable industry.

Prasenjit Mukherjee

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Ravi Shankar <shankar_m_r@...>
Subject: Cheating in the form of home transcription

Dear Amit & MTIDers,

This is to bring to your kind notice that there is lot of
cheating going on in the name of home transcription.

One named Ramakrishna who is based in Madras has cheated many
people in the name of home based transcription.

He has advertised in MT India.org as HBMT@... and has
advertised as largest home based transcription unit.

First he will send a xerox copy of registration form asking for
Rs.2000/- as registration fee.  He promises 6 cents per line and
assures 400-500 lines per day.  He even assures you of lending a
computer system, telephone line and internet connection.  Then
one fine day nothing from this great man.  He will not even
bother to E-mail you.

Now I am seeing this same man advertising in Bangalore papers
with same set of rules and cheating many more.

There are many MTs in Bangalore who have lost Rs.2000/- each and
have not bothered to go to Madras to check him out.

I wanted to bring this to your kind notice and hope you will
create any awareness among the MTs who are falling prey to this
great con man.

With regards,

Ravi Shankar

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Manpreet Singh <reachmanpreet@...>
Subject: Complaint!

Hi Amit:

It was very good to hear what you guys do.  I want to draw your
attention towards a company named "SourceMT" previously known as
"Curt Technologies" based in Mumbai, SEEPZ (Andheri).

While browsing the forum I saw some complaints written about this
company.  I have myself been in this company for more than one
year in a management position.  I resigned in mid May and came
back to Delhi after a promise from their side that they would
credit my salary for the month of April-May 2001. Till date I
have not even got a single penny from their side!!

On top of that, when I called the director "Uttamlal Chauhan (an
NRI from Birmingham)," to my utter shock I was told that I won't
be getting money because I had "plans to steal the training
material and if I called any further they would register a case
against me."  I was to astounded by this behavior but still
could't do anything as these guys are quite influential.

These guys have also kept my share of deposit (Rs. 15,000) which
I had given for renting an apartment in Andheri because the
agreement was in the name of the company!!  So, now a total sum
of around Rs. 35000 is stuck with this company, and I don't know
what to do.

What kind of help can I get regarding this case?

Have a nice day.

Manpreet

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 -----------

Interested in sponsoring the MT India Digest
Please send your request to:
mailto:amit@...

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

*If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the
corridor in the other direction. -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                    Published by:
MT India                                  www.mtindia.org

                   Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Nov 22, 2001     Digest #072
..................................................

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

=======MODERATOR COMMENT======

-=Time to act!=-

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

-=MT in India=-

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
"to survive and thrive in the MT industry we have to first
pull up our socks"

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~Delphine Swasbrook
"was issued a cheque for my salary for that
month which bounced three times"

    ~DPDas
"paid requisite fees but there is no information or
correspondence?"

=========MODERATOR COMMENT=====

Dear fellow MTIDer....

A happy Thanksgiving to all!

We all have a lot to thank for, and nothing should be taken for
granted. Hurray for the fun, but is the pudding done??

There is a time for contemplation and there is a time for action -
let us not get so bogged down by the former that we forget that the
journey to the goal starts with karma!

I have put forward a simple action plan, and I am counting on
support from this community:

1) MT India becomes a members' only organization with Corporate and
Individual Membership.

2) Revenues from membership to be used to fund a non-profit
organization.

3) MT India Corporate Members be asked to volunteer the use of
their premises for a representation of this organization in all
metros.

4) Senior MT managers, QAs and MTs to lobby within their own
organizations to bring about effective participation.

5) Hold a conference by January 2002, to spell out the goals,
charter, powers, rules, responsibilities and management of such an
organization.

6) Take it from there...:)

I would appreciate your views - in support or otherwise.  I make an
appeal to Industry leaders to shed the "we are better than thou"
attitude and try to consolidate the Industry.  Everyone cannot be
Microsoft or Infosys, but the path from knowledge to wisdom needs
networking on a transparent platform.

Let others see what we can do. I would appreciate volunteers, both
Corporate and Individuals.

"A small body of determined spirits, fired by an unquenchable faith
in their mission can alter the course of history."

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: "Rukmani Raghavan" <ruk24@...>
Subject: Improving the Indian Image in the MT Industry

Hi Amit and All,

I was wondering at the long gap between the last issue and this
one. Please accept my thanks Amit, for being our 'striving
moderator'! It certainly is   heartening to note that there is
someone out there who has worked hard to create this platform
which has proved more than useful to all of us in the MT
line - whether we are ventilating our grievances, seeking
information   from others or rendering advice to someone. I think
it has created a somewhat close knit MT community (despite the
frauds!).

To take off from all that was mentioned in the last issue -

"Ignorance" may be "bliss" under certain circumstances but it is
also true that "forewarned is forearmed"!

While so many posts are flying across this forum about frauds from
every   part of the country with matching info about their names
and addresses there doesn't seem to be a concerted move to once
and for all eradicate, what in my opinion, has been the single
most inhibiting factor in the healthy growth of the MT industry
in India. It doesn't need a rocket scientist to tell us that India
's image in the MT line has suffered a grievous fall just because
we have had such operators who have used MT to their advantage and
have left the sincere amongst us to fight the battle of restoring
India's   image in the eyes of the MT professionals in the US.

For those of you who have not seen this piece, I am reproducing
excerpts   from an article "Circle The Wagons" by Mr. George
Heymont. The writer, like   many others in the US, has been
expressing his concerns on 2 main issues

1) The quality of MT work emanating from India.

2) The fact that confidential patient information is going out of
their country to an alien land where it could be used by
unscrupulous elements for their own nefarious purposes. This worry
is compounded by the fact that   offshore companies do not come
under the ambit of US laws enacted for the   purpose of protecting
privacy of health records.

I believe the first fear can be readily addressed and remedied,
given the will and accompanied by good quality training and all
that goes with it.

The second however has to be tackled with tact. This is where we
will agree that the shady operators here in our country have only
fuelled their fears further. In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy it
has been further magnified. Now it should be clear to us why if
we have to survive and thrive in the MT industry we have to first
"pull up our socks". It's a pity that those of us who are doing
good work have to not just continue doing the good work but
ensure that the bad eggs are blacklisted and removed, thereby
restoring the faith of the American MT professionals in us.

Therefore, I believe that whatever sophisticated software we may
possess and   whatever state-of-the-art equipment we may use, we
cannot gain their   confidence unless we can prove that we can not
only perform well but can be   trusted with precious patient
information.

For starters, why don't we :

1) Expedite the formation of an AAMT like body which will act as
a regulatory institution for the entire MT business in India. We
have to be our own "watch dogs" and see that the bad elements in
the industry are properly dealt with. This doesn't necessarily
imply 'policing'. It means that everyone works within a framework
of rules and regulations and   stringent action is taken against
rogue institutes/companies.

2) Commence listing of all genuine companies on this board. Every
company with its name, address, Tel No. with the kind of training
programs and jobs offered by them etc.

If we have to be true professionals we have to first learn to be
more   transparent in our dealings. After all, no genuine
organization needs to   withhold any kind of info that could be
useful to others in our country and   also help in bolstering the
faith of the clients and their country. The real success of a
business, among other things, is in information sharing. This   is
something we need to stress on. This paranoia of working in utter
secrecy is something we should abandon. Let us learn to think as
a nation and not only as individual businessess

3) Put up names and addresses of fraudulent companies provided by
people who have first hand info about them.

I would be happy to do this service, with those who would wish to
assist me.

The quality of work will speak for itself. I truly believe that if
we are   able to satisfy clients on every aspect of the work, there
should be no reason for them not to engage our trust in sending
us more work.

In the final anaysis of international relations, economics and
trade are the real deciding factors. As we see today, business
and trade have made countries set aside their differences and
work together(of course without endangering their own national
interests)

Please read below the excerpt :

"Alas, terrorist events are no longer limited to hijackings, bombs,
and mass   murder. They can just as easily involve the unauthorized
use of a patient's   medical record. A recent HIPAA advisory tells
the tragic story of an   Illinois woman whose photo and medical
records were posted to   the Internet   by anti-abortion activists
after she underwent an abortion. According to the   St. Louis
Post-Dispatch, anti-abortion activist Daniel Michael testified
that he and his wife, Angela, had received the medical records in
the mail   from 'an unknown source.' They then sent the records and
photo, previously   taken by Daniel Michael, to a Mr. Wetzel in
Nebraska. Daniel Michael said   that the couple forwarded the
materials because they were "frustrated that   local news outlets
had declined to write about the woman's abortion complications."
He further noted that they had intended for the material to be
used for informational purposes, instead of being posted to an
Internet website.

In reviewing some of the columns I have written for this magazine
that warn   about the inherent risks of outsourcing medical
transcription to   entrepreneurs in Third World nations, I was
saddened to encounter many of   the same issues which are now
making headlines. In articles entitled Of Cows   and
Confidentiality, Fools Rush In, Thanks. But No Thanks and How Much
Are   Your Secrets Worth? (all of which can be accessed at
http://www.wwma.com/kamt/ka00005.html ) I had tried to make people
understand that technology cannot always transcend a clash of
cultures. And   that people in other lands -- even though they may
use the same types of   computers and word processing programs that
Americans have access to -- do   not always share our loyalties.

Such cultural differences cannot and should not be ignored for,
despite the   very best of intentions, they have already led to
negative outcomes. It is   ironic that, in his September 9th
newsletter, Maj (Dr.) Amit Chatterjee, SM   (the strategist and
founder of www.mtindia.org ) was forced to explain why   his
website could no longer be free to everyone. "There is a latest
group we   have identified -- and this group really uses our
services!!" he wrote.   "Using our free service they blatantly and
openly sell pirated software,   photocopies of books and course
materials, confidential patient dictation   and carry out all sorts
of fraudulent activity that you can *NOT* imagine!!   I do regret
that most of our time and energy and much bandwidth is being
wasted in catering to and trying to police their nefarious
activities."

In that same newsletter, Chatterjee reported   another form of
cyber crime   involving medical transcription: "According to
reports, IGSP Technology   Centre India Pvt Limited, a sister
concern of IGSP Incorporation, 3550   Lexington Avenue, North Suite
100, Shoreview, Minnesota, 55126 USA, signed   an agreement for MT
work on sub-contract with TNIL, a local MT company, on   July 4,
2000. The agreement bears the sign of Anupama   Nangia, director
TNIL   and OP Bharadwaj, MD, IGSP India Pvt Ltd. The complainant
alleged that their   Principals in USA stopped work at about 6.30
p.m. on August 21, 2001 by   cancelling   the access password given
to TNIL. But TNIL made repeated   attempts to log into the FTP
Server in USA. After making several hundred   such attempts they
managed to log on and downloaded confidential information   from
their FTP site, the complainant alleged. We have registered a case
and   confiscated two servers, two monitors, five hubs, one router,
one VPM   device, an ASM rod and nine connecting cables from the
premises of TNIL."

Make no mistake about the issue at hand. What this scenario tells
us is that   if an American firm reneges on a subcontracting
agreement, it may be   vulnerable to computer sabotage from
disgruntled subcontractors -- or being   held hostage as a result
of the theft of confidential medical information.   If this kind of
computer theft occurs in the United States, there are laws   which
hold the criminals responsible for their acts. If arrests are made,
the perpetrators of such acts pass through a system of law
enforcement   designed to hold them accountable for their crimes.
Unfortunately, the laws   of Congress do not apply and are
unenforceable in Third World nations. The   same goes for our
neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

In the three years that American hospitals and MTSOs   have been
deluged with   solicitations from medical transcription firms in
India, Pakistan,   Bangladesh, and other nations, a dedicated group
of American MTs has tried   to educate the medical establishment
about the risk they keep taking with   regard to patient
confidentiality.

In many cases, our warnings fell on deaf ears (the same way the
findings of   the commission on terrorism headed by Gary Hart and
Warren Rudman was   ignored by politicians in the Bush
administration). But we are now at a   turning point in America's
history. As we adjust to an environment in which   America's law
enforcement officials must carefully revisit such issues as
security, intelligence, and terrorist acts, the time has come for
risk   managers, hospital administrators, and everyone else
involved in the health   information management industry to wake up
and smell the coffee.

As children we learned how all the king's horses and all the king's
men   couldn't put Humpty Dumpty back together again. As adults, we
recently   learned that all of our intelligence forces and all of
our airport security   checks couldn't prevent the tragic events
which took place on September 11, 2001. As health information
management professionals, we need to understand that all of our
encryption programs and all of our HIPAA regulations aren't  worth
the code or legalese they're written in if an angry person in
another   country decides to "think outside the box."

What does this mean?

- If its blind dependence on technology didn't allow the most
powerful   nation in the world to prevent four simultaneous
hijackings, how can we be   so sure that speech recognition
software can meet the challenges raised by   physicians with
compromised language skills?

- If all the pipe dreams we've been sold about cheap overseas labor
cutting transcription costs in half have failed to come true (even
Medquist's leadership admits that offshore transcription has not
yet   proven   to be cost effective or of sufficiently high
quality), then maybe it's time   to cut our losses and cancel the
experiment.

- With political tensions heating up globally (and passions against
the United States running especially high in Third World
countries), tighter   security means making sure that steps are
taken to minimize the   vulnerability of American patients to any
unnecessary threat.

- If the American economy is truly headed into a recession, then as
part of our effort to rebuild we should be giving serious thought
to   training more Americans as medical transcriptionists. Without
meaning to   sound overly jingoistic, by keeping American MTs
employed we can help our   nation by directing their earnings back
into America's economy instead of   sending that money overseas.

Nearly every security expert has pointed to the issue of airport
security   guards (who receive minimum training and are often paid
a minimum wage) as   being one of the weak points that allowed
terrorists to wreak such havoc on   our nation. If the medical
records community can salvage one valuable lesson   from this
horrific chapter in history, it is that you get what you pay for.
And that the lowest price per line does not necessarily give the
best value or strongest assurance of patient confidentiality ".

Rukmani Raghavan

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Delphine Swasbrook <DSwasbrook@...>
Subject: Bad MT Company

Dear Amit,

I would be grateful if you could give this little note as much
coverage as possible.

It is about a company called

CALLTEL INDIA PRIVATE LTD.
#21 Calltel House
Opp. AECS layout
Kundanahalli Main Road
Bangalore

Phone Nos:  8524522/8524525

I was employed with them in August 2001.  I have a legitimate
appointment letter and was issued a cheque for my salary for that
month which bounced three times, and an apology letter from the
M.D. Mr. ANIL KUMAR SINGH, confirming that I would be receiving my
payment on the 8th of November. That date has come and gone without
any payment.

I have kept the documentation in case any one should want to check
my statements.

Please ask both individuals and companies dealing with them to be
very very careful with regards to payments, which is basically what
dealing with them would be all about!

Thank you

Delphine Swasbrook

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: debi prasad das <dp_das@...>
To: <amit@...>
Sent: Thursday, November 22, 2001 7:12 PM
Subject: SOHONETINDIA.COM

Hi MTIDers,

The above mentioned company had advertised for outsourcing MT work
and I had filled up their form and paid requisite fees since July
01 but till now there is no information or correspondence. Kindly
inform if the company is a fraud. If so kindly put up on your
notice board to help new MT companies from being suckered.

DPDas

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 -----------

Interested in sponsoring the MT India Digest
Please send your request to:
mailto:amit@...

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

*If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the
corridor in the other direction. -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer*

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================
                    Published by:
MT India                                  www.MTIndia.org

                   Moderated by:
Amit Chatterjee,SM                 amit@...

..................................................
Nov 12, 2001     Digest #071
..................................................

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

=========MODERATOR COMMENT=====

     ~Welcome back!~

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

-=MT in India=-

    ~Ram Velagapudi
"It is time for our MT companies to consolidate their act."

    ~Rehan Shaikh
"an audit team could be set up to figure out the problems that
have plagued this industry"

-=Branding is the key!!=-

    ~Meera Sankriti
"I liked the way in which you have given examples of
how to be branded."

    ~Akash
"Are not we lacking behind in spreading the realities about MT?"

    ~Tammie C
"This is perhaps the most insensitive, chauvinist approach to
explaining how to define "branding".

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

-=Frauds in MT=-

    ~Prabha Devi
"have closed down the company not paying us
the last 5 months pay"

    ~Star
"whom should we believe?"

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

-=Digital Voice Recorder=-

    ~Ichiro Igari

*********************************************
Advertisement:

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

=========MODERATOR COMMENT=====

Fellow MTIDer....

We appologize for this long period of inactivity. As you might
know, ListBot shut down and we had to shift to Yahoo! Groups, it
required a lot of back-end work from our side.

Wishing you all a Happy Festival of Lights - Let the light shine
forth!

We've had a large number of new subscribers here over the past few
months. I thought I would take a moment to review a basic ground
rule here at MTID:

o Personal Attacks

One of my jobs as Your Striving Moderator is to maintain a safe
environment here, an environment where you are free to express
yourself without fear that you will be attacked personally. It's OK
to challenge someone's comments -- but it's not OK to attack them
personally. I had a contentious exchange with one MTIDer recently
who was highly critical of my refusal to publish her post that
attacked another MTIDer. She ended up attacking me (her email is
now being filtered into my Trash folder -- I never see it). Just
remember that this is a forum for professionals.

I see a few issues in this Digest, and here's one of those little
gems that make you smile at first, then stop and stare the truth
right in the face:

"What you don't know won't hurt you.
What you do know won't help you.
What you're absolutely sure of, that's
just plain wrong, will get you every time."

As the old cop show used to say,

"Let's be careful out there."

I will have something to say next time round, but I invite your
views and suggestions.

Your Striving Moderator,
Amit C.
amit@...

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: "Ram Velagapudi" <ramvelagapudi@...>
Subject: MT in India

Hi,

Greetings to everybody.

May I suggest to the honourable memebers of this Forum to exhort
the Indian MT companies to add other allied activities like
Billing and other back Office operations for the HCEs whom they
are servicing. This is a prudent and profitable additional
activity for them.

More over, they are in the best position to offer these services
as a suite of services to the client at a very competitive rate.
It is time for our MT companies to consolidate their act.

Sincerely,
Ram Velagapudi

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: "Rehan Shaikh" <shaikh@...>
Subject: Martha St. Augustine's posts

Hi Amit and All,

I have seen a lot of hateful posts, forceful arguments, and
threads that seem to go nowhere exchanged on boards on MTDaily
and MTIndia. I have also been able to glean a lot of good
information from  these same boards as well. But some of the
posts I happened to come across in back issues written by Martha
St. Augustine had me completely floored. Martha has a clarity of
thought and a writing style that can only be described as
authoritative. I am not simply saying that because she sometimes
comes across as championing the cause of Indian MTs or offshore
transcription. One simply has to compare her posts with the
numerous others that we come across every other day on these
boards to understand what I mean.

If an audit team could be set up to figure out the problems that
have plagued this industry here in India and ways to set them
right, it would be really good to have a woman like this as a
part of that team. I am an MTSO and if it sounds like I am
gushing a bit, well, it has been extremely long since I read
anything sensible on these boards, and Martha's posts come as a
breath of fresh air!

BTW, Amit, I admire your efforts towards attempting to bring
about awareness amongst MTs, and MTSOs in India alike. I believe
this is a positive thing and wish you the very best in continuing
your efforts.

Rehan Shaikh

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From:  Meera Sankriti <sankritimn@...>
Subject: Branding is the key!!

Dear Amit:

I liked the way in which you have given examples of
how to be branded. "Branding is the Key" is the real
thing and it can be done only after years of
perseverance and hard work.  The attitude of "don't
give up" is the key note.

It was nice to read through.

Meera

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Akash <netman@...>
Subject: Branding is the key!!

Hi everybody!

This is sure that the mushrooming training institutes are giving
this industry its worst ever scare of extinctiion and bad name.
But does not it owe to the lack of awareness among the masses
about the nuances of MT?

Are not we lacking behind in spreading the realities about MT?

However in any case we have stop this? Any suggestions?

Akash

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Tammie C  <Puckababy@...>
Subject: Article-"Branding is the Key"

I am writing in response to the above mentioned article posted to
the AOL MT message boards today.

This is perhaps the most insensitive, chauvinist approach to
explaining how to define "branding".  Nothing should be passed
from Michael Reznikov if is it so crude. I am
disgusted/angered/offended by this "explanation".  The
illustration used is pure drivel (to use a repeatable word) and
was certainly unprofessional to pass on in any way.

Tammie C
North Carolina

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

From: Prabha Devi <vkkumar@...>
Subject: Joining association of MTs

Dear Amit and MTIDers,

I have undergone 6 month MT training in Burr Brown India Ltd, Verna
Goa. They have charged heavily for this training, promising
employment in the company. Later they have given appointment, but
with less pay.Later they have closed down the company not paying us
the last 5 months pay. My querry is that whether we will be able to
join any All India MTs association and fight for our rights,
legally ?

Kindly reply.

Dr Prabha Devi.
PS. We are a group of about 15 MTs

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Star <star_male2001@...>
Subject: One more Company shuts down without paying salaries!!

Dear Amit and MTIDers,

It is unfortunate that this is still happening in Bangalore.  For
the 2 months, the staff has not been paid a single rupee.

Suddendly the MD absconds and the authorization person in the
office says, I am just an employee like you.
1. The PF commissioner comes in and seals the office for arrears
due.
2. The KPTC comes in and disconnects electricity.
3. Telephone dept. disconnects the line.

MERIDIAN INFOTECH PVT. LTD.
92/2, MOSQUE ROAD,
FRAZER TOWN, BANGALORE - 5

The frauds,
Managing Director:
Santhosh

Operations Manager:
Venu Gopal

Production Manager:
Praveen Dass

It is pathetic.  I can't imagine we are working for an IT company
that is registered under STPI, at India's Silicon Valley. I mean,
whom should we believe?

Respected CHIEF MINISTER, are you there?  Somebody should do
something to stop these crooks.

Star

Comment? mailto:MTID@yahoogroups.com

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

From: Ichiro Igari <i_igari@...>
Subject: Olympus Digital Voice Recorder

Dear MTIDers,

Olympus, leading the dictation industry in the development of
voice recorder technologies over the years, is now looking for a
distribution partner in the profesional dictation/transcription
market in India.

The DS3000, digital voice recorder for professional dictation
users, and the DSS Player Pro Trancription Module for
transcriptionists, has been well-accepted in the MT market in the
U.S. and European market, as a affordable solution for small to
mid-sized clinics or off-site transcription needs, since its
introduction.

The Olympus DS3000 portable dictation recorder,lets you manage
all dictation with the DSS Player Dictation Module.  The software
can even attach your dictation to an email and automatically send
it. For transcriptionist, the DSS Player Trascription Module can
scan your email for DSS files and manage all typing from there.
For detailed information, please visit
http://ds3000.olympus.com/.  This would provide users with a
perfect solution for MT needs between the U.S. and India, without
investing a large money.

If you are interested in becomig the distributionship with
Olympus, please email me at i_igari@...

Sincerely,

Ichiro Igari
Voice Recorder Products, Marketing
Photo and Audio Products Division
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

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 -----------

Interested in sponsoring the MT India Digest
Please send your request to:
mailto:amit@...

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 30, 2000 Digest #026
..................................................

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


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

-=Analyzing career options=-

    ~Julianne Weight
"US MTs see India as a threat because we are making
less and less"

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~J. Varghese
"Competition can come from any source and it is not on
the terms  and conditions dictated by existing players in
the market"

    ~Ram Velagapudi
"see what has been done to our image by our brethren
by  defaulting on promises and commitments"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Kishore
"find transcribing American doctors dictations easier
than transcribing the dictations of the Indian doctors
in U.S."

    ~Cindy Coutts
"Indian focus should be on quality and quality only"

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

-=Sharing Resources=-
     ~Kishore

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

From: Julianne Weight <juliew8@...>
Subject: Wry Comments

It's certainly been interesting to see the exchanges since I joined
the list.

I'd like the group to address what I feel is a myth perpetuated by
the Indian business people, then picked up and run with by the US
MTs. To wit, that transcription being done in India costs less to
produce than transcription being done in the US.

According to all the information I've been able to gather from
people working with Indian companies, some of them in companies
with names you'd all recognize, it does not cost less to produce
the work in India. Although Indian MTs are paid less than US MTs,
that is not the cost of doing business. Add to that the need to
edit work in the US and the 12-hour advantage is completely lost.

Yes, the US is losing MTs. Those of us who've been in the business
for a long time can still make money doing it, but it isn't
attractive at the entry level. It's difficult to break into and the
compensation at entry level is abysmal. With the exception of a few
superstars, it remains abysmal for up to two years. With the US
economy booming and plenty of alternatives, MT is only momentarily
attractive to those who wish the flexibility of working at home but
who are intelligent enough to do just about anything else. (And I
have to wonder out loud how attractive it is to some of the very
bright people in India, as well.)

US MTs see India as a threat because they/we are making less
and less. It's difficult to get them to understand this trend
started before offshore transcription and has more to do with
legislation and regulation of the healthcare industry than it does
with cheap offshore labor.

It's even more difficult to get them to understand this when the
Indians themselves are touting their services as less expensive.
I also believe Indian businesses will start to realize their cost
of doing business is higher or their capital investors will run out
of money and they'll have to charge more to cover their actual
costs.

I also foresee a future where there won't be a sufficient number
of trained MTs in any country to edit the amount of transcription
being produced by undertrained and unqualified MTs.

Just my 2 cents on a Saturday morning after one cup of coffee. :)

Julianne Weight
AlphaBest
http://www.alphabest.com
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: J. Varghese <irene@...>
Subject: cindy coutts's msg

Dear MTIDers,

What people like Cindy Coutts have to realize is that with the
development of internet and globalisation of trade, the customer
is truly king now even in the American transcription industry.

Just like Indian industry is facing problems due to the
liberalization of the import policy and removal of quantitative
barriers enabling many American companies to sell thier goods
here, America business will also similarly face competition in
areas where they are expensive or inefficient.  The customer will
always seek value for money and American transcriptionists better
face up to this reality.

Do you think Indian industries are able to compete on a even basis
with American industries who have economies of scale and produce
their goods on a large scale in countries like China who offer
cheap labour combined with American technology?  Further the rates
of interest, taxation etc are much lower for American industries
enabling them to sell better quality or cheaper goods in India.

Competition can come from any source and it is not on the terms
and conditions dictated by existing players in the market.  What
ultimately decides the issue is not the views of the existing
players in the market but the requirements of the American
consumer. If he is satisfied with the quality and the rates offered
by Indian transcription companies, naturally he will shift his work
to India. American transcribers have to pull up thier socks and
offer something extra or special to attract business.

This is a global phenomenon due to open competition and there is
no use behaving like an ostrich and burying your head in the sand
and pretending it is all a bad dream.

Regards,
J. Varghese
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: "ramarao velagapudi" <ramarao_vel@...>
Subject: Ms. Cindy Coutts.

Dear MT colleagues,

The two posts of Ms. Coutts in the latest MT India Digest bear
testimony to her maturity and logical conclusions. We have  reacted
shrilly to her view points.The discussion has been hijacked into a
slanging match - Americans Vs. Indian MTs! This is not what a
debate represents.

Let's not emulate our politicians. We are professionals. Please
have patience and read her latest posts and then come to logical
conclusions. Bereft of hyped up emotions, what the lady says is
100% true. Come to USA and see what has been done to our image
by our brethren by defaulting on promises and commitments.

Sincerely,

Ram Velagapudi
Detroit.
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Kishore J.S. <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Re: Cross-Cultural Understanding

Cindy Coutts wrote:
<< Most of us make just okay wages but LOVE
our jobs and care about those we are transcribing for>>

Yeah!! at last found somebody among MTIDers who work
because of the love for the profession.  It is really so
interesting to work in this field because it is so challenging to
understand different people.

As a matter of fact, I (and I am not alone) find transcribing
American doctors dictations easier than transcribing the
dictations of the Indian doctors in U.S.

Kishore
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: CCouttsRMT@...
Subject: Re: Cross-Cultural Understanding

I was misquoted on the following:

Kishore wrote:
<< Instead of insulting people in the profession, we should
rather try to learn from them. First of all, they should be taken
into confidence, especially Cindy Coutts, that only very few
talented people will be successful in this field and that
most peope are only asking for a career and that our
intention is not to take away American jobs.>>

What I was originally referring to was a post written by Kishore
that stated out less than legit training institutes are coming up
all over India. His main emphasis on his original post was
transcribing quality work, better training and education, and that
the Indian focus should be on quality and quality only.

Cindy Coutts
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Kishore J.S. <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Sharing Resources

Hi MTIDers!

We could exchange different web addresses that could be useful
or different transcription terminologies that we come across
everyday or any doubts that need to be clarified could be
discussed in a chat forum.

I suggst to try out www.medword.com for searching medical
words. Also of course  www.google.com

Kishore
-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 26, 2000 Digest #025
..................................................

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

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Dr. Nicolas V. Rao
"time to cut the cackle "

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
"America as I have always seen, is a totally insular
nation"

    ~Cindy Coutts
"the kind of businessman that all Americans wish that
they can deal with on a daily basis of being legitmate"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"American MTs, by virtue, are
EXTREMELY territorial."

    ~Ajay Chopra
"industry should be looking to good times just around
the corner"

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

-=Voice Recognition Software in MT=-
    ~Jose

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

From: nicolas rao <nicolasrao@...>
Subject: Bravo to you

Dear MTIDers,

Sun wrote:
>> I am not trying to paint the yankees black... What I mean
is we must play them at their own game and win them over !<<

I am mixed my self, a perfect hybrid if I may say so and have
German, Norwegian, Portugese and good old Telegu in me
and I love a lot of the India in me, but as you say - We must
beat them at their own game.

I have been in transcription for a just 7 months but I am a doctor
and have lived and worked with Americans for the past 17
years.  I have done well enough and the Americans I work
with like my work.  I dont know what all this fuss is about.
There is plenty for all and if you have had a look at the
prepared templates made up by the new state of the art
MT people, it makes life so easy even for the transcriptionist.

I think its time to cut the cackle about who should be doing
what and just get down to doing a good job- a very good job
and I know that we can do it.

This forum would be more helpful if there was less ranting and
more useful tips on the job at hand.  Sound file conversion
techniques , compression formats, bandwith norms, noise
reducton, FTP etc. etc.

Dr. Nicolas V. Rao
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: rukmani raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: The American MT vs The Indian MT

Hi MTIDers!

I have been watching with great interest and some amusement(at the
abysmal ignorance of Cindy Coutts) the slanging match between the
"ugly american" and the informed indians and would like to add my
comments on the above mentioned subject and related matters.

Without holding a brief( or even appearing to hold a brief!) for
Sunaina Chakraborty or Akash Shah, I entirely agree with their
viewpoints and sentiments experessed ,while offering a rebuttal to
Ms Court's positively offensive,unwarranted and unprovoked attack
on Indian Mts and her concern for preserving confidentiality in the
medical records coming out of the US (which concern was well
addressed by her own compatriot)

America as I have always seen, is a totally insular nation, and
seems to enjoy being that way. Although acknowledged as a
super power (read economic,military,space et al)and a "melting
pot of cultures", paradoxical as it may sound, really keeps itself
from learning about what transpires in the rest of the world, or
even about people of diverse origins living in the US and
contributing to that economy. I would assume that this stems
from the sheer arrogance of money power and  a total disdain
for the occidental ways and culture. Although it may appear that
I am wandering away from the subject, I only wish to state that
such irresponsible writing as coming from Cindy Coutts serves
to emphasize my point that Americans in general, while being
ill-informed about their own country and its history are constantly
displaying  a supercilous attitude and positive contempt for third
world countries in general and India in particular. I would think
this is clearly emanating from an inferiorty complex (manifest as
a superiority complex!)compounded with the insecurity (in this
case)at the possibility of jobs going overseas.

May I remind Ms.Coutts that MT work is being outsourced
for the simple reason that her own countrymen find it cheap,
qualitatively fair-to-good (maybe wanting, in some cases,
neverthess good on the whole) and time saving. While an
American MT is paid anything between $13-$18 per hour,
for an 8 hour, 5-day week his Indian counterpart is paid a
paltry amount( less than a dollar an hour) for a six-day week,
because their own employers are quoted a very low rate by
their American clients (this is not to let off the hook, the bad
elements in the Indian MT business - a subject I have touched
upon several times before, in this forum).

As Marta St.Augusta (undoubtedly knowledgable and
experienced) had very vocally placed her views in this regard,
it is obvious, that not only do Indian MTs have to learn the
idiosyncracses of the American tongue but have also to
battle, day after day, with the almost unrecognisable English
associated with multiple american accents. To the credit of
the American doctor, in one of her reports, has giving unstinting
praise to the Indian MTs "you guys have done a perfect job of
"History and Physical", keep up the good work!".Ms Coutt
will do well to ruminate before she decides to pour vitriolic in
her next missive!

Hope President Clinton's grandiose plans for improving economic
and business ties with India are not hijacked by his own
countrymen!

Rukmani Raghavan
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Bravo!!

Viswanathan wrote:
<<I subscribe to many other professional Newsletters & Digests on
the net but nowhere else I see what we do in MT India Digest.
They talk of technology, opportunities and threats to business,
ethics and codes for the profession, latest advancements
in the field, improvements in operations & efficiency, latest
software developed, new avenues opening up for the related
business and profession, Government regulations, quality
improvements, benchmarking, global scenario and creating
a very effective forum to take up the cause of the profession.
Let's do something on these lines!>>

The post by the above gentlemen, in the truest sense of the word,
is completely outstanding on the MTIndia Digest #024. I am jumping
up and down wildly applauding!!! This gentleman is the kind of
businessman that all Americans wish that they can deal with on a
daily basis of being legitmate, realistic and of the utmost
professionalism is shining through on every single sentence.
Kudos!

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Re: That's right

Kishore wrote:
<< Instead of insulting people in the profession, we should
rather try to learn from them. First of all, they should be taken
into confidence, especially Cindy Coutts, that only very few
talented people will be successful in this field and that
most peope are only asking for a career and that our
intention is not to take away American jobs.>>

The above is true along with your entire post Kishore. Of a
particular Indian school with 7 hours a day for 5 days a week
in six months, still more attention needs to be paid to Indian
MT education. This is an entire new language to Indians.
While it may be English, would your graduates with the
perfect hearing be able to decipher Amoxil from amoxicillin
in a pediatric case, simple ear infection? Not only do Indians
have to overcome the dialect barrier, there is also the slang
barrier which will be a huge hindrance. It even has me on my
toes some days! Now don't take that previous sentence
literally that I am standing on my toes. It just simply means that
it keeps me on guard. These are the American slangs that
Indians need to be aware of to whicih there are thousands
of them which also vary from region to region such as the
west coast, mid states, deep south and east coast, among
other regions. There are various dialects even within our own
country. I am from California originally living in New York state
now and I have a bear of a time (yet another slant) listening
those MDs in New Jersey. The accent, in my humble opinion,
there, if really off of the wall. Californians accentuate on the
consonants whereas those on the east coast accentuate the
vowels when speaking. This is just my personal observation
and after living in NY for 8 years, I am still told that I have an
"accent." Just look at the way somebody who lives in CA
pronunciates coffee as compared to the east coast. Night
and day. While the book studies in India may give you an edge
up on the book knowledge, it takes common sense to succeed
in this field and just not everybody has the ear, including
Americans.

The major obstacle with American MTs fighting so hard against India
getting into this scenario is that American MTs, by virtue, are
EXTREMELY territorial. Most of us make just okay wages but LOVE
our jobs and care about those we are transcribing for, and go above
and beyond duty to make sure that the medical record is accurate
by being the dictating provider's second set of ears and catch him
/ her in mistakes; we don't just simply transcribe what we hear.
Again, there is the confidentiality issue  which still needs to be
addressed in a clear cut manner, and India driving down our already
terrible MT wages. Most MTs are making what they did 10 years ago
if they are lucky. We don't want that to happen. There is also the
American job threat which none of us like. If you want legitimate
jobs doing American transcription, get the contract due to
extremely high quality work, not the best price. All Americans
firmly and strongly believe in you get what you pay for and MT is
no exception.

If India wants to be a serious leader in this industry, get some
laws and regulations, not to mention legitmate training in place,
in order to compete with the Americans. Fair competition is not
undercutting. Regardless of India's cost of living, compete on the
American level or don't compete at all. Turn the table around to
see if India would like Americans coming into a profession not
adequately trained, taking away jobs and undercutting the market
price, not to mention we could sell your personal information for a
buck. It's not pretty. That's where we stand. After a lot of
thinking and personal soul searching, I really don't have a problem
with another facet in this industry trying to break in, just do it
on the terms, rules and regulations already established by hard
working American medical transcriptionists. The American MT built
up this field from nothing.

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...


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

From: "AJAY CHOPRA" <bony@...>
Subject: Rejoinder - That's right

Hi MTIDers!

Having gone through a lot of views that have been expressed by
various subscribers regarding the percieved threat from the Indian
MTs - it shall be very pertinent to mention some statistical
figures here that should comfort most of the subscribers.

The MT industry is growing by 20% in terms of volume of the work
being generated and at the same time the availability of US MTs
is decreasing by 8% per annum. Can we very rightly assume that
the demand and supply gap is widening with each passing day ?
It may not be out of place to mention here that these figures
clearly indicate that  more and more people in the US are opting
for alternate careers - what else can justify the steady decline in
the no. of MTs in the US ?

Personally (strictly personally) speaking I am of the view that the
industry should be looking to good times just around the corner -
reason being that since the activity is highly qualitative in
nature, the multiplier effect in terms of manpower becoming
available overnight either in India or in the US should absolutely
be ruled out. There is no way that additional manpower can be
generated in a short time to counter the decline in availability in
the short and medium term. The gap in demand and supply is
widening rapidly. This leads to an only inference that ultimately
a good amount of financial advantage is bound to accrue to all
at different levels in the industry including the MTs, MT Cos.
etc..

Another issue is the non quality based performance of some of
the Indian cos. as well as the fly by night training institutes
mushrooming in the country. A shake out in these areas is
inevitable and as a matter of fact already started happening -
just that it shall be more visible after a little while when we
shall hear of such set ups closing down. The only sufferer is
going to be the gullible trainee who has been duped of his
money and is left in the lurch. As far as the so called
entrepreneurs running non qualitative MT cos.are concerned -
they deserve to lose their money because they opted for the
short cuts to the pot of gold which ........alas.......!! is not
there or at least does not fall on their charted routes.

As for the trainee - he can possibly undertake a fresh course
with an institute or co. of repute and get absorbed in the
mainstream activity. He would defenitely have an edge over
his peer who would possibly have joined newly and is yet
to go through the very basics. By virtue of the same argument
he should be able to get himself placed at a better salary
structure than his counterpart.

All said and done I think there is absolutely no need for either
the US MTs or the Indian MTs to panic on account of the
other's existence - on the contrary they can complement each
other's strengths through this common forum towards achievement
of higher professional goals.

Regards to all,
Ajay Chopra

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

From:Jose James Nellikunnam<josejamesn@...>
Subject : Voice Recognition Software in MT

Dear friends,

Are there any MT companies in B'lore using Voice recognition
software for transcription?

I am an MT producing 600 proofed lines/shift using Voice
recognition software.

I am looking for better opportunities in B'lore.

Thanks,
Jose James Nellikunnam
Comment? mailto:MTID@...
-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 12, 2000 Digest #021
..................................................

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

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Marta St. Augustine
"I have NEVER seen any MT give up a
dime for the higher good or a principle"

-=Career Opportunity=-

     ~Cindy Coutts
"actively market your own country where there is
not the dialect boundary"

   ~George J Ollapally
"once the dust settles, this will be market driven"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Marta St. Augustine
"rampant opinionism of American MTs who refuse to even
CONSIDER the facts"

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

From: "Marta St. Augustine" <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject: Re: Cindy Coutts' post and my utter disagreement


Cindy Coutts wrote:
<snip>
>>No, third world is not the focus. There are several factors taken
>>into consideration of the American MT boycott of sending American
>>health information overseas. They are, but not limited to:
<snip>

I am a CMT of 15 years and am commenting on this post.

This post is so filled with erroneous assumptions, I really don't
have time to address them properly.  But let's begin with
"sending American health information overseas."  Even
if we completely discount medical records per se, health
information is STILL being sent overseas.

Kaiser Permanente (one of the largest insurers on the West
Coast of the US)  has a massive contract to outsource its
clerical and medical information records overseas.  This
involves a listing of all diagnoses, diagnostic studies, course
of hospitalization (through billing items), etc.

Given the cut-throat competition and financial bloodletting that
has been occurring in the health care industry in the last 10
years, this trend will only intensify.  Health care providers have
been going bankrupt, dissolving or filing for financial
reorganization, left and right.  Every week, a new hospital failure
is announced. And with the health care giants leading the way,
saving millions on one line-item in their budgets, do you believe
the rest will be slow to follow?

Secondly, the mega-merged Citigroup (sorry, I can't provide their
new name off the top of my head), Travelers and the mega-
casualty insurance companies are also moving their clerical
operations off shore.  Do you think they don't have private
information about you? If you sue someone over a car accident,
they have access to all your medical records related to the case.
They know the bank account you have your premium paid out
of.  If they insure your home, they know exactly the items in
your item and your estimation of their worth.  It is the same with
the major credit card agencies---and I understand that soon
evolution for off-shore administrative push is already on at the
biggest credit agencies, which have every piece of negative
financial information about every US citizen.

If you don't believe this about medical insurance companies, then
go attend the next Infomatics conference held in your area and
you will come to see the viewpoint from which you approach the
whole Indian/MT question is like footprints in the tide.  If you
don't believe that your financial, legal and other insurance
information is already being performed abroad, then open the
Wall Street Journal sometime.

Lest you think this push is limited to private corporations, our
own government is moving forward with saving hundreds of
millions of dollarsm over time by contracting out clerical work
to India.  This includes the Social Security Administration.
Check the Federal Register if you find this hard to believe.

Here is another question: How is it that MT has been a
shortage industry for more than 20 years, that the pace of new
MTs coming into the field is nowhere near even replacement
levels, that the health care field is approaching $2 trillion
dollars per annum, the number of physicians in the US
has doubled between 1970 and now---and yet MTs cry foul
as if food is being taken out of their mouths.  If you would
like written proof of any of these things, then read "Making
Money in a Health Service Business on your Home PC" 2nd
edition by Rick Benzel.  Or open a book you might already
have, The Independent Medical Transcriptionist, 3rd edition.
The facts are there.

Furthermore, there are ever more countries jumping into the
fray. Soon your TV programs will be closed captioned in
Belize.

MTs speak idly of a boycott.  Well, in 15 years I have seen many
things in this industry, but I have NEVER seen any MT give up a
dime for the higher good or a principle.  Think of any interoffice
meeting you ever went to.  How many wanted to discuss the
important issues, and how many wanted to get back to work,
like, yesterday?  I studied labor economics on a graduate
level...and...without commenting any further, I wish MTs
who think this is a viable approach to this issue the best of
luck.

You infer about institutional contracts between large and small
hospitals and their clients and how faulty they must be that the
third-party contractors can sell this information.  MT contract
negotiations with a facility can take 12, 18, 24 months in some
cases.

Trust me when I say that more money was spent on legal fees
than on the time of the parties.  There are always low-ball
players in every industry and this is a just fact of human nature.
No industry is immune from entry by unscrupulous parties.
However, does one incident thus tarnish an entire industry
beyond repair? By your reasoning, if McDonald's serves one
hamburger that makes someone sick, then the whole
industry ought to just be forcibly closed down, right?  Well,
there wouldn't be much industry in the world, much less the
US, if your reasoning carried over into government.

I don't have the time to continue on with every point you've
made. My opinions are based on my masters' level business
education and not my emotional beliefs.  The belief that is isn't
ALREADY HAPPENING is really nothing but uninformed.  I
suggest that American MTs who don't like the picture painted
by the facts learn to cut their losses by becoming more
technically sophisticated...even the lowest-paid MT in India
knows how to utilize web-based, or at the very least, internet
technology.

In Synchronicity,

Marta St. Augustine - di Medici
hibiscuslady@...

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Advertisement:

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Prefer CMTs - Indian / US
Salary will not be a bar for the right candidate.
Bachelor accommodation may be provided.
Contact: lastpeak@...
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

From: Cindy Coutts <CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Below is a summarization written by  Sachin Nikarge. This is the
most accurate information that I have found on your newsletter yet.
The more Indian MTs and Indian businessmen who REALLY take
this philosophy to heart as opposed to MT being a get rich quick
scheme, the better off we will all be. I still, however, have very
valid concerns about India's adherence to American laws
regarding confidentiality which I would appreciate being
addressed. We both know a signed contract does not guarantee
this.

On the same token, if Indians are insistent upon becoming
a driving force in the MT profession, then at least charge line
rates that are comparable to American MT rates not driving
down our economic status. This is not fair business practice
whatsoever.

Oh, and just one more thing, please quit boasting training
of your MTs but watching ER, Chicago Hope and General
Hospital. It's a total insult to our training and quite frankly,
makes Indians look like a joke. My best suggestion would
be to actively market your own country where there is not
the dialect boundary.

<< < I think the above, with some modifications is relevant to the
Indian context as well.

"Information -> Knowledge -> Wisdom" appears to me the path to
follow out of this jumble.

Let's strive to make issues transparent!  >> Sachin Nikarge.

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: George J Ollapally <gjo@...>
Subject: Re: Career opportunity

Hi MTIDers!

Sachin Nikarge's mail about some guidelines to look for a good MT
training programme, reminds me of a recent conversation I had with
a knowledgeable American on this subject. He said that there were
many US training programmes, which were privately run, aimed at
"retraining" people, or at cashing in on employment subsidies being
offered by state governments, which were no different from what our
'scamsters " are offering.They would make tall claims, pocket the
significant diffrence between the cost of training and the subsidy,
provide sketchy training and take the student for a ride. Now,
however, there are more reputed institutions offering better
structured courses, with better faculty, offering good vocational
training programmes.

I see a parallel between medical transcription training and the
mushrooming growth of computer training institutes in India.
Has anyone come forward to bell this cat? Remember the
GNIIT programme, for which the Govt of India had to step in
and compel NIIT to insert small print in the ads stating that NIIT
was not a deemed university and cannot grant a degree?
In my view marketing has got varying degrees of hype,
some guys get away, others dont!

Ultimately I think once the dust settles, this will be market
driven-the best training programmes will prosper and the
others will become history.

George J Ollapally
DTS Systems

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Marta St. Augustine <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject: Cindy C.'s comments about Indian English

Cindy Coutts wrote:
>>2.  Indian command of the English language. It is horrible. Need
I say more? There have been several pilot projects which have
been utter failures.<<

I cannot let this comment pass by either as it makes manifest the
Ugly American concept perfectly.

I suggest that before you make other comments like this again that
you consult no less an authority than The Cambridge Encyclopedia of
the English Language if you would like it explained to you why
Indian English doesn't sit right with your ear.  This book will
have news for you.

English is spoken and used in over 75 countries.  The new edition
claims that of the estimated 1.8 billion fluent English speakers in
the world, of whom 377 million are native speakers of the tongue.
Meaning that more than 4.5 times more people in the world speak
English as a second language than do as a primary language.
Furthermore, this book lists approximately 270 official dialects of
the English language; there are untold unofficial ones.

If you still think that only in America, Britain or Australia is
English spoken properly, then take a trip some day to one of our
own states, namely Hawaii, where immediately outside of the tourist
areas, the English is a mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Dutch,
Spanish, Portuguese and other languages and is not intelligible
without a "da kine" translator.  I know; I have a house there.

English does not belong to the King of the British Isles anymore,
nor to the Americans.  I have been very frustrated over the years
about the rampant opinionism of American MTs who refuse to even
CONSIDER the facts yet believed themselves to be incredibly
informed.  This is also called "ethnocentrism."

Your statement is a good example of my comment to the board last
week, that I didn't think the "Anti-India" sentiments on MT Daily
were racially motivated, but nurtured in ignorance of the facts.
The American MTs complain today...but all they accomplish is
complaining.  A very few of us American MTs are taking action and
are already prepared for the next 10 years.

The difference between you and I is I have systematically studied
the market, the domestic financials, the international finance
issues, the trends, the regulations, the general business practices
of this industry and the TECHNOLOGY, the factor without which none
of these debates would be going on.

As far as my personal contribution to the industry, I would prefer
to be able to provide 200 grateful Indian MTs with a job than one
whining US MT who wants everything handed over on a golden platter.
I am sorry if this comes across very negatively, and normally I
would not be making a statement like this so abruptly.  But go
re-read your post and see why I am writing this way.  I even
question your motivation for posting here instead of MT Daily?
Post it there and 50 people will email you and write, "Hurrah!
Alleluia!!"

This is a board for people moving ahead...and not staying in the
old MT paradigm.

I apologize to the group if my comments come across as very strong
minded.  But you know, I am so very tired of offering American
MTs/QA a bonafide financial escape from this low-paying industry
and being turned down because of refusal to see the facts.  The
issues are difficult for us all now, but in 5 or 10 years the
Indian MT industry will have achieved significant gains in terms of
MT experience and other business practices.  The independent
American MTs who think that cassette tape "downloading" is high
technology will wonder why their clients want their MT on the
internet.

In Synchronicity,

Marta St. Augustine - di Medici
hibiscuslady@...

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 23, 2000 Digest #024
..................................................

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

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

-=American business ethics=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"Thank you for clearing this matter"

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Viswanathan
"Let's stop this battle of words !"

    ~Ajay
"the Indian MT should not be compared upfront
with his US counterpart for more reasons than
one "

    ~Cindy Coutts
"the same problem in America with
corrupt politicians "

-=Career Opportunity=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"is very, very unfortunate and that's a matter of
slick "business people" preying "

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Kishore J.S
"It's not a matter of cultural fight
between two countries"


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

-=Audio software=-
    ~Ravi

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: RE: American business ethnic

Mahidhar wrote:
<<We do plan to work on Data Mining software that we can offer as
an additional value to our clients. We would offer data mining
software to our clients i.e. hospitals. So we would charge for
providing the software AND WE WOULD NOT BE SELLING
ANY DATA TO THEM.>>

Thank you for clearing this matter up. The above was of great
concern to American MTs and the general public.

Cindy Coutts

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

From: Viswanathan<paramont@...>
Subject: Let's stop this battle of words !

Dear MT India Digest members :

It has been like real fiction and thriller reading  through the
battle of words on paper in the columns of MT India Digest,
particularly in  the recent past.  I am sure if one can ever visit
the MT India battlefield, the person would see stains of blood,
broken weapons, fallen horses, wounded soldiers and utter
chaos all round ! The dust does'nt seem to settle at all !

Is this is all what MT India is designed and destined to achieve?
Don't we have more useful, interesting information and experience
to exchange? Can't we discuss about more serious, professional
issues ? Shouldn't we spend our precious  time more purposefully?
Can't we dedicate the precious MT India columns to learning?

Or is it that  we have already reached the ultimate pinnacle of our
learnings about the field of MT field and have hence resorted to
the war of words ! Let's take a real break!

If you closely look at the warring letters, you will find that we
are fighting on obvious facts.

Consider this fact : Yes, the way Americans use English language
is quite different and may certainly not fit into the Oxford
Dictionary ; but that's the way this world's largest Economy works;
and it is this large Economy which gives India large volumes of
business in  IT enabled services and we talk of the fast growing
`new economy' in India. Granted, Americans too are benefited in
the process, but try to analyse who needs this business more
seriously - is it America or the proud 1-billion populated India
where several lakhs of human beings walk 8 kms. every day just
to fetch drinking water; and where lakhs of children die of
starvation every day ! Let's be a little practical, what are we
going to achieve by criticising the way Americans speak and
write English when we need to transcribe their dictation minute
after minute !

I receive several e-mail from my American MT clients and friends. I
admit some of them will sound crude with spelling and grammatical
errors, some devoid of mannerisms and some very harsh in tenor
but certainly not abusive.  The point is I do get the basic message
they are trying to send me. If I am keen about their  grammar than
their contents, I should stop doing business with them and you
know who will be the loser then !

Consider another fact : Yes, MT work coming into India does not
happen through  avenues decked with flowers. Many Americans
are critical about it ; they obviously feel that their jobs are
threatened, that their earning potential may come down. Many
Americans feel that their personal health records should be
maintained very confidential and should never go out of their own
country.  Why, this matter is also being debated at the Senate
where a lobby is trying to block MT work being sent to India.
That it cannot be implemented is a different matter. Has anyone
of us Indians imagined of our reaction if the Indian govenment
were to decide to send our health records to say Srilanka or
Pakistan or Bhutan or Bangladesh for transcription. What would
be our stand then ;what will be reaction of my many MT friends;
have we ever thought of this ?

I am as much a partiotic Indian as many of the warring writers are,
and cannot stand anyone speaking bad or ill about my Country
or Countrymen. In fact, I have totally changed the basic perception
some of the American Doctors have had about India and Indian
MTs. They are now my clients giving their MT work. The only
practical point I am trying to make here is ; should we continue
to hit our heads against rocks on our way and badly hurt
ourselves or just move aside and use the strong rock for other
useful purposes. Think about it.

But one thing certain ; MT India Digest cannot be allowed to be
the battlegound any more and the moderating team should really
do some serious thinking about  this and take action.

I subscribe to many other professional Newsletters & Digests on
the net but nowhere else I see what we do in MT India Digest.
They talk of technology, opportunities and threats to business,
ethics and codes for the profession, latest advancements
in the field, improvements in operations & efficiency, latest
software developed, new avenues opening up for the related
business and profession, Government regulations, quality
improvements, benchmarking, global scenario and creating
a very effective forum to take up the cause of the profession.
Let's do something on these lines!

I apologize to those who may feel that I have hurt their feelings.
Let me clarify, my intention is far from it.

Thanks and a happy, useful reading of MTID in the near future!

Sincerely,

R. Viswanathan
PRESIDENT & CEO
PARAMOUNT FOUNDATION
Project Advisors for MT & IT enabled Services
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Ajay<bony@...>
Subject: Your observations

Hi MTIDers!

Cindy Coutts writes:
<< On on the flip side of the coin, I simply have started to hate
such Indians for their marketing tactics, not knowing the nuts and
bolts of the MT profession, viewing this as a get rich quick scheme
and most of all, by their attitudes towards any Americans who
disagree with their viewpoints. >>MTID #023

While I tend to agree with most of what you have stated regarding
the cost benefit ratios and dynamics of the MT business and while
duly respecting your experience and position in the industry - I
would like to emphasis that the Indian MT should not be compared
upfront with his US counterpart for more reasons than one :
He (I'm not being gender specific) has recieved a total classroom
as well as on hands training for a max six months (7 hrs/day x 5
days x 6 months ). Within this period he is made to tone up his
language , understand typical accents, build up his speed from
point zero, achieve required accuracy levels etc. etc..

I personally feel that he should have exposure to a more
structured pattern of training - pressure to perform in the very
initial stages should be eased - value of qualitative output should
be imbibed - and there can be no going wrong.

I think if the entrepreneurs in India were to make this a mantra
for progress - there can be no failings at all and then it shall
not be difficult to built up speeds upto 1700-2000 lines per
day.

Regards to the readership of this fine list.

Ajay
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Comments

Sun wrote:
<<We need  to eliminate the corrupt politicians , make a forum
for some highly talented,very hard working , dedicated  dare
devils, that are  fired with a mad passion to succeed, who
would lead the nation into a dream superpower ,>>MTID#23

We have the same problem in America with corrupt politicians too.
It makes me personally wonder what they actually do in office!

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Re: MT Training

Suresh wrote:
> I just want to share the news that one more training
institute in Bangalore has robbed the poor trainees <MTID#23

The above is very, very unfortunate and that's a matter of slick
"businesspeople" preying on those who wish for training and
education. It happens in America too except there is
advertisement in less than desirable magazines and on
matchbook covers to work at home in your spare time
and/or train in your spare time and make $35K a year!
If it's too good to be true, then it generally is.

AAMT does not endorse any particular MT school in America
and I understand that there have been several efforts made
by individuals to have AAMT accredit schools. What we
all need to be on the lookout for it legitimate training
facilities with a good reputation. India has them popping up all
over like weeds. The bad ones need to be weeded out.
MT schools in America, that are legitimate, have accreditation
of their individual state as a school and have internship programs
for the graduates and placement. I think what India really needs
to concentrate on at the present time is getting over the cultural
differences and language barriers. American MTs can understand
and transcribe Indian MDs who dictate in America just fine.
Indian training programs, from what I understand, are nothing
but crash and cram courses to get them working as soon as
possible. This is not feasible. You must do your book work first
and that entails biology, pharmacology, anatomy, medical terms,
etc. Prior degrees in pharmacology will help but just don't cut
the mustard. Then there is tape practice, practice, practice.

One thing that I have noted with my foreign dictators is
that they just put the accent on the wrong part of the word.
Another thing is when Indians learn English, they learn the
European version of English, not American English.
That's a big difference such as colour to color, centre to
center. Many, many solicitations come across my desk
daily via e-mail with gross grammatical errors, basic words
spelled wrong, inaccurate punctuation, if any at all, etc. If
you are sending these e-mails to large companies, the
delete button will be hit immediately. If you cannot read and
proof your own marketing tactics, then just imagine what the
final work product will look like! That's a very bad first
impression and one that is lasting.

Another annoying Indian marketing ploy is the usual "Tell me all
that you know so I can get my business going." Bah! Many Indian
businessman are a jack of all trades but master of none. In the
MT profession, you need to be a master and know your stuff
inside and out. That's all that there is to that. There are very,
very few Indian businessmen that I have seen and heard from
that view the MT profession as a serious profession and not a
get rich quick scheme.

Also, it is still a concern to Americans that confidentiality laws
do not hold water in India which was not addressed to me back
in a legitimate manner. What laws does India have regarding
global economy confidentiality?

Cindy Coutts
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: "Kishore J.S." <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: That's right

Hi MTIDers!

Cindy Coutts wrote:
<< Americans, as a whole MT profession, do not consider
Indians in this field a threat at all.

We are mainly just trying to prevent damage control that will
affect our future and this industry as a whole.There will
be very few Indian MT outfits that survive the wave>>MTID#23

That's absolutely right.  None of them, or at least almost all of
them don't have the grasp of MT profession.  It's not a matter of
cultural fight between two countries, but it definitely is a
relation between a customer and vendor.  Would an Indian
client accept work that is not of required quality?  It's not just
listening to the doctor, listening perfectly matters.  They will
have to read each and every sentence they type. Of course
the background noises and other disturbances are
professional risk.  Still, if an MT is used to the dictations,
like I am, these should never bother.

Instead of insulting people in the profession, we should
rather try to learn from them. First of all, they should be taken
into confidence, especially Cindy Coutts, that only very few
talented people will be successful in this field and that
most peope are only asking for a career and that our
intention is not to take away American jobs.

Kishore
Comment? mailto:MTID@...


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

From: ravi kumar <ravikumar200@...>
Subject: wav players

Dear friends,

Could someone tell us the software needed to slow down
audio wave  files and their parent companies.

Ravi

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 19, 2000 Digest #023
..................................................

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


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


-=American business ethics=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"is totally unethical business practices "

    ~Mahidhar Reddy
"Selling Data Mining software is a perfectly
legal activity"

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Ramarao Velagapudi
"find the same prejudice"

    ~Sun
"milleniums back, we in India
had a flourishing civilization"

    ~Cindy Coutts
"don't know of too many Americans
either who will assist those who wish
to take away our jobs"

-=Career Opportunity=-

    ~Suresh
"one more training institute in Bangalore
has robbed the poor trainees "

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"least you can do is listen and learn; rather
than insult those with 20 years of experience"

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


From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: American business ethics

Please see this link below

> http://www.timesofindia.com/240300/24busi9.htm ; CBay to
create database centres <

and especially this comment and I quote --

``Once we are able to do that, the next step for CBay would be to
create database of these records and sell them to clients back
in the US,'' said Kumar.

That is totally unethical business practices and I don't want my
information data-mined. That in itself is breaking the law with
patient/doctor confidentiality.

Cindy Coutts

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

From: Mahidhar Reddy <mahi@...>
Subject: RE: American business ethnic

The quote above does not accurately reflect what was actually said.
We would never compromise the confidentiality of our patient
records.

We do plan to work on Data Mining software that we can offer as
an additional value to our clients. We would offer data mining
software to our clients i.e. hospitals. So we would charge for
providing the software AND WE WOULD NOT BE SELLING
ANY DATA TO THEM.

Selling Data Mining software is a perfectly legal activity and does
not violate any law.

Regards
Mahidhar

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

From: Ramarao Velagapudi" <ramarao_vel@...>
Subject: Wrong notions about Indian MTs

Hi MTIDers!

Ms. Sunaina's spirited and logical rebuttal of the wild and
baseless comments of the American lady is really laudable. We,
the people who are marketing the Indian MT industry in USA
and Canada find the same prejudice.

But, the situation is a lot, lot better this year. It was just as
fierce as our friend's comments. This year, there is a lot of
deference to our capabilities from the US clients.

It happens with every line of new business- it happened to
Japanese, remember! And our own brethren have contributed
their best to further this negative impression by succumbing
to the negotiating skills of American clients and also by
defaulting on contractual terms.

We will prevail, of course, just by sheer dint of our efforts.
Quality and timely deliveries are a must. Indian MT companies
must have very good communications and power back up.
Then they will win.

Ramarao Chowdhry,
General Manager,
Indus Networks Ltd,
Brampton, Canada.

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From:  Sun <mail@...>
Subject:  Bravo !!

Dear MTIDers,

          The response that Sunaina gave to Cindy's message is
apt and would open the Americanized eyes of some biased
nincompoops. It's a sad fact that despite the white 'saab' having
left India more than half a century back, there is a psychological
inferiority in most of our Indian minds.

          We don't realise that  milleniums back, when the British,
the Europeans and their descendents, the Americans, were
roaming around the countryside as nomads, we, here  in India,
had a flourishing civilization.. mature and cultured. Their so
called Alexander-the great ( Nothing great about him though)
who came to conquer India, was not even able to scratch a
corner of India... who  despite having been defeated by Puru
and sent back alive( which is being proved by modern historians)
was  undeservedly accredited  by biased western historians
all these years.Poor Puru must be turning in his grave !

          Unfortunately, our education system has done little but
ape the British system that was materialized to garb the Indian
mind in servitude.. Our children know more of Shakespeare's
'Romeo & Juliet' than Kalidas'  'Meghadootam' ! Its no wonder
that some of us are begging these Americans for work ! Its a
pity.  Some Indians, like Deepak Chopra et al, that 've realised
the futility of all this and have independently pursued our ancient
science of knowledge  are revered by the richest and most
powerful, even in the US, and have minted millions selling
this knowledge.

          Its high time that we, the new generation Indians take
control through this powerful medium of the internet and re-
educate ourselves and others about our ancient sciences and
excel in themost modern of 'em. This would give us the
confidence and superiority feeling over these so called cultured
westerners...and then let them beg us for work! Some of us
Indians are the most brilliant brains in this world ...
even the Americans realise that and feel threatened.(Remember,
even the top security encryption for US defense is done by small
Indian companies!)

          Billions of dollars can be generated if we put our heads
together in a win- win  strategy. We need  to eliminate the corrupt
politicians , make a forum for some highly talented,very hard
working , dedicated  dare devils, that are  fired with a mad
passion to succeed, who would lead the nation into a dream
superpower , that India would definitely be, whether someone
likes it or not !!

          Iam not trying to paint the yankees black... What I mean
is we must play them at their own game and win them over !
The, Americans are very proud of their history and their heritage
... we too must be. Their children learn their literature first...
ours must learn our literature first. They work very hard, we too
must... and so on and so forth.

         The field is all set... We must sow well ... and reap well!
Remember,one of the most important success principles.... If you
want others to help you achieve your goals, always help them
achieve theirs,first!

Keep up the work,
Keep smiling,

Sun

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Re: Healthy Competition??

Sunaina Chakraborty writes:
<< I apologize to the list for being so candid. I simply have
started hating such Americans for the way that they are
behaving and underestimating us.  Making the matter worse
are our so-called entrepreneurs who are begging for work
over the net, without even knowing what MT is all about.  >>
MTID #022

On on the flip side of the coin, I simply have started to hate such
Indians for their marketing tactics, not knowing the nuts and bolts
of the MT profession, viewing this as a get rich quick scheme and
most of all, by their attitudes towards any Americans who disagree
with their viewpoints. A short course in American history will
teach you that American laws are not upheld in other countries as
they have their own laws. I've, quite frankly, had enough of you
insulting my intelligence.

As far as the script reading from a Indian in NYC with screaming
kids in the background, that's the epitomy of unprofessionalism.
If the Indian MT businessmen don't know the nuts and bolts
of this profession, then get the heck out. I don't know of too many
Americans either who will assist those who wish to take away
our jobs, global economy or not.

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: WORD POWER <bhagi@...>
Subject: MT Training

Hi all!

I just want to share the news that one more training
institute in Bangalore has robbed the poor trainees . The
institute in question Calligra Solutions not only took money
from 40 odd trainees but also took 7 months to tell them
that none of them will even get a certificate saying that
they underwent training at their institute. When protested
and were informed that they will be dragged to consumer
court they cared a damn and literally chased them away.

I only hope someone in the community takes up the issue
and not allow more such institutions to flourish.

Suresh

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Cross-Cultural Understanding

Akash A Shah writes:
<< It's too bad you think watching
American medical soaps makes Indians
look silly- why have you even even considered
posting to this list in the first place.
   >>MTID #022

Because after reading some of the posts, I don't know whether to
laugh or to cry. I have read only one intelligent post by an Indian
gentleman and unfortunately I do not recall his name, that really
had a grasp on the MT profession. Americans, as a whole MT
profession, do not consider Indians in this field a threat at all.

We are mainly just trying to prevent damage control that will
affect our future and this industry as a whole.There will
be very few Indian MT outfits that survive the wave. Those that
will survive, will have American backing such as CBay,
HealthScribe and I believe there is one other company.
I have spoken with several presidents of American national
companies and the realization is that after they pay Indian line
rates and hire an American editor to clean it up, they are not
saving money.

The time difference doesn't matter either as we transcribe
shortly after dictation and the work is still on the MD desk the
next morning.

Shah mentioned that this list is to help each other. If you want to
break into an American market, the least you can do is listen
and learn rather than insult those with 20 years of experience.

You are obviously very insecure about your own knowledge
and wisdom in this field in order to be so hateful.

Cindy Coutts

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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:
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Send your posts to:
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---------- End of MT India Digest -----------

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 16, 2000 Digest #022
..................................................

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

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Sunaina Chakraborty
"started hating such Americans for the way
that they are behaving"

-=Career Opportunity=-

    ~Julianne Weight
"AAMT has an entire section devoted to those
interested in MT on what to look for"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Akash A Shah
"rampant opinionism of American MTs who refuse to even
CONSIDER the facts"

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

From: Sunaina Chakraborty<sunchak@...>
Subject: Re: Healthy Competition??

Dear MTIDers,

I am surprised to see Cindy Coutts' message being allowed to
post - it reeks of baseless opinionism and misplaced conceit!

Cindy Coutts wrote:
<snip>

<<Confidentiality. American laws of confidentiality of a patient's
medical records are not enforced nor can be enforced in
India.   >>MTID#20

My dear lady, what gives you the idea? Please base your views
on verifiable facts and not what you dream up. You appear to
be blissful in a fool's paradise.

<snip>
<<Indian command of the English language. It is horrible. Need I
say more?>>

You may not be aware that only 5% of the Indian population is English
speaking. The rest obviously have extremely poor or no command
of the language, akin to your command on Hindi etc. Also be rational
in appreciating that 5% of a billion is a lot.

<snip>
<<There have been several pilot projects which have been
utter failures.>>

Not because of Indians not knowing English. They failed because the
enrepreneur did not know the nuts & bolts of MT.

<snip>
<<The Indian marketing mentality of my personal e-mail being
bombarded daily by so-called Indian businessman>>

The internet was not invented in India, neither was Spam. This
has and will continue to be used, especially by newbies to the
net! I do find it funny that you consider it a 'marketing technique'.
Some unscrupulous characters do ot define Industry standards
or mettle.

<snip>
<<I am even getting calls almost daily of an up-front office, usually
a woman, calling from a noisy apartment in NYC with children
screaming in the background obviously reading from a
script.>>

That's a new one! :) Just goes to show that the "Indian housewife"
is stepping in to take you on!! For your info ( as your appreciation
of the world seems to be myopic) more than 50% of the 5 billion
English speaking population I have mentioned are women. And
considering your statements, they are highly educated and
cultured.

<snip>
<<Those are just a few of the reasons that I can think of off the top
of my head. In America, we have rights and just because the
Americans enforce those rights and get the word out to those
that are unsuspecting, is not a direct attack against India.>>

They are not reasons but colored excuses, and poor ones at
that. You may be an efficient MT, and I appologize for having
to say so, but there does not appear to be much at the top
of your head. In India we have our duties along with our rights,
and both are tended to. MT is being done in India with the
client's wishes - not akin to a bootlegging operation you
try to suggest. "get the word out to those that are
unsuspecting"??? That's not worth laughing at!

<<This may be a global economy but I am going to keep my
job and will fight to do so, whether India likes it or not. Most of
all, I want my medical record transcribed in America, by an
American and I want it accurate.>>

Maybe?? With your wisdom, you'll not be able to keep any job,
least of all MT. I hope you also insist that your physician is also
an 'American'.

I apologize to the list for being so candid. I simply have started
hating such Americans for the way that they are behaving
and underestimating us.  Making the matter worse are
our so-called entrepreneurs who are begging for work
over the net, without even knowing what MT is all about.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the idea of this list was to have
knowlegeable MTs help each other to mutually grow. I am
sorry that I took this bite - but there is a line we mus mutually
define and stick to. Lest we become rudderless!

Chio

Sunaina Chakraborty
Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Julianne Weight <juliew8@...>
Subject: MT Training Programs

The topic of what to look for in an MT training program was raised
by Sachin Nikarge. While the FAQ from SMT (sci.med.transcription)
is an excellent one, I will point out the AAMT (www.aamt.org) has
an entire section of their site devoted to informing those
interested in the MT field on what to look for.

Julianne Weight
AlphaBest
ICQ: 27940854
http://www.alphabest.com

Comment? mailto:MTID@...

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

From: Akash A Shah <aas65@...>
Subject: Cross-Cultural Understanding

Hi everybody!

I am one of the oldest members on this list. I felt it was
necessary to comment on Cindy Coutts' post:

>>I still, however, have very valid concerns about India's
adherence to American laws regarding confidentiality
which I would appreciate being addressed. We both
know a signed contract does not guarantee this.<<

It appears this list member has no idea of legal issues,
American or Indian. Ignorance like knowledge, knows
no boundaries!

>>On the same token, if Indians are insistent upon becoming
a driving force in the MT profession, then at least charge line
rates that are comparable to American MT rates not driving
down our economic status. This is not fair business practice
whatsoever.<<

Is that a plea or a legal threat? Unfair business practices are
defined by laws and not just because you find the competition
tough. Competitive rates are fair business policy! No point
in cribbing because you lost the monopoly of being the only
MT in the neighborhood. Indian MTs are not going to drive
down the American economy. But if you cannot leverage
your experience and technology to keep you ahead....

>>Oh, and just one more thing, please quit boasting training
of your MTs but watching ER, Chicago Hope and General
Hospital. It's a total insult to our training and quite frankly,
makes Indians look like a joke.<<

Our MTs are *also* trained in the language of medcine,
keyboaring skills and the latest technolgy. Watching US
videos allows them to imbibe the American diction and
euphemisms. This shows how much groundwork is
being done to get our MTs to imbibe Americanisms -
the only area our MTs are at a disadvantage vis a vis
the American MT. It's too bad you think watching
American medical soaps makes Indians
look silly- why have you even even considered
posting to this list in the first place.

>> My best suggestion would be to actively market
your own country where there is not the dialect
boundary.<<

Your other thoughts were typically 'MT' (empty). Your
best suggestion is just a sorry attempt to intimidate
the competition. I feel sorry for you, and suggest that
rather than hanging around lists neither contributing
nor learning, that you try to read up some history. Not
your 200 yrs of history but world history. May give you
some knowledge, if not wisdom!

On another front, its good to see quite a few posts from
wise old hands!

My well wishes to this growing community,
May you all prosper!

Akash A Shah


Comment? mailto:MTID@...

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

www.MTIndia.org
..................................................
May 09, 2000 Digest #020
..................................................

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

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

-=Proodreading=-

    ~Kishore Setty
"It is the accuracy which is the foundation for building
on linecounts."

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Cindy Coutts
"I want my medical record transcribed in America,
by an American and I want it accurate."

-=Career Opportunity=-

    ~Sachin Nikarge
"Information -> Knowledge -> Wisdom"

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

-=Want Information=-
    ~Abbas H Javawala

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

From: Kishore Setty <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Proodreading

Dear MTIDers:

It has been a long time since I wrote to MT India.  Many
people are having a misconception about proofreading.
Lot of companies still do not know that people without
actual transcription experience of at least about two years
cannot be made a proofreader.

It is the accuracy which is the foundation for building on
linecounts. First of all, an MT should concentrate on getting
all the words in a report, i.e., he should use his brains and
understand the doctor and use all the available resources
to put the right words in the right places and for the right
reasons.

Only after getting confidence about themselves they can
increase their speed.

Kishore

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

From: Cindy Coutts<CCouttsRMT@...>
Subject: Re: Healthy Competition??

Sameer Sheth writes:
<<
Remember "third-world" is the focus. It is thoughts as these which
convince some of us that the first world will always strive to keep
us at the third place - and more so unfairly: NOT by fair
competition.
   >>MTID#19

No, third world is not the focus. There are several factors taken
into consideration of the American MT boycott of sending American
health information overseas. They are, but not limited to:

1.  Confidentiality. American laws of confidentiality of a
patient's medical records are not enforced nor can be enforced in
India. With the cut throat line rates that Indians charge, we have
no guarantees that Indians will not sell personal information to
telemarketers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies,
etc.

2.  Indian command of the English language. It is horrible. Need I
say more? There have been several pilot projects which have been
utter failures.

3.  The Indian marketing mentality of my personal e-mail being
bombarded daily by so-called Indian businessman wanting my
contracts and "any and all information you can give me to get my
centre started." I left out the usual spelling and punctuation
errors.

I am even getting calls almost daily of an up-front office, usually
a woman, calling from a noisy apartment in NYC with children
screaming in the background obviously reading from a
script.

Those are just a few of the reasons that I can think of off the top
of my head. In America, we have rights and just because the
Americans enforce those rights and get the word out to those
that are unsuspecting, is not a direct attack against India. Joe-
Q-Public has no idea where his private, personal and confidential
medical information is transcribed. As an American, he has that
right. This may be a global economy but I am going to keep my
job and will fight to do so, whether India likes it or not. Most of
all, I want my medical record transcribed in America, by an
American and I want it accurate.

Cindy Coutts

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

From: Sachin Nikarge <akes@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Dear MTIDers,

Dr Ravi wrote:
>Why don't some responsible people do something about this?
In fact, the school that I have completed is still advertising
promising jobs<MTID#16

This has come round to who will 'bell the cat'. Let us accept
responsibilities for our actions and not expect somebody else
to do the job.

The best path would be to educate prospective MTs about what to
look for in a course. Here are some guideliness which I found on
the Sci.Med.Transcription Frequently Asked Questions and are
relevant:

<A good MT course generally:

- is run by an MT or a former MT
- includes a thorough education in anatomy, physiology, and
   pharmacology
- has authentic dictation and lots of it as part of course work
- follows the model curriculum published by the AAMT at
   http://www.aamt.org.
- Takes at least six months and up to two years to complete.
- Offers full training in everything a new MT might be expected to
   do, as opposed to a "cram course" type of program.
- Assists students formally or informally with getting into the
   field after they graduate
- might offer an internship
- might find mentors (usually volunteers) for students
- won't make unrealistic promises (i.e., "You can earn $50,000 a
   year part time in between diaper changes and shutting the small
   fry to their soccer games," "You can decide what hours you want
   to work," etc.) >

I think the above, with some modifications is relevant to the
Indian context as well.

"Information -> Knowledge -> Wisdom" appears to me the path to
follow out of this jumble.

Let's strive to make issues transparent!

Sachin Nikarge.


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


From: Abbas H Javawala<kash@...>
Subject: Want Information

Dear MTIDers,

Hello to everybody!

Basically I'm working overseas, I have already opened an NRE saving
a/c recently in India.

I will be thankful & appreciate If somebody could guide me, for
good & small investments with some tax exemptions & with secured
investment, where can I invest & how can I, while away from my home
country.

Have heard that there are plenty of schemes/oppurtunities which our
Indian govt. is offering which is also exempted from tax, but not
clear how & upto what duration & under which investment. Your inputs
to concern will be most welcomed on above e-mail address.

Thanks With Regards
Abbas H Javawala

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
May 05, 2000 Digest #019
..................................................

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

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

-=AAMT accreditation =-

    ~Marta St. Augustine
"Claim by Indian school to AAMT accreditation proven
false"


-=MT Standards=-

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
"The MT business - some guidelines required"

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Sameer Sheth
"thoughts as these which convince some of us that the
first world will always strive to keep us at the third place "

-=Marketing=-

    ~Terry B.
"Make sure you assure that you will include total
confidentiality in your contract"


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

-=MT India=-
    ~Linda Osborne

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

From: "Marta St. Augustine" <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject: AAMT accreditation

Aloha everyone!

I wrote to AAMT about whether or not they had accredited
a school in India and here is the reply from Peggy Hughes,
AAMT's Director of Professional Practices:

<Dear Marta:

Thank you for your email. We were not able to find the posting you
mention, but please be assured that AAMT does not authorize,
certify, accredit, endorse, or approve educational programs,
transcription businesses, or other activities.

If you would like to post this statement on the message board where
you found the mis-information, please feel free to do so.

Sincerely,
Peg Hughes, CMT
AAMT Director of Professional Practices
phughes@...
209-551-0883, ext. 18>

Marta St. Augustine - di Medici, CMT

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

From: Rukmani Raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: The MT business - some guidelines required

Dear MTIDers,

I am alternately shocked and disgusted that the kind of people
who are making a foray into the MT business, are either total
ignoramuses or fly-by-night operators. Judging them by their
pathetic advertisements / marketing, I am astonished to see
they are in the business at all!

As for the so called "training institutes" and MT companies,
who are just out there to make a fast buck, they are a disgrace
to the nation. I know of any number of people who have parted
with hefty sums of money for this "training" and "placement"
and have ended up with a lighter wallet and no job! It is
positively agonising and shameful that there are enough people
in the marketplace taking the innocent for a ride.

This is also because jobs are still so hard to come by that there
are a lot of unsuspecting people who are willing to do almost
anything to get one. This situation is to the advantage of the
unscruplous  and avaricious elements, who are exploiting the
situation to the hilt.

I think it is necessary that some body / institution either
governmental or non-governmental lay down some guidlines /
restrictions and basic criteria for entry into this line of
business so that we have a truly healthy business running on
sound principles with good work ethos. If we do not wake up
now it may be too late and we could end up losing valuable
investment in the business for our country.

Thanks!

Rukmani Raghavan

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

From: Sameer Sheth <sameersheth@...>
Subject: Re: Healthy Competition??

Hi Everybody!

Marta St. Augustine wrote:
<snip>
>I don't believe the issue is racism but rather fear and
ignorance. A large number of employee MTs are willing
to garner up the energy to complain and protest, but not
to actually go out and improve their skills.<

I was going over the posts at sci.medtranscription, when
I saw a post which does suggest the above.

I quote:

>          Where Is Your Dictation Being Transcribed?

> Is your hospital or transcription service sending your dictation
> offshore for transcription?  If so, your patient's confidential
> medical record is no longer confidential.  Satellites are used
> to send the dictation to offshore companies via satellite.
> Hackers can capture this information in transfer without
> difficulty thus rendering confidentiality null and void.

> U.S. confidentiality laws cannot be enforced against foreign
> transcription companies, patient confidentiality cannot be
> ensured, sophisticated encryption has not worked (ask
> the Pentagon, the Department of Defense, Ameritech,
> and e-Trade).

> This is a fact well-known to those who are sending the
information offshore.  They know that confidential medical record
files are
> not safe when a digital system, satellite, or modem is used.
> This contract language could not be enforced in a foreign
> country. It may be time to rethink how and where your dictation
is
> transcribed.  Where will it end?

> Hopefully not in court with the patient as plaintiff and you as
> defendant. Maybe one voice isn't very loud, but if 10,000 medical
> transcriptionists send a fact sheet to five physicians (no
> business card or other insert) that will be 50,000 physicians
> who know we are smarter than they think.

I actually pity the above and like minded MTs. How can a logical,
'smart' person believe that such propaganda will work? I actually
consider such MTs to be the strongest marketers of MT being
done in India.

Just wishing your competition to go away will not make it happen.
And the net, making 'geography a history' is here to stay. Thanks
for enlightening us on the reasons for the obvious *antagonism*
amongst some US MTs.

I think Indian MTs  & MTSOs will just learn to avoid such  ignorant
and illogical MTs. An excellent example of the same is the crowd
at MTDesk.com:

<MT Desk and MT Chat are strongly opposed to the issue of sending
private patient medical records and personal information overseas
for any purpose whatsoever. For those who were unaware that United
States private patient medical records are being sent to
third-world countries for processing, please read George Heymont's
short article printed recently in The Examiner: Overseas
Transcription.

MT Desk and MT Chat will not accept sponsorships, advertisements,
or classified ads from overseas MT Services. These ads will be
deleted. Thank you for your cooperation. >

Remember "third-world" is the focus. It is thoughts as these which
convince some of us that the first world will always strive to keep
us at the third place - and more so unfairly: NOT by fair
competition.

Regards,

Sameer.A.Sheth

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

From: TB <TABtrans@...>
Subject: Marketing

Hi MTIDers!

Kiran wrote:
> Will anybody be able to give us some information on how does the
modus  operandi work in this industry. Who are the clients. How to
get in touch with them. <MTID #006

When I started back in 1977 I couldn't even FIND another MT service
and MD's said no - they were fearful of letting any info out of the
office.

I would say send out brochures/bus. cards to private practice
specialties which might be most likely to dictate - ortho, pulmo,
gastro,psych...  A About a week later call each one and tell them what
you offer. Make your brochure/card in a distintive color so if they
don't need help now, when they do they will easily find your info
in that drawer where they stick everything.

One thing that helps is telling them that they do not have to pay
for if you are an IC:  Soc Sec, Workers' Comp, med benefits,
equipment, supplies - in short, they'll be saving actual $ plus
more $ in the form of accounting that does not have to be done.

Make sure you assure that you will include total confidentiality in
your contract and emphasis your understanding of the necessity
for same.

In the course of the conversation with the office manager, be sure
to let her/him know how much work it will save them!!

I haven't done much hospital work as I'm small potatoes, but I
would advise you to go to the hospital and see if you can post
a brochure in the MD lounge or highly visible areas, and see if
you can speak personally with the heads of the appropriate
depts - if not, get their names and send them the brochures
with follow-up.

Good luck,

Terry B.


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

From: Linda O.<SunnyDobe@...>
Subject: MT India

Dear MTIDers,

I'm glad this forum is available for communication with Indian MTs.
I want to work with them, not against them.  There is a shortage of
experienced MTs in this country and that is because 99% of the
American newbies don't have the great work ethic to be prominent
in India.

Thanks

Linda Osborne
Santa Rosa, CA

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
May 02, 2000 Digest #018
..................................................

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

Message from the editor:

Hi everyone!

A few guidelines on how to post to this list

Your messages should be concise and to the point. Please
"sign" your message. The moderator reserves the right to
edit posts for purposes of brevity. The moderator reserves
the right to reject inappropriate posts, including, but not
limited to overt solicitations, "flames" and personal attacks.
If you quote material, quote it accurately and be sure to note
where you have omitted material.

Amit Chaterjee,SM
Editor


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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Marta St. Augustine
"I don't believe the issue is racism but rather fear
and ignorance"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
"American - that's murder of the English
language!"

-=Marketing=-

    ~???
"is absolutely laughable"

-=Career opportunities for MTs=-

    ~Kishore Setty
"proofreading is a single
word"

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


-=Training Center of AAMT=-
    ~A S Kumar


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


From: Marta St. Augustine <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject: Re: Healthy Competition??

Hello!

Prasanth G wrote:
<snip>
>It is just my thought that what is hurting some Americans is that
they have to compete with a race, they always considered to be
inferior - either in their own country or as a nation. It is
hurting their pride to have to prove against us - and also the
thought that we are going to survive.<

My comment here:
I appreciate the sensitive comments of Prasanth. However,
as an American MT of 15 years who welcomes Indians
into this field, I have a comment which might offer a different
perspective on the *antagonism* that SOME American MTs feel
for Indian MTCs/MTs.

My belief is that it isn't about race.  I worked with US MTs
directly every day for 10 years before I had to get away from all
the pettiness, office in-fighting, back-stabbing and
mismanagement that occurred in every office I ever worked in.
I have also spent a year trying to recruit American MTs to
become my QA staff for Indian-transcribed work. My belief is
that this *antagonism* is about technical laziness and fear.

Technical laziness / lack of motivation to be current with
technology:  Many MTs who work for the big companies want
all technology taken care of for them so they don't have to learn
anything new.  Tell them improvements are coming from a new
system, and they immediately react negatively.  They
loathe change.  I know many MTs who are very good at
transcription...but still have no inclination to even learn
Windows!  Years ago, it was the same thing with productivity
expanders.  People were actually afraid of wasting time
learning something new!

Another thing I found when recruiting QAs was that they want
the home computer *given* to them.  Our business plan was
structured on everyone using their own computer, our system
web-based so everything was push-down and the MT didn't
have to install software, reconfigure, etc. But even there, few
MTs were inclined to use their own computer, claiming it
wasn't their "transcription machine" and they couldn't leave
their old employer unless they could use exactly their same
word expander.  We said they could use any word expander
they wanted, but they would have to buy them program and
transfer the files.  Out of the 100+ people I spoke with, two
were willing to attempt this.

Other people balked at actually spending any of their own
money to buy a computer!  And then they complained about
the cost of the .wav pedal, even though we had structured a
special discount.  After a lot of disappointment, I came to
understand that the real issue wasn't money, as they
claimed.  It was their clinging to the belief that their only job
was to transcribe and all other details should be taken care
of for them.  This is an attitude completely opposed to the
market trends.  Japan caught the American auto industry
sleeping in the 1980s.

Perhaps the Indians will catch US employee - MTs sleeping in
the 2000s.  If nothing else, this is one aspect of the business
model that can be used to Indian MT advantage.

Naturally, not every MT has a tremendous resistance to change,
but consider the fact that MT is *not* a typical industry, even in
America!  My experience is that the *average* productivity MT
in a mid- to large-size company transcribing hospital.

Perhaps this is one of the deepest core issues on both sides
(American/Indian) of the "MT problem."  Part of the Indian struggle
(although certainly not all of it) is that while MT is a textbook
example of an industry that can benefit massively from distributed
workforce technology, resolving the problem is more than an
engineering issue.  There is also the human element.

My point is that I really don't believe racism is a core part of
the American MT's resistance to Indian MTs.  I believe many of the
kind of ignorant comments made at places like MTDaily.com are
based on the fact that a large number of employee MTs are willing
to garner up the energy to complain and protest, but not to
actually go out and improve their skills.

Thanks for your attention.
Respectfully,

Marta St. Augustine - di Medici, CMT
hibiscuslady@...

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

From: Rukmani Raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: Re:Cross-cultural understanding

I read with interest and amusement, the letter from Dr. Amit
Chatterjee, on the subject of American English.

As a proof reader (in a med.transcription co.) and as one who
has an excellent command of the English Language (as I have
studied it here in India), I am sometimes, almost close to tears
when I proof read!! Though, now, after three months at the job
I have come to accept American English as a heady brew of
new English words which is positively noxious, to say the
least!

At first, I would very diligently correct every one of those
"errors", until my editor told me one day, "don't bother about it,
that's the way the doctor dictates it and that's the way it is". So
now I have myself added a few Americanisms to my new lexicon.
The pain "gotten" (not 'got') worse. "the patient had a long
standing pain in his leg because his job required long standing!
(read "standing long hours at his workplace")"The patient had
severe headaches and was prescribed Motrin and ice." The
patient said icing (using ice) and Motrin did help!" I had heard
of only one kind of icing and that is the one on the cake - well
I am now more enlightened! "His drug of choice is Marijuana"
(not choice of drug)."The pain radiates down to both of his
legs (not "down both legs").

An attempt at making the language easier, by the usage of
colloquial terms, abbreviations and sheer phraseology has
made American English, an instrument of assault on the ears!
As Professor Higgins in "My Fair Lady" put it "In America they
haven't used "it"(English Language)for years.

There is one thing however, I must add. It certainly does alleviate
tedium at work and gives me some veritable moments of
laughter! Vive l' America!

Rukmani Raghavan

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

From: CCouttsRMT@...
Subject: Re: help for new M.T business

<< sri abhi

we ae consultants in bangalore, madras, kerala and hyderabad. we
can answer all your querries and we are capabler of giving you main
contract and or sub contract .please confirm receipt of this reply.

with regards
sspkhurana
director>>

The above is absolutely laughable. This type of pathetic marketing
of terrible grammar, spelling errors, obviously not proofread gives
a good indicator of what the final medical transcription product
would look like.

????
[ to be fair, we are letting this message post unsigned.
Please do not make it a habit - your striving moderator]

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

From: Kishore Setty <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Re:Career opportunities for MTs

>Well, I have completed my proof reading from  a reputed
school...and currently work in a MT Company as proof
reader.< MTID#16

Dear Mr. Ravi:

How can you hope to be a proofreader without even knowing
that the words "proofreader" and "proofreading" are single
words.

Kishore

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

From: A S Kumar<itresources@...>
Subject: Authorised Training Center of AAMT??

Dear MTIDers,

We came across a Medical Transcription Training Center, (OSS -
Oxford School of Medical Transcription, Pune, India) claiming that
they are Authorised Training Center of AAMT.

We are keen to know its authenticity.

Thanks and regards,

A S Kumar
Infotech Resources .

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 28, 2000 Digest #016
..................................................

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

Message from the editor:

Dear friends,

Perhaps you are aware that large parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and
Andhra Pradesh are facing severe drought conditions.

Over 50 million people and and an equal number of cattle have been
affected by the worst drought in a century.

The Prime Minister has issued an appeal for people to come forward
and help.

All contributions (cheques/drafts) can be sent in the name of
'The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund' to:

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund
Prime Minister's Office
South Block
New Delhi - 110011
India

Tax reliefs applicable.

Amit Chaterjee,SM
Editor

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

-=Healthy Competition=-

    ~Prasanth G
"if Pakistan doesn't detonate its nuclear bombs and
blow India to pieces, or vice-versa"

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

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~Amit Chatterjee
"The challenge goes  much deeper"

    ~Ron Scheer
"the impact of large numbers of educated, professional
people who use English as a second language"


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

-=Career opportunities for MTs=-
    ~Sriram

-=Voice Recognition software=-
    ~Asif Chaudhry

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

From: Prasanth G <prasanthg_1977@...>
Subject: Healthy Competition??

Hi MTIDers,

I was just lurking around the sci.medtranscription group and I saw
a post which sent me thinking. I quote in parentheses:

{Last night on ABC World News Tonight they covered "India's new role
as the fastest rising superpower in information technology." When they
showed India's "Silicon Valley" and all the US companies located
there, you would think you were looking at the United States rather
than India.

I've really been hopefully underestimating India's ability to take US
jobs. Now I see they have advanced technology, determination, and
plenty of people who seem comfortable with the English language.

I think that experienced American MTs will continue to be in demand,
but it's India that will train and provide the needed new MTs.

Guess I'll go puke now.}

I was extremely surprised. This is the country we have been told to
look upto as a role model for society. Where equality, liberty and
fraternity were upheld! Made of a people known for 'hard work and
hard play'. These people can not stomach open competition, after all
the 'advancements' they have supposedly made. Puke now??

There was also another post in reply to the above:
{That is if Pakistan doesn't detonate its nuclear bombs and blow
India to pieces, or vice-versa. The political unrest over there is so
great, anything could and probably will happen!}

I was just contemplating if these people know anything about Indians
( I include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka - I am talking
about the subcontinent). I take it that the networked ones are the
better educated ones - but they talk of India as if it still existed
in Mughal times - of fakirs and princes and elephants!

India and Pakistan are as near to a nuclear war as US and China. It is
unlikely that such wishful thinking shall eliminate fair competition
in a knowledge based industry.

It is just my thought that what is hurting some Americans is that
they have to compete with a race, they always considered to be
inferior - either in their own country or as a nation. It is hurting
their pride to have to prove against us - and also the thought that
we are going to survive.

Maybe I am wrong! I have not been overseas, and my reading of
Corporate America might be off the mark. However whining away on the
boards and expecting us to just walk away appears uncharacteristic;
and the hope that we would probably eliminate ourselves - is the pits.

Would like some views from those who claim to understand Americans.

And thanks to this list for allowing me to have my say.

Bye for now.
Prasanth.

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

From: Amit Chatterjee <amit@...>
Subject: Cross-cultural understanding

Hi International MTIDers,

I'm an Indian. I have never visited America.

I switched from using British English to American English
spellings in my MTIndia Newsletter because I was receiving
complaints from helpful Americans "correcting" my spelling.
So now I write "analyze" instead of "analyse".

I know to watch out for "cheque" and "humour" but no doubt
there are Americanisms I haven't learnt - um, learned.

However, I haven't switched totally to American grammar and
punctuation. To me, "for free" sounds just too awful to put
in print. Won't "free" alone do the same job? Also, I don't
understand why Americans put the quotation mark last in a
sentence which contains a partial quotation - like "this."
Where I live, it's written like "this". So in my newsletter
I get that "wrong" too.

It's fun pitching to the world from an old-fashioned city,
without a shop, and most of the time I don't worry if I get
the odd word "wrong". That just adds a bit colour - sorry,
color. After all, I don't want my writing to be too anaemic
- er, anemic.

The challenge goes  much deeper.  I've lived in communities
and have always found humour an issue: a bar, often, to
enjoyable conversational flow. Humour, not humor, that is.
English, Indian and American humours are quite distinct.
So are familiar clichés. Careful and clever work with a pun
can be completely lost on a different continent. This is all
pretty vital not only in constructing web site copy and
marketing but also, for me, in writing my weekly article
for my e-newsletter: eg. some readers find 'keeping abreast
with tit-bits' to be hilarious; factually tit-bits *is* the
British equivalent of 'tid-bits', hence natural to me and
one I would prefer to stick to; but for the numerous
corrective mails!

Judging by some e-mail I receive, at least a few readers
view my writing oddities with tolerant amusement. However,
I might score better if my readers concentrated on my message,
not on in my writing.

On the other hand, perhaps my Indian/English/American writing
style just helps me be memorable. For anyone who's intending to
make it on the Net, that's not a bad thing.:)

How do other MTIDer's feel about our differences of language,
variation of the English language, sense of humour, currencies,
clichés and puns? How can we reach across cultural boundaries
to do good business while building global spirit at the
same time?

All the best from Calcutta, India.

Amit Chatterjee,SM
http://www.MTIndia.org
Helping you find the path in MT

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

From: Ron Scheer <ronscheer@...>
Subject: Cross-cultural understanding

I've been exploring this issue over the last year when I
first got interested in the spread of English on the
Internet. I've interviewed journalists and marketers from
all parts of Europe and the English-speaking world. I wanted
US marketers in particular to become more aware of how their
native culture and language translate across national
boundaries, even to other English-speaking countries.

While Americans may find it laughable whenever the French
try to curtail the spread of English in France (Canadians,
of course, experience their own version of the battles waged
between English and French), we don't fully appreciate the
wish to preserve a national culture, which is closely tied
to its language. We have very little history and even less
respect for it, and as a nation of immigrants with a rapidly
growing immigrant population, we don't "get" the worries of
others about "cultural imperialism."

Still, if I were a marketer in another country, I think I
would not worry about the prevalence of English on the
Internet. People still prefer to trust someone who speaks
their own language and understands their culture. The
Internet makes this kind of target marketing much easier and
less expensive. By 2003, I have read, less than half of the
pages on the Web will be in English. Other widely-spoken
languages, such as Chinese and Spanish, will take a large
share. And each of the hundreds of other languages in the
world will find their place on the Net as the countries and
regions where they are spoken come online. I think market
forces will drive this outcome rather than the one that is
expected by many -- the dominance of American language and
culture globally.

Meanwhile, English speakers will begin to experience another
phenomenon -- the impact of large numbers of educated,
professional people who use English as a second language. In
the US alone, the growing volume of new immigrants and their
descendants will affect spoken and written English in ways
that we can only begin to fathom. By 2050, it's estimated
that as much as one third of the US population will be using
English as a second language.

As a writing teacher at a major US university with a growing
student population of bright, eager non-native speakers, I
am already experiencing the first wave of this phenomenon.
It takes 8-10 years of immersion in a language to get really
fluent in it.  And I have to say that I have more questions
than answers for how to speed up this process. It seems
likely to me that the English we take for granted will
evolve to accommodate these new cultural pressures.

I bring this up because marketers are often so invested in
the short term that they completely miss opportunities in
the long term cultural shifts that are taking place all
around them.

Ron Scheer, PhD

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

From: Sriram <MKSriram@...>
Subject: Career opportunities for MTs.

Dear Amit and MTIDers,

I am interested in starting medical transcription bus in india. I
would like to recruit or contract  work on free lancing basis. I can
help them set up business from home. It will help housewives n
college students to work from home. If anybody interested they can
get intouch with me.

tks n rgds
Sriram

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

From: Asif Chaudhry <asif_ch1@...>
Subject: Voice Recognition software

Hi MTIDers!

I have a relative doctor who was in contact with me to start
offshore MT. The other day I received his email saying that
this MT business would soon be obsolete owing to the voice
recognition software for MT now being tested
at his hospital.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject keeping in view
the large investments people have made in this business and
also those who have taken this up as a career.

Thankyou and waiting for a prompt response.

Asif Chaudhry

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 25, 2000 Digest #016
..................................................

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

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

-=Voice Recognition Software=-

     ~Chris Woodhouse, MD
"but that 2% error rate kills you"

    ~Shekhar Mehta
"isn't so reliable that it doesn't
need human intervention"

-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-

    ~John Counsel
"Even us English-speakers can find differences
between the accents tricky"

-=MT Career Option=-

    ~Dr Ravi
"I pity the MTs who pay their hard earned money
for being promised a job "


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

-=Joint Venture MT Institute=-
    ~Sharif

-=Career opportunities for MTs=-
    ~R Viswanathan

-=Information=-
    ~Abhimanyu Bishnu


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


From: Chris Woodhouse, MD <cwood@... >
Subject: Re:Voice Recognition Software

Hi!

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!

Chris Woodhouse, MD, MSEE
Staff Radiologist, Baptist Health Systems of Florida
EBT Radiologist, Mount Sinai Hospital of Miami Beach,
1324 Euclid Avenue, Suite 6, Miami Beach, FL 33139
305/535-6574, 305/291-0666 pager,


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

From: Shekhar Mehta <Ringcraft@...>
Subject: Re:Voice Recognition Software

Hi MTIDers!

Latest-generation speech software isn't so reliable that it doesn't
need human intervention. Most doctors don't want to make their
own corrections, but since all speech recognition software saves
the original digital recording, human transcriptionists are able to
interpret the intended meaning of slurred and shorthand phraseology
better than computers--which are good at "hearing" and grammar
but still pretty dumb about the meaning of words--could ever do.

You still need a human, well-trained in the terminology of medicine,
to ensure the accuracy of every record--though the software is
amazingly reliable at filling in forms and checking the coherence
of highly structured data, which has fewer word choices and thus
a generally higher recognition rate.

What's Driving the Growing Interest in Speech Recognition :

+  Breakthroughs in accurate recognition of natural sounding
     "continuous" speech
+  Widespread availability of cheap, raw computing power
+  Onerous documentation requirements from insurers and
     government agencies like HCFA
+  Shortage of medical transcriptionists
+  Well-established doctor acceptance of dictation as a data
     -input method
+  Large changes in organizational processes or caregiver
     work styles (unlike most other types of computerization) are
     unnecessary
+  Easy-to-grasp return on investment

What's Holding It Back :

-  Caregivers' resistance to learning new methods
-  Underpowered legacy systems not suitable for running it
-  Incompatible patient record and practice management
    systems
-  Accuracy rate still inadequate for some uses
-  Use in specialized medicine improves accuracy rate, but
    relegates application to "islands," making enterprisewide
    implementations difficult

Regards,
Shekhar Mehta

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

From: John Counsel <john@...>
Subject: Re: Cross-cultural understanding

Hi MTIDers, everyone :)

Even us English-speakers can find differences between the
accents tricky. For example, Australians and New Zealanders
have similar accents, but there are important differences
in some vowel sounds that can make life interesting for
those not used to them.

In the interests of improved cross-cultural harmony and
understanding, may I present The Profit Clinic's handy
"Trans-Tasman Translation Table" (with examples to clarify)
for the edification of MTID readers who may choose to
travel in, or communicate by voice with, either country:

Australian vowels:   a  |  e  |  i  |  o  |  u  |  ?
-------------------------------------------------------
NZ equivalent:       e  |  i  |  *  |  o  |  u  |  a

(* No NZ equivalent. Not pronounced at all.)

Examples:

BAG - In Australia, something in which you carry or store things.
     - No NZ equivalent.

BEG - In Australia, pleading for money, favours, etc.
     - In NZ, something in which you carry or store things.

BIG - In Australia, the opposite of small.
     - In NZ, pleading for money, favours, etc.

BOG - In Australia, wet, spongy ground.
     - In NZ, wet, spongy ground.

BUG - In Australia, flying or crawling insects
     - In NZ, flying or crawling insects (often confused by
       some with the NZ word for the opposite of small)

BG  - No Australian equivalent.
     - In NZ, the opposite of small.

Trusting sincerely that this is helpful to all. *weg*

John Counsel

CEO, The Profit Clinic Small Business Help Centre
http://www.profitclinic.com

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

From: Dr Ravi <overseas@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

George J Ollapally wrote:
>Most training institutes are in the "training" business for bucks!<
MTID#15

Hi MTIDers!

I am  a dentist from Bangalore. Well, I have completed my proof
reading from  a reputed school (at least they claim so :)),and member
of AAMT, and currently work in a MT Company as proof reader.

I want to inform all fellow readers of MTIndia that 90 % of these
schools in Bangalore who have promised Jobs at the end of the Course
fail to do so!

To my dismay I realized that what I learnt in MT School was far below
average standards, when I joined a job in another MT company. I pity
the MTs who pay their hard earned money for being promised a job at
the end of the course, but unfortunately *not*.

Why don't some responsible people do something about this? In fact,
the school that I have completed is still advertising promising jobs,
and as far as my knowledge goes they have got no outsourcing work as
yet, and are still on trial basis for quite sometime ( almost 4
months).

Thanking You

Sincerely
Dr Ravi C
Bangalore 8


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


From: "Sharif N. Ambia" <techsoft@...>
Subject: Joint Venture MT Institute

Dear fellow friends,

We are one of the pioneers of MT business in Bangladesh, presently
operating for USA market. Several organizations are also coming up,
and all are preparing  with inhouse training.

We believe there is prospect of an MT Institute.

Any reputable Indian MT Institute / organization interested for a
Joint Venture (or lend a hand) in Bangladesh may write the
undersigned.

Thanks to MT India for making MT business transparent.

Sharif

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

From: Paramount Foundation <paramont@...>
Subject: Career opportunities for MTs.

Dear MTIDers,

We are a professionally managed consultancy & advisory organization in
the field of IT enabled services.

We are in the process of setting up 2 new MT projects - one at
Mangalore & the other at Hyderabad. We also have 9 clients most of
them already into production, located in the southern states of
Madras, Hyderabad & Bangalore.

The above companies invite qualified, trained and experienced
personnel at the levels of Production Manager, Quality Manager,
Training Manager, Sr. MTs, Sr. Editors and Proof Readers and Trainee
Transcriptionists. Our clients offer decent compensation based on
experience, capabilities and demonstrated achievements in the
profession besides good growth opportunities.

Sincerely,

R Viswanathan
PRESIDENT & CEO
PARAMOUNT FOUNDATION
BANGALORE

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

From: Abhimanyu Bishnu <abhi_nirvana@...>
Subject: Information

Hello everyone!

                 I am Abhi, a doctor from Calcutta. We have been
eyeing the MT boom in India for  quite some  time and I was
thinking   of exploring the possibilities in this sector.

I have  a friend who  has a software development company of his own,
and  has successfully  executed projects  in India and abroad in
software development and e-commerce. We have a plan of setting up a
MT unit here in Calcutta.  Now, we face the following questions :

a) What would be the amt of investment required?
b) What would be the operational costs of such an unit?
c) Is it economically viable and what is the typical margin of profit
in the Indian MT  industry?
d) What are the risk factors involved ?
e) Very importantly,HOW DO WE GET CLIENTS ABROAD?
f ) Where to look for recriting MTs and QAs?(specifically in
reference to Calcutta)
e) Finally, is it better to do a subcontracting job or to set off on
our own?

Could somebody from the industry answer my queries?

Thanks,

Abhi

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 18, 2000 Digest #014
..................................................

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


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

-=MT positions=-

    ~Sunina Chakraborty
"Unless the government provides an adequate
bandwidth, this opportunity will be lost."

-=MT Career Option=-

    ~Kusuma
"salary that is offered depends entirely on the
accuracy level and the number of lines that one
can transcribe"

   ~Swati Pande
"frauds who are cheating genuine people and
giving this Industry a bad name"

   ~Mani Sharma
"invitation to attend seminar on Medical
Transcription as a Career"

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

-=Future of MT =-
    ~Dashmesh Banka

-=Lanier Dictation=-
   ~Raminder Singh


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

>From :Sunaina Chakraborty < sunchak@ hotmail.com >
Subject : Re: Medical Transcriptionist position

Dear MTIDers,

Wayne Bailey wrote:

<Do you have your own computer? Can you work from your home?
How much you need to earn per month (in Rs not USD)?>(MTID#13)

I am surprised that most Americans (including NRIs) are least
aware of the maturity of Indian MTs, the bandwith available
or the connectivity costs for a simple dial up connection in
India.

I have been contacted by an NRI, and thereafter offered work
at home at 2 cents per line, gross. :(

I would like to info members that if I pick up work at 5 cents:
2 cents would go towards connectivity charges, 1 cent towards
loan for setting up the business - which is, I make a profit of
2 cents per line.

Let's convert that to Rs: I can do 500 lpd - that is 10 USD per
day. Working 22 days a week I'll pick up just 220 USD; i.e.
approximately - Rs 9,500.

Unless the government changes its imperial and dinosaur like
attitude; and steps in to provide an adequate bandwidth at prices
which the common man can afford, this opportunity will be lost.

These are hard facts - I would like to have other's experiences
on this!

Regards,
Sunaina.


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

From: Kusuma <wwapps@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Hi all!

Ravi Chaubey wrote:

<It would be very useful if someone can provide me some information
about such training programs... I saw some advertisement of IIMT,
ITES etc.in which they are giving assurance of 100% job placements,
with a starting salary of Rs. 10,000 to 12,000.>(MTID#12)

Its nice to know of your interest in of medical transcription. A
career in medical transcription is really promising in this country
and there is a great demand for experinced MTs. Hence the need for
training institutes that will result in good and trained MTs. In
India in recent times there has been a upsurge of medical training
institutes that are conducting short term courses. The approx. cost
of these courses range from Rs 25,000 - 30,000. Most of the training
institutes have their own production units; or have tie ups with
production companies who in turn absorb the candidates; therefore
there is 100% placement for those succesfully completing the course.

For a fresh MT, the salary that is offered depends  entirely on the
accuracy level and the number of lines that one can transcribe in the
scheduled time, but the minimum salary that is offered is Rs 4000.
You
can take training at IIMT because the money that you will be investing
will not go waste, as the future in this profession is bright! :)

Best wishes,
Kusuma

PS- I do not work for IIMT, nor have I trained there - but as far
as I know, they have been in this business for some time.

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

From: Swati Pande <swatividya@...>
Subject:Re: Career Opportunity

Hello everybody!

Sunina Chakraborty wrote:
<Anyone claiming to offer 10 - 12 k upfront to a fresh MT
is nuts, or talking you for a ride> (MTID# 13)

That's an encore!

I have been on this list for some time, but this is
my first occasion to post. Greetings to all, especially
those talking the pains to share their experiences.

There appears to have cropped up a lot of fly by night
operators in the recent past. Anyone promising Rs 5,000
to a fresh MT just out of a classroom course is cheating:
for no genuine company will, or can afford to pay so much.
That is because after a classroom course an MT delivers
between 250 - 300 lines at about 85-90% accuracy. That's
if the training was of recommended standards.

Anyone talking of Rs 10,000 - 15,000 should be hanged -
they are frauds who are cheating genuine people and giving
this Industry a bad name.

I hope I have made myself clear!

Best wishes,
Hope we all can get together someday day, soon...

Swati Pande

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

From: "msharma" <msharma@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Hi MTIDrs!

If you are in BBY we extend our invitation to attend a seminar
on Medical Transcription as a Career on 21st April 2000
between 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. at N.M. College, Juhu Vile
Parle.

I shall keep you posted about MT after 21st April 2000.
Please bear with me till that time.

Bye
Mani Sharma
Tele: 9820013347

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

From: Dashmesh Banka <dhingrakamal@...>
Subject:Future of MT

Hello MTIDers!

Lot many new voice recognition softwares are coming
into market.

What is the future  of  MT industry? Gives me the
chills!

Dashmesh Banka
QA

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

From: Raminder Singh < raminmili@... >
Subject: Lanier Dictation

Dear MTIDers,

I have a query. I am working with a consultant in MT. Till now
we were not supposed to know, how the lanier dictation server
is configured in STATES. But now, our client wants to give us
work & is asking how to implement the server configurations
in their system. Kindly send us the details as to how we can
help our client as the dictation is in Lanier form.

Thank You.
Regards,
Raminder Singh.


-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 21, 2000 Digest #015
..................................................

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

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

-=Voice Recognition Software=-
     ~Goutham Reddy
"IS THE DRAGON GOING TO GET YOU??"


-=Cross-Cultural Understanding=-
    ~Peter Francis
"a global audience is going to face problems, the
most glaring being language"

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

-=MT Career Option=-

    ~George Ollapally
"unless someone spends a lot of time "doing" transcription,
that person will not develop the skills to transcribe"

   ~Rukmani Raghavan
"This is the bane of India and Indian business!"


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

-=Future of MT =-
    ~Asif Chaudhry

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


From:Goutham Reddy <transtechz@...>
Subject: Voice Recognition Software

Dear MTIDers,

IS THE DRAGON GOING TO GET YOU??

Right into the years when MT started to download into Indian
markets there has been one constant fear, the fear that the
voice-recognizing dragons will kill the staggering MT industry.
This idea ran silently in the minds of the trainees and
institution heads who wished it would not come till they
squeezed out all that they could. The real danger of the
unseen devil came in the form of negativism about the future
of MT industry world wide adding flavor to the present scenario
of unscrupulous start-up's trying to hit it when it is hot.
First let's work out a small questionnaire:

    1. What is the principle of "Voice Recognition Software "?
    2. Where can VRS strike on Medical Transcription ?
    3. What is the present market status of VRS?
    4. Do we head for a happy ending with MT?

LET'S BREAK THE ICE...

1. What is the principle of "Voice Recognition Software "?

VRS is an advanced interactive mode of speech recognition. The
basic components are much like a voice mailing software using
a GUI transmission. The GUI component is replaced by the command
-and-control mode.The major task in producing such a software
is to produce one specifically for each language, accent,
geographical location, topography, e.t.c. and it almost narrows
down to becoming person specific. This is the basic block because
personalizing entire software is a near impossible task. The
present market for VRS is mainly in the e-com customer service
sector in the form of " Automation software " and in call centers
as IVR (Interactive voice response).

The present day's most advanced software works on these lines:
         "Natural language processor"
                           | Recognizes the language
                           |
                        "Match"
                           | Matches the phrases & sentences
                           |
                  "Word processor"
                           |    Out put in any word processing tool
                           |
                         REPORT.

Limitations include:

- 9.1 MB Hard disk space.
- Monotonous tone and frequency have to be maintained.
- Can recognize only a limited set of programmed words.
- Have to maintain a fixed distance from speaker or else your voice
will be treated as "foreign".

Advantages include:

- Cost effective: 20,000 and 50,000 for unit.
- Preformatted text can be added by command.
- Turn over of 140-160 words per minute.

2. Where can VRS strike on Medical Transcription?

A successful voice reader can make a MT obsolete for ob"voice"
reasons. The major factor is that the maximum speed is 160 wpm and it
only matches phrases. So the maximum possible accuracy may go to
around 65-70%. The other issue is that say a neurosurgeon while doing
an 18 hr-long surgery can not read out his 70%accurate report made
out of a VRS and correct it for himself. The Hypothesis may say it is
easy for a doctor to dictate his notes and walk to the printer and
take out a 100 %report, but reality sucks.

3. What is the present market status of VRS?

There are only retailers in India for overseas developers like HCL
e.t.c., . Presently the biggest firms involved in aggressively
preying on the VRS -e-com affair include:

1. Sears company.
2. Dragon's " Naturally speaking"
3. IBM's " Via Voice"
4. Lernout&Houspie's" Voice Express"

The most recent surge into Indian markets has been made by the Dragon
software and is a really useful tool if you do not want to miss on any
customer just because you were " off line".

4. Do we head for a happy ending with MT?

The answer is a firm " No". The reason is not that we lack potential
or brains. We just are not educated to handle the ideal things. Our
children are thought nothing is "Ideal" and that no one is " Perfect".
This MT thing sure packs in a lot of money but it is only if you can
do it " perfect" and "ideal". We train MT's but barring a very few
firms we do not train the managers. We teach American accent but
not the American attitude. The time calls for professionally run
firms where only quality and deadlines are given top priority.
Every voice saying that MT doesn't have a future is helping in
crushing down the MT (Money Tree).

The latest hot news is that Lernout&Houspie is close to take over
of the popular DICTAPHONE Company. This take over may sound new
bells in the hearts of Medical transcription industry.

Goutham Reddy
Manager (Marketing)
Worldclass technologies,
#6-6-429/8A, IInd Floor,
Gandhinagar, Secunderabad-500080.
Ph:040-7535218


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

From: "Peter Francis, Jr." <pfjr@...>
Subject: Cross-Cultural Understanding

Dear MTIDers,

Any business aimed at a global audience is going to face problems, the
most glaring being language.  This situation will only worsen as the
rest of the world catches up with the US in terms of Internet
penetration.

For better or  worse, English is becoming the link language around the
world.  This partly is due to the cultural reach of the US, because
of the early   adoption of communication technologies such as movies,
television and now the WWW.  A second  reason lies the colonization
of so much of the world by Britain.  A South Indian is more likely to
talk to a North Indian using English rather than Tamil or Hindi.
S/he can also talk to someone in South Africa, Ghana, Singapore,
Australia, Canada, Belize and dozens of other countries because of
this.

English  has some advantages.  It has the largest vocabulary of any
language because it is very eclectic.  "Boss," "catsup," "almanac" and
"veranda" are fine English words, but they come from Dutch, Malay,
Arabic and Hindi.

English is also one of the easiest languages to speak on a basic
level.  It is not easy to spell.  It is not easy to master, but it is
easier than most other languages to pick up on a casual basis.

It also leads in technical fields, both because it can be easily
manipulated to form new technical words and because of the
technological lead of the USA in many (but by no means all) fields.

For all these reasons, English is going to remain the major language
on the Internet for a long time.  Early adaptors to the Internet are
most often people with some money and education and many have English
as their second (or third or fourth) language.

For the most part, it is American English that is winning out.  In
the last century (we are still in the 20th) books meant to be sold in
the US and the UK had glossaries so that the English could understand
what the Americans were writing and vice-versa.  Radio changed that.
Words invented between the American Revolution and widespread radio
are often quite different (boot, bonnet, windscreen instead of trunk,
hood, windshield).  Young people in Britain don't even know what
a "wireless" is any more.  I have seen the same preference for
American English among many students while teaching English abroad
for seven years.

That being said, American's should do whatever they can to make the
visit of someone from elsewhere as pleasant and easy as possible.
Some suggestions for  American businessmen:

1. Translate all measurements into metric.  Don't say "one inch"
say "one inch (2.5 cm)."  The US is almost the only (and the only
major) country in the world that still uses the archaic system of
measurements.  People simply won't know what you are talking about if
you use feet, cups, pints, tablespoons, acres, miles per gallon or
degrees Fahrenheit.

2.  Remember that many expressions do not translate.  What does "let
the cat out of the bag" mean in Brazil, Mali or Japan?  Even such
common-place expressions as the aforementioned "miles per gallon" is
confusing, even if translated into metrics.  Outside the US, the
measure of fuel efficiency is usually the number of liters used per
100 km.  When possible, don't say gas, say "gas (petrol)."  Not "high
school" but "high (secondary) school." Your foreign readers will
thank you.

3.  The American dollar may or may not be almighty, but it is not
alone. Many other countries use the word "dollar" for their currency
or some variation of the dollar sign for short hand.  Write it $US
10.  You need not worry too much about translating that into other
currencies, as most people (certainly most web visitors at the
moment) know the rate of their currency against the dollar.  But how
else are they to know that you are not writing about Canadian,
Australia, Singapore or Hong Kong dollars?

4. Finally, as with any writing make it clean and active with short
sentences and common words.

That's my two cents (four pfennig, fifty paisa, 200 cedis) worth.

Pete Francis

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

From: George J Ollapally <gjo@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Folks:

Most training institutes are in the "training" business for bucks!
They mostly have a very sketchy program, dont have the right reference
materials, use bootleg audio files, which would cause uproar in the
US, if patients came to know that their "confidentiality" was being
violated, and have trainers with poor skills or no transcription
experience. In addition many of them charge fees from students
as well as recruiters!

Bottom line in my view, is that unless someone spends a lot of time
"doing" transcription, as part of training-either in classroom
sessions or OJT, that person will not develop the skills to
transcribe. So anyone wanting to join a training program needs to ask
how many  hours of "practicals" is in the curriculum, enquire about
the faculty, etc and then decide on the course. Since these aren't
cheap, if the institute is shy about giving answers, then they have
something to hide!

Hope this helps.

George Ollapally
Director
DTS Information Systems Private Limited
Bangalore

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

From: Rukmani Raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Dear MTIDers,

I agree with Swathi Pandey - anybody who says you can get 10-12
thousand rupees as an MT deserves to be hanged! I find a fresh MT
averages between 3,500/-6000/-(outer limit and maybe in a city like
B'lore or H'bad).I do not understand why so many people are out to
mislead unsuspecting candidates. This is the bane of India and Indian
business! Why we cannot do business in an ethical and honest manner,
I do not know. In fact one thing that irks me about this MT industry
and the way it is developing in India is - every employer  tells his
employees that we should do business the American way - hard work,
with American holidays,(which means practically none!) and 100%
accuracy, but salaries alone remain Indian i.e. very very poor!! Is
it true that these employers really get low rates quoted to them and
hence  do not have much to pass on to the MTs, or is it that they are
pulling a fast one?! More likely the latter, I should think!

I think all of us (honest people) have to get together and boot these
bad elements out and build an honest industry that would be exemplary
and therefore attract only the best to set up shop in this industry.

I myself am intending to spearhead such a move and prove that business
can be done the honest way and can still be profitable to employers
as well as employees. In keeping with the opening up of our economy
to businesses of the world, it is only natural that we create the
right climate for business and be recognized as a country with  high
standards and be  worthwhile partners for anyone choosing to do
business with us.

In the wake of Clinton's visit to our country and his promise to
further business ties with India, we should seize this opportunity to
emerge as world class entrepreneurs!

Rukmani

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

From: Asif Chaudhry <asif_ch1@...>
Subject: Voice Recognition Software for MT

Hi!

I have a principal in the USA which is willing to outsource the MT
work to me, but he has also written that they are trying out the
Voice recognition software for MT in their Hospital.

Can anybody please shed some light on this issue, for the future of
MT.

Thankyou
A. Chaudhry

-------------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 14, 2000 Digest #013
..................................................

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

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

-=MT Unit at Russia=-

    ~Yuri Lazarev
"invite Indian teachers to Vladivostok"

-=MT positions=-

    ~Wayne Bailey
"am still looking for more MTs"

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


-=MT Career Option=-

    ~Sunina Chakraborty
"salary at the beginning - between Rs 3,000 to
4,000 pm"

-=Marketing=-

    ~Ajay Joshi
"an unhappy coincidence, which I hope has
been suitably redressed"


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

-=MT Productivity=-
    ~Dr. N. V. Rao

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

From : Yuri Lazarev <lazarev@... >
Subject : MT Unit at Russia

Dear MTIDers,

We are the oldest and the largest University in the Russian Far East
with over 16000 students and 17 institutes. We have our own Internet
center providing free net access to all our students. More information
about us may be found at www.dvgu.ru. (Unfortunately our English
page is not always up to date but it does give the basic idea.)

We have enough English speaking graduates and our salaries are
almost at the same level as in India. This has prompted us to start
an MT training facility (for about 50 people) followed by a complete
MT unit.

For this purpose we would like to invite Indian teachers to
Vladivostok for the first batch of MT trainees. As our MTs gain
experience, the number of foreign teachers for subsequent batches
could be reduced.

Please inform if a good Indian company would be interested in joining
this venture. We are prepared to consider various options--from their
handling the project for us on turnkey basis to a franchise of
Indian or American Principals.

Best regards,

Yuri Lazarev
Director University Internet Center
Far Eastern State University
Tel: +7 4232 407 903
Fax: +7 4232 407 853
email: lazarev@...

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

From :Wayne Bailey < waynebaile@... >
Subject : Medical Transcriptionist position

My name is Wayne Bailey and I am a medical profession myself
in the USA.  I am in the process of recruting Medical
Transcriptionists (MTs).

Do you have your own computer? Can you work from your home?
Please send me any information such as your resume, educational
background, Medical Trans. background. How much you need to
earn per month (in Rs not USD)?

I just completed a trip to Bombay and Bangalore this month, but
am still looking for more MTs.

Please respond as soon a possible.

Wayne Bailey

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


From: Sunina Chakraborty < sunchuk@... >
Subject: Re: Career Opportunity

Dear MTIDers,

Ravi Chaubey wrote:
<I saw some advertisement in which they are giving assurance of
100% job placements, with a starting salary of Rs. 10,000 to 12,000.
Is it really possible?>

With the great demand in this Industry, a career option in MT today is
opportune, but some facts need to be appreciated.

AAMT and others suggest that it might about 18 months to train an MT
in the US: that incudes at least 240 hrs of live on job training.

To come to he point all such 4-6 months courses offered by any
institute in India, prepare you for an entry level OJT. Which means
you can expect only a stipendary sort of salary at the beginning -
between Rs 3,000 to 4,000 pm.

Anyone claiming to offer 10 - 12 k upfront to a fresh MT is nuts, or
talking you for a ride. You will take at least 2 yrs to reach to that
level - only if you are good!

Have a great career! But also look forward to  couple of years hard
work at nominal pay - the first company picking you up will be
investing in your training, but not at the scales you have been
quoted!

Regards,
Sunaina.


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

From: From : Ajay Joshi < ancientsolutions@... >
Subject: Re : Marketing


Barb Bellomy wrote:
< people who blatantly disrespect IPR and copyrights - just go to the
forum and you will see a glaring example>

Regarding the use of your trade name "M-TEC" in our website - we have
taken the desired corrective steps and the said trade mark has been
removed from our website.

As we were totally unaware of this trade mark, we have taken all
necessary measures on reciept of notice.

The inconvenience caused is deeply regreted, it was merely an
unhappy coincidence, which I hope has been suitably redressed.

Sincerely,
For Ancient Global Solutions

Ajay Joshi
Manager-Business Development
http://ancientsolutions.com

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


From: Nicolas Rao <nicolasrao@...>
Subject: Re: How to improve an MT's output

Dear MTIDers,

I was very happy to read Rukmani Raghavan's observations on the MT
India site and find that she has mirrored my thoughts in her
statements.

I too, have been proof reading, or editing as that is the term that
is used around these parts (Chennai), for the past six months.

My frustration is that I am unable to find anyone to check my work
with any modicum of capability above that of my own. Call me
conceited if you wish , but the fact is that the so called super
editors that seem to exist in unknown parts of the cyberworld, known
only to management circles, are not only blatantly mediocre in their
knowledge of English/American or whatever, but are hopelessly at sea
especially when it comes to idomatic usage of the language concerned,
or even accepted slang which is common to the idiot box or the movies.

I have always thought in English, read in English and probably dream
in English too. Yet I find the bosses, the owners of most MT units,
looking up in awe at "some one new" who turns up with the dubious
qualificaton of having been in the industry for over a year.

My knowledge of Medicine , my English skills and all the other
intellectual trivia that I have picked up over the last 49 years is
of little consequence in comparision with that someone who has been
in the industry for over a year and is an expert at "filling blanks".
Yes! they have such blank artists in this business too.

I love the challenge of doing my files everyday, but  find it so
disheartening that I may never be able to make it a full time job,
unless credit is given where it is due, or a system of online grading
can be arranged by some reputed company like "Sylvan Prometric" of
Australia who undertake the certification examinations for Networking
courses like the MCSE, CNE and the presently popular OS LINUX.

I would like to hear from self and other MT's, and  would love to be
part of anything that can help to increase the dignity of this truly
challenging and stimulating Job.  Where else in the world, would an
MBBS like me get to do a multivessel CABG, with a few Arthroplasties
thrown in just for fun, not to forget the sad, but oft amusing
psychiatric cases.

Well! Thank you MT India for letting me have my say for whatever it is
worth.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. N. V. Rao.

-----------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
MT India Digest
Moderated Discussion List
"Effective MT Forum"
============================================

April 11, 2000 Digest #012

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

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

-=MT Business Model=-

    ~Rajat Bhatnagar
"biggest mistake people make, is not investing
in the requisite resources "

-=MT Career Option=-

    ~Ravi Chaubey
"A starting salary of Rs. 10,000 to 12,000.
Is it really possible?"

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

-=Marketing=-

    ~Barb Bellomy
"Healthy competition? We call it and opportunism and
plagiarism"


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

-=MT Productivity=-
    ~Rukmani Raghavan

-=Work at home=-
    ~Nazeer NV

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

From: Rajat Bhatnagar <rajat@...>
Subject: MT Business Model

Dear Entrepreneur,

It is heartening to see that you have started this wonderful new setup
for Medical Transcription.

But it is disheartening to see, that you are following the incorrect
business model. If you look at the success stories you will find that
these companies adopted the model of training people first and then
entering production. But in and around Delhi, the big mistake people
make (I am not sure about the motive, but it seems to do with earning
money fast), is not investing in the correct resources at the required
places.

They are ready to pay and jack up salaries of MT's to levels of
11-12,000, but are not even thinking of training their own people
first or even later. Result: North Indian MT companies become
uncompetitive in the Global Industry from South Indian MT Co's. After
all, nobody would like to breed inefficiency.

There are other advantages to it as well.

Did not start that way? Do it now. Train your own people and than
expand, don't rely on "Headhunting". It just does not make financial
sense. Do some number crunching and you will know.

Number two: MT's start believing that it is only because of them that
the company is running and he will command whatever he likes. Not a
very nice proposition when you are running a professional
organization. The team element goes down and than you have individual
heroes. No corporate can function like this. Team effort and
performance are the only success criteria's.

Add to it, they are not interested in paying PF or Income Tax even.
They expect 11,000 NET. No Deductions Please!!! Ridiculous actually.
I strongly believe that there is no shortage of MT's at all. You can
get an MT by giving a smaller salary hike or some other value
addition. Why only in terms of cash, why are you spoiling the market,
why are you unnecessarily raising his expectations, which results in
retention problems for you and others later.

MT's and QA's from the most reputed MT Multinational in Delhi, are now
looking at outsourcing your work to them because they would like to
work from home and earn more money in the process. Sometimes, the
person can't help but think...How greedy can a person get?

I think there would be MT Companies doing with that too. Well, what
happened to the Confidentiality of Information you sign for a client.
I have seen Consultants/ MT's in companies wanting to make a quick
buck offering "Test files" for practice. Has anybody thought of any
legal consequences if a lawsuit is filed against them? Loss of
reputation in the market? It will result in a total wipe out for any
future business. Will that be a nice proposition?

It is imperative that we stop "commercializing" this Industry. There
will always be people who will sell whatever they can. But people
should stop this practice. We will have to be aware of all these
things, before we can even think of becoming truly global. People who
come in this business should do their homework properly, research the
Industry, get someone technical as a partner - basically have a
strong team. You will then not need to resort to such practices.

Even if you are working from a small setup, the approach should be
customer oriented. Respect the client's wishes and requirements.
After all he is the King. Treat him like one.

Best Wishes,

Rajat Bhatnagar
CEO - MCK Infolink Online Ltd
www.mckiol.com

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

From: Ravi Chaubey < chaubey_ravi@... >
Subject: Career Opportunity

Dear MTIDers,

I'm new to this field and want to make a career in this sunrise
industry. I am a young male of twenty with an innovative mind, having
a flair for R&D and an ambition to do wonders in the field of
IT ,especially in Medical Transcription.

I have already started my career with some reputed organizations like
Aptech Ltd., and CMS computers, two of the best names in the field of
Computer Training. Now I am taking exams of BSc. Final (Bio Group)
and the time has come when I have to gear up my career by giving it
the right direction.

I came to know about some training programs conducting by some of the
good companies in medical transcription ,in which they themselves
train the fresh candidate according to their requirements and then
absorb them. It helps helps the company to get the right quality
besides saving the candidate from the agony of being taken for a ride
by unscrupulous Institutes, which may not be able to train him / her
upto the corporate required standards.

I have decided to make my career in Medical Transcription, I know I
won't find any better way to find out the resources than keep in
touch with this list. I am also a subscriber of the weekly newsletter
and I'm really impressed by it. It can become more useful if some
information regarding career options are featured.

It would be very useful if someone can provide me some information
about such training programs conducted by companies or a reliable MT
training institute especially in Delhi. I saw some advertisement of
IIMT, ITES etc. in which they are giving assurance of 100% job
placements, with a starting salary of Rs. 10,000 to 12,000. Is it
really possible?

Thanking You,

Ravi Chaubey
Meerut

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

From: Barb Bellomy <bbellomy@...>
Subject: Re : Marketing

Hello all!

Anna wrote:
<Many of us have come across blatant antipathy against MT work going
out of US>

Antipathy is directed at unscrupulous Indian businessmen who do not
respect others and resort to unsolicited bulk mail. Antipathy is
directed towards any businessman who thinks Americans should invest
their time and money, so that they can make their millions. Antipathy
is towards tall and false claims,not delivering the required
accuracy, not keeping up to the TAT.

Dear friends, if you get as many mails as I do, in a language that is
supposed to be English - you would have understood our agony and yes,
also the antipathy!

<why should you set out to trounce the respect that the others hold
for you?>

If you want to have mutual respect - please respect us by not
resorting to spam!

<please do not feel that all the work going out of India is bad. In
most cases, it is remarkably good and is improving everyday>

What you say may be true: but my experience has been bad, bad, bad....

<Just take it in the best spirit of healthy competition and show us
that you can handle a little of that too. :)>

What do you expect we do - slash our rates to compete with the
ridiculous prices you quote? Compete with people who blatantly
disrespect IPR and copyrights - just go to the forum and you will see
a glaring example. There are many more if you want. Healthy
competition? We call it opportunism and plagiarism. If we can not
support IP rights offshore - what happens to confidentiality?

You are more than welcome to come into the field and improve the life
of your countrymen, but you obviously need to understand our American
way of life and respect for others and their work product.

Thanks for letting me have my say.

Barb Bellomy

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

From: Rukmani Raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: How to improve an MT's output

Dear MTIDers,

While I like reading my digest I do not find much useful info on the
MT industry as such. I think it would be useful if experienced people
could give us some info on how to make this industry a genuine,
viable and responsible performer.

How to improve MTs' output?

How to keep fly-by-night operators out of this business?

What is the latest in software and database that is useful in this
line of business?

I am a proofreader in a MT company and I am not finding satisfactory
answers to these queries. Any contribution would appreciated.

Rukmani

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

From: Nazeer NV <nvnazeer@...>
Subject: Medical Transcription at home

Dear MTIDers,

I am thinking of possibilities related to
doing medical transcription from home with Internet
connection at Dubai. The work can be done by well
qualified doctors here who are either free at home or
are with out the proper license to practice, due to
the strict laws governing here, particularly the
graduate medical degree holders. Graduates in medicine
are not allowed to practice here particularly Indians.

Would appreciate if some one could help in this
context to get in touch with interested parties for
carrying out transcription at Dubai.

Thanks,

Nazeer NV
Dubai

-------------------------------------------------------

Sponsors Message:

Harcourt which comprises W B Saunders, Churchill Livingstone,
Mosby and Bailliere Tindall imprints now has an office in India.

Interested members of MTIndia.org can revert back for special
prices on publications to: amit@...

-----------------------------------------------------
The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
            MT India Digest
            Moderated Discussion List
            "Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 07, 2000                        Digest #011
..................................................


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

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

-=Business Basics=-

    ~Nayan Shah
"MT Co is investing in the individual's education"

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

-=Marketing=-

    ~Anna
"spirit of healthy competition"

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

-=Number of shifts=-
     ~V. Kumar

-=Reliable consultants=-
     ~Srinath

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

From: Nayan Shah <promt_inc@...>
Subject: Re: Business Basics

Dear MTIDers,

Raghavan wrote:

<The abysmally low wages we pay the MTs is to state just one of the
many ills that the industry is plagued with>

As an MTSO, I would beg to defer. The pay scales of Indan MTs are
generally much higher while considering the accuracy and production
capacity delivered. MTs generally are quite unaware of the
establishment,connectivity and marketing costs in this business
model - hence this immature statement.

An MT takes years to develop the skills required to service an
account - till that time the Indian MT Co is investing in the
individual's education.

It is also worrying to see that many MTs think that this is great get
rich overnight opportunity. Rather than stay back and work for the
company that invested in their education - they are ready to and keep
shifting to new startups, without caring for career enhancement. This
is the reason that most organizations have stopped sponsoring MT
education in India - leading to training institutes, and candidates
having to pay. Also service owners are reluctant in investing in
this 'intangible asset' - the employees training and mentoring -
including sponsoring a trip to the US.

My message to all MTs is: please be grateful and work for the Company
which made you what you are today - for a minimum perod of three
years. Also please try to develop a quality known as loyality - it is
rewarded in the long run.

Regards,
Nayan Shah
proMT Inc.

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

From: Anna <ria@...>
Subject: Re : Marketing

Hi!

Many of us have come across blatant antipathy against MT work going
out of US. While I can understand the concern felt by Bill on the
business model, I fail to appreciate the agony of Jan.

US of all the countries should be open to free trade and knowledge
dissemination. We are talking about a nation, which prides itself in
its freedom-for-all foundation. So, why should you set out to trounce
the respect that the others hold for you?

I, for one have received copies of appreciation letters written to
other MT companies in the US by our clients recommending us. So,
please do not feel that all the work going out of India is bad. In
most cases, it is remarkably good and is improving everyday.

Please do not cringe next time you see missives from Indian companies.
Just take it in the best spirit of healthy competition and show us
that you can handle a little of that too. :)

Thanks.

Anna

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


From: V. Kumar<midas@...>
Subject: Number of shifts

Dear MTIDers,

I am trying to find out the criteria by which the number of shifts the
Indian M.T. Company could work, is determined.

One of the US Medical Transcription companies has facilities under
which the Indian MT Company could work on a three shift basis.

Another US Medical Transcription Company has constraints such that the
Indian MT Companies working for it cannot work beyond one shift.

Could someone please suggest?

Best regards

V. Kumar
Managing Director
Midas Consultants Pvt.Ltd.
Fax:91-22-2624450

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

From: polaki srinath <polakisrinath@...>
Subject: Reliable consultants

Dear MTIDers,

I am the daily reader of MT India digest, I am runing a computer
institute and am Interested to start / diversify into MT training and
production. Can any one give me information about reliable
consultants in this field? Anyone interested in alliance / joint
venture is also welcome.

I want to start at Visakhapatnam, A.P, INDIA.

Srinath

-------------------------------------------------------


Sponsors Message:

Harcourt which comprises W B Saunders, Churchill Livingstone,
Mosby and Bailliere Tindall imprints now has an office in India.

Interested members of MTIndia.org can revert back for special
prices on publications to: amit@...

-----------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

============================================
            MT India Digest
            Moderated Discussion List
            "Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
April 04, 2000                        Digest #010
..................................................


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

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


-=Community=-
     ~Vasant Subramanyan
''a short Buddhist outlook on life''

-=Business Basics=-

    ~Rukmani Raghavan
''We are indeed a poorly organised lot and often
corrupt to the core!''


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

-=Marketing=-

   ~Kiran Bhat
"Open source information architecture''

    ~Marta St. Augustine
''presumes an almost complete ignorance of global
economics''

    ~Kishore Setty
''India has opened up its market to foreign companies''

   ~Jan
''when they do find out they are appalled''


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

-=MT Career=-

   ~Sandra

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


From: Vasant Subramanyan <vasant-s@...>

Subject: From the Dalai Lama

Hi MTIDers,

Just a short Buddhist outlook on life, which are quite pertinent to
this list or 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 :)

Hope these are of help!

Regards,
Vasant Subramanyan

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

From: Rukmani Raghavan <ruk24@...>
Subject: Business Basics

Dear MTIDers,

    I have been regularly reading MT India and am pained to note that
there are more bogus companies than genuine ones in the field of
Medical transcription. I proof read for a good company, though. I
think I should cease to be shocked by the way we do business here in
our county, especially the ones who pride themselves
as "entrepreneurs".
Either they do not know the meaning or they have given the word a new
definition! Most are out to make a quick buck. As they say, "you can
see a sucker a mile away" and looks like there are as many suckers
in this land of ours, as there are unscruplous "entrepreneurs"!!.

I like the MT business and one day hope to become a consultant /
entrepreneur (in the true sense!) and prove that business can be done
for profit but without sacrificing ethics.The Goodwill Transcription
Company located in Chennai, I am told, has folded up after collecting
hefty sums from unsuspecting candidates, wishing to make a career
in MT.

The abysmally low wages we pay the MTs is to state just one of the
many ills that the industry is plagued with.

Sincerely,
Rekha Raghavan

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

From: Kiran Bhat < kiran_n_bhat@... >
Subject: Re: Marketing

In response to Mr.Bill Husley,

<<<I will stick to the point I was trying to make: If you have not yet
managed to complete your market survey and fix your marketing strategy
- how do you justify your ''setting up a medical transcription unit
with facilities to match global conditions''? >>>

Mr.Bill that was an error in my words of just pulling up a statement
that we are of global standards. We definitely do not understand what
could be a global standard for MT as yet, though we are better off
than many other MT companies that are closing operations. I apologize
for that statement made by me to Mr.Bill and other fellow MTIDers.

<<<I am not trying to oppose entrepreneurs - but foolhardiness is not
considered to be an entrepreneur's trait. I am open to sharing
knowledge - however I do not intend to interact with a business house
so illogical!>>>

When you say that you are interested in sharing resources and
knowledge, it would have been widely appreciated if you could suggest
the right path. I definitely understand that it may not give you
short term returns ,but it will definitely give you and everybody in
this industry a real boost. So please when you comment that we are
wrong, also suggest to us why we are wrong, how do we go about
correcting those mistakes, and which is the right manner to make
things work for us and our clients.  This would be widely appreciated!

I am not here to set any standards or anything. I am just putting in
an effort to make this forum work more efficiently. An example to
everybody, read on: Linux was made as an open source operating
systems, many people have benefitted from this, and many enterprise
have earned from it. The reason: the information was widely available
and the software was made FREE. Today Linux is leading by number than
NT servers world wide and will be the leader by the end of the year
putting its parent UNIX far behind. Developers who have developed
haven't closed shops. Today RedHat is one of the most respected
companies who are offering Linux information. This is what everybody
needs to do. Open Source Information architecture! The person who
follows the right path will succeed automatically. I hope now the
message is clear.

Thanks a lot to all the MTIDers who have appreciated and support the
effort to make this forum the best forum for MT industry. Please
continue your efforts in making this list a successful one.

Regards from Bangalore, INDIA.

Kiran Bhat
SOLS Technologies - who make your dot com work for you!

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

From : Marta St. Augustine - di Medici, CMT <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject :MT in  'Saudi Arabia'

Regarding this statement,  "I even saw an ad from Saudi Arabia! These
countries, they want to raid U.S. talent."

This comment about Saudi Arabia is made without much knowledge.  Saudi
Arabia has been recruiting MTs since the oil price boom of the
1970s.  At one point, (years ago) they paid upwards of 3 and 4 times
a US salary.  When I looked into it, they were paying almost $100K
for an MT with 5 years, all expenses paid, most taxes deferred.  And
it used to be a tempting consideration.  I know because I entered the
process.

But as for the second statement, why is someone with this point of
view even interested in this list?  It presumes an almost complete
ignorance of global economics.  Many of the so-called MT Schools in
the US are typical consumer rip-offs, people who want to make a fast
buck.  There is also an emerging MT sector in Nigeria, the Bahamas,
Ireland, the Philippines (to name a few?)  I see enough of these kind
of statements at MT Daily.

I agree completely with Bill Housley.  The fact is that the MT
business model is quite a strange creature.  The accurate performance
of MT involves many, many years of learning from the standpoint of
the transcriber.

Marta St. Augustine - di Medici, CMT


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

From: Kishore Setty <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: cringe!

Dear Jeffrey:

I fail to understand why you should cringe when you see a foreign
ad.  As of today, India has opened up its market to foreign companies
so much that our markets have lost their originality.

It is a fact that if you want to have more opportunities you should
be ready to give the opportunity to others as well.

Moreover, if a person with about 40,000 to 50,000 dollars comes to
India, he can have a decent lifestyle for the rest of his life
without having to do anything - and will always be honoured as a
guest, *not* a second grade citizen!

Thanks and regards,
Kishore

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

From :Jan <fairjan@...>
Subject : US dictation going to India.

The truth be known the majority of the doctors and hospitals in the
US don't even know their work is going to India.  They contract
with a service and have no idea who is actually doing the
transcription.

Trust me, when they do find out they are appalled at the idea.

Jan

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

From: Sandra <RSS95@...>
Subject: Need Help on MT Career

Hello,

I finished a 2 year course in MT and graduated with a 96%.
I am new to this. Could someone help me in finding a job?

I would like to transcribe from home.  I would appreicate
all the help I can get.

Regards,
Sandra

-------------------------------------------------------


Sponsors Message:

Harcourt which comprises W B Saunders, Churchill Livingstone,
Mosby and Bailliere Tindall imprints now has an office in India.

Interested members of MTIndia.org can revert back for special
prices on publications to: amit@...

-----------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
            MT India Digest
            Moderated Discussion List
            "Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
March 31, 2000                        Digest #009
..................................................


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



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


-=Marketing=-

   ~Bill Housley
"chose to jump off the cliff?''

    ~Jeffrey Loeb
I just cringe when I see an "Indian ad"

==== GEEK TIPS ===================

-=MT References=-

     ~George Muller
"Are their really clients out there who follow
the BOS?"


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

-=MT Career=-

   ~Satyanarayana Rao

   ~Bakul Dhruva


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

From: Bill Housley <GNTTBH@...>
Subject: Re: Marketing


In response to Kiran:

<<Yes, we definitely agree that we do not have any knowledge on how
to
go about marketing ourselves in MT industry.>>

I will stick to the point I was trying to make: If you have not yet
managed
to complete your market survey and fix your marketing strategy - how
do
you justify your ''setting up a medical transcription unit with
facilities
to match global conditions''? You ''felt that there was opportunity
to
grow'' and ''diversify into'' and hence just chose to jump blindly
off the cliff???

Are their no checks in your organization? Will anybody call it
business
acumen?

<<Why do people oppose young entrepreneurs like us?>>

I am not trying to oppose entrepreneurs - but foolhardiness is not
considered to be an entrepreneur's trait.

I suspect you are pushing in institutional or public funds, and are
not too
scrupulous about the statements you make in print - otherwise you
would
not be justifying that you run a first grade MT unit, without being
aware
of the basics.

It is unlikely that you will eat into my cake. I am here just to
identify
people who will complement our business model. I am open to
sharing knowledge - however I do not intend to interact with a
business house so illogical!

May you flourish, irrespective of your dreams!

Regards and best wishes,
Bill Housley
GNTT

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

From : Jeffrey Loeb<jeffrey.loeb@...>
Subject : Foreign Firms

Bill wrote:
<<Does all business in India operate like this?>>MTID #007

That's an encore!
I just cringe when I see an "Indian ad" on something like
http://database.mtjobs.com or
http://www.homemt.com/jobs.htm

I even saw an ad from Saudi Arabia!

These countries, they want to raid U.S. talent.

HMMPH!

If only "foreign computers" had something like NetNanny
to screen them from U.S. sites!

Jeffrey Loeb

==== GEEK TIPS ===================

From: George Muller <anigeorge@...>
Subject: Re - MT references

Marta St. Augustine, CMT wrote:
<<there is one ESSENTIAL reference missing - that
of the AAMT Book of Style! >>MTID #007

Hi MTIDers!

I am an MT with just two years experience in this field, so would
like
your views. This is regarding the BOS.

In my two years of transcribing, I did not come across a single client
who went by or accepted the BOS as the gospel. Sure it is a handy
guide, when you do not have any references - but the client gives you
the boot as soon as you quote it.

I have personally realized that each client goes by his / her own
developed yardstick - the BOS generally has no role to play unless
you are left without a feedback!

Are their really clients out there who follow the BOS? I am keen to
know, as I want to dispose off with my copy.

Also I find the Current Medical Terminology by Vera Pyle a bit
outdated. Any other good references?

Sincerely,
George Muller
Visakhapanam, India

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

From: Satyanarayana Rao <parimisathya@...>
Subject: Need Help on MT Career

Dear MTIDers,

I am in a problem, like how to start my MT career.
I completed my course - that is a 6 months schedule,
including online job training at the Goodwill School of
Medical Transcription, but now it is not there. :(

They promised that they will provide a job at
Hyderabad,  but till now they haven't even issued
a certificate!

Could somebody be kind enough to guide me,
and also help me to start my carrer as a newbie?

Sincerely,

Satyanarayana

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

From: Bakul Dhruva <bpdhruva@...>
Subject: Seeking training for MT

Hello everybody!

I am a consultant Physician based in Bombay.
Medical Transcription has greatly enthused me to
opt for the same as an alternative profession.

I would request fellow MTIDers to let me know if
there are any reputed training centres which
could train persons like me for MT. I feel that
being an active member of the practicing
medical community, it will be prudent for me
to apply my skills at this field.

Thanks,

Dr. Bakul P. Dhruva, MD
D-2, Sardar Patel Society, Nehru road,
Vile Parle (East),
Mumbai 400 057.

-------------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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


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

============================================
            MT India Digest
            Moderated Discussion List
            "Effective MT Forum"
============================================

..................................................
March 28, 2000                        Digest #008
..................................................


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

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


-=Opportunities in Medical Transcription=-

   ~D F K C Cooper
''there are basically two paths''

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


-=Marketing=-

   ~Kiran Bhat
"we will emerge from this confusion"

    ~Anna
"There *are* companies that take time to
understand the industry"


==== GEEK TIPS ===================

-=MT References=-

     ~Kishore Setty
"AAMT style guide is of course absolutely necessary"


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

-=Seeking MT Company with a track record=-
    ~Joel Kass


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

From: D F K C Cooper" <cccooper@...>
Subject: Opportunities in Medical Transcription

In the field of medical transcription there are basically two ways
one can enter: firstly, if one wants to start a production unit and
secondly, if one wants to become a medical transcriptionist.

In the first case, one has to invest in infra-structure i.e floor
space, computers, high-end servers etc., and tie up with an American
company  (i.e.medical units) for contract of lines (medical charts /
reports) . Also he has to arrange for training of MTs for his own
unit.

In the second case one has to enroll himself with a good MT
institute to get trained for the job, gain good practical experience
in terms of speed and accuracy (in American and medical language)
and then, look out for a reputed MT production unit and take up a job
as an MT.

One can grow in this field by becoming good proof reader / editor,
manager, supervisor etc.

Darayas Cooper
cccooper@...

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

From: Kiran Bhat <kiranbhat@...>
Subject: Re: Marketing

Bill wrote:
<<I am surprised that people are investing in a unit without even
having an inkling about how to locate clients.>>

Yes, we definitely agree that we do not have any knowledge on how to
go about marketing ourselves in MT industry. We felt that there was
opportunity to grow, and also would be a right field for an Internet
Application & Service provider to diversify into.

We definitely believe that we will emerge from this confusion. For
this was the case when we entered the field of Internet Technologies
way back. People shared their knowledge on how to go about
marketing ourselves.

This post was directed towards new entrants like us who could imbibe
and learn more about the industry. I feel it is better to learn the
right process, than closing down shop due to lack of technology or
work. If knowledge shouldn't be shared or couldn't be shared, Newton's
theory would have ended with him. We wouldn't have seen computers
or networking! I do suspect that Bill was not born with MT knowledge!

I am not here to hurt anybody or accuse anybody. But I would like to
address this message to everybody in this list, nd outside this list
too. Each new technology is a baby!  We need to grow with it by
sharing. Why do people oppose young entrepreneurs like us?
I would have been quite happy if he had clarified how big the
industry was, made us realize how difficult the industry norms are,
gave us  directions with his vast experiences on how to go about
and pointed out the pitfalls the industry has got - et all.

Dear Bill, I apologize for this mail, if I appear flamed. But I have
been around this list from day one, and in the MT field for quite
sometime. I have seen everybody worried on how to safeguard their own
interests. I would definitely appreciate safeguarding the company
interests. But list members could stop propagating the idea that
someone could eat into their profit / pie / share, and try to live in
co-existence by sharing!

Knowledge is to be shared. That is when it grows and becomes better.
An idea in the initial, is just a concept. If it is not discussed or
shared, definitely there will be a day when we will have go back to
stone age, with weapons and arms made out of stones.

I thank this list for all the support it has been giving to
entrepreneurs and MTs till date. I also believe that this list will
continue to share and continue to make this industry the real sunrise
industry for Indians, who need to match the international economics
in a knowledge based industry.

Please support our efforts in making this world really GLOBAL!!!

Thanks in advance to all the list members.

Regards,
Kiran N Bhat
For SOLS Team @ SOLS Technologies.
http://www.solsmedia.com


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

From: "Anna" <ria@...>
Subject: Re: Marketing

Bill wrote:
<<Does all business in India operate like this?>>MTID #007

No. Not all companies are started with such hazy vision. There are a
few companies that take time to understand the industry. Those are
the ones that survive too!!

Anna


==== GEEK TIPS ===================

From: Kishore Setty <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: Re - MT references


Marta St. Augustine, CMT wrote:
<<Regarding the above list, there is one ESSENTIAL reference missing>>

Hi MTIDers!

My intention was to make it clear to those of the investors / owners
etc in India of the books that have to be provided.

The AAMT style guide is of course absolutely necessary and the Current
Medical Terminology by Vera Pyle is also very good source for unfound
words.

Thanks a lot for this.

Kishore

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

From: Joel Kass <westernm@...>
Subject: Seeking MT Company with a track record

Hi MTIDers,

I am seeking an MT Company with a track record for providing
the following:

MT digital service with 96% or better accuracy
1) Rapid turnaround.
2) Compliance with new HIPPA regulations in the US to protect the
patient.
3) Economical pricing.

Kindly send specifics to :
westernm@...
Thank you.

Joel Kass

-------------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

Send your posts to:
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..................................................
March 24, 2000                        Digest #007
..................................................


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


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

-=Marketing=-

   ~Bill Housley
"this is pathetic as a
business model"

    ~Marlon Calvelo
"a lot of damage to our
profession"

-=Anti-India Campaign=-

    ~ Srinivas Bandi
"President Clinton's
statements"

==== GEEK TIPS ===================

-=MT References=-

     ~Marta St. Augustine
"one ESSENTIAL reference missing"


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

-=MT Career=-
    ~Inderjeet Aidhi


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

From: Bill Housley <GNTTBH@...>
Subject: Re: Marketing

Kiran wrote:

>We have set up a medical transcription unit with facilities to match
global conditions.

Will anybody be able to give us some information on how does the
modus  operandi work in this industry. Who are the clients. How to get
in touch with them. <MTID #006

Dear MTIDers,

I am forced to respond to Kiran's post above.

I am surprised that people are investing in a unit without even
having an inkling about how to locate clients.

Your post reveals you to be clueless about MT, yet you claim to have
set up a unit of global standards.

Does all business in India operate like this? I am not trying to
start a flame, but am just curious: rash would be too mild a term,
this is pathetic as a business model!

Regards,
Bill Housley
GNTT

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


From: Marlon Calvelo <mcalvelo@...>
Subject: Re: New Accounts

>>The whole MT Transcription business has become like
any other retail trade in India<<

<snip>

Trade?? Yuck! I thought we were professional service
providers.

I am an MT based in the Philippines. I do hope such raw
people move out of this field in India - they are doing a lot
of damage to our profession.

By the way, I do dig this list!

Thanks,
Marlon Calvelo

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


From: Srinivas Bandi <srinivasbandi@...>
Subject: Re: Anti-India Campaign


R. Viswanathan wrote:

>>why should we hear of new  ventures every day where work
from US is coming into India in increasing volumes and pace ?<<

Dear MTIDers:

I think that we need to deeply go into President Clinton's
statements. I quote from a press release:

<More Indians and more Americans can benefit from economic ties,
especially in the cutting edge fields of information technology,
biotechnology and clean energy. Clinton said the private sector
will derive this progress, but the governments will create the
conditions that will allow them to succeed in doing so, and to
reduce the remaining impediments to trade and investment
between the two countries.

Clinton said the first challenge which confronts the two countries
is to get 'our economic relationship right.' "The second challenge
is to sustain global economic growth in a way that lifts the lives
of the rich and poor alike, both across and within national
boundaries. Part of the world today lives at the cutting edge
of change, while a large part still exists at the bare edge of
survival."

He said globalisation did not favour nations with a licence raj,
it did favour nations with a panchayati raj. "And the world has
been beating a path at your doorstep."

Clinton said to promote development , it was important to stand
with those struggling for human rights and freedom around the
world and in the region. "I am proud America and India will stand
together on the right side of history when we launch the community
of democracies in Warsaw this summer." Clinton was hopeful that
America and India will also work together to launch a new global
round that will "promote economic development for all.">

Can somebody who understands global trade please comment.
I am slight green on world trade and politics.

Sincerely,
Srinivas Bandi

==== GEEK TIPS ===================

From: Marta St. Augustine <hibiscuslady@...>
Subject: MT - MT references

Hi MTIDers!

<<Here is a list of books / tools that an MT company should provide
to the medical transcriptionist, the mind behind the machine>>

<snip>

Regarding the above list, there is one ESSENTIAL reference missing,
that
of the AAMT Book of Style! WIthout this reference an MT does not know
the APPROVED rules of transcription!!!  Of what use is the terminology
if the MT doesn't know the rules for applying it?  The Book of Style
contains all the answers to most questions MTs have not only regarding
grammar within the medical record but also many other situations
where a
right answer will be difficult to find.  This is a book that every
professional MT should read from cover to cover.

Another very valuable book not listed is Current Medical Terminology
by
Vera Pyle, now published by HPI.  This lists terms that may not be
listed in the Stedmans books.  Recall that new editions of Stedmans
books often take 5 or 10 years.

Sincerely,

Marta St. Augustine, CMT


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


From: Inderjeet Aidhi<isaidhi@...>
Subject: The fittest will survive

>>I would also like to know about the career prospects after
completing the course successfully<<

Hi!

This is not going to be same as the software business, at least for
the time being. We are not producing MTs at a rate more than the
industry require. Also, the industry is on the up at this point.
Training institutes are looking forward for alliances with the
companies which are into production in order to provide placement for
their candidates. Still, the bottom line is that "the fittest will
survive." If you are good, you will find a job. Jobs are there in the
market, are you fit enough to get one?

Inderjeet Aidhi

-------------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

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Please send your request to:
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============================================

..................................................
March 21, 2000                        Digest #006
..................................................


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


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

-=Marketing=-

   ~Kiran Bhat
"Who are the clients?"

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

-=New Accounts=-

     ~Darayas Cooper
"The whole MT Transcription business has become like
any other retail trade in India"

-=Anti-India Campaign=-

    ~ R. Viswanathan
"Deliver the best"

==== GEEK TIPS ===================

-=MT References=-

     ~Kishore J.S.
"Tools for the man behind the machine"


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

-=True Speech=-
   ~Chandrajeet Singh

-=MT Career=-
    ~Amit Mehta

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

From: Kiran Bhat <kiranbhat@...>
Subject: Marketing tips required

Dear MTIDers,

We have set up a medical transcription unit with facilities to match
global conditions.

We are looking at contracts to assist our unit grow.

Will anybody be able to give us some information on how does the modus
operandi work in this industry. Who are the clients. How to get in
touch with them. And which is the best place to search for them. Is
there any web site or book that will suggest how much of work US is
ready to offer Indian medical transcription companies and how to get
qualified to take up these jobs.

Regards,

Kiran Bhat - SOLS TEAM Member.
Sols Technologies


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


From: D F K C Cooper <cccooper@...>
Subject: New Accounts


V. Kumar wrote:

>The problem now is getting a right start in tying up with a good and
decent
U.S. M.T. Company.<

Dear MTIDers,

The whole MT Transcription business has become like any other retail
trade in India. Lots of companies involved in Exports of various
commodities have entered this trade by sheer practise of going to US
for their own trade.

They come back with some tie-ups from US business contacts for MT
transcriptions and dictate their own terms for forwarding the
accounts to exisisting productin units here.

I think it will be better if the US MT companies would atleast confirm
whether these people really have the expertise to conduct this
business or are just trying their hands due to the onus of going
there and contacting them.

As an IT consultant I get lots of such proposals to be marketted and
vis a vis enquiries if there are units which can offer some lines.

The whole concept is misleading and misunderstood by the actual people
who wish to build up a career in this field.

Darayas Cooper
Cooper Management Consultants

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

From: R. Viswanathan<medimail_2000@...>
Subject: Anti-India Campaign

Raju Ranjan Singh wrote:

>It is high time that Indians consolidate their act and wave off such
juvenile debates.  Hard work and hard play is the name of the game
American's understand - let's deliver and forget about propaganda -
for or against!<MTID#005

Dear Readers :

I fully endorse the views expressed by Mr Raju Ranjan
Singh of KMIT Pvt. Ltd. regarding the status,dignity
image and the future of Indian MT companies in the
eyes of US. The problem of being belittled by US
companies was invited by some of the Indian MT
companies who offered their services for a pittance,
in their desparation to somehow get orders. This
brought down the value of Indians and their work which
is still regarded as good and reliable by the
Americans. Otherwise why should we hear of new
ventures every day where work from US is coming into
India in increasing volumes and pace ?

It was first MT, now LT, Back office services, revenue
accounting, Call centers et all. I am aware of a unit
in Hyderabad which is working out the logistics to
file the Income tax return of American citizens from
India on line and another unit which offers to pay the
monthly bills (Rent, Electricity, water, phone, school
fees, Internet etc. of Americans !). The opportunities
from US appear endless and it is our creative and
constructive imagination which can be converted into
profitable business ventures.

Yes, one thing for sure, we must realize that only
Companies/units committed to quality work, prompt
turnarouds and total data confidentiality can instil
confidence in US companies and grow big. Short term
players will certainly be out of this big business
which we witness every day.

The best course, in my view, would be - deliver the
best, create new ideas & opportunities and maintain
self-esteem and value as proud Indians.

Sure several Clintons are watching us !

R. Viswanathan
PRESIDENT & CEO
PARAMOUNT FOUNDATION
MT Project Advisors
BANGALORE


==== GEEK TIPS ===================

From: Kishore Setty <dreadzeppelin@...>
Subject: MT References

Hi MTIDers!

Here is a list of books / tools that an MT company should provide
to the medical transcriptionist, the mind behind the machine:

1. Stedman's medical dictionary (online and hard copy) and medical
spellchecker.
2. Stedman's cardiopulmonary words.
3. Stedman's orthopedics words.
4. Stedman's OB/GYN words.
5. Stedman's ophthalmology words.
6. Stedman's pathology and lab words.
7. Stedman's dermatology and hematology words.
8. American Drug Index.
9. The pharmaceutical word book (Drake and Drake).
10. The Quick Look Electronic Drug Reference.
11. Stedman's GI/GU words.
12. The Physician's Drug Reference.
13. The Surgical Word Book.
14. Stedman's medical equipment and surgical words.
15. Internet access to reference sites like www.altavista.com,
www.google.com, www.rxlist.com.
16. Webster's English Dictionary and Thesaurus (online and hard copy).

Kishore J.S.,
MT

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


From: Chandrajeet Singh <chandrajeet@...>
Subject: True Speech

Hi MTIDers!

    I would like to know about truespeech format. Are there any  media
players which can support joystick port footpedal and play truespeech
format? Please update me.

Regards

Chandrajeet

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

From: Amit Mehta <amm1478@...>
Subject: Inquiry about Training and Admission for Medical
Transcription

Hello MTIDers!

I am a commerce graduate and currently a student of M M S {Masters Of
Management Studies} from Mumbai University and am in the last
semester of the said course. I would be completing my course in April
and am interested in the field of Medical Transcription.

I would be very much interested in enrolling myself for training for
MT. I would be interested in the full-time course for the same.

I would be obliged if one can kindly provide the detailed course
structure and the fees for the same at various institutes or their
contact mode. I would also like to know about the duration of the
course and the career prospects after completing the course
successfully.

Any other information in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Thanking You.
Yours Truly,

Amit M Mehta.

-------------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org

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

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

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Please send your request to:
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============================================

..................................................
March 17, 2000                        Digest #005
..................................................


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


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

-=Wider Choice=-

   ~V. Kumar
"American M.T. Companies have the upper hand
and are often not giving the right information"

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

-=Anti-India Campaign=-


    ~ Raju Ranjan Singh
"Hard work and hard play"


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

-=PCdart=-
   ~ George J Ollapally

-=Digital Dictation=-
    ~Ash aga


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

From: Midas Consultants P L <midas@...>
Subject: Wider choice

Dear MTIDers,

The problem now is getting a right start in tying up with a good and
decent U.S. M.T. Company.

As you know, terms of US M.T .Companies vary considerably. I
understand that Heartland offers 3.5 cents per line while CBay offers
5 cents per line. In the case of Heartland, the line rate is kept
constant for 7 years.

Even though the investment is by  Indians,  American M.T. Companies
have the upper hand and are often not giving the right information,
follow an arrogant attitude and often make unrealistic demands on the
Indian M.T.Companies.

We need to have a wider choice of US M.T.Companies to choose from.

We would request MTIDers to let us know the list of main U S Medical
Transcription Companies which are asking Indians to set up MT
Companies in India to cater to their requirements.

Kind regards

Yours sincerely

V. Kumar
Managing Director
Midas Consultants Pvt.Ltd.
Fax:91-22-2624450

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

From: Raju Ranjan Singh <rrsingh@...>

Subject: Anti-India Campaign

Sunitha Rao wrote:

>I came across an article that has been circulating in the health
care centers in US, spreading fallacies and banking on the
rhetoric to impress!<

Hi friends!

I suggest that genuine MT companies in India should not care two
hoots over such propaganda - nobody likes competition, especially
one who has a weak business model! We should in fact focus our
energies on getting our act right - concentrate on adequate training
and quality control of our product. I quote extensively from a recent
article in the Wall Street Journal on medical transcription
outsourcing to India:

<Because of its huge crop of low-wage, well-educated English
speakers, India is leading this global trend. Phone operators on the
outskirts of New Delhi track down U.S. credit-card defaulters for
General Electric Co.'s GE Capital Corp. Accountants square the books
for American Express Co. Actuaries process insurance claims for
Britain's Guardian Royal Exchange Group. Legions of typists just
punch in line after numbing line of data for foreign banks and
airlines.

Such commercial links helped pave the way for President Clinton's
visit to India next week, says Richard Celeste, U.S. ambassador in
New Delhi. For Americans, "India was always the blank spot on the
other side of the globe. Today, it's the place where we do the other
12 hours of our business," he says.

In the meantime, even the American Association of Medical
Transcription welcomes the advent of the industry in India. There are
an estimated 250,000 medical scribes in the U.S., not enough to meet
demand, says Claudia Tessier, executive director of the association.

The workload will only rise as nurses, social workers and dieticians
seek transcription services. "Everyone has a backlog," says Marge
Parker, president of the Florida Association for Medical
Transcriptionists. "We can't keep up.">

So friends, rest assured that the US hospitals and physicians are
aware that the work is going to India. The President knows, the
Ambassador is aware and AAMT is relieved!

It is high time that Indians consolidate their act and wave off such
juvenile debates.  Hard work and hard play is the name of the game
American's understand - let's deliver and forget about propaganda -
for or against!

Always at your service,

Raju Ranjan Singh
Managing Director
KIMT Pvt Ltd
www.kimt.org


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


From: George J Ollapally <gjo@...>
Subject: PCdart

Hi!

Speaking as someone who has been in this business now for over 3
years,I will be happy to share some information from time to time -
this time about PC Dart. Do a search using "google"(www.google.com),
and you will get more information about PC Dart.  There are many
platforms and compression utilities used for medical transcription.
Most common ones are Vox, DSS, MP-3, True Speech, SRI, etc etc. The
software that is used to playback via footpedal normally plays "wave"
files, but some of them convert some of these formats( Vox, DSS, MP-
3) to wave "on the fly". All software doesn't yet convert all formats
as yet. All of these formats will have a compression utility that can
convert these files into wave format, which can then be played back.

As far as I know PC Dart is a non-Windows based proprietory format and
while I understand that there are some solutions available to convert
this to "wave",  don't have any information about specifics. FYI, we
have developed a footpedal and software that plays some of these, and
have received an excellent response!

George Ollapally
Country Director
DTS Information Systems Private Ltd

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

From: Ash aga<medical_transcription@...>
Subject: Digital Dictation

Hello MTIDers!

I would appreciate if someone could let me know as to whether or not
Indian companies are using digital dictation equipments for sending
and receiving medical voice files or is there any other way.

Regards.
Ash aga

-------------------------------------------------------

The MT India Digest is edited by a third party moderator.
As such, MT India does not control which postings are
accepted into the digest for publication.

The contents of the digest do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of MT India and affiliates or of the third party
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,
www.mtindia.org


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


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

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