A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Few questions about a job offer I received...sm - sosmt
Posted: Mar 16, 2010
Got a job offer, and in the contract it says I will be paid via 65 VBC line, so I questioned them about this because, to me, that sounds like spaces are not included, but they say they are included (they use Scribe platform). I asked them to amend the contract to reflect that, but they want me to just handwrite the change in ("with spaces") and initial it. Is that even legal? I think they should make the formal change because they can come back and say that they never agreed to pay with spaces. I also have to get the contract notarizied (another first for me, but not a big deal).
The other thing is, I was told that before I start working for them, I would have to take a mandatory HIPAA compliance test and that all companies now require their MTs to take this test. I got two other job offers on the same day as this one, and neither one of them mentioned this required HIPAA testing. So what do you all think? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
VBC or visible character line (sm) - Long time MT
[ In Reply To ..]VBC does indeed mean you will not be paid for spaces, which translates to around 30% less per line than if you are being paid for spaces. Sounds like the recruiter is trying to run a fast one by you.
That's my concern...sm - sosmt
[ In Reply To ..]and this is actually the owner who is telling me this. I'm just not getting a good feeling about this company, plus the fact that she takes forever to answer my questions because she's "too busy."
Doesnt sound on-the-level to me. Also, even if I - sm - Zircon
[ In Reply To ..]were to agree to "handwriting the change" into their contract, (which I would never do), it should be THEM writing and initialling the change, NOT you. All that would do is make it look like you took it upon yourself to change the contract.
If their contract says 65 VBC line, that's a longer line than a standard 65-character line with spaces, because they usually count a space as a character. A line with 65 visible black characters is also going to have a lot of spaces between the words as well, so it's going to be considerably longer than a standard line.
There is no difference beween typing a visible character and a hitting the spacebar. The spacebar is a legitimate, and very large, key on your keyboard. Your thumbs are working no less harder than the rest of your fingers. And if you have arthritis in them, like I do, then you'll darned well want to be getting reimbursed for pounding your sore thumbs on a space bar all day.
The "VBC" is just ONE MORE way these companies are cheating their workers, in the name of making more profits for themselves.
Unlesstheywantalltheirworktocomebacklookinglikethis, then I expect to be PAID for ALL the keystrokes that go into producing a well-transcribed medical-legal document, not just the keystrokes produced by digits #2 through #5.
Anyway, I wouldn't work for a company that only pays for VBC under the best of circumstances. But what these jokers are suggesting sounds pretty dodgy, to me. I'd keep on looking.
Handwriting in contracts - Ima MT
[ In Reply To ..]Are you being offered an employee position or IC?
If it's an IC position, then by all means write in INCLUDING SPACES and initial and date it. Keep a copy for yourself after it has been notarized.
I think I know the company this is for and was unaware they were billing/paying on VBC.
However, here's AHIMA's definition:
1. What is a VBC? Per the white paper, the visible black character, or VBC, is âa character that can be seen with the naked eye. Under this counting scheme, spaces, carriage returns, and hidden formatting instructions such as bolding, underline, text boxes, printer configurations, and spell checking are not counted in the total character count.â
So when you add in "with spaces" also add in, "Line count paid to be based on my own personal verification." This means you'll have to copy each report to WORD and do your own line count, then measure it against theirs to make sure you're being paid properly.
VBC is a BS new screw me rule, IMO.
It might also be easier if you just change the VBC 65 to VBC 50 :) and initial that.
And yes, ALL MT services should be doing CYA with HIPAA compliances. If they aren't, then they are looking to be fined.
This is for a subcontractor position... sm - sosmt
[ In Reply To ..]I'm actually going to ask them to rewrite that portion of the contract and see what they say, and I'm going to reference your definition. This company is in southeast Florida (small MTSO).
I understand that MT companies need to make sure their employees/ICs are HIPAA compliant, which I am. Other companies I've worked for have given me a checklist of things to do to make sure I am HIPAA compliant, but to require me to take a test that I have to pay for? I tried looking on google for this information but couldn't find anything. This is just another thing that makes me want to pass on this company altogether.
Here it is - from HIPAA directly - Georgia MT&IT
[ In Reply To ..]"A covered entity is required to enter into a contract or other written arrangement with a business associate that meets the requirements at 45 CFR 164.504(e)."
You are the business associate. They are the covered entity. No test is required, just the written agreement. For details see here:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/45cfr164.504.htm
Thanks, question...sm - sosmt
[ In Reply To ..]The owner said that HIPAA compliance testing is required as of February 2010. The link you provided is from 2002. Just wondering if there's something more current. Again, I tried to find something by searching google, but I must not be putting in the correct search words. I also looked at the handbook for one of the other companies that offered me a job, and it says that a HIPAA training session is required on a yearly basis, and emailed information counts as that training session.
The HIPAA compliance test - Ima MT
[ In Reply To ..]Is a no-brainer test. It takes 5 minutes.
I've had to take the test to be "certified" HIPAA compliant for my graduate school endeavors (I work with clients), I've had to take it for my MT company (not in Florida so it's not the same one), and I've had to take it for another MT service I do occasional work for.
I wouldn't let THAT be a deciding factor on whether or not you took a job. In fact, I'd feel MORE confident about the position because IMO it shows the company is keeping up-to-date with current practices.
And if you are an IC-- *YOU* should be writing a contract and submitting it to THEM.
informative...only VBC is not a "new"rule. - been going on for a loong time. sm
[ In Reply To ..]just not everywhere. It is usually the first step taken when companies start losing money. ot going through the change, so to speak. (lol, pun intended but just for a laugh),
I totally agree with you...sm - sosmt
[ In Reply To ..]Like I said in another post, I'm just not getting a warm fuzzy feeling with this company. I'm just glad I have 2 other offers to choose from. :) Thanks for your input!
Not an answer but a question: From - reading this forum, sm
[ In Reply To ..]I get the impression that it is very hard to even get an initial response from a company advertising for jobs, let alone get the job. Might I ask what you did that lead to you getting 3 job offers? One thing that bothers me is that MTs here have said that companies do not want a lot of experience, they prefer newer MTs versus MTs with 20, 25 years of experience.
Answer... sm - sosmt
[ In Reply To ..]I found a list of MT companies after doing a search on google and started sending emails and/or resumes to every one of them. Two of the three jobs I got were not advertising for work. :) I have about 10 years experience. And you're right, it's hard to get any kind of response these days. Most didn't reply at all or said they weren't hiring, but there were a few that just happened to be looking for someone at the time I inquired, so it worked out. There are jobs out there, you just have to be very diligent about finding them. All of these companies are small MTSOs. I wouldn't touch a national company with a 10-foot pole... BTDT. Good luck to you!
Both places I work we have had to take the - SM
[ In Reply To ..]HIPAA compliance test. Not a big deal. The other companies will more than likely have you take it after you are hired.
HIPAA - me
[ In Reply To ..]Oh wow, I think I remember the '70s, the flower power, vans with all those colors painted on them, free love...yeah, I think I do remember!
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